14 Jan 2011

Hope Softies


Thank you so very, very much to all those wonderful souls who have contributed to this drive! Hope Softies has now closed.

A giant merçi to the lovely ladies who have contacted me already to make a wee softie for a munchkin whose lost everything as a result of the Queensland floods. At present there are literally thousands of Queenslanders making emergency shelters their home. It is highly probable that they will be there for quite some time as the water slowly subsides and electrical checks are done on their homes. Then the mammoth task of cleaning them up begins.

All I ask of you to is make one small softie (or oodles if you like!!!) to provide a child in these shelters a small comfort and hope that people are rallying behind them....that the world is a good place. They don't need to be grand and small enough to pop in a bag and conserve vital space. This would be merely an afternoons job for you that would provide immeasurable comfort!

There are a bazillion free dolly and softie patterns on this giant technical spider web but have a look here and here for a few ideas. And thanks to jennadesigns for this link too.


Please leave a comment with your email address expressing your desire to help so I can send you my address (we are quite close to one of the main shelters so I can deliver them as they arrive) and take this my little "Hope Softies" button and display it on your blog with a link back here to encourage others to jump on board.

Also, don't forget the brilliant sales and auctions taking place to raise money. Mine's here and she's a beauty!! And if you're not a softie maker but a quilter please offer your talents to the ever amazing Corrie of retromummy"s Quilts for Queensland drive!

Thanks so much for your support! My heart aches with the magic of this blogging community!! x x

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97 comments:

  1. Sophie Isobel14 January 2011 at 09:46

    This is such a beautiful idea! I would love to make one! My email address is sophieisobeldesigns(at)hotmail.com
    Thank you so much for organising this!
    Sophie x

    ReplyDelete
  2. zigsma14 January 2011 at 10:25

    Please count me in! My email is:

    zigsma@gmail.com

    Poor little ones. Not being at home must be terribly scary and confusing for them.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Maxabella14 January 2011 at 10:34

    If I could find one speck of time, I would do this. I would take my hopeless sewing hands and give it a go. But, alas, I cannot spare the time (I actually need to get off the blog and get back to work!). But I think what you are doing is fabulous and important. x

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  4. Jennie14 January 2011 at 10:58

    Brilliant idea here Steph!
    I have a few dolls/softies for you to take in. We are moving to NSW next week, so I will have to send them asap! (before the shipping company pack up all our stuff)
    So glad you guys are all okay.XX

    jennie.alittlevintage@gmail.com

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  5. Natasha14 January 2011 at 13:26

    HI, I'd love to help out! You can email me at info@piperandlily.com.au

    Thanks!

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  6. Kristin14 January 2011 at 13:30

    this is a fantastic idea. I popped over here from your comment at 'Meet me at Mikes'. I'd love to make a couple of Softies to donate. My email is hellofallow(at)yahoo.co.nz

    Kristin.

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  7. willywagtail14 January 2011 at 14:36

    I didn't know if I had the energy to do anything but last night things just went together. I've drawn a simple design and found the fabric so please count me in too. It may take a week or so though.My email is
    cherriedot1000atyahoodotcomdotau
    Cherrie

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  8. Jennadesigns14 January 2011 at 14:56

    Please count me in too. My e-mail is jennadesigns@gmail.com

    Thanks!

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  9. Sarah@Dolls And Daydreams14 January 2011 at 14:59

    Wonderful idea Steph!

    I’ve blogged about it here: http://dollydonations.blogspot.com/2011/01/help-children-of-queensland-floods.html

    Facebooked, tweeted etc, I really hope I can help get the word out!

    I know everyone in the Dolly Donations community will love to help.

    Take care, Sarah

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  10. Jennadesigns14 January 2011 at 15:00

    http://www.bitofwhimsydolls.com/category/FREE_Patterns_Try_Me_Out_/c50

    Here is a link to some great softies... excellent patterns. These are free, but I've purchased others and they are very well done!

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  11. Little Puddles14 January 2011 at 15:02

    Hi! I'd love to help out! My email is nat@littlepuddles.com.au

    Thank you so much for organising this!

    Nat x

    ReplyDelete
  12. melissa14 January 2011 at 15:06

    Great idea Steph, ive got a little dolly here that needs finishing off so i will do that and pop her in the post! wayneandlou@westnet.com.au

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  13. CurlyPops14 January 2011 at 15:23

    I may not be able to help straight away Steph, but I definitely want to try - count me in!
    Cam x
    mscurlypops (at) gmail (dot) com

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  14. claire14 January 2011 at 15:41

    I will! littletweetheart@gmail.com
    Lovely idea Steph!

