INFORMATION & PATTERNS

Transcription

1 BABY LOVE God bless our willing hands for the benefit of Life Center (Birthright) South Side Hospital NICU Unit Island Nursing & Rehab Center Home: (631) Cell: (631) babylovestjohns@optonline.net Website: see St. John The Evangelist Ministries link INFORMATION & PATTERNS Revised April 29, 2014

2 INTRODUCTION What is BABY LOVE and why/how did it originate? BABY LOVE seemed a very appropriate name for our group since this is what you d share with each of your precious items. At first, we were making only baby items as you will see the demand has grown to other areas. My name is Dolores Vlismas and St. John s has been my parish since Like many of you, I find knitting & crocheting very relaxing and rewarding. I became aware of a need for baby items at Good Samaritan Hospital through one of their nurses, who is also my Sister Columbiette at St. Sylvester s, Medford. She saw a baby hat I was knitting for Birthright and asked to take it to Good Sam Hospital s NICU Preemie Unit. I was contacted by the unit s RN Manager who asked if there was a way to help supply hats for 2-3 lb babies. Never having made anything that small made me look on the Internet for patterns. There were many there to select from. If you re wondering, the hat fits an average orange. I began to knit/crochet these smaller items on a steady basis. I approached other Columbiettes who could knit/crochet and the fun began in earnest. We were happy making the adorable hats and turned in 44 on our first attempt. We thought this was an ample supply for a while, but didn t know there were 33 babies in the NICU unit at that given moment, which did not put us ahead at all. Good Sam has a unique facility and because of Brookhaven Memorial not having a maternity ward, they always have a large maternity turnover. The need also arose for bootees and blankets making the demand more than we could keep up with. We had to reach out to others for help. However, since Oct 2013, we have been supplying South Side Hospital NICU unit with our items because they had no items coming in at all and Good Sam had other donations being given. So we have switched our efforts 100% to SSH. Shawls are also made for SSH Senior Division. Our lap robes are being donated to Island Nursing & Rehab Center in Holtsville. Our efforts were started at our own parish, St. John s, in the hope that those of varied ages & talents might be looking for a way to put their skills to a much needed cause. No item is insignificant and every piece is needed! This is and will remain a year round endeavor. In the past we donated to Good Sam Hospital, Life Center Ministries (a/k/a Birthright) and Blanca s House and now Island Nursing & Rehab Center and South Side Hospital. Through the generosity and helping hands of many, we have been able to share our talents. We were looking for more people to help, but the need is so great at SSH, that all our efforts will have to remain here for quite some time. If our volunteers increase, perhaps then we could consider other groups to donate to. Patterns in this booklet are for the items needed most for the preemie/newborn sizes. You might like making buntings, sweaters, etc. please do so - no item will be refused! Quilted and/or fleece blankets are also welcomed. (see section on blankets.) Please, use your own knitted/crocheted patterns if you have a favorite! Please see the DONATIONS section of this booklet. It explains what other items we accept and where/when to bring them. If you have any questions, please contact me at the and/or phone # on the cover. Please phone Sat/Sun ONLY as I work M-F/8-5 and am involved in 5 volunteer organizations and return home too late to return calls. Ask your friends and loved ones to get involved in BABY LOVE. As a parish, we could make a tremendous difference. Thank you for your willing heart and talented hands!

