At a recent Sewtopia Sewing Club, Wendy P., area coordinator for Operation Christmas Child presented a few of her surprisingly simple sewn gifts that she donates to be included in 1,000’s of boxes that are shipped to over 100 countries for Christmas.
These amazing sewn projects include games, hats, doll quilts, dresses, knit headbands, and drawstring bags that are tucked into Christmas sized shoe boxes for children around the world.
Wendy’s love of sewing has become a passion within her cause. The week prior to Thanksgiving, Operation Christmas Child goes into high gear as they finalize packing shoe boxes to be shipped.
When Wendy bought a serger practically just for this part of her life, I had to see what she was making! “Everything is sewn faster on a serger!” Wendy states. I agree. If you want to speed up any sewing operation, switch over to using a serger for the main construction seams. Work in an assembly line formation and put your foot full speed ahead.
This dress, made from a child’s tank top and a man’s or woman’s button down shirt, is a perfect example of an awesome gift. Simply cut the tank top’s hem line off at the appropriate length. Cut the top of the button down shirt below the pocket. Sew the button front closed and then gather the top of the adult shirt to fit the tank top. Done!
Use the cut off tank top edge to make matching head bands or scrunchies or other embellishments for the dresses. Stitch down a decorative ribbon for added interest.
If giving a doll, think about including a small doll quilt. This two layer quilt has no batting and is easy to pack and gives the child something to cuddle with as well as to wrap the doll for comfort. Simple stitching and patchwork with left over fabrics is the perfect combination. Just stitch and turn to finish the edges.
Create a paper note book sized drawstring bag to give children a place to keep and carry their gifts once the box has been used. Simple patterns can be found all over the Internet. Shown: Fleece drawstring bag and a no-sew fleece hat
Smaller drawstring bags can contain marbles such as this bag. This bag was used from a cut off hem of a previous project and the drawstring was run through the EXISTING hem to close it! Only a side and bottom of the bag needed to be serged.
Tic tac toe boards can be made from felt and sewn or glued lines can be placed.
Now there are tons of no-sew items that can be accomplished as well that would be thoroughly enjoyed by a child. Anything made with fleece can help cut down sewing time greatly with the effects of the fabric not fraying once it is cut.
Families are encouraged to pack a shoe box with small toys, school supplies, something cuddly, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap and other fun games and activities. Pick an gender (boy or girl) and then pick an age group: 2-4, 5-9 or 10-14. Boxes do not need to be an actual shoe box, but can be anything strong in that general size. Pay and print a label from the website so you can track your box. Include a letter and a picture of your family for an extra personal touch. And pray. Prayer can take this simple gift and turn it into something extra special.
Follow the following links to other creative ideas such as Operation Christmas Child’s Pinterest boards for other craft ideas and to Samaritans Purse to learn more about their operation and how to pack a shoe box.
Thank you Wendy for taking time with our Sewtopia Sewing Club members and for sharing your love with sewing to Heirloom Creations’ YouTube audience.
Operation Christmas Child Pinterest Boards for Extra Gift Ideas
