Sew, What's Up

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The Sew What’s New Archive

This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was retired in August 2007. It is being provided by “Sew What’s Up,” which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: lilac
Date: 11-29-2004, 09:36 AM (1 of 39)
I have to tell everyone what a wonderful experience I have had making preemie clothing to donate to a couple in our area that was in need of a burial layette. It was an honor I cannot express. A challange as well, for me, as I do not normally sew clothing of any kind but so worth it.

I have found a wonderful organization that sells patterns for preemies and newborns on the web, Newborns in Need, and I should mention that there are other organizations offering similar services to families who need clothing for newborns as well as many sites that offer free patterns.

In the spirit of Christmas, which is all too ignored, I ask people to consider what a blessing it is to be able to provide such a heart warming gift, any time of the year, and help others as there is no price tag to the feeling you get knowing you did something good.
User: lilac
Member since: 07-07-2002
Total posts: 102
From: MaryW
Date: 11-29-2004, 09:53 AM (2 of 39)
That is a wonderful idea, thank you for posting it.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005
Total posts: 2542
From: DragonLady
Date: 11-30-2004, 01:05 AM (3 of 39)
Hi, everybody!

I've only posted here once...although I've been lurking for awhile.

I just checked out the Newborns in Need website, and I think it's a terrific cause. My first little girl was a preemie. When she was born she was so tiny she could swim in the few newborn sized clothes I had bought! The nurses in the hospital were all so sweet -by the end of the first day they had rounded up several absolutely beautiful things for her. By the time we took her home, she had a nice-sized box full of beautiful little outfits that were just her size.

This Christmas, I think I'll repay that "debt" by making a few small items to donate...I don't know if I'll pack them up to send them to Newborns in Need, though...maybe the local hospital will take them directly? Since none of my children are babies anymore, I'd really prefer to spend the shipping costs buying baby fabrics -especially the flame-retardent stuff so little ones will be safe sleeping in them when they go home. :wink:
"No more twist! No more twist!"
User: DragonLady
Member since: 11-10-2004
Total posts: 152
From: lilac
Date: 11-30-2004, 08:35 AM (4 of 39)
Your local hospital should be able to take them directly and I think it is a fantastic idea as it does require extra shipping for you and the charity as well as valuable time.

If there is a local chapter in your area they may have group work sessions together and that sounds like a lot of fun and a great way to make new friends so keep that in mind as well.

It is wonderful to hear you were able to find clothes for your baby when you needed it. I am sure it was a huge relief at the time. There really doesn't seem to be a lot of commercial patterns available in local stores so I don't know how people do it when the baby has arrived and they realize they need clothing much smaller than they can buy....

My second son was preemie but still large so I got lucky but many are not.
User: lilac
Member since: 07-07-2002
Total posts: 102
From: DragonLady
Date: 11-30-2004, 09:07 AM (5 of 39)
My son was a month late...he was absolutely huge & once again nothing I had fit. I don't remember any hospital donations for him, though....perhaps someone should make a few outfits for really big babies. The standard "newborn" size is far too small for a 10 lb baby.
"No more twist! No more twist!"
User: DragonLady
Member since: 11-10-2004
Total posts: 152
From: lilac
Date: 11-30-2004, 12:35 PM (6 of 39)
Well, the way I see it, I think it is cheap enough to buy a 3 mo. old outfit at Wal-mart so unless it was something special I would buy one instead of sewing it but then again I don't have a lot of faith in my abilities to sew.... I would really have to think about the best use of my money. Preemie clothes are hard to come by but bigger ones aren't.
User: lilac
Member since: 07-07-2002
Total posts: 102
From: DragonLady
Date: 11-30-2004, 01:10 PM (7 of 39)
That's true enough. I looked at several sites selling preemie clothes today, and was shocked. $7.00 and up for a single little t-shirt! That makes outfitting a preemie cost over twice as much as a normal size newborn.

I've told my family what I'm planning, and they think it's a great idea.