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  15. megsie14 January 2011 at 16:19

    I have some little gnomes ineed of a new home. My email is pint@netspace.net.au

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  16. m.e (Cathie)14 January 2011 at 19:18

    fabulous Steph!
    I wish I could but I have never made one before. if inspiration strikes I will let you know.
    goodluck ♥

    ReplyDelete
  17. Cate14 January 2011 at 19:33

    Yes - I will help. (visiting from mira narnie)
    keepcatebusy@gmail.com

    I'll do my best this weekend
    xxxCate

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  18. Christina14 January 2011 at 20:28

    Count me in. I'd love to add a softie to your thoughtful efforts. I've been baking Anzac biscuits tonight, for hubby to take with him when he volunteers tomorrow in the clean up effort, with his ute, sump pump and generator. I've been bottling up water, gathering garbage bags and old tea towels and trying to think what else to pack for him tomorrow while I look after our little one.

    christina-lowry@hotmail.com

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  19. Bron6614 January 2011 at 21:01

    I'd like to help too! My email is: bgellie@gmail.com I have a couple of things made already but will make some more, Bron

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  20. Mogs Designs14 January 2011 at 21:06

    Wonderful, count me in
    mogsdesigns@yahoo.com.au

    Thanks for organising this, have a great weekend
    Melissa

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  21. Cindy14 January 2011 at 21:19

    Anything to light up a small face!!
    I'd love to make one.
    kissthebirdie@hotmail.com

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  22. Sandra I14 January 2011 at 21:43

    I'd love to help too!

    sandra (at) eagerhands (dot) com (dot) au

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  23. jewelsbylamplight14 January 2011 at 22:26

    Please add me to your list - I have some dollies already made to send for the children in need in Queensland. Let me know how else I can help. vinsdotter5@gmail.com

    Jan xx

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  24. babygalah14 January 2011 at 22:45

    Please count me in, this is a really lovely idea.
    My email address is babygalah@hotmail.com
    Cheers, Dee x

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  25. Mary14 January 2011 at 23:27

    Hi, please also count me in. I have felt so helpless watching the devastation in QLD, whilst sitting in comfort watching TV. I'd love to do something to help, no matter how small.

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  26. Heather C15 January 2011 at 00:32

    I would love to send a softie (or two) ! my email is snoodlestudio(at)gmail.com

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  27. Tawnya15 January 2011 at 05:29

    I would love to help. tawnyavern@msn.com
    I'm coming from dollydonations. I live in an area of the midwestern US that was severely flooded 3 years ago, and recovery is so slow. Would be honored to help a child or two during this hard time.

    ReplyDelete
  28. sue15 January 2011 at 08:38

    Lovely idea - only too happy to join in - I want to cry when I think of how distressed the little ones must be.
    sue.garrard@internode.on.net

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  29. Maxabella15 January 2011 at 08:40

    I can't make a softie, but I've put your button in my sidebar and in my post today. xx

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  30. Rachel15 January 2011 at 09:14

    I personally can not sew... but I know there are many sewers in my etsy team... I am going to pass this post to them... Im sure some of them would love to help...

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  31. Posie Patchwork15 January 2011 at 09:20

    Super wonderful work Steph, some very lucky Queenslanders will be getting lots of handmade softie goodness soon. I'm doing auctions, raffles, donations & my husband is up there doing recoveries, but will spread the word. Love Posie

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  32. Michelle15 January 2011 at 11:55

    I would love to be involved. my email is Michelle@poppybeanandbloss.com.au

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  33. Rustic Tarts15 January 2011 at 12:14

    Yes I have some dollies here ready to go - is it OK if some are a bit bigger than the ones you have pictured? My email address is:
    rustictarts@mcqueen.net.au
    Thanks
    Christina

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  34. Ames and Tash15 January 2011 at 12:19

    This a lovely idea and will bring a smile to many children that need it right now. Count me in and I will see if anyone in my craft group would like to participate too. Ames

    letgirepapillon@gmail.com

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  35. Tammi15 January 2011 at 12:20

    I'm in...I think this is a fantastic idea.
    littlepoppa1@gmail.com

    Will try and get a few into the post by the end of next week :)

    x

    ReplyDelete
  36. Squiggly Rainbow15 January 2011 at 13:26

    Hello Steph, thanks so much for your kindness. I would love to contribute something handmade - we are moving in 2 weeks and I have packed most craft bits - so it may be a month away. Here is my email address anyway...

