These cute cats, pups, and elephant are just some of the hand-crafted items made by the women inmates in a prison program where I volunteer. All of the items they make go to charitable organizations in a number of nearby communities, and are sewn using materials donated by local quilters and crafters. I'm able to photograph these because I'm on the delivery team for this group.
In addition to stuffed critters, they also make puppets and other dolls for children’s service agencies. I love the Grampa puppet with his tufts of gray hair.
The women make use of the smallest fabric leftovers from their quilts to come up with snappy outfits for the puppets and dolls. And they add extra touches like yarn hair and expressive painted faces.
The program is a job assignment, so the 14 women report each day for a morning and an afternoon session, four days a week. Their quilts go to veteran’s agencies, and they make crochet hats for Salvation Army, cancer recovery programs, and children’s services. Their large fabric tote bags made from decorator weight fabrics are popular with family agencies for clients who need to carry belongings to new locations. The women like knowing that the work of their hands is going to help people in need, especially women and children in difficult circumstances. I’m always amazed to see what they come up with- they’re a very creative group! I hope you enjoy seeing what they’ve made.
6 comments:
These are amazing, and I'm so glad you were able to photograph them. The puppets are really cute and the stuffed animals will sure be loved by young children who need a bit of comfort. What a noble project and what a great way to volunteer.
That should have read "surely be loved," not "sure be loved." My brain works faster than my typing!
Nancy Bless You for your volunteer work. This is a very heartwarming project that truly touches so many lives. Sew many great pieces here and thank you for sharing.
what a win win for all involved. thank you for helping hands and sharing.
Well, I knew I was behind in reading blogs! HOW ADORABLE these are!!! And they'll make children happy somewhere! The ladies are doing a great job!!! And so nice of you to assist them in feeling good about something in their life now!!!
I know it blesses you so much to be involved in a program such as this as well as the women involved. We all have a need to give back and it looks like this one brings lots of joy to those on the receiving end.....
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