Now I have the perfect excuse to visit a fabric store. :)
"No more twist! No more twist!"
User: DragonLady
Member since: 11-10-2004
Total posts: 152
From: lilac
Date: 11-30-2004, 01:45 PM (8 of 39)
How wonderful your family is supporting your idea. I sometimes get the feeling that others just do not get it.

Myself, I am trying to cut back on my quilting stash but I agree that just about any reason to go to the fabric store will do....
User: lilac
Member since: 07-07-2002
Total posts: 102
From: DragonLady
Date: 12-01-2004, 12:00 AM (9 of 39)
I sometimes get the feeling that others just do not get it.
Well...face it, most people would rather pretend these babies don't exist. It's depressing and sad and there isn't much the average person can do to prevent miscarriages, birth defects or infant deaths. And the ones that are preventable often happen because of parents who are drug addicted or whatever, so it's easy to rail on the causes and overlook the victims altogether. Don't let it get you down. It's a great cause, and no matter what none of these tiny babies deserve the circumstances of their births.


I agree that just about any reason to go to the fabric store will do....

NEVER pass up a legitimate chance to visit a fabric store! :bg: Even if you don't buy much of anything, you will come home with new ideas and inspiration. And if you do get to pick out a few lovely things to bring home, you'll feel better for the next 10 days! It's more relaxing than a bubble bath, a professional massage or valium...and lasts longer, too. :bluewink:
"No more twist! No more twist!"
User: DragonLady
Member since: 11-10-2004
Total posts: 152
From: MaryW
Date: 12-01-2004, 08:00 AM (10 of 39)
You girls are doing good things. I applaud your efforts. Maybe we could all do something along these lines in 2005.

What do you say girls, as soon as the holidays are over we do some charity work for our own local hospital. Anyone interested?
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005
Total posts: 2542
From: lilac
Date: 12-01-2004, 09:35 AM (11 of 39)
What a wonderful idea to do something for our local hospitals.

A point I want to make - I helped a girl scout last year make a baby quilt as a scout project. Her entire troup make at least one to give to the local hospital. We picked a rail fence design and did a envelope style, tied quilt and make two to donate. Were there is a will there is a way and never feel like one person cannot make a difference.

Kids in 4-H and scouts are required to do things to make badges so consider teaming up and you can accomplish a lot more. The groups are always looking for volunteers that can help provide activities.
User: lilac
Member since: 07-07-2002
Total posts: 102
From: DragonLady
Date: 12-01-2004, 10:35 AM (12 of 39)
Does anyone know how big a baby has to be to leave the hospital?

I was reading somewhere that while their in the hospital the clothes don't really need to be flame retardent because the NICU's have sprinkler systems. Also, the treated fabric is really irritating to the skin of the really little ones.

But...if the item might be worn home, it shouldn't be flammable. Accidents happen, and we don't want to be sending them right back with burns!
"No more twist! No more twist!"
User: DragonLady
Member since: 11-10-2004
Total posts: 152
From: MaryW
Date: 12-01-2004, 10:59 AM (13 of 39)
About a million years ago, when I had kids it was 5 1/2 lbs.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005
Total posts: 2542
From: lilac
Date: 12-01-2004, 11:01 AM (14 of 39)
The woman who is involved with the state chaper of newbornsinneed e-mailed me the following about a hospital in our state.....

EMMC doesn't seem to dress their preemies until they are ready to go home at 4-5 pounds.


I hope that helps. She also tells me that most of the people with her organization that makes clothing uses a serger to serge raw edges and attatch lace to sleeves and hems.

I did find that Simplicity has a xxs size that is supposed to fit up to 7 lbs or 17". I had purchased pattern no. 5813 a christening pattern for both boys and girls. Also makes for good burial clothing sorry to say...

A helpful hint is that any of the Lee Middleton Dolls are supposed to be identical to size of a real baby where normally dolls are not the same size as a real baby and doll patterns would not work. Anyway, Newbornsinneed sells them on their site and on the web as well and the dolls can be used to check the fit of items. There is also a size chart on the newbornsinneed site to tell you the measurements of preemie babies and it is the best chart around so print off a couple and keep them around the sewing machine. I wish I had copies of the patterns the site sells when I had to make my dress. Would have really helped a lot but the size chart was all I had at the time and I couldn't have lived without that either but I am planning on purchasing a lee middleton doll all the same just because I wonder about fitting hands into sleeves and necklines and how the lace will look proportionately and so on.