3 INFORMATION BLANKETS Colors to use: Pastels - solid or multi colored Use ANY pattern you wish knit or crochet (quilted or fleece also accepted any design or color.) Even dark colors are good for the underside if quilted this adds extra shading protection to the baby s eyes while in their unit. A closed knitted/crocheted pattern is better (not too many holes) for the body heat to be maintained. Preemie size should be approx. 24 square. If your blanket comes out a little larger, that s OK. Newborn blankets are larger - at least 32 square (can be larger, if you wish). A lap robe for seniors is 40 square (any colors or pattern). No long fringes on lap robes, please (they get caught in the wheelchair parts or they roll over on them in bed). BOOTEES Preemies need bootees and hats the most since the only thing they wear is a diaper while in their unit. Because of their delicate condition and body heat having to be maintained, the hat and bootees allow the mother to hold their babies longer. The baby s skin is extremely delicate (almost translucent) and the bootee has to be soft and easy to put on. The bootee should not be tight at the cuff. If you have other soft patterns that you like, please use them. A pair of bootees is given with every hat. Therefore, a lot of bootees are always needed! If you have matching piece(s) (hat, bootees, sweater or blanket), please attach all the pieces together with yarn and tie into a bow don t knot the yarn. Or if you prefer, put all pieces in a freezer-type bag to help them stay germ free and clean during handling and storage. OTHER ITEMS If there are other items you like to make, please do so. All items will be gratefully accepted. The items most needed are listed in this booklet, but all organizations will use any items donated. Due to time constraints, we do not accept squares/pieces that have to be put together. DONATIONS YARN You may have yarn at home (or know someone who does) that isn t needed either leftovers OR new skeins. We will take ALL YARN, except rug yarn. If you need yarn for a baby project, please contact me. Non-baby colors will be used in other projects and donated as follows: scarves and/or hats of varied sizes (are donated to our parish, St. John s, at Christmas time) 35 triangle shawls for seniors 40 square lap robes for the bedridden & wheelchair patients If you would like to make any of these non-baby items, please feel free to do so. FABRIC If fabric is donated, it is turned over to our quilter, Mrs. Terry Seng (a Lector at St. John s). She uses her years of quilting expertise to make incredibly beautiful baby blankets and/or lap robes. Quilted baby items are always appreciated if you wish to donate. Blankets are especially needed (24 square). Please place ALL donations in the BABY LOVE pink basket which is set up under the table in the church s Vestry. If you are home bound and would like to participate in this program, please contact me. I will make arrangements with you. There are no meetings to attend on a regular basis - everyone works in the comfort of their home at their own pace. Thank you to everyone who has already donated so generously! Please pass BABY LOVE information onto other talented people you know.

4 Everyone and their talents are welcome! THANK YOU NOTES Baby Love has been more successful than hoped. Your lovely items are indeed a blessing! Besides providing for the maternity ward needs as planned, other ambitions have been made possible as our homemade items are reaching so many other hospital services. Below are copies of letters received from Good Sam s various departments. Some of you have donated extra small hats. The third letter explains how some of those have been used in addition for the 1-2 lb. babies in the NICU. Know that your items and efforts are VERY much appreciated by many we ll never meet. I am told the mother of a little angel gets a keepsake box in which the baby s hat is included with other items. Thank you all for making a difference! Sincere gratitude to all, Dolores Vlismas, Founder of Baby Love * * * * * * * * * * Thank you for the generous donations of knitted hats, blankets and bootees to our NICU. We love placing those precious, beautiful little treasures on our tiny patients, the mothers love them! Some really appreciate these gifts as they are in financial need of baby items. We love using them because they do keep the little ones warm allowing for the mothers to hold their