    squigglyrainbow at hotmail dot com

    Thanks again
    Rachael

    ReplyDelete
  37. Catherine15 January 2011 at 17:23

    I've been stuck in a softie making rut of late, but this is a pretty good reason to try and get out of it...
    pencilsandpins_at_gmail_dot_com

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  38. Becky15 January 2011 at 20:23

    Yes Please :)

    beckyetal at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  39. Catherine15 January 2011 at 21:32

    I would love to help out Steph and have started sewing up a couple of softies to give to little ones. My email is ATimetoCreate@optusnet.com.au

    Thank you for starting such a wonderful drive xo

    ReplyDelete
  40. ottomania15 January 2011 at 22:58

    My heart is heavy for those in the flooded areas. Thanks for organising a small way to help. I am needing your address please. hegamo at xtra dot co dot nz

    ReplyDelete
  41. Serendipitychild16 January 2011 at 05:22

    I would really like to do this, but I live in the UK, can I still take part?
    Email is:
    helen_fisher at hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  42. Handmade homegrown16 January 2011 at 08:04

    I have been making dolls this weekend and would love to donate a couple. Thankyou for organising this toy drive :)
    email adddress
    mlen02@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  43. Tracey16 January 2011 at 09:14

    Hi Steph, would love to make a little doll - just got a softies book out from the library and can think of no better way to try out the patterns.
    bountifully1@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  44. Jody Herbert16 January 2011 at 14:53

    I'd love to make some sofites to cheer a few kids up! Count me in.

    ReplyDelete
  45. Leah16 January 2011 at 15:50

    Happy to help! I have two ready to go.
    leahdis@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  46. nicole16 January 2011 at 16:18

    hey steph!
    i'd love to help out as long as knitted softies are ok?
    what a great idea!
    xox

    ReplyDelete
  47. Ali16 January 2011 at 16:24

    Hi Steph
    lovely idea - please count me in:
    ali@jellygnite.com

    ReplyDelete
  48. Jenny16 January 2011 at 17:54

    Great idea, I'll see what I can do.
    I will post about it on my blog too, lots of people are looking for ways to help.

    ReplyDelete
  49. Renae16 January 2011 at 19:54

    I'd like to try and help - a bit up and down with my pregnancy but if I'm well next weekend I shall help!

    renaej at gmail dot com

    Great idea!

    ReplyDelete
  50. Tina16 January 2011 at 22:22

    Hi Steph. I just found you through the lovely Maureen at Daydream Living. Your softie drive has brought tears to my eyes, what a wonderful idea! If I can catch up with making my garlands I would love to make a softie for your Hope Softies ~ Tina x

    email: tmrubie@gmail.com

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  51. Denise16 January 2011 at 23:31

    Hello,
    I would love to make a Steiner dolly for a child.
    My email is; joyinmyfeet@aapt.net.au
    Thanks for organising this lovely idea

    ReplyDelete
  52. val17 January 2011 at 06:19

    Hi Steph,
    I would love to help and have two ready made and ready to post my email is
    allen.val@googlemail.com
    my blog is
    http://blog.bellabag.co.uk
    Thanks for organizing this,
    love Val xx Oxfordshire UK

    ReplyDelete
  53. dilemmalouzer17 January 2011 at 08:12

    what a fantastic idea, I'd love to be involved. My email address is dillemmalou(at)yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  54. MadCraftyMama17 January 2011 at 10:07

    What a gorgeous idea! My email is bronwynbeazley(at)gmail.com

    I have blogged and Facebooked this idea as well, so hopefully you get a few extra softies!

    ReplyDelete
  55. Rachel17 January 2011 at 10:22

    I would love to be involved! My email address is rachel@thetwowindmills.com. Thanks for organising this.

