Now that the Nostalgic Mix Fair is (sadly) over, I’m trying to catch up on one or two projects – one of which is completing some book reviews. I’ve been sent some great new books that I’d like to share with you .. and offer you the chance to win as well. Thought I’d start today with a lovely book from Jade Sims of “Craft Hope”.
Craft Hope, founded by Jade Sims, is a US project which aims to share handmade gifts with those who need them. The book offers 32 projects from different designers that are designed to be fun to make, and also to give to a charity of your choice.
Each project is linked with a particular charity, most of which are US based, though I’m certain these gifts would be suitable for all sorts of charities worldwide. The book recognises that not all readers will be American and also contains helpful tips on how to give locally and globally, how to give thoughtfully and appropriately, and how to empower those you are helping.
I really love this book – the pictures are a joy, as are the stories from various charities, and it’s certainly started me thinking about helping in other ways than simply putting a donation in a collecting tin (though that’s fine too of course!). These little pups are one of my favourite projects, though there are loads to choose from – fun, modern and definitely with a hint of zakka style.
Love these baby kimonos…..
and these fleece gloves … very festive … might pop a pair in the gift box I’m making for our local appeal for Christmas boxes.
… these little dolls are one of my favourites …
Crafts include sewing, knitting, soap making, stencilling, seed balls and tie dying, so something for everyone I think. I have a copy of this book to give away and yes, I will post worldwide, so if you’d like the chance to win then please leave a comment below telling us all which charity you support (and a bit about it if you’d like). I cannot trust Ben to do the draw as his tongue is far too long and his tummy far too greedy so I will have to resort to more traditional methods of choosing a winner – and you have one week – until midnight (BST) Thursday 21 October to enter.
Sorry offer now ended.
You can still purchase the pattern by visiting Bustle & Sew
And finally … I promised a special blog reader offer for my latest pattern, the Country Gardens Applique. I’ve finished writing it up and am offering it to you at just $1.75 (that’s half price) for the next month. Just click on the button above to buy – it’s an instant download so your pdf file containing full instructions, diagrams, templates etc will be with you as soon as you’ve completed your purchase. And of course if you do have any questions or queries about the design, or any of the materials or techniques used then just contact me and I’ll be happy to help.
I really love that book. It does seem to have a good variety of things to make for all tastes. I don't support one charity particularly, but do like to make things sooner than just make donations. I have made things for cancer charities in the past and most recently have been glad to make a few things for a stall for Help for Heros, so a book like this would be both helpful and indeed most welcome.
What a lovely book and great giveaway. I support two charities first is the Dogs Trust they provide care for our canine companions. Second is Macmillan, I swear their nurses are Angels without wings, they help so many people a truely worthwhile cause..
Pene x
I love this pattern! I just bought it and printed it out so I can start! I have been waiting for the opportunity since you first posted it – Thank you for the great price!
I would love to win the book – looks great. I have never seen baby kimonos before. 🙂
I donate to "Brot für die Welt" – a christian charity http://www.brot-fuer-die-welt.de/english/index.php
And the last years I always took part in Operation Christmas Child http://www.weihnachten-im-schuhkarton.ch/index.php?id=372&L=3
In Germany this is called "Christmas in a shoebox" which I find fits better. You put together presents for a child in need and put them all in a shoebox. The last years I would do this together with my daughter and we would put together a box for a girl her age. You can specify whether the recipient should be a boy or girl and what age range – this makes it easier to choose gifts. And I think for kids it is great to relate to the whole thing. This year I wanted to do two boxes – but I am quite late.
I also have a child in Kenia that I pay the school fees for. I also exchange letters with her. It is managed through a club/ society here in Germany. http://www.harambee.de/ (The page in German only.)I do not know though whether this qualifies as a charity …?
I did 16 dolls and 2 quilts for charity in the last year. The quilts were for a benefit auction for a teenage boy with cancer, the dolls were for Dolly Donations. It's a wonderful little charity that simply aims to send toys to children in orphanages around the world, giving them comfort. There isn't a drive going on currently, but the blog says a new one should be started in November.