baby just a little longer. Everyone s efforts are truly appreciated. Thank you again for thinking of us. PATRICIA CORDES, RNC / CARE MANAGER, NICU / GSH On behalf of the Pastoral Care Dept. of Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center, we would like to convey our appreciation for your donation of the beautiful handmade lap robes. They are lovely works of art! Our chaplains will bring them to patients in the hospital in need of extra warmth, comfort and TLC. May God bless you for sharing your special talents with us. MICHELLE BOCCIA / DIRECTOR PASTORAL CARE / GSH I wanted to express our gratitude to your fellow angels of mercy for crocheting our baby hats, bootees and blankets. The smaller ones you made have been used to provide a warm wrap of love to our tiniest babies who have lived only briefly inside their mother s wombs. Our in-utero hospice initiative reaches all parents who have suffered a loss regardless of gestational age. We have a free internment with a Christian burial at Our Lady Queen of Hearts Cemetery in Central Islip. Last fall we placed 7 embryo s/fetus /pregnancy tissue at this final dignified resting place and this past May we placed 33. The impact on our families grief journey and healing is significant. You beautiful items hug our precious gifts from God and give moms and dads such solace. So thank you on behalf of the parents, the nurses who share in their bridge to hope, and the innocent miscarried babies. God bless you. JANET STEVENS, RNC-OB, C-EFM, BSN, CCRN RESOLVE THROUGH SHARING BEREAVEMENT COUNSELOR / GSH Dear Dolores & Fellow Knitters, The hats and blankets you made are lovely. We thank you so much for your generosity. We will put them all to good use. Thank you from all the staff (and babies!) of the Delivery Room. SUSAN CORRELL, NURSE MGR. LABOR & DELIVERY / GSH Dear Dolores, Thank you so much for our support of Blanca s House. 100% of the money and items we receive is used to support families we serve. The blankets you provided to us will be used for our infants and children for their recovery after surgery. These blankets are priceless, as they provide warmth and love to the parents when we return them swaddled and warm. Your generosity is to be commended. We thank you for thinking of us and choosing to be part of our humanitarian efforts. Thank you again, and we look forward to your continued support. KERRY O SULLIVAN, Outreach Program Coordinator, BLANCA S HOUSE, Hicksville, NY Thank you notes also received from: Island Nursing and Rehab Center, 5537 Expressway Dr. N., Holtsville, NY South Side Hospital, Volunteer Dept., 301 E Main St., Bay Shore, NY South Side Hospital, Nurse Manager, 301 E Main St., Bay Shore, NY Life Center, Catherine Petruzzi

5 PATTERNS / GUIDELINES These patterns are a guideline only, if needed. The patterns were offered on the internet and specifically slated for charity organizations only not to sell items. BABY HATS POM-POMS are optional on any hat add if you desire. KNITTED BABY CAP (Newborn) Material: 3 ply Lion Brand Jamie or Jamie Pompador baby yarn. Any baby yarn works and 1 skein will make about 3 caps. Needles: Size 4 U.S. (3.50mm) or size needed to obtain gauge. Gauge: 30 St sts = 4 Pattern: Cast on 72 stitches. Work K2, P2 ribbing for 2. Then work K1 row, P1 row (Stockinette stitch) for 2-1/2. Then begin DECREASE rows: Row 1: K4, K2 together, across row. Row 2: P Row 3: K3, K2 together, across row. Row 4: P Row 5: K2, K2 together, across row. Row 6: P Row 7: K2 together across row. Cut yarn long enough to sew back seam and run thru stitches on needle. Take your sewing needle, thread it with the yarn tail and slip thru the stitches left on the needle (slip stitches off the needle as you thread thru them). Then pull yarn tight and put 1 or 2 stitches at the crown hole to secure. Sew up the seam by passing the needle thru the two sides and then back again.tuck in tails. KNITTED BABY CAP (Newborn) Material: Baby Sport Yarn Needles: Size 5 Pattern: Cast on 50 stitches. K1, P1 for 2 K1 row, P1 row for another 1-1/2 Decreasing rows: Row 1: K2tog, K3 continue across Row 2: Purl Row 3: K2tog, K2 continue across Row 4: Purl (as you decrease some rows may not leave enough stitches on the end to complete the pattern in that row.that s OK just follow as allowable) Continue these 4 decreasing rows until you have 5 or 6 sts left (dependent on size hat you are making). End by completing the K2tog, K2 row.

