Happy New Year!

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year and a very safe New Year!

Thank you all so much for everything you have done for the babies in 2010! We have brought alot of smiles to many parents and nurses faces over the year. We have also brought alot of comfort to those who have lost a child in this past year too. Without your love and care that was put into each item you created for the babies, we couldn't have done this. Thank you so much!!! I look forward to working with all of you in 2011! Thanks again to everyone from the bottom of my heart!

Christmas Deliveries

I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas! I apologize for the delay in writing on the blog. It's been a very difficult time here at my home. My Mother has been ill and had to have surgery. A simple surgery that turned into a nightmare for her and our family. Almost a month in the hospital and she will be going to rehab for physical therapy. Then getting through our First Christmas without Hayden, was another difficult time for all of us.

On to the deliveries....


My car broke down and Steven, my middle son and preemie back in the day (that's him above!), drove me to make the deliveries to UVA NICU in Charlottesville and then to Winchester NICU. The nurses and staff went nuts over seeing Steven and how he has grown! They love seeing NICU grads come to visit. Was so happy that Steven was able to go with me. The nurses and staff just LOVED everything we made for them! I got alot of oooo's and aaaaah's and thank you's! And....the nurses loved the lotion!!!

I stuffed 84 stockings for the 2 NICU's and had enough for the L&D unit at Winchester. We exceeded the blanket total and had plenty left over for extra babies!!! There were plenty of hats, booties and outfits for the babies.

I was told at Midnight, Santa and Mrs. Claus came to visit the babies in the Winchester NICU and the babies got their picture taken with them! He passed out our stockings and got to see all the beautiful blankets and outfits for the babies! Thanks to Santa for helping pass them all out for us!!!

Thank you so much to EVERYONE who made a family's Christmas bright this holiday! I am so blessed to have such wonderful ladies in my group helping the babies and families. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart - you are wonderful!!!

Hugs and Love and Holiday Blessings to all!!!

HeartFelt Angels Tea Party

On September 14, 2010, HeartFelt Angels will be having a "Tea Party" at Winchester Medical Center, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the meeting room next to Subway on the Mall Level of the Hospital. We will be sipping tea from our favorite tea cups, eating finger sandwiches, sharing patterns, yarn, and having a great time! We are inviting all members, past and present, and also inviting friends to come along to see just what we do! Hope to see you there!

Holiday Blankets

Just an update on holiday blankets:

UVA Homecoming is Oct. 16, 2010. We have a total of 24 blankets. We are in need of 20 more blankets in orange and dark blue color yarn. Any afghan pattern is fine. Also, if you would like to make any hats, booties, outfits in these colors, they will be greatly appreciated! Please have all blankets to me by Oct. 9th for delivery.

Halloween blankets: We have a total of 0. We need 64 in orange, yellow, and white color yarn for the 2 NICU's we serve. Any hats and booties in these colors will be greatly appreciated! Please have all items to me by Oct. 25th for delivery.

Christmas blankets: We have a total of 8 Christmas blankets for the 2 NICU's that we serve. We need a total of 64. Also, any hats, booties, outfits, etc. would be greatly appreciated. Please have all items to me by Nov. 30th. We are also taking items for the stockings (bibs, socks, ornaments, etc).

Thanks to everyone for all your help! The Nurses and the families truly appreciate all that we do for them!

Angel Hugs!!

Christmas in July Contest

Christmas in July starts today! So to kick off the festivities - we will have a contest! Each person who sends in a Christmas item (afghans, outfits, hats, stockings, etc.) will be put into the drawing for a $20 Gift Card to Subway! Drawing will be held July 31st!

For new members - this month is designated for members to work on Christmas items for the babies and mail them in. So when December arrives, we won't be rushed to make last minute items for the babies and we ALL can enjoy the holiday with family and friends!

A Heartfelt Note to Members

Received this in my email just a few minutes ago...wanted to share with everyone:

"Thank you. I don't know if the afghan for my granddaughter Annabelle was from your organization. But someone crocheted the beautiful pink afghan for when my daughter held her. Her heart only beat for 16 minutes. But she is real. Ours. Thank You.
Respectfully, Angela M."

Celebrating 11 Years!!!

On July 13th, 2010, we will be celebrating our 11th year of service! We will have our celebration in the Meeting Room next to Subway at Winchester Medical Center at 7 pm to 8:30 pm. We will also be having our Christmas party that night also! Seems like every time we plan for our Christmas party in December, it either snows or ices up. So we all decided to celebrate both the same night! Hope to see you there!

June 2010 Meeting Reminder

HeartFelt Angels will be meeting Tuesday, June 8, 2010, at Winchester Medical Center from 7 pm to 8:30 pm in the meeting room next to Subway on the Mall Level. Hope to see everyone there!

Pattern for USA Booties

This is the pattern that I used to make the booties for the NICU in Apple Blossom colors. The booties in the picture was made from Lion Brand Pound of Love yarn.

