HeartFelt Angels

Valentine's and St. Patrick's Day Deliveries

2011-03-16T17:45:00.004-04:00

First let me apologize for the late postings. My Mother had surgery on December 3, 2010 and was in and out of the hospital and rehab. She passed away on March 5, 2011. The same day a year ago that my grandson, Hayden, got his BMT. Hayden passed away on St. Patrick's Day, March 17, 2010. It has been a very difficult time for my Mom and myself. I miss her so much and never expected all this to happen because of surgery. So I apologize for not being around as much as I should be and posting more.

With that said, I did make the Valentine's Day delivery to Winchester Medical Center NICU. We did not have enough blankets for UVA NICU.

I am getting ready to go out the door to make the St. Patrick's Day delivery to Winchester Medical Center NICU. Once again, we did not have enough blankets for UVA NICU.

With Easter coming next month, I hope we can all pull together and have enough blankets for BOTH NICU's. Every baby should have a blanket on Easter!

Thanks to everyone for helping the babies - the parents and nursing staff really appreciate all that we do for them!!!

Happy New Year!

2010-12-31T12:37:00.001-05:00

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

2010-12-27T09:35:00.005-05:00

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

2010-08-27T14:15:00.003-04:00

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

2010-08-27T13:59:00.002-04:00

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

2010-07-01T12:24:00.005-04:00

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

2010-06-27T22:20:00.001-04:00

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!!!

2010-06-26T12:45:00.002-04:00

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

2010-06-07T18:03:00.001-04:00

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

2010-04-27T11:39:00.006-04:00

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

2010-04-27T11:13:00.002-04:00

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

2010-04-13T11:06:00.003-04:00

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

2010-04-13T11:04:00.001-04:00

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

2010-04-04T09:22:00.001-04:00

Wishing everyone a very Happy and Blessed Easter!!!

Angel Shell Dress with Skirt Variation

2010-03-30T20:37:00.008-04:00

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

2010-03-08T16:15:00.000-05:00

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

2010-02-15T10:58:00.002-05:00

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

2010-02-08T20:21:00.004-05:00

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

2010-01-12T12:31:00.002-05:00

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!!!

2010-01-01T18:58:00.001-05:00

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

Merry Christmas

2009-12-25T23:40:00.000-05:00

Christmas Card

2009-12-15T20:46:00.001-05:00

Today we received a Christmas card from Winchester Medical Center NICU. Inside the note reads as follows:

"Dear HeartFelt Angels,

Thank you for all the handmade items you provide our NICU babies for each holiday! You will never know how much these mean to our families at such a critical time in their lives. We don the infants in your garments and take photos that will be treasured always! Keep up your awesome work! Happy Holidays!

WMC NICU

***Included was a picture of preemie twins wearing their Santa hats!!!

Items for babies to share...

2009-12-10T17:14:00.006-05:00

These are just a few things that member, Shelby from TX, made for the babies!

Remembering Little Angels...Everywhere

2009-12-09T13:50:00.003-05:00

"I am always with you
there is never a moment that we are apart..
I tell you,I am in every flower,every rainbow
every star in the heavens,
I am always a part of you -
we are one."

This little Angel was handmade by Amanda from H.A.N.D.

A Holiday Wish....

2009-11-25T18:09:00.002-05:00

MyHotComments

To family and friends, members, hospital staff, Mom's and Dad's and babies too - May you have a wonderful and Blessed Thanksgiving!

November 2009 Meeting Pictures

2009-11-13T13:08:00.006-05:00

We received alot of beautiful items for the babies at our November meeting! Many beautiful afghans, hats, quilts, dresses and bonnets, and items for the Christmas stockings! The winner of the monthly drawing was Barbara K. She received a skein of Pound of Love yarn and a tote bags with wheels. The winner of the Sweater Fest Contest was Peggy with 56 sweaters and hats for the babies! Congrats to both winners! Thanks to everyone who participated in the contest!

Our next meeting will be out Holiday Social on December 8th.

Letter of Recognition

2009-10-17T17:45:00.002-04:00

Today I received a letter from Virginia State Senator, Jill Holtzman Vogel, of the 27th District. I want to share this with all the members, families, and hospitals we serve:

Dear Elizabeth:

I wanted to send you a note to commend you for all of efforts to help families that are in need. Also, I wanted to congratulate you on a wonderful article about you in the Northern Virginia Daily. I know that this is my second note to you, but you are a great inspiration and you are very deserving of the continued recognition!

HeartFelt Angels is a great project and I applaud all of the selfless acts you and others who support local families in need of infant clothing.

Congratulations again and please do not hesitate to contact me if I can ever be of help in any way.

Sincerely,

Jill H. Vogel

(Side notation) Congrats again!!

HeartFelt Angels September Meeting

2009-09-07T18:59:00.002-04:00

The meeting for tomorrow, Sept. 8th at Winchester Medical Center from 7pm to 8:30pm, is being canceled.

My apologies - but I have poison ivy ALL over me and it has not dried up yet. So to be on the safe side for everyone, I decided to cancel the meeting.

Also, the Sweater Fest will continue to October 15th. This is for both online and for the ladies that attend the meetings at Winchester Medical Center. I had several people ask if I could extend it into October and this just worked out to the better!

