Heirloom Preemie Sewing Patterns for Charity

Heirloom Sewing

Heirloom sewing is a special technique in sewing. This type of sewing mimics the French style of the early 1800s. This style of sewing involved intricate handiwork that few artisans today have time to master. Over the past three decades, however, sewing enthusiasts have come to understand that they could use today’s technologies for this type of sewing. They use high-end sewing machines and pre-made trims.

Most people would think of christening gowns if they were to see heirloom sewing. This needlework involves using ribbons, lace, and special trims to sew elaborate white dresses for babies. Many women would spend hours and hours on these heirloom pieces. The work is less time-consuming today, but still requires a great deal of attention to detail.

Charity Sewing for Preemies

Charity sewing is something women have done for ages. At one time, they did it as part of their routine lives. They made sweaters and booties and hats for the babies of people who could not afford their own. Now, though, charity sewing has become a much more involved process. Groups get together to craft for charity, such as in the AIDS quilt project, and many churches and other civic groups hold crafting sessions for charity organizations.

Identifying a Cause

Charity sewing typically happens for a reason. In the case of preemie sewing, charity crafters would team up with an organization, such as the March of Dimes, or a local hospital and make sweaters, booties, and hats. They then sell these pieces to other parents and use the money they earn to donate to the charity.

Giving Directly to Preemies

Some of the charity sewing done for preemies goes directly to the babies. Some people are interested in making blankets designed for preemies, for example. These blankets are smaller than the average baby blanket and work nicely. Some people also may want to sew heirloom pieces for preemies. These babies can wear these beautiful gowns home from the hospital, and they will fit the preemie instead of being far too big.

Individual Charity Sewing

While being part of a larger group can be exciting, it is not the only way to give back. You can make your own preemie heirloom pieces and give them to families you know or contact individual doctors about providing them for their babies. You also can make heirloom pieces and sell them at online auctions, giving any proceeds to charity. Another option would be to sell these pieces through local children’s boutiques as many of the smaller stores will consider using local crafters.

Heirloom Preemie Sewing Patterns for Charity

These types of heirloom preemie pieces are absolutely magnificent works of art. Heirloom sewing, whether done by hand or machine, is a beautiful craft. Women who put together these types of preemie outfits are working to give these babies an elegant piece of clothing.

Finding Patterns

Heirloom preemie sewing patterns for charity are available through many Web sites. Some sites make non-gown patterns, such as baby hats available for free.

These are just some of the sites making preemie sewing patterns available online:

• Heirlooms for Children: Nancy Coburn has a wide array of heirloom sewing projects available. They include patterns for both boys and girls.
• Touching Little Lives: This site has patterns for sleepers, blankets, and hankies as well as pouches for preemies who do not survive.
• Smocking Store: This site offers christening gown patterns.
• Bev’s Country Cottage: Bev Qualheim offers patterns for all types of clothing for preemies.

Heirloom sewing for preemies can be an incredibly satisfying way to give something to babies in need.

Additional LoveToKnow Resources

To learn more about how you can help premature babies, visit LoveToKnow Baby.