USA Booties
(Copyright by Ruth Axtell)

Materials Needed:
Caron Yarn
G Hook

(Note: Different size hooks and different types of yarn make different sizes of booties!)

Round 1: Ch 12, 2 dc in 3rd stitch, dc in next 8 stitches, 5 dc in last stitch, working on opposite side, dc in next 8 stitches, 2 dc in last stitch. Join. Ch 2. (25 sts)

Round 2: Dc in 11 sts, 2 dc in next 3 sts, dc in 11 sts. Join, ch 2. (28 sts) (Change color here if desired)

Round 3: In BACK LOOP Only for this round - dc in 9 sts, dc decrease next 10 sts to make 5 sts, dc in 9 sts. Join, ch 2. (23 sts)

Round 4: (in both loops now and for the rest of pattern) Dc in 6 sts, dc decrease next 10 sts to make 5 sts, dc in 7 sts. Join, ch 2. (18 sts) (Change color here is desired)

Rounds 5 - 10: Dc in each st around. Join, ch 2. At end of Round 10, end off. Work in loose end. Cut off all loose ends. Turn top 3 rows down for cuff.

*NOTE: If desired, at end of Round 7, you can turn your work around to crochet from the inside for the remainder 3 rounds. When you turn the top 3 rounds down for the cuff, the yarn will be on the correct side, instead of inside out!

Enjoy!

Thank You Card Received

Received a very pretty thank you card today in the mail. Wanted to share:

"HeartFelt Angels,

Thank you for providing a beautiful handmade blanket and hat for our baby in the NICU. During our stay we were often overwhelmed by the kindness and compassion of others. The day he moved to an open crib with his blanket was the first good day we'd had in weeks. Many thanks, Sarah and Jeremy P.

Easter 2010 Deliveries

An Easter delivery was made to Winchester Medical Center NICU. I delivered: afghans, outfits, onesies, hats, booties to the unit. They were so excited - as always! Thanks to everyone who made items for the babies. It truly does help the families during a difficult time on the holidays! ^i^

April 2010 Meeting

HeartFelt Angels will be meeting tonight, April 13th, at Winchester Medical Center from 7 pm to 8:30 pm in the meeting room next to Subway on the Mall Level. Hope to see everyone there!

Happy Easter

Wishing everyone a very Happy and Blessed Easter!!!

Angel Shell Dress with Skirt Variation

This is the pattern to the dress posted on the HeartFelt Angels Yahoo site. Follow the pattern to Row 6 and then starting on Row 7, follow skirt variation.

***Note: For the patterns to the bonnet and the booties pictured above -
Pattern link for the Preemie Bonnet for Tiny Angels at Lyn's Designs.

Pattern link for Loving Hugs Preemie Booties by Darcy Richardson.


Angel Shell Dress
© by Beth Parsons

Materials:
Red Heart Soft Baby Yarn, 3 ply
(Main color and contrasting color for neckline, if desired)
Crochet hooks size F and G
3 small buttons

SIZE: Newborn

NOTE: Work in Back Loops Only Rows 1 thru 7.
Ch 5 at end of row makes button loop.
Different size hooks make different size dresses.

Row 1: Yoke: Ch 48, dc in 5th ch from hook (button loop made), dc in next 4 sts, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next st. *Dc in next 10 sts, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next st. Repeat from * 2 more times. Dc in last 5 sts. Ch 2, turn. 48 dc.

Row 2: In BLO, *Dc in each dc across to ch 1 space, (dc, ch 1, dc) in ch 1 space. Repeat from * 3 times. Dc in each dc to end of row. Ch 5, turn. 56 dc.

Row 3: In BLO, Dc in each dc across to ch 1 space, (dc, ch 1, dc) in ch 1 space. Repeat from * 3 times. Dc in each dc to end of row. Ch 2, turn. 64 dc.

Row 4: In BLO, Dc in each dc across to ch 1 space, (dc, ch 1, dc) in ch 1 space. Repeat from * 3 times. Dc in each dc to end of row. Ch 5, turn. 72 dc.

Row 5: In BLO, Dc in each dc across to ch 1 space, (dc, ch 1, dc) in ch 1 space. Repeat from * 3 times. Dc in each dc to end of row. Ch 2, turn. 80 dc.

Row 6: (Sleeves) In BLO, Hdc in each dc across to ch 1 space, hdc in ch 1 space. Skip all dcs of previous row to next ch 1 space. Hdc in ch 1 space. Hdc in each dc across to next ch 1 space, hdc in ch 1 space. Skip all dcs of previous row to next ch 1 space. Hdc in ch 1 space. Hdc in each dc to end of row. Ch 2, turn. 44 hdc.

Row 7: In BLO, *Dc in next 3 sts, 2 dc in next st. Repeat from * across to lasat 4 sts. Dc in each st to end. DO NOT CHAIN. Join with a sl st to beg of Row 7. 54 dc.