The woman in our local chapter uses a 13" doll quite often for sizing burial gowns and they also have another size doll as well.

You may find a doll dealer in your area as well. The smaller the doll generally the less expensive. Remember that a peemie born after 20 weeks is the families responsibility to care for the final arrangements and anything before that would be taken care of by the hospital. This is helpful to know what size doll according to the growth chart for preemies.
User: lilac
Member since: 07-07-2002
Total posts: 102
From: DragonLady
Date: 12-01-2004, 11:15 AM (15 of 39)
Thanks, Lilac! That's good information. I did see the size chart, but wasn't sure about the weight to go home.

I think my daughter was 5 1/2 lbs and able to drink a full ounce of formula at once when they decided to release her. She didn't have any health problems, she was just little.

I don't think I want to do burial gowns. That's just too sad for me...and since this is a holiday project I'd rather do something that makes me happy! The idea of a tiny baby staying warm & comfy is much cheerier than the idea that one has passed away without ever having a chance. Of course I realize these things are neccesary, and I believe making them is a good cause. Maybe I'll do something around tax time, when I'm depressed anyway. ;)
"No more twist! No more twist!"
User: DragonLady
Member since: 11-10-2004
Total posts: 152
From: lilac
Date: 12-01-2004, 12:30 PM (16 of 39)
I have been comparing the size chart to the dolls and the going home weight....

at 32 weeks a baby would be 3.75 lbs and 16.7" total length so as a going home outfit I would look for a doll that was 17" or larger. Most newborns are between 20"-22" and would not need special clothes.

Again if anyone is interested in checking the size of clothing the Lee Middleton dolls are supposed to be the same as a real baby and I don't know of any other doll make that way.

Keep in mind also that preemies tend to spend time in the incubator when they are really small so they would not necessarily need a lot of clothing to keep them warm until they are getting ready to go home. If you were intending to use a smaller doll I would stick with making burial items.

I think I will look over the simplicity patterns (1/2 price at Wal-mart) again to see if they have any other xxs patterns other than the 5813 because the pattern says up to 7lbs and up to 17". Seems a little funny to have the wieght listed so high but we'll see how it goes.
User: lilac
Member since: 07-07-2002
Total posts: 102
From: lilac
Date: 12-01-2004, 12:57 PM (17 of 39)
http://www.morrisseydolls.com/smwonder.html

17" patterns made for the middleton dolls. I hope the dolls are everything they say they are. They sure are cute.
User: lilac
Member since: 07-07-2002
Total posts: 102
From: SummersEchos
Date: 12-01-2004, 01:50 PM (18 of 39)
Hi,
Being a grandmother to a preemie who is now 19 months old, the hospital where she was at did not allow any kind of clothing on her. She was 1 pound 14 ounces at birth (she is doing great now). For Easter they let us put her Easter dress on for pictures but then off it went. The patterns I used were doll clothes patterns. They fit wonderfully for her. I made her quite a few cute little outfits but made her more gowns for sleeping and keeping warm. Now she will have dresses for her baby dolls. One thing the hospital did tell me was they really apperciate blankets. Doesn't matter if they are quilts, receiving blankets, fleece blankets. They drape them over the top of the incubator and it gives the child something to try to visualize on. Then of course the baby gets to go home with their blankets. I did make a few outfits for some of the moms who were there at the same time. Now out problem is she is only 20 pounds but tall. So everything is either to short or if the length is right to big.
Summer
Summer

FREE FALLIN
User: SummersEchos
Member since: 09-29-2004
Total posts: 884
From: lilac
Date: 12-01-2004, 03:06 PM (19 of 39)
I am so glad you posted.

I have read that velcro on preemie clothes can irritate if it comes in contact with the skin. What type of fasteners did you use on the outfits you made?

Do you recall what doll pattern you selected? It would really help. I tried a Mc Calls patter # 8554 and found that the chest was too big and the sleeves and legs too short and the neckline was a bit of a booger but the clothes were beautiful ( l also lengthened all the skirts).