6 Cut yarn with 12 tail. Thread yarn onto large eye needle and run needle thru stitches left on needle and take stitches off the needle. Pull snug, turn hat so right sides are facing and sew together with a whip stitch. Weave ends in the seam. Turn hat right side out and fluff into shape. QUICK KNITTED BABY CAP Material: NOT fingering yarn - Use sport or baby yarn (soft 4 ply worsted also works) Needles: Size 9 Pattern: Loosely cast on: 28 stitches (1-2 lb Preemie) 32 stitches (2-3 lb Preemie) 36 stitches (Newborn) Rows 1-5: K2, P2 across rows, then USE PATTERN 1 OR 2: Pattern 1: Rows 6 on: Knit all rows for another 4 (preemie sizes) above the brim 5 (for newborn) Start Decrease row 1: Knit 2 together across row Next row: Knit across Decrease row 2: Knit 2 together across row Next row: Knit across Pattern 2: Rows 6 on: K1 Row, P1 row (Stockinette St) for another 4 (preemie sizes) above the brim 5 (for newborn) Start Decrease Row 1: K2 together across row Next row: Purl across Decrease row 2: K2 together across row Next row: Purl across Cut yarn leaving a 12 tail. Thread a large eye needle with the yarn tail and carefully weave thru the stitches on the needle and remove stitches from needle. Pull snug to gather crown. Fold hat in half and whip stitch the sides together to form hat. Weave ends into the seam. CROCHETED BABY HATS I VE BEEN ASKED FOR MORE CROCHETED BABY HAT PATTERNS. HERE THEY ARE. ORIGINAL PATTERN I HAD: 2-3 lb. babies use baby or sport yarn NOT fingering or worsted Size F hook Bigger babies use soft worsted Size G hook Row 1: Ch 34, sc in 2 nd ch from hook sc in each ch across. Ch 1 and turn. Row 2: Working in the back loops only, sc in each stitch across, ch 1 and turn Rows 3-on: Repeat row 2. Continue pattern until you have 28 bumps (takes 2 rows to make a bump). The right side of hat has the beginning tail on the right side of hat. Count your bumps while looking at hat this way. When you end your rows, you should end on the opposite corner of the beginning tail (this means the tail is on the right side, you end on the left side of the hat). The beginning tail side will be the hat s crown area. When you have all rows done, turn hat with the right side facing you with rows going up and down (not across). The beginning tail should be on the bottom. On the top edge (the side where you ended the hat) sc 1 and sc across evenly on that edge (don t make stitches tight make as many as you need to go across smoothly making a finished edge). Cut a 12 tail and end off the one remaining stitch of the finished edge. Thread the 12 tail onto a large eye needle and sew up the back loops of first and last rows together. Once the hat is in this tube form, you can choose either way to finish it off: When you reach the crown area while sewing up, weave thread in and out all around the crown area to gather. Pull firmly, but gently, to close the hole, tie off and weave ends into seam. Turn right side out. You can now make a roll up brim.

7 Basic Hat: SM / MED / LG Sizes J Hook with baby or sportweight yarn K hook with worsted yarn Row 1: Chain 5 and join with sl st. CH 2 (counts as 1 st dc here and throughout); 13 / 14 / 15 dc s in circle. Slip stitch to top of beginning CH 2 to join do not turn Row 2 Row 3 CH 2, DC in same stitch, 2 DCs in each stitch around; slip stitch to top of beginning CH 2 to join 26 / 28 / 30 DCs) do not turn CH 2, Work 1 DC in each DC around, slip stitch to top of beginning CH 2 do not turn Crochet 13 / 14/ 15 rows or desired length slip stitch to join after completing length desired. TURN Optional edges: For boy CH 2, slip stitch in next stitch around for trim. For girl, CH 3, slip stitch in next stitch around for trim. Join and fasten off weave in end on right side of hat and turn up brim & clip tail inside of had Simple Hat: Newborn to 3 mos. Hat Circumference: 14 in. Materials: 1 oz. baby sport yarn H Hook for 3 mos. size G Hook for smaller size use baby yarn, not fingering Note: Beg CH 2 does not count as a st in this pattern Hat: Row 1: Row 2: Row 3: Row 4: Row 5-16: Beginning a top of hat, CH 4, sl stitch in first ch to form ring (Right Side): CH 1, work 13 dc in ring, join with a sl st in 1 st DC. 13 sts CH 2, turn, 2 DC in each st around, join with a sl st in 1 st DC. 26 sts CH 2, turn, DC in 1 st st, *2 DC