Row 8: Working in both loops, Ch 3, dc, ch 1, 2 dc in same st as joining. *Sk 2 sts, shell st (2dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in next st. Repeat from * across row. Sk last 2 sts, join. 18 shells.

Rows 9-17: Sl st to ch 1 space, Ch 3, dc, ch 1, 2 dc in center of previous shell, shell st in each ch 1 space of previous shell across. Join. 18 shells.

Row 18: Sl st to ch 1 space, Ch 3, *5 dc in ch 1 space of previous shell, sc into space between shells of previous row. Repeat from * across. Join. End off.

Neckline Trim:
With F hook, join with a sl st to first ch of starting row. Ch 1, sc in next st, ch 1, across. End off. **For a frilly neckline, ch 2, instead of ch 1. You can also sc in each st across for a plain look or do a reverse sc across neckline.

Sew buttons on back across from button loops on same row. (Rows 1, 3 and 5)

EP3/04



Angel Shell Dress - Skirt Variation:
Created by Shelby Roberson copyright

End of Row 6, change color, if you like.

Round 7: Ch 2, 2 dc in same space, dc in next st, *2 dc in next st, dc in next st; repeat from * to end. Join to other side with a sl st. (22 sets of 2 dc, 1 dc)

Round 8: Ch 3, dc in same space, ch 1, sk 1 st, dc in next 3 sts, *ch 1, sk 1 st, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next st, ch 1, sk 1 st, dc in next 3 sts; repeat from * around. Ch 1, join with sl st.

Round 9: Ch 3, dc in same sp, ch 1, dc in next 3 dc, *ch 1, (dc, ch 1, dc) in ch 1 sp of previous row, ch 1, dc in next 3 dc, ch 1; join with sl st.

Rounds 10-12: Repeat Round 9.

Round 13: Ch 3, dc in same sp, ch 1, *2 dc in first dc, dc in next st, 2 dc in last dc, ch 1, (dc, ch 1, dc) in ch 1 sp of previous row, ch 1; repeat from * around. Join with sl st.

Round 14: Ch 3, dc in same sp, ch 1, *dc in next 5 dc, ch 1, (dc, ch 1, dc) in ch 1 sp of previous row, ch 1; repeat from * around. Join with sl st.

Rounds 15 – 17: Repeat Round 14.

Round 18: Ch 3, dc in same sp, ch 1, *2 dc in first dc, dc in next 3 dc, 2 dc in last dc, ch 1, (dc, ch 1, dc) in ch 1 sp of previous row, ch 1; repeat from * around. Join with sl st.

Round 19: Ch 3, dc in same sp, ch 1, *dc in next 7 dc, ch 1, (dc, ch 1, dc) in ch 1 sp of previous row, ch 1; repeat from * around. Join with sl st.

Round 20: Repeat Round 19.

Round 21: Ch 3, dc in each dc and ch 1 space around. Join with sl st. End off.

Round 22: With contrasting yarn (if desired), join with sc, *ch 3, sc in next st; repeat from * around. Join with sl st and end off.

Neckline and sleeves: Join with sc, * ch 2, sc in next st; repest from * around. Join with sl st and end off.

HeartFelt Angels March Meeting - Canceled

The meeting for HeartFelt Angels on March 9th at Winchester Medical Center is canceled. I apologize for the short notice, but Hayden has been taken to ICU. He finished his Chemo and received his Bone Marrow Transplant last Friday. But he has had some complications since last Friday. I will send out a note to everyone on items needed for Easter and upcoming events.

Thanks to everyone for your thoughts and prayers for Hayden.

Valentine's Day Deliveries

25 Valentine's Day afghans were delivered to Winchester Medical Center NICU. We did not have enough for UVA NICU.

When waiting for the elevator, a lady asked if I was part of the Angel project. I said yes and she said she thought so with the blankets in bags! She was called in for her daughter giving birth to TRIPLETS! She thanked me in advance for the blankets as she said she was sure they will be going to the NICU.

Thanks to everyone for all the work you do for HeartFelt Angels, for the babies, families and staff at the hospitals!

HeartFelt Angels Meeting Canceled

Due to the snowy weather, our meeting for Tuesday, February 9th at Winchester Medical Center is canceled. If you have any questions, please email or telephone me. Everyone stay safe and warm! Great time to stay inside, off the roads, and crochet for the babies! :)

January 2010 Meeting Reminder

HeartFelt Angels will be meeting tonight (1/12/10)at Winchester Medical Center from 7 pm to 8:30 pm in the meeting room next to Subway on the Mall Level. (We didn't get any snow that was called for - so we are having our meeting!!!) Hope to see everyone there!

Happy New Year!!!

Wishing everyone a very Happy New Year!!! Thank you for making 2009 a wonderful year for the babies and the families we served!