Saturday, July 25, 2009

More gifts from Judy






Many thanks to Judy from Pennsylvania, who continues to support Marine Corps Kids with an amazing assortment of hand-crafted items. Over the years Judy had donated countless toys, bibs, sweaters and sets for the babies. It's always a delight to open the packages and see all the cute things inside!

This week another box arrived from Judy. The photos here show some of the items inside. There are bib and washcloth sets, sweater and cap sets, poncho sets, and some adorable foam doorknob decorations.

Everything is beautiful! Thank you so much!

Beautiful Hats from Barbara


These gorgeous caps were made and donated to Marine Corps Kids by Barbara from New Hampshire.

The yarns are lovely - very soft, warm and pretty.

These hats are beautifully made.

I'm sure that they will be cherished by the new moms that receive them.

Thank you, Barbara!

Bundles for Baby


I wanted to post this photo so that all of our generous and dedicated donors see some of our gifts to our newborn Marine Corps Babies.

This past week I mailed out 3 large cartons filled with bundles like those photographed here. Each of these packs is a beautiful handcrafted quilt or blanket wrapped around hats, booties, sweaters, toys - an assortment of gifts in coordinating colors.

There is a card included with each gift to welcome the baby and list who made each item.

Even the yarn that is used to wrap these packages was donated to Marine Corps Kids!

Each of our donors has helped make this project possible, and each and every package that we send is filled with the love and talent that you work into your gifts. I am humbled by this outpouring of love and support towards our Military families.

Thank you!

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

CPSIA Update

Thank you to Sandie from Crafty Corral for posting updated information about the CPSIA. With an August deadline for testing approaching, charitable crafters can breath a sigh of relief. The updated guidelines allow for untreated fiber crafts for children to be donated to charitable groups with no testing required.

(updated 7-17-09) As Rita points out in the comments below - these guidelines are not law and have not been finalized - "This information was prepared by CPSC staff, has not been reviewed or approved by, and many not necessarily reflect the views of, the Commission. It may be subject to change based on Commission action."

I donate the children’s products that I make to local charities and hospitals. Can I continue to send them my handmade donations?

Yes, you can make and donate children’s products to local charities and hospitals, if they are made of exempted materials or materials that you feel confident do not contain lead (see Table B). Children’s products made of yarn, dyed or undyed fabrics and natural materials such as untreated wood or cotton do not contain lead at levels sufficient to exceed the new lead limits.

If your products are made for children 12 and under, they will need to be third‐party tested if you use paint or a similar surface coating. Products for children under 3 will need to be tested to the small parts standard if you create a product (such as a toy, puzzle or doll) that could break into small pieces when used, dropped or otherwise handled by a child.

Avoid making and donating children’s products with soft vinyl or plastic, buttons or zipper pulls, or metal jewelry or embellishment or other pieces that may exceed the lead or phthalates limits.
The complete guidelines can be found here.

To ensure that Marine Corps Kids is compliant with the proposed CPSIA requirements, please refrain from including any metal or plastic embellishments or beads, metallic threads or yarns, and/or painted surfaces when making items for donation. In lieu of buttons, thread or ribbon closures or knotted "yarn buttons" may be used.

My continued thanks go out to all of our MCK donors who continue to support our military families through their generous contributions!

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Gailya's Bibs and Bonnets




In addition to the beautiful blankets, Gailya sent these adorable bibs and bonnets.

Thank you so much, Gailya! They're wonderful!

More of Gailya's Gorgeous Quilts






I just adore quilts, so it's always a delight to open boxes from Gailya!

Here are some of her latest creations!

Gorgeous!!

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Thank you, Diane!




Diane from Ohio sent a box of handmade baby items for Marine Corps Kids.

As usual, the photos don't do justice to the talent that went into these adorable gifts!!!

The first photo shows 8 pairs of adorable knit booties. I wasn't able to capture the details in the photo very well, but they are embellished with ribbons and lace and are beyond adorable!!!

The second photo shows Diane's handmade patchwork "visual balls". I just love these! I would have no idea how to even start to make something like this, but they are so cute and colorful, and perfect for tiny baby hands.

I know that the new moms are going to love all these gifts!!! Thank you, Diane! Your generosity is appreciated!!