in next st, DC in next st, repeat from * around ending with 2 DC in last st, Join with a sl st in first DC. 39 sts CH 2, turn, *DC in 1 st two sts, 2 DC in next st, repeat from * around, join with a sl st in 1 st DC. 52 sts CH 2, turn, DC in each st around, join with a sl st in 1 st DC. Do not turn at end of last row. Edging: CH 2 and SC in each st around, join with a sl st in 1 st SC. Fasten off. Weave in ends of yarn. Turn up bottom of hat for brim. Materials: Red Heart Baby Sport H Hook Row 1: ch 2, hdc in same st as joining, 2 hdc in each ch around (12 hdc) Row 2: ch 2, hdc in same st as joining, 2 hdc in each hdc around, join (24 hdc) Row 3: ch 2, hdc in same st as joining, *hdc in next 2 hdc, 2hdc in next hdc * around, join Row 5-11: ch 2, hdc in each hdc around. join. Row 12: in front loops only, ch 1, sc in same st as joining, and each hdc around, join Row 13-15: in both loops, sc in each sc around for boys: fasten off and weave in all ends for girls: **ch 3, sc in next sc** around. turn up brim when finished. 2 alternative edges for girls: #1. after doing 2 rounds of the sc, join as usual. ch 2, hdc in same st. *skip next st, hdc, dc in next st* around or #2. do 3 rounds of sc, join. next round, ch 1, sc, hdc, sc in joining st. *sk next st, sc, hdc, sc in next st* around.

8 Newborn to 3 mos. J Hook and Sport weight yarn Row 1: ch 4, 15 dc in first ch, join to ch 3 (16 dc) Row 2: ch 3, dc in same space as joining, 2 dc in each st around (32 dc) Row 3: ch 3, dc in next st, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 2 sts. rep* around, join to beg ch. ch 3 Row 4: dc in next 34 sts. ch 1, turn (35 sts) Row 5: sc in between each dc, ch 3, turn. rep 4 & 5 for a total of 12 rows. NECK Row 1: at end of last row, ch 1, place 1 sc in end of each row and in between dcs on row 4. ch 1, turn (about 26 sc) Row 2: sc in 1 st sc, ch 1, sk next st, sc in next (eyelet made). continue across row, ch 1, turn Row 3: sc across row and in each ch 1 sp. do not fasten off TRIM slip st in 1 st st around face, *sk 2 st, 5 dc in next st, sk 2 sts, sl st in next. rep * across face. fasten off, thread ribbon through eyelets at neck. KNITTED BOOTEES (Preemie 2-3 lb) Materials: soft 4 ply worsted yarn Needles: Size 6 (if making a larger bootee, use slightly larger needles) Pattern: Cast on 22 stitches Rows 1-7: Knit Row 8-11: Bind off 1 st 2 stitches, knit remainder Row 12-18: Knit Row 19: Bind off all remaining stitches Cut yarn long enough to sew bootee around. Weave in ends. Turn bootee to right side to hide sewed edge. This bootee does not need a tie. CROCHET BOOTEE (Preemie 2-3 lb) Use G Hook soft baby yarn not fuzzy or fingering yarn (too thin) For larger foot: Ch 24 For small foot: Ch 20 (preemie) Row 1: hdc in 4 th ch from hook and hdc in each ch across. Ch 2, turn. Row 2-3: hdc in each dc across. Turn do not chain Row 4: Slip stitch up to and including the 4 th dc. Ch 2 and dc across rest of row up to the last 4 sts on the opposite end of this row. You should now have indents on each end of row this raised row is the ankle & cuff shaping. Ch 1, turn. Row 5: sc across the raised portion of the bootee you have created. Ch 1, turn Row 6: sc across When last stitch made, cut a long tail for sewing and pull that tail thru the last loop and snug tight. Sewing: You end the bootee at the top of the cuff. The cut yarn tail should be long enough to sew bootee around to the heel. You start sewing together by weaving a few stitches along the cuff edge down to the indented ankle area. The right side of the bootie is facing you this is with your ending tail on the top right side. Keeping the bootee in the same position, once you have worked down to the ankle indent, you fold the bootie by bringing the bottom up towards the top and align the ankle areas. You sew the bootee from the ankle area (put 2 stitches here to give extra strength) and then around to the heel with slip stitches. Weave ends in by going under a few closing stitches that lay on top of the bootee edge. If you go under the top stitches, they will show on the other side of the bootee when you fluff into shape. Clip all ends and turn the bootee inside out to the right side and fluff into shape. You can weave a tie through the row of dc OR leave as is. The top cuff can fold down, if desired.