    ReplyDelete
  56. Rachael Kearley17 January 2011 at 11:49

    Hi there, I think what you're doing is amazing and I would love to help! rachael.kearley@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  57. marieka17 January 2011 at 14:40

    Hi :)

    I would love to be involved. I have currently made 5 dolls and plan to make at least another 7. It would be great to have a place to post them to!
    bespokebites@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  58. Mon @ bpab18 January 2011 at 08:33

    Hi Steph,
    Great idea!
    I'll be posting about this today on the rainbow blog. We are celebrating the colour yellow this month, so your softies button is perfect!
    Plus I've been calling out for anyone wanting to get involved in the rainbow comfort packs for kids who have been affected by the floods.
    Your softies drive is a perfect match.
    x
    http://beyondpinkandblue.blogspot.com/2011/01/sunshine-for-our-sunshine-state.html

    ReplyDelete
  59. Jo18 January 2011 at 12:36

    I would love to be involved. I currently have a few softies in the stash that need a home and I plan to do some more sewing later in the week. My email is madebythreebs(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  60. Cammie@Flutterbys and Frogs18 January 2011 at 12:42

    I shall see what I can do! I found your blog today and love it by the way! Say hello to your newest follower! :)
    Love and Blessings
    Cammie

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  61. naomi18 January 2011 at 12:56

    fantastic!
    please email me with more details
    omicreates{at}optusnet{dot}com{dot}au

    ReplyDelete
  62. Treann18 January 2011 at 16:15

    Hi Steph, I would love to help, I am a big softie fan and love making them, I will be only too happy to help. Kind Regards, Treann.
    treann@internode.on.net

    ReplyDelete
  63. Bek19 January 2011 at 07:58

    Thanks for organising this! I would love to contribute. My email is redchocolate@ymail.com

    ReplyDelete
  64. Lauren19 January 2011 at 11:23

    I'd love to sew a softie. Thanks so much for organising this. x owletmama@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  65. Paula19 January 2011 at 17:52

    This really touches my heart...I finally received Hillary's book for Christmas and just this week I bought all the materials to make my baby girl her first doll! I've been imagining how much she's going to love it. But I couldn't ignore your appeal. I'd be willing to donate one to this cause. Count me in. My email is paula (dot) titel at gmail. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  66. Whisperingdragon20 January 2011 at 07:03

    When is the deadline? I would like to send a doll.

    Email: whisperingdragon32 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  67. Maree Rose20 January 2011 at 07:37

    Great minds think alike...

    www.littleraysunshine.blogspot.com

    I hope a truckload of softies come your way!

    ReplyDelete
  68. Retro Bird20 January 2011 at 20:57

    Hey Steph,

    I'd love to help. My email address is retrobird@bigpond.com

    Lots of Love,
    Mel xx

    ReplyDelete
  69. Eliza20 January 2011 at 21:39

    I have some already made you can have. eliza@elizasart.com

    Thanks for doing this :)

    ReplyDelete
  70. REread20 January 2011 at 21:40

    me too ... address is mantahay@yahoo.com.au ... thanks :)

    ReplyDelete
  71. BettsyKingston20 January 2011 at 21:41

    Happy to help, just send me your address and I will make some up. bettsykingston@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  72. vicki20 January 2011 at 22:04

    My mum used to make rag dolls, I will send in what she has left over :)

    fallenvstar@hotmail.com

    thanks Vicki

    ReplyDelete
  73. Bobishi21 January 2011 at 09:01

    hi! I'd like to join in:)
    THanks!
    bobish45@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  74. ecoMILF21 January 2011 at 19:48

    Such an amazing idea Steph! I have just donated to the relief Fund and added my name to MiraNarni's pay it forward list so she will sew one up for me! Thank you to her and you! xo m.

    ReplyDelete
  75. Miss Sew & So21 January 2011 at 22:17

    i am new to your blog via tina @ rubies place...

    i think you are just wonderful...i have 3 children and i know my 5 year old would love nothing more than a softie after losing all of hers in something as devastating as the floods australia is facing...

    as an aussie family living in the countryside in england our hearts have been breaking watching footage of so many families at home....people like you make all the difference...

    i have written about you in my post today-if you have a moment i'd love you to read it....we've not known one another through blogging at all...but i think you are amazing...

    thank you on behalf of all the people you have encouraged to do something small that means so much , and is very big in a childs life...

    melissa x

    mrsea321@gmail.com

    i am going to make some now before scholl pick-up

    ReplyDelete
  76. Stephanie22 January 2011 at 00:37

    I have some dollies I just made that I would love to send.

    sbasker_mk@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  77. Anonymous22 January 2011 at 07:25

    I would like to help make some dolls. How about pillowcase dresses for these girls too?

    grammasandy3@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  78. laura.kathryn22 January 2011 at 08:43

    I would love to help!
    Please send me your address so I can mail some sweet dollies to you!