The patterns for the Middleton dolls that I found in the other post were $3.50? each so it seems like it would be a lot less headache. They were pretty cute too.

I did check with the manufacturer and the dolls are supposed to be like a real baby but the do remind us that babies varry and they try to keep the babies they make in a general range. Good to know.
User: lilac
Member since: 07-07-2002
Total posts: 102
From: DragonLady
Date: 12-01-2004, 05:55 PM (20 of 39)
The Lee Middleton dolls are far too expensive for me. I don't collect dolls, and neither do either of my daughters, so this project would be the only reason for buying it...and then I wouldn't be able to afford to make anything.

I found an old Simplicity pattern for newborns in my pattern collection. It's still new in the package (proof that when my little ones were that size I didn't have much time for sewing :nah:). It's for normal size newborns 17" to 24" and 7-13 lbs. That seems a little off to me...at 7 lbs my middle daughter was 19", and IIRC my son was 24" at 10 lbs. I do remember he was too big for the newborn items I had. The little sleepers and onesies were too short to put his arms in, and the little t-shirts and gowns were hopelessly tight in the chest.

Next time I go to Walmart I'll check on the extra-small pattern. Also, I guess they have the flame-retardent material there at reasonable prices, so I guess I'll look...I really don't like buying fabric at Walmart much, but for this project it will probably do nicely.

I plan to make at least one full layette. I guess I'd rather fully clothe one baby than make one item for several. It just seems to make more sense. :smile:
"No more twist! No more twist!"
User: DragonLady
Member since: 11-10-2004
Total posts: 152
From: DragonLady
Date: 12-01-2004, 06:01 PM (21 of 39)
BTW SummerEchos I'm glad to hear your granddaughter is doing so well!
"No more twist! No more twist!"
User: DragonLady
Member since: 11-10-2004
Total posts: 152
From: lilac
Date: 12-02-2004, 07:41 AM (22 of 39)
I agree $35.00 is a lot but then I think of how much we pay for kids toys and it doesn't seem so bad but I am looking to find a cheaper price on the 17" Middleton dolls. I think I am going to look at the dealers and save some money on shipping and see if there are any sales....
User: lilac
Member since: 07-07-2002
Total posts: 102
From: DragonLady
Date: 12-02-2004, 08:29 AM (23 of 39)
$35.00? The ones I saw were $150.00 +. Do you have a link? I probably still won't buy one, unless this becomes some kind of year-round crusade...but ya never know...that has happened. :bluewink:
"No more twist! No more twist!"
User: DragonLady
Member since: 11-10-2004
Total posts: 152
From: lilac
Date: 12-02-2004, 10:23 AM (24 of 39)
The more expensive ones are most likely a larger doll. You do have to read the description on the size because even I get confused.

You are looking for a small wonder doll that is 17" if you are trying to fit a preemie and they are valued at 35.00 and the bunting baby of the same size is 40.00

There is also a breath of Life baby that is 18" that is far too expensive at 140.00 or a little less

There are also 13" dolls called the newborn wonder that go for around 25 (Jc penny $19.99) but you would likely be using that for fitting burial clothes only.

The 17" doll I purchased was a Small Wonder Play Baby Lifes Lessons doll, Caring and Sharing or Sharing and Giving Item # IH773-5064FB at JC Penny's for 30.99 + shipping. They also had the Going to Grandma's doll for less and I believe the love my family doll was 30.99. Shipping to your home for one doll is under 7.00 plus tax.

Amazon.com (free shipping) does also carry the dolls - Sharing and Giving (cat outfit) and Going to Grandma's but the one I wanted was out of stock (like cats...). I do not recall how much they were asking but do not forget to add shipping costs to compare costs elsewhere.

