More Random Thoughts and Tips on Charity Crafting

A few days ago, I started this mini-series of posts. That first one discussed charity crafting in general and scarves for the homeless in particular.

Tonight, I've been thinking about preemie hats and blankies. When we first began our little group, we were very excited and expected the local hospitals to be clamoring for our offerings. We downloaded patterns. We made several dozen caps and jackets and pairs of booties. Then the trouble began.

In Las Vegas, we have over half a dozen good hospitals with preemie wards. It took us over a year to find one that would take what we had. We knew we could mail them to several sites we found online, but we really liked the idea of local babies being warmed by our little handmade items.

I strongly suggest that you talk with your own local preemie wards before making any caps, shirts or blankies.

What we found was this. One hospital only used hats and jackets for the little ones who didn't make it past their first days, and used them for burial outfits. Another place bought all their shirts from a supply house that made them specifically for that size. Still another had plenty of hats but thought they could use more in a year or so. Another said they couldn't use our booties because they always got lost in their laundry.

When we finally found a home for that first batch, we held off on any others. We did our homework. We have now connected with one ward that had us bring several hats over. They showed them to the preemie ward staff and they showed us which size and style they needed for their babies. They never put clothes on the babies until they are 4 pounds in weight. They also requested blankets, no bigger than a folding tray-table top, about 18x22, or thereabouts.

We have since found, also, that we need to avoid seams and knots in anything we make for preemies. Their skin is very delicate and sensitive. We also avoid any scratchy yarn. As for blankies, we avoid any pattern with holes that enable the babies to get their fingers caught.

The bottom line is that now we have a great rapport with hospital we supply when we have accumulated a stash. The best part is that we know that we are making the sizes they need and prefer, and we have no trouble with that at all.