9 CROCHETED SWEATER Use G Hook for Preemies (H or I for larger babies) use soft 3 baby yarn fingering yarn is too thin) Chain 36 Row 1: dc in 4 th ch from hook and in next 3 chs 3 dc in next ch, dc in next 5 chs 3 dc in next ch, dc in next 10 chs 3 dc in next ch, dc in next 5 chs 3 dc in next ch, dc in last 5 chs, ch 2, turn Row 2: dc in each dc across putting 3dc in center dc of 3dc group in row below. Ch2, turn. Row 3-5: repeat row 2 Row 6: (Sleeve opening row) dc in each stitch up to and into the center of the 1 st 3dc group, ch 4 (loosely) and skip across all stitches to the next 3dc group and dc in center dc of 3dc group and in each st across to the center of the next 3 rd dc group, ch 4 (loosely), skip all stitches to the last 3dc group, put dc in center of 3dc group and dc across to end. Ch 2, turn. (Don t make the ch 4 tight as you will be putting a dc in each of the ch on the next row). Row 7: Row 8-15: dc in each dc and ch across. Ch 2, turn dc in each dc across. Ch 2, turn. At the end of Row 15, ch 1, work 2sc in each end stitch up front side of sweater placing buttonholes where you want them (buttonhole = sc, ch 3, sc in next st) Work 3sc in last stitch, sc around neckline, put 3sc in last st of neck, work 2sc n each stitch down side of sweater, work 3sc in last stitch and sc across bottom of sweater, put 2sc in last stitch and join to first sc. Finish off. Sleeves: Join yarn to center stitch at bottom on armhole, dc around. Work 8 rows total for sleeves. Row 9: sc around cuff 35 Triangle Shawl I ve been asked for this item s pattern. This took a weekend to make. I used Red Heart 4 ply worsted 2 skeins. Can also mix/match colors and trim. If adding another color anywhere in the shawl, add on your last stitch before putting on the ch3 space edge. I weave my ends in on the lacy border when edging is added, hides where colors changed or are woven. Hook: N Pattern: Chain 4, slip stitch in 1 st chain to form circle, chain 3. Row 1: Work 3 hdc into circle, ch 1, 1 hdc into circle, ch3, turn Row 2: Skip ch1 space, 2 hdc into next hdc, 1hdc into hdc, 2hdc into hext hdc, ch1, hdc into ch3 space, ch3, turn Row 3: Skip ch1 space, 2hdc into next hdc, 1hdc into each of next 3hdc, 2hdc into next hdc, ch1, hdc into ch3 space, ch3 turn Row 4: Skip ch 1 space, 2hdc into next hdc, 1hdc into each of next 5hdc, 2hdc into next hdc, ch1, hdc into ch3 space, ch 3, turn Continue in pattern increase 1 hdc at beg & end of each row (2hdc per row) until shawl measures 35 from the beginning point. Edging: Crochet a ruffled or fan border around the 2 long sides. If you don t want to put on a border, leave off. It will be added later. Please do not put any type of hanging fringe trim on the shawl because it gets in the way - patients sit or roll over on it and gets caught in the wheelchair mechanisms.