The book is wonderful! I loved the baby kimonos and fleece gloves. These are the charities we did last year-
gloves and mittens for Salvation Army
sewed school bags through our Church for students in need.
I work at a hospital and would love to make some of the mittens and kimonos out of the books
thanks for the giveaway.
I support the local Problem Pregnancy Center, Project Linus, chemo caps for cancer patients of all ages, soft toys for children in crisis. Would love this book so much. Thank you for sharing.
What a lovely book. I volunteer at our local hospital and rock babies in the NICU. It is so humbling and the babies are so sweet.
[email protected]
That book is gorgeous, I will have to keep my eye out for it. Unfortunately, I am in no position myself to support a charity. My own daughter has health needs and expenses that exceed my budget. If it weren't for wonderful, supportive family and friends in our own time of need we'd probably be living well below the poverty line.
I think it's really lovely of you to offer your blog readers access to your pattern at half price. You are a good soul 🙂
Sounds like an awesome book. My family and I support Operation Christmas Child, too. Some of the ideas in that book would easily fit inside a shoebox!
Wow, what a great looking book! I have just finished knitting little hats for The Big Knit which supports Age Concern, I'm on the lookout for my next charity crafting project. I recently compiled a list of charities looking for homemade goods (see my blog http://thecraftersapprentice.blogspot.com/2010/09/crafting-for-charity.html ) and will start work for some of them after the Christmas rush is over.
This book looks really good!
I support a local charity – the John Buckley Memorial Trust which was set up in aid of a much loved local doctor
Gill
I support Cancer research ……….. one in three people will be struck down by this terrible disease.
The book looks amazing!
What a lovely book! Absolutely lovely!
I support the LDS Humanitarian Services by making infant gowns that are sent to mothers with newborn babies in 3rd world countries. The mothers are given "kits" containing gowns, blankets, mitts and booties, diapers and essentials that newborne babys need. As well I support Goodwill and the Salvation Army.
That is simply a gorgeous book. I love needlecrafts of all kinds.
I regularly make things for charities including Wood Green Animal Shelters and the East Anglian Air Ambulance. I have never seen this book before so would love a copy for some new ideas.
kind regards,
Shirley
oh what a generous give-away…thank you!! i've been eyeing that book since it was first published.
i support several charities when i can, but the one closest to my heart is People serving People …an organization that mostly supports single moms and women in need…it is not just a shelter, but a great support in many ways… education, clothing, job placement services, counseling, childcare…as with any charity these days they are so hard hit by the economy and rely on volunteers and donations for all of their services.
thank you for asking! there are a number of interesting responses to your question. xx
Hi. We give to as much and as many as we can, handmade pillowcases to Konn=Kerr cancer for the children in hospitals, knitted squares for blankets to Warm up America, Cystic Fibrosis, Sav=a=pet no kill shelter, the local food pantry, there are so many that we can help, and are blessedly able to. Thanks for the giveaway, and I think you are amazing!
The book looks great; definitely a treasure. Your blog is a favorite on my list, and I read it regularly, along with the e-mails you send, devouring it all. I have never made crafts for charities, but sure do love the idea. I support "Mission of Mercy" which helps feed, clothe and educate children in India.
Many Blessings,
Pam
Hi, Wow that looks a great book and its so generous for you you to do a giveaway. I support the riding for the disabled. I have helped at their stables before and it was a truly mind opening experience. Its amazing how just spending time around horses can change peoples lives- unfortunately it is something I take for granted.
Also I try to support the Macmillian Nurses whenever I can. I agree so much with Pene they are truly amazing people.
The book looks amazing! So many amazing ideas in it.
Looks great~
Ayla
I'm back again – I already commented on the book itself. I am sorry I didn't mention anything about charities. I support a couple but the main one is called Scott Mission – in Toronto. I walked my the mission everyday on my way to school and at lunch there was always a line-up of men waiting to be fed. They also do a lot to help immigrant families – clothing, furniture, etc.
Also, my friends and I produce one hand quilted quilt every year and donate it to whatever smaller charity would like it. They can raffle it off and all we ask it to purchase some tickets.