Holy Sews Work Day

I'm behind on my blogging. :)


About a month ago I was privileged to be able to attend a Holy Sews Work Day. I had no idea what to expect so I loaded up a bag with scissors, a rotary cutter, and plenty of snacks for Henry. Henry and I travelled to Little Rock and prepared to get to work.

Normally the work days are on Sunday afternoons. Since I have a 2+ hour drive, I would get there in time to say hi and bye before heading back out the door to make it to church on time. I was thrilled when I learned there was a scheduling conflict and the May work day would be moved.

Because it was just before Mother's Day, it was a special meeting. Several ladies told their stories of why they are involved in Holy Sews.

Some were recipients of the layettes and wanted to give something back because it meant so much to have something to put their babies in.

Others hadn't experienced loss themselves but had witnessed family members and friends go through the grieving process. They were so affected by the suffering of others that they wanted to help.

Some had children/grandchildren who were preemies or almost didn't make it and wanted to aid others in their time of hurt.

Then there were several like me. Our precious babies went home sooner than we planned and we don't want someone else to have the same experience we did.

The thing we all had in common was that we want to help. We want the grieving parents to know that someone cares. Someone somewhere believes in the sanctity of life. Someone wants to help ease their pain by giving a bit of their time.

Throughout the meeting, there was lots of cutting, measuring, folding, sewing and of course, talking. I had such a great time meeting these ladies and finally being able to put a name with a face.

Walker and Henry provided entertainment. :) Walker is a major mover and shaker in his walker. I think that boy pushed himself for miles and miles. Surely he slept well that night!


I was using a sewing machine and Henry bug sat very contently in his stroller for almost the whole 3 hours. It wasn't until I was finishing my last set for the night that he decided this wasn't the party he planned.

Stephanie's niece, Abby, and Regina's daughter, Torrie, cut ribbons and talked the whole night. I really enjoyed being a fly on the wall for some of their conversations. I think how many days of school are left was the dominating theme. :)

A few of the finished sets. When packaged together, the blankets, layette, teddy bear and card make a wonderful ensemble. Some very talented ladies lend their skills (I just sew but they create) to design beautiful one of a kind set for the smallest of babies.

Holy Sews

As many of you know, we had a still birth at 20 weeks over 3 years ago. We were totally unprepared for what to expect during Mallory's delivery and due to excessive bleeding (I had emergency surgery) we never had the opportunity to hold our precious little girl. We did get to see her and she was perfectly formed, yet incredibly tiny. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of and miss her.

sample Jodie included - the tiny boy's cap would fit on a golf ball if that gives you an idea of perspective

A friend from high school, Jodie, told me about an organization that meets in Little Rock who creates clothing for these tiny little ones. Holy Sews is a volunteer group that meets once a month. The members of the group cut out the smocks and blankets. Volunteers then take them home to sew them. They also have talented people that make hats to compliment the outfits.



Our experience with Mallory was less than idea. No one wants to lose a child but there are ways to help ease the pain. When I heard about this group I wanted to be part of it to in a small way comfort those families experiencing a loss. My desire would be that no one else is ever shown their child as though they were a specimen. No matter how small, a person is still a person.

supplies included in a kit

At a recent meeting, Jodie collected supplies so that I could become one of those people reaching out to a grieving family. She sent me a sample and two sets to complete. As I sewed the fabrics I was first taken away by how tiny they were. Most of the babies the clothing is created for are between 7 and 10 inches and weigh only a few ounces. Having been one of those families, I found myself praying for the future recipients (as I'm sure lots of volunteers do). It's one of those gifts you don't ever want to receive.

completed girl's layette and blanket

As I thought back to our own experiences I couldn't help but remember how perfectly formed Mallory was. Right from the beginning, God creates our children as just that - children. They aren't little pieces of tissue that eventually become human. They are human.

In the sample that Jodie sent, was a tiny pink bonnet. It measures only a couple of inches across. The ribbon ties are only 1/8 of an inch wide, yet it contains every detail that you would find on a normal sized baby bonnet. When I packaged everything up to be sent to the organization, I kept the bonnet. I'm not really sure how long I'll keep it.

completed boy's layette and blanket

There's something about it. I can't quite put my finger on it. It definitely reinforces the reason I'm involved with the group. It provides reassurance that other people believe that life is precious and sacred no matter how small the person is but most of all it reminds me that people care. That there really are people who care about others. I have no idea who made that bonnet. I may never met her. But, I know she cares. She cares about people like me. She gave some of her own precious time to attempt to comfort someone she doesn't even know. I also realize she will probably never read my blog, but I want to thank her. I want to thank her and everyone involved with this group and others like it. While I know that volunteers don't do this for the thank you's or praise,but I want them to know they are making a difference - even for someone whose baby went to be with the Lord over 3 years ago.