Yesterday on my Facebook page I posted about the 2nd annual Itty Bitty Hat Drive. It has since gained a lot of momentum and there have been a lot of shares and questions. I thought it would be a good idea to sit down and write up a post here so people looking can find some solid info and such if they seek it, and to help answer some of the questions that have come in.
The first Itty Bitty Hat Drive started in September of last year. For those who have been following for a while, you will remember my post about the loss of my baby early last September. I wanted to do something meaningful in bubs memory, something that wouldn't be sad, that would be helpful to others feeling like I felt and something to keep me busy. The Itty Bitty Hat Drive was born. I picked Chance's Clothes Project (CCP here on) as the recipient, because I had sent items to them previously, respect the way they run and was blessed to receive my very own pack from them. CCP is run entirely by volunteers who donate their time, their skill, their items and their love. It is run by the most amazing Nikki, who is one of the kindest, down to earth people I have had the privileged of knowing.
The very first hat drive eventually became the CCP crafters group on Facebook, and we still run monthly optional challenges, share patterns and ideas and talk about all things relating to making items for the smallest of the small. (link in the FAQ) This group is run by myself and Lisa from Crochet Quacker
CCP currently provide bereavement packs to 13 hospitals and 1 funeral home across Australia, and that list and the requests for them just keeps growing and growing. With volunteer help the incoming requests can be filled quicker, and people will have access to these very special little packs.
Each pack contains (size appropriate) a blanket, a wrap, clothing (or a bunting/cocoon for the very small), booties, a diaper, a set of matching keepsakes and up to 3 hats/bonnets. Why so many? Babies so small grow rapidly. There is an almost 3cm head circumference difference between 16 and 18 weeks gestation alone. As all babies vary greatly in size, it is most important to have a hat in the pack that will fit. The spares parents get to hold onto and keep close. You can see photos of these packs in their Facebook Photo Albums
As you can imagine, this makes the need for hats of all sizes a large demand. Hats are also one of the easiest things to make, using the least amount of materials and are super customisable. For these reasons, I decided to focus my event around hats and bonnets, in the hopes that CCP would receive a large stockpile to keep them going.
So now you know something about the background and the charity, it's time to share the event and answer some questions.
Truth be told, I was not expecting as many people to jump on board that have so far, and probably should have included more info in the original image above. I guess that happens sometimes, and so I apologise that it wasn't all covered initially and I hope these FAQ's help clear things up for you.
FAQ!
FAQ!
Where can I find out more about Chance's Clothes Project?
I encourage you to like their Facebook page so you can keep up to date on any events and info, get to see the amazing feedback and view all their great photos. CCP share images of every donation they receive, so you know it made it there and you get to see it put into packs. It also gives you a way to get in contact with someone if you have questions or want updates.
If you would like to become a regular member and donate items you can find our craft group HERE It is a closed group and chatter is about the work we're doing for CCP. We run monthly challenges (optional) to help get the items that are needed to finish off packs done, share photos and ideas and talk patterns. Offer advice, sort out sizing and help each other as best we can.
What size hats do they need to be?
Hats can be any size from those for under 8 weeks gestation (these would fit on your fingertip) through to the size for a full term newborn baby. I have a size chart available HERE if you need a hand, but honestly any size is fine, babies come in all shapes and sizes. If you are worried about length, making a hat longer is the best way to go, the edge can always be folded up.
Do I have to crochet the hats?
Not at all! You can choose to crochet, knit or sew your hats. Some people loom them, some people use a knitting machine and others felt. You can use whichever crafting style you are most comfortable with.
Do I have to use your patterns?
Again, not at all! You are free to use whichever pattern you like to create your hats! I have a preemie related pinterest board HERE to get you started with free patterns and ideas. The colours and styles are entirely your choice,
Why do we post on the 15th Oct?
October 15th is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day (in most countries, including the US, UK and Aus). What better day to send these precious gifts and honour the memory of beautiful babies gone far too soon.
Can I send my donations to other charities?
The Itty Bitty Hat Drive was created specifically with CCP in mind. I understand there are a lot of other groups about the globe and some people would prefer to support locally. If you would like to organise your own event, I am happy to give you advice on how to do that. I am even happy to assist in creating graphics should you need them (like the image above), but I do appreciate that you don't hijack my event or copy it's name.
Do I have to send a certain number of hats?
Nope! In fact, even just one hat is perfectly fine. One or two hats may even be a cheaper alternative for international crafters as it can be sent flat in a regular envelope with a stamp, instead of a package.
I want to join in but I don't live in Australia, can I?
Absolutely you can. In fact we have some regular international contributors! But having said that I feel it is only fair to warn you that postage to Australia can be expensive. My advice would be to weigh a few hats and decide on how many you would like to make prior to starting, and going to the post office to see how much that weight parcel will cost if sent via sea mail. Sea mail is slower then air mail (sometimes up to 2 weeks slower in fact) but it is considerably cheaper.
Are there any goals?
There are no set goals because we are absolutely thrilled with any number of hats coming in. However, if you wish to make a personal goal, you are more then welcome to do so. If you want to share your goal, or share images of the items you have made to donate you are more then welcome to leave links to the images and state goals below. I am also happy to have you share any images on my Facebook page MammaThatMakes After all, we just love seeing how creative everyone is getting!
Myself personally, I am aiming for 50 hats. I'll be sharing my progress on Facebook as well.
Can I share this with my local craft group?
Yes indeed! If you want to print out the image and address you are more then welcome to share the event with your local crafting groups! The more the merrier.
Where do I post my hats to?
You can post your hats to the below address. If you would like to include a small piece of paper letting us know they are from the hat drive that would be fantastic!
Chance's Clothes Project
c/- Cowra Neighbourhood Centre
15 Vaux St
Cowra NSW 2794
I don't have a crafty bone in my body, but I want to help. Are there other ways?
Of course! First, simple word of mouth about the charity or the event would be amazing. You can share this post on social media networks and with friends and family. Some people choose to purchase preemie sized beanies from stores and post them in. Others send donations of yarn or fabric so CCP can pass it on to local crafters to make items with. The choice is entirely yours.
Of course! First, simple word of mouth about the charity or the event would be amazing. You can share this post on social media networks and with friends and family. Some people choose to purchase preemie sized beanies from stores and post them in. Others send donations of yarn or fabric so CCP can pass it on to local crafters to make items with. The choice is entirely yours.
I think that answers most of the questions we've had so far. If you have any more at all, feel free to drop me a line on here, via email or via Facebook. I'll do my absolute best to help you out wherever possible. Thankyou for taking the time to read this lengthy post, and as always, have a gentle day <3
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