Sew Blessed

I went for my daily walk this morning, and I was just in awe at the beauty of creation and nature all around me. There was a heavy frost on the ground, but the sky was a brilliant blue, and the sun was just rising, casting golden sparkles. The colours were just breathtaking. I am always amazed at the beauty all around me, and its all the handiwork of an awesome Creator and God. How kind of him to create wonders and beauties for us to enjoy and love.

As I was walking, I really caught a desire to bless these children with beauty. Alot of the children I met in Indonesia don't live in very beautiful places, and their clothes are tatty and worn. I don't want to just make clothes for them, I want to make beautiful clothes and items. I want to make things that are special, and have been made with love, care and attention. I want these children to feel beautiful and special when they wear these clothes, or hug that toy, and I want them to see the beauty in this world.

I wanted to share some of my excitement with you about the first dress I have made. I was amazed at how quick and easy it was to make, and I just love how it has turned out. The bright yellow is just gorgeous, and I love the funky strip at the bottom.

Would you believe that this dress came from a cotton curtain I found at the Op Shop? I've chopped it all up and made two dresses from it. I can't wait to see a beautiful little girl wearing it someday.

I've also been blessed by some beautiful fabric that has come my way, which will be perfect for dresses, shorts and blankets.

God is always so good to provide us with what we need, and to bring people across our path at just the right time. It's always so exciting!

So, be blessed and encouraged by the beauty all around you. It may just be a flower you passed on your way to work, or a smile from a friend. Be blessed!

"A faith-based mission dedicated to blessing orphaned children in South East Asia through clothes and handmade items."

:The Background:

In 2007, I spent two months in Borneo and West Papua doing missionary work. We lived in remote villages, in amongst the locals, and helped them in anyway that we could. We slashed paddocks for rice crops, we taught english in schools, we preached in churches, and prayed over people who needed healing. It was the most amazing 2 months of my life.

In amongst these, and other things, we also were able to help out at an orphanage in Pontianak, Borneo. We repainted some rooms, helped to repair the old leaky roof, and played with the children. My heart was opened to these beautiful children, and not just the children from this particular orphanage, but to each child I met during my time in Indonesia. Alot of them were living in terrible poverty, yet their faces shone with hope and happiness. These beautiful children changed my life, and I've wanted to find some way to help and bless them for so long now. These kids deserve every good thing in this world, and hopefully we can show them the love of God, and make a small difference in their life.

:The Vision:

I feel that God has placed an idea, a vision in my heart, and that is to bless these children with handmade gifts and love. I want to make pretty dresses, shorts, blankets, skirts, singlets, dolls and toys, and then bundle them all up and deliver them personally to the children that need them most. I know this simple act of giving handmade clothes, blankets and toys will mean so much to them, and will be such a blessing to their hearts, and I want to see their faces when they recieve these blessings, and share in their joy.

I am so excited about making these beautiful items, for these beautiful kids, and sharing God's love with them. I hope that you may catch my vision and dream, and join me in this important mission of giving to others.

:How you can help:

If you feel touched to join me, there are a number of ways you can help.

1. Make something! Can you sew? Brilliant! We are making simple items of clothing and blankets, that can easily be made by someone with limited experience on a sewing machine. Please see some of the links on our sidebar for patterns and tutorials. Or come up with your own ideas and make something. Perhaps you aren't a sewer, but you knit or crochet - fantastic! Knitted blankets for babies, and knitted toys and booties are perfect. Get your friends involved, and spread the word. If you need some ideas, or have questions, please contact me.

2. Donate items! Do you have some old (but clean!) pillowcases, sheets or fabric lying around that you no longer want? Or perhaps your local Op Shop has a great stash of items? Please feel free to send them in, and we can make clothes, blankets and dolls from them. We do prefer 100% cotton (due to the warm climates the items will be going to,) but Polycotton is fine too. We also need thread (for sewing machines,) and more elastic.

3. Give financially! Perhaps you can't sew, but you still want to help out. Donations of money are gratefully accepted, and will go towards purchasing fabric and thread, and the airfare to deliver these items personally.

Please contact me if you have any questions at all. I'm happy to help!