If it were me and I were not planning on making a lot of outfits, I think I would look at the Morrissey Doll patterns for the 17" Middleton dolls for $3.50 -3.75 each and go with that. The newbornsinneed.org patterns are also good as they come in several sizes and are simple patterns.
User: lilac
Member since: 07-07-2002
Total posts: 102
From: DragonLady
Date: 12-02-2004, 11:48 AM (25 of 39)
I called my local hospital & they directed me to a local pregnancy resource center. The gal I talked to there said they mostly need stuff for babies 5 lbs and up. The local hospital doesn't do deliveries anymore, so the only demand here is for stuff for the babies to wear at home.

She did say they do have a need for burial clothes, but (thankfully) not too often. She said it would be great if someone would make a set or two so they could have them on hand, as there is no place locally to buy them at all. She said she thinks most of the mothers end up putting them in nice "party" type clothes -dressy dresses and little suits- because there's nothing else available.

It's my understanding they give free pregnancy tests, pregnancy classes and parenting classes. For each class taken the parents earn "Mommy Dollars" which are spent in the "store" to purchase the donated items. I guess that works...although I would prefer they just gave them away no-questions-asked.
"No more twist! No more twist!"
User: DragonLady
Member since: 11-10-2004
Total posts: 152
From: lilac
Date: 12-02-2004, 12:36 PM (26 of 39)
There is something wrong with health care when a hospital won't deliver a baby. How does that work?

I agree that donations should be given out without all the strings attatched. The idea that someone has to attend one of their classes is rediculous. What happens when a baby comes early and parents are busy trying to care for them and actually need the clothing? It makes no sense to me at all.

I would find the nearest hospital that does do deliveries and forget about the other place. There must be a larger hospital near by?
User: lilac
Member since: 07-07-2002
Total posts: 102
From: DragonLady
Date: 12-02-2004, 01:43 PM (27 of 39)
The next nearest hospital is Del Webb Memorial in Sun City. It's a geriatric hospital, and I don't think they do deliveries, either. Maybe the insurance is too high.

I guess people in my town who have babies now have to go to either Good Samaritan in Phoenix or Maricopa General which is...I'm not sure where. Quite a long drive.

Makes me glad I'm not pregnant!

I agree that making someone take a class in order to get clothing or other needs is rediculous. The pregnancy resource center is connected with the Baptist Church somehow...so it's more of the so-called faith based initiative ****ola. Don't get me wrong -I don't have a problem with faith based ministries or charities. What annoys me though is when they insist the recipients of their services must listen to their message in order to receive items which were freely donated by people of all faiths. If I were a Hindu donating clothing to a Baptist function I think I'd feel pretty lousy knowing that only a person willing to hear the Baptist's religious spiel would be eligible to benefit from my gift. It just rankles me.

She also told me they're doing an Angel Tree this year...but only for people willing to attend their church services.

I might call Maricopa County tomorrow. It just puts a damper on things a bit, because I have no reason to drive down there other than to drop these things off, so they'll probably end up sitting here in a box -benefitting no one- until I'm able to make the trip. In the end, I'll probably end up accepting the way things are & donating them locally.
"No more twist! No more twist!"
User: DragonLady
Member since: 11-10-2004
Total posts: 152
From: lilac
Date: 12-02-2004, 06:58 PM (28 of 39)
What a world we live in where we cannot help people unless they are willing to conform to us.

I feel even worse for all the pregnant moms in your area not only to they have to travel in labor to the hospital far away but have to put up with a lot of hooey to get any kind of help at all.

I cannot personally stand religions that require people to only accept one religion as being right and do not understand a community that is not willing to help one another.
User: lilac
Member since: 07-07-2002
Total posts: 102
From: sewingrandma
Date: 12-02-2004, 08:31 PM (29 of 39)
Dragonlady you wrote about the drug/alcohol addicted mothers who don't care. I'm a nurse in a city jail and it breaks my heart to see some of these women come in. All I can think of is that poor innocent child. At least in the jail they get prenatal care, no access to illegal drugs, a healthy diet, and parenting classes. I've seen women who have come into the jail pregnant with their 8th child and didn't keep any of them, or have had abortions so many times they can't maintain a pregnancy. So many women sell themselves in order to get drugs and never think of using birth control. Didn't mean to get off topic of clothing for preemies but so many of these babies are premies and are born with 3 strikes against them.
Brockie
User: sewingrandma
Member since: 03-06-2003
Total posts: 432
From: DragonLady
Date: 12-02-2004, 09:07 PM (30 of 39)
Didn't mean to get off topic of clothing for preemies but so many of these babies are premies and are born with 3 strikes against them.