10 40 SQUARE LAP ROBE CROCHETED This is a large granny square that has 29 rows (row 29 can be a border or just another row in the pattern). If you want to use your own pattern, please do so - as long as the blanket is 40 square when done. Use an I Hook. Ch 5, join chain. Ch 3 (is considered 1 st dc on each new row) and put 2 dc in the loop you just made. Ch 1 and 3 dc in loop* repeat 2x s. Ch 1 and join to the top of the 1st ch 3 you started with. You have 4 groups of 3 dc with a ch in between. To rise to the next level, slip stitch between the group of 3 dc closest to your needle. This brings you to row 2. Ch 3 and do 2 dc in that corner. 3 dc in the next open space of the row below and continue across the row until you get to the next corner. Corners are made with 3 dc, ch 1 and 3 dc in the same corner space. Continue with 3dc in each open space of row below. When you get back to your starting corner, you will see the 1 st 3dc you started with. This corner has to be completed. Put 3dc and ch 1 and join with a slip stitch to the top of the 1 st dc you made in that corner. You continue in this pattern until you have 28 rows. Row 29 (the final row) can be the same or an edging row. PLEASE no tassels or hanging fringes as they get caught in the wheel chairs. Note: When changing colors in the granny square, you complete your row and break off the yard leaving a moderate tail (pull the tail thru your last stitch and pull tight). When you weave your ends in the back, you should follow the lay of the thread and pull behind the 3dc stitches it flows to. You hide your tail ends behind the 3dc stitches by going down a row each time you hide the tail. This makes the tails lie flatter and hide very well. Then cut off excess tail. When you start the next row with your new color, you start in the same corner space you just ended in. You can leave all your tails until the very end and then weave them in. By leaving them all in the same corner, it s easier at the end to work all in one area. Quick story I d like to share.. THANK YOU AGAIN FOR ALL YOUR EFFORTS YOUR ITEMS ARE INDEED A BLESSING TO MANY UNSEEN, BUT APPRECIATIVE RECIPIENTS A nurse at Good Sam told me the following, which touched me beyond words. A priest was visiting an 80+ yr. old man who was feeling VERY depressed and unloved. He had no visitors other than the priest. He proceeded to complain to Father how he felt unloved and forgotten. He also was complaining that he was always cold and never seemed to feel good. Father realized the man needed more than just to hear God s word today. He had brought some of our lap robes with him. He pulled out a bright cheerful one, blessed it, and proceeded to wrap it around the man with tender care. The effect was ASTOUNDING! The man asked, Someone made this for me? This is mine to keep? After Father assured him that it was, the man smiled, stopped complaining, felt warm and was overjoyed that someone had thought of him and made this lovely item. Most of us are blessed with families, homes and belongings. We can forget that there are those not so fortunate as to open a closet or drawer and decide on what to dress the baby in today. We have had reports of mothers who just cried when they were given the outfit to bring their baby home in. Each donated blanket has a hat and bootee set put with it. It then gets given to the mother to use while in the hospital and bring her baby home in. All our items have been received with much appreciation from the staff of all facilities as well as the recipients. Know that your items are truly appreciated and treasured. Thank you all for your generosity and time in making the baby items.

11 BABY LOVE God bless our willing hands for the benefit of Life Center (Birthright) South Side Hospital NICU Unit Island Nursing & Rehab Center THANK YOU, EVERYONE FOR YOUR TIME, EFFORT and BEAUTIFUL CREATIONS! With Love and Appreciation, DOLORES VLISMAS & ALL WHO HAVE BENEFITED