Dolly Donations Supports The UTHANDO PROJECT

I wanted to tell you about the need for hand made dolls for the Children of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

“KwaZulu Natal (KZN) is home to one quarter of South Africa’s children. ....2/3... live in poverty and 1.5 million are younger than six. The HIV and AIDS pandemic affects everyone ….. When one in five children has already lost one or both parents to the AIDS, the care-giving capacity of families is stretched and at times overwhelmed.

Through play children have the opportunity to experience delight and to unleash their imagination. They may also express their grief and loss, and come to better understand things that trouble or confuse them. One grandmother may have up to a dozen children in her care….”

“Play begins with the making of the dolls. Love is embedded in these handmade dolls, which carry with them the warm intention of the best possible outcomes for the child."

You can read more about the amazing work they are doing and see photos of the dolls HERE

What they are looking for:

• They have collected 40,000 but need Thousands more handmade “African style” dolls
•  Dolls must have a brown skin tone, be firm, well filled and cuddly, with colorful clothing.
• Dolls with removable clothing need at least 3 items of clothing. Shoulder bags, beads, shawls and other decorations are all welcome!

WHERE TO SEND 

TREE,
PO BOX 35173,
NORTHWAY 4065
SOUTH AFRICA

It is essential to mark each parcel / box so that extra charges are avoided:

"HANDMADE DOLLS FOR DISTRIBUTION TO CHILDREN IN KWAZULU-NATAL.

NO COMMERCIAL VALUE"

Please advise Terry Kass ; her email is terry@tree-ecd.co.za with details of what you have sent and date.

♥


They have drop off locations for people in Australia only  (go here for the list) but  please phone contact person before making deliveries.

♥


Hugs and Happy Sewing!

♥

Read more...

Newsletter July: Blogs to Love!

Free Patterns From Sue!!

Sue from Miracles Happen contacted me a while back and offered to share with me some beautiful patterns for us all to use here at Dolly Donations. They are wonderful and great additions to our growing collection!  Sue uses them to model items for her charitable free patterns on her website Miracles Happen for a newborn baby's early needs.  Please drop by and check out all the wonderful things she and her friends have been making for babies in need.

Here are a few of the fabulous crochet ones I posted recently!

Thanks Sue, you’re a Star!

...And Another Blog to Love!

I stumbled across this fabulous blog, The Toy Society. I am sure some of you have already heard of it, but I was in the dark, and I just LOVE what they are doing!

“The Toy Society spreads love throughout the streets of the world. Nothing to it really just a bunch of handmade toys looking for a nice home.”

That’s it … people from around the world make toys and ‘drop’ them off in places where children will find them. What a lovely idea! Spreading a little love to kiddie winks you’ll never meet ….. ♥

The blog is wonderful, filled with’ drop off’ photos/stories and then some ‘found’ stories as well! Why not check it out!


.... oh and Everyone likes Free Tutorials!

My Dolly Donations Tutorial was featured on the fabulous blog, Totally Tutorials! Horay!

I love the blog, it's filled with great free tutes & ideas from very crafty clever people all over the web.

Rhythm of the Home's Free Waldorf Inspired Doll!

A lovely Blog, Rhythm of the Home, filled with fun crafty tutes with the the themes of Warmth, Celebration, Play, and Connection, has come out with a very easy Free Waldorf Dolly. She has such sweet accessories too! A doll bonnet and dress.

Have you joined in the Party?  - Blog Link Parties!

Thank you to everyone who has been sharing your finished dolls in Link Parties around the web!
It really helps spread the word!

Another Blog Award for Dolly Donations!

Dolly Donations has been given the Sunshine Award from Agnes at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom!

Horay! Thanks so much! I am very chuffed!

I hope everyone had a fantastic month!

Take care and Happy Sewing!

Read more...

Craft Hope : Gives Me Hope!

I was just referred to this fabulous group of crafters by a friend, and I’m blown away by how wonderful and supportive they are!

'Craft Hope is a love inspired project designed to share handmade crafts with those who need them. It is our hope to combine our love for crafting and desire to help others into a project to make a difference around the world.’

Filled with free patterns and always with an active donation drive (their current one is making scarfs for the orphan foundation) they give hope not only to other crafters out there that their dreams to help others can come true, but to those so desperately in need.

Please check them out!

Read more...

Have a Pillow Case? Make a Dress!

My wonderful sister-in-law sent me to the site ‘Little dresses for Africa’

I love it. What a worthy cause!

Here is the link to their easy-peasy Pillow Case Dress.

They also accept ‘Britches for boys’. Any simple ‘small size’ style is accepted with an elastic waist.

Not much out there in free child short patterns, but I did find this fab tutorial (with a video too!) to make pants at Rookie Moms from a t-shirt, looks so much simpler than I imagined!! Just make them shorter, so they are not too hot.

I love their quote:    "We’re not just sending dresses, we’re sending HOPE!"

Ok I am off to look through my cupboards for pillow cases and t-shirts!!

Happy Sewing!

Read more...