Yes, I can understand the huge need for not only clothing but every other baby-raising supply imaginable. You've brought up a good point...the many, many babies who will not be going home from the hospital but will instead be going to foster homes or moving in with relatives. These people are probably not well prepared for a new arrival, either. I can imagine how many babies have to be taken from the hospital to their new homes via the shopping mall...to get cribs, strollers, diapers, bottles, towels, and all the other stuff mothers usually have nine months to accumulate.

Don't worry about the Topic Drift(tm) sewingrandma...it's all worth thinking about. And the more people are made aware of the problems the more we can do solve them. :smile:
"No more twist! No more twist!"
User: DragonLady
Member since: 11-10-2004
Total posts: 152
From: lilac
Date: 12-03-2004, 07:17 AM (31 of 39)
It is certainly a problem worth mentioning and those babies need help even more, don't they.

I have to agree. In fact it makes me sick sometimes to think of all the babies drug moms are able to have when others with fertility problems who would be great moms struggle so hard to have babies.

1 in four pregnancies end in a misscarriage and myself, I have only managed 1/2 so it really rubs me the wrong way to see people who smoke or even drink a lot of coffee when they are pregnant. Babies are so precious to me and I cannot stand seeing them taken for granted. In some way, they deserve to be cared for by us all.
User: lilac
Member since: 07-07-2002
Total posts: 102
From: DragonLady
Date: 12-03-2004, 08:55 AM (32 of 39)
It is certainly a problem worth mentioning and those babies need help even more, don't they.

Yes, they do need even more. It's too bad we can't sew a pinch of common sense (for the mothers) into every outfit. If we could, there would be a lot less child abuse and neglect in the world. I am flabbergasted by some of the horrible things parents do to their own children. The irresponsiblity, disregard for life and utter malice really make me wonder how these people survive long enough to reproduce.

Well...I have to stop thinking about it at this hour of the morning. Otherwise I'll be depressed all day and won't get anything done.


DL wanders off to check the fridge for comfort food....
"No more twist! No more twist!"
User: DragonLady
Member since: 11-10-2004
Total posts: 152
From: lilac
Date: 12-03-2004, 09:07 AM (33 of 39)
I offer no excuses for people but admit that history repeats itself and it is easier to stick with what you know than to change.

I say the prison system starts a new program for moms on drugs and show them a styrofoam casket with a burial gown in it so they get the message of what they are doing to thier children. Maybe it will change a few of them, all would be unrealistic but just one would be worth it. Put that in the prenatal class and they might get the message.

Pass it around the room and let them hold the gown. Could even get a doll to wear it....
User: lilac
Member since: 07-07-2002
Total posts: 102
From: DragonLady
Date: 12-03-2004, 09:21 AM (34 of 39)
You might be on to something there. I would guess that a lot of these mothers are so disconnected with reality that being pregnant just doesn't have any meaning.

Kinda like they have the cognitive recognition of newborns themselves.... If they can't see the baby, the baby doesn't exist...so any hypothetical damage to the baby certainly can't be their fault. Maybe the sight of a realistic doll of a 20 week miscarriage in a funeral gown with casket might make the facts sink in a bit.

Nevertheless, some of them just won't care.
"No more twist! No more twist!"
User: DragonLady
Member since: 11-10-2004
Total posts: 152
From: DragonLady
Date: 12-03-2004, 10:09 PM (35 of 39)
Well...I learned something today, and thought I'd pass it on for anyone who's interested in making baby clothes -for any baby.