    laura.kathryn@comcast.net

    ReplyDelete
  79. Brenda23 January 2011 at 09:41

    Hello Steph. I think what you are doing will bring a smile to so many faces!
    Could you send me your address so I can post something to you!

    redstitchdesigns@bigpond.com

    Love Brenda

    ReplyDelete
  80. Little Sabine23 January 2011 at 14:51

    Oui, i will definitely help out

    littlesabine(at)hotmail.co.nz

    Bisous,
    Ali & Sabine

    ReplyDelete
  81. Fourth Daughter23 January 2011 at 14:59

    Good on you, lovely idea! Just letting all the ladies know there are lots of other ways to help out if they are not craftily inclined, we've blogged about a few ideas here: http://peppermintmag.com/a-flood-of-kindness/
    I'm sure all the kids who get softies will treasure them!

    ReplyDelete
  82. Hot Fudge23 January 2011 at 15:48

    If your house is not inundated with softies, I'd love to contribute Steph. Please send me your address and I'll have something in the post for you.

    x
    Robyn
    ignatiushouse@ozemail.com.au

    ReplyDelete
  83. BusyBsewBiz24 January 2011 at 08:34

    Since I first read your post I've been working on a Softie for this but I wasnt sure if I would have time to get one finished, but I finished her last night. Could you tell me where to send her? I hope it's not too late now.

    ReplyDelete
  84. edward and lilly24 January 2011 at 11:50

    Hey Steph, this is awesome! Thanks so much for your work on this, I'd love to contribute a few softies, email me your address and I'll pop them in the post rebecca@edwardandlilly.com

    ReplyDelete
  85. Cleo24 January 2011 at 16:22

    Thanks so much for organising this. Please email me at prairieofprax(at)yahoo.com.au

    ReplyDelete
  86. Cassiescuddles24 January 2011 at 22:02

    Great idea. Count me in. could you send your address to my email? Thanks, and Godbless. cassie@hoodfamily.org.au

    ReplyDelete
  87. candice26 January 2011 at 09:48

    i would love to help out - please contact me on mailmoomi@gmail.com
    thanks so much :)
    regards, candice x

    ReplyDelete
  88. norma26 January 2011 at 15:12

    Hi ,i have 3 softies ready to send to you....aminya8@spin.net.au...great thing you are doing ...norma:)

    ReplyDelete
  89. Lotti x26 January 2011 at 23:27

    I'd love to help with this - am fairly new to sewing, but received an amazing sewing machine for Christmas and am keen to use it for some worthwhile projects :)

    My email address is lotti_02(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  90. Cat28 January 2011 at 14:59

    Hi - I would love to help... let me know what I need to do :-) Cat

    ReplyDelete
  91. Elli31 January 2011 at 14:53

    Hello!
    Ive just hosted a 'softies' party and my gorgeous friends have created some softies for me to send to you. My email is eliciab@bigpond.com
    Thanks for the great idea!
    Elicia

    ReplyDelete
  92. Buttercup and Bee1 February 2011 at 04:18

    Hi there I have already made two softies to send to you if you could email me that would be great
    Thesugargardener@hotmail.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
  93. Gwen4 February 2011 at 20:21

    This is so wonderful... I would like to contribute...
    my emailaddress is gwenneke0512(at)hotmail(dot)com

    I'm a 40-year old mum of 2 wonderful children, living in Belgium - Europe

    ReplyDelete
  94. Robyn7 February 2011 at 11:07

    I would love to help out and make a softie. Please email your address
    Many Thanks
    Robyn

    robanrob@optusnet.com.au

    ReplyDelete
  95. Selina7 February 2011 at 19:43

    I'd love to help. My email is thebell01 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  96. Teresa12 February 2011 at 10:34

    I'm in New Zealand, but I really want to help and am happy to post to Australia. Please email me; teresa at teresaronayne dot com. I can make lots. Do you want knitted dolls as well? Looking forward to hearing from you!

    ReplyDelete
  97. Sarah@Dolls And Daydreams7 May 2011 at 00:07

    Hi, long time no talk!

    I could get a quick update from you so that I can wrap this up on my blog (I’ve been getting a few e-mails from people and I had no idea you’d closed it! Whoopsy!).

    How many did you collect in the end and did you ever mange to snap a group photo?

    Congratulations on a successful drive!

    Take care and Happy Sewing,
    Sarah

    Dolly Donations: Sending Love, 1 Dolly at a Time!
    http://dollydonations.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete

Your words brighten my day! Thank-you so much for joining me on my adventure. x

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