Two Forgotten Posts

There were two blog posts I planned to do in October that I just forgot about, and every time I’ve thought about them since, I haven’t had the time. So, even though the projects aren’t as relevant as I’d like, today I have the time.

I helped plan a service project in October in honor of those who will be diagnosed with breast cancer. The ladies in my ward (congregation) got together and made 50 bags belts (that's what I call them) and cards. The event was a wonderful time to visit and to serve people we don’t know but who will appreciate our efforts.

The adjustable bags belt will be worn after surgery to hold drainage bags. A patient of a surgeon I know had made something similar and felt like other patients would appreciate the convenience of this belt as she had.

The cards were given to this same doctor’s wife, who has an annual gathering for breast cancer survivors. She said the survivors were touched to have a beautiful card they could write some of their thoughts and contact information in for someone they would hopefully meet someday. The pre-written cards will be given to patients, after their diagnosis, needing a little extra support from someone who has experienced what they will yet experience.

I also wanted to show you the card that didn’t quite make the cut for the Founder’s Circle swap. But the more I look at it, the more I like it…maybe it’s the texture of the burlap ribbon or its simplicity...or both.

I hope both cards in this post will inspire some simple creativity for a day when you have the time and are near your stamps, ink, and paper.

Comments

[Michele Miller]

Shelley, would it be possible to get in contact with someone involved in this service project. I have helped a women's organisation in my local area, Zonta, when they get together each year to make support cushions for women after their breast cancer surgery.

A friend and work colleague had this surgery, double, 12 months ago ... and I remember her comments about the discomfort and weight of the drainage bags. I would very much like to share this project idea with Zonta ... to add to their community service activities.

[Karen Tenney]

I love the simplicity of the "give thanks" card!

[Roberta]

I had six of those drains after my breast cancer surgery, and those bags would have been useful and appreciated.

[Shelli]

Michele, I hope the following will help:

The supplies for the bags were all purchased in bulk from a fabric store. The belt can be made using 1" nylon (my preference) or cotton belting and is 48" long. The buckle is a 1" parachute buckle. The bags are made using cotton fabric cut into 5 1/2" wide x 6" tall pieces.

Instructions: Press and turn twice at 1/4" and hem tops. Stitch close to the top and bottom of a 4" piece of 1 1/2" grosgrain ribbon (the bags belt shown in the photo was my first attempt. I used a piece of wider grosgrain than was necessary.) to make a casing for the belt to slide through BEFORE stitching the three remaining sides together. Sew right sides together at 1/4" and turn right side out. Press again with the front side (NOT the casing side) touching the iron.

(Note: The ends of the nylon belting and the ends of the grosgrain may be melted using a soldering tool to keep the ends from fraying...saves tons of time! Use a metal ruler to keep the burnt edges straight.)