This information comes from the Consumer Product
Safety Commission (http://www.cpsc.gov/BUSINFO/frnotices/fr96/frsleeplg.pdf):

The Commission issues final
amendments of the flammability
standards for children’s sleepwear in
sizes 0 through 6X and sizes 7 through
14. The amendments issued below
revise the definition of ‘‘children’s
sleepwear’’ in the standard for sizes 0
through 6X to exclude from the
requirements of that standard: garments
sized for infants nine months of age or
younger; and tight-fitting sleepwear
garments. The amendments also revise
the definition of ‘‘children’s sleepwear’’
in the standard for sizes 7 through 14 to
exclude tight-fitting sleepwear
garments.1 The amendments define the
term ‘‘tight-fitting garment’’ in terms of
maximum dimensions at specified
locations on garments in sizes for
children older than 9 months through
children’s size 14.
The Commission issues these
amendments because it finds that the
existing children’s sleepwear standards
are not limited to those sleepwear
garments which present an
unreasonable risk of burn deaths and
injuries. The Commission concludes
that the amendments will afford
consumers a wider selection of
sleepwear garments for children without
diminishing the protection provided by
the children’s sleepwear standards.
DATES: The amendments will become
effective on January 1, 1997.

It's a very interesting document, and well worth reading in its entirety if you have the time. It's a .pdf document, so you will need Acrobat Reader to open it.
"No more twist! No more twist!"
User: DragonLady
Member since: 11-10-2004
Total posts: 152
From: lilac
Date: 12-08-2004, 10:06 AM (36 of 39)
I found that Simplicity has several preemie patterns and Mc Calls has some to but they were out of stock in our local Wal-Mart.

Simplicity patterns
5720 bunting, romper, and hat. Labeled easy to sew
1/2 off 10.95 at Wal-Mart.

9911 simple dress sleeveless, romper sleeveless, lined jacket, and pants. all look simple 1/2 off 10.95 at Wal-Mart.

9275 Babies Layette. Pullover tops short or long sleeve, panties, sleeveless romper pant lenth or short, hooded or plain jacket, Robe with hood, hooded blanket. 1/2 off $9.99 at Wal-Mart.

There are others as well in both Simplicity and Mc Calls.
User: lilac
Member since: 07-07-2002
Total posts: 102
From: DragonLady
Date: 12-08-2004, 11:11 AM (37 of 39)
I've been regrading an old pattern I have. I took a full 2" off of every seam, and copied it onto wax paper to make a whole new set of patterns. I'm almost done with that. I'm beginning to understand why I didn't make baby clothes when my kids were little...this pattern wouldn't fit any newborn I ever met. It's huge in places...but small in others. I've had to do a lot of adjusting and re-drafting just to make it reasonable.

I've also drafted some very tiny things...but someone mentioned that the really little ones probably won't be allowed to wear them. Maybe I'll just set those aside and use them one day for doll clothes or give the patterns themselves away.

I live 90 miles from Walmart and just haven't been able to get there yet to buy fabric (or anything else). As soon as I do, I'll start sewing.
"No more twist! No more twist!"
User: DragonLady
Member since: 11-10-2004
Total posts: 152
From: lilac
Date: 12-15-2004, 11:31 AM (38 of 39)
I started a new thread listing the sites that offer free patterns.

I particularly liked BW Charity Creations, Bev's Country Cottage, Threads of Love was slow but the patterns they offered were much more detailed than any other and I really liked that!, Touching Little Lives and on and on.

Point is that you do not have to be able to redraft the old patterns or even buy new ones in order to sew something. There are tons of patterns on the web for free and the majority are not burial items but they can be found too.
User: lilac
Member since: 07-07-2002
Total posts: 102
From: luv2sew
Date: 12-25-2004, 09:03 PM (39 of 39)
Hello Ladies.....I did not know about the clothes for preemies but I am knitting little hats for preemies. I came by this project quite by accident at a yard sale in another city. The lady was knitting them and, in conversation, she said sometimes she could not keep up and some babies did not get one. On my ride home, that was on my mind. I told my son and through the magic of the internet, he found her (all we had was the address). She called me and dictated the instructions over the phone. They are so cute. A friend, who is expecting a grandchild, saw one I had done and wanted one....so a little time out for a friend. :) Now I have to get on the project.

Good work ladies.
Luv2sew
An act of kindness is never wasted!!
User: luv2sew
Member since: 05-21-2004
Total posts: 174
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