Meeting Pictures and Info

2009-08-12T11:53:00.008-04:00

We had a really nice meeting and received alot of beautiful items for the babies! We started out with 19 afghans and quilts for Christmas from Christmas in July. By the end of the meeting, we added 37 more blankets. We still need more newborn size Christmas afghans to meet the number needed for the 2 NICU's. Chris D. donated the drawing for the evening. It was a basket with a clown doll, made by a family member, homemade jelly, bread, candy and of course YARN! Barbara N. made a beautiful baby afghan from the yarn she won at the 10th Anniversary party. Barbara N. was the winner of the drawing for the August meeting.

Sweater-Fest 2009!!!

2009-08-11T14:01:00.004-04:00

It's that time of year again! Time to think about warming up the babies with sweaters and hats this Fall.

So Sweater-Fest 2009 starts TODAY and runs until September 8th. We will be having 2 contests with prizes!

First: Person who makes the most sweaters!

and

Second: The most unique sweater for a boy and a girl! I will take pictures and post them and you will vote for your favorite sweater. The winner of the boy and girl sweater will receive a prize! PLEASE label the sweater you send for the contest, so I won't over look it!

Just a reminder: When making sweaters for the babies, please remember to make them for Newborns. Sweaters for Preemies must fit 4-5 pound babies. Anything smaller, and the nurses can not use them.

So get those hooks flying and may the best knitter or crocheter win!

August HeartFelt Angels Meeting Reminder

2009-08-11T13:58:00.001-04:00

HeartFelt Angels will be meeting at Winchester Medical Center from 7 pm to 8:30 pm in the meeting room next to Subway on the Mall Level.

HeartFelt Angels in the Newspaper!

2009-07-22T18:55:00.003-04:00

Winchester Star HeartFelt Angels article

We celebrated our 10 year celebration this past Saturday! We had alot of great food, great music, and fun! I can't believe the photographer, from the newspaper, put that silly hat picture in the paper! He said "Let's do something silly!" So I said ok! hahaha Will post the pictures for all to see.

I just want to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for the best 10 years. It has been a wonderful journey and I look forward to many more years! If it wasn't for all the talented ladies and gentlemen that crafted items for the babies over the years, we wouldn't have made it this far! We have touched many hearts through our knitting, crocheting, sewing, quilting, etc. The hospital staff truly appreciate all that we have done for them over the years.

Thank you again so much for helping HeartFelt Angels!

HeartFelt Angels 10th Anniversary Celebration

2009-07-01T16:11:00.002-04:00

Please join us as we celebrate

HeartFelt Angels
10th Anniversary

Saturday, July 18, 2009
1:00 PM to 4:00 PM

The Lakeside Bistro located in the Services Support Building, North side of the parking garage of Winchester Medical Center, Winchester, VA.

Refreshments, activities, music, and drawings on the hour are planned.

Please RSVP Elizabeth by July 15, 2009 at 540/723-4984.

Christmas in July

2009-06-07T13:27:00.003-04:00

The past two years, we had "Christmas in July". This is the time for all members to make and send in all Christmas related items (red/green/white and white and blue for the Jewish babies). By working on these items in July, we are able to enjoy the holidays more with our families and not be rushed or pushed to make last minute items for the babies at Christmas. We need a total of 66 blankets for the babies. Any other items like, hats, booties, outfits, etc. are greatly appreciated!

Also, we are collecting small items for the stockings again this year. One of our members has graciously made stockings for the babies again this year and we need to fill them with. Christmas ornaments, bib's, booties would be some ideas for the stockings. Any questions, please feel free to ask!

A special thank you to everyone for helping the babies. It brings a very special feeling to the parents and staff of the hospitals we serve! Thank you!!!

July 4th Items Needed

2009-06-07T13:23:00.002-04:00

Just a reminder that we are in need of July 4th afghans for the two NICU's we serve. We are short and need 45 more afghans. You can also send in hats, booties, and outfits if you like. But we would love to have a blanket for all the babies in the two NICU's we serve. Thank you!!!

June Meeting Reminder

2009-06-07T13:22:00.000-04:00

This is a reminder of our meeting on Tuesday, June 9th, at Winchester Medical Center from 7 pm to 8:30 pm in the Mall level meeting room next to Subway.

A Double Loss

2009-05-23T18:32:00.002-04:00

MyHotComments

(Chris and her Mom, Virginia, taken at the 5th Year Anniversary party for HeartFelt Angels)

May 20, 2009

A friend of mine I met thru HeartFelt Angels 6 years ago, Chris, has been with her Mom in the hospital for 2 weeks now. So much going on with her Mom. She's hardly eating enough to keep a bird alive. They made the decision for her to become a DNR and now calling in Hospice. I've called quite a bit and the past few days, I've gone to see Chris and her Mom more. She always gives me a kiss on the cheek and tells me she loves me when I leave. She crocheted ALOT for HeartFelt Angels and made such beautiful things for the babies. She was always very supportive of my charity. When I sit with them, Chris and I just crochet up a storm and her Mom just watches us in between resting. These are a pair of booties I learned how to make while sitting with Chris and her Mom yesterday - they are so cute! Don't you think???

May 23, 2009

On Thursday evening, Virginia passed away. She was transferred from the hospital to a nursing home. I went over to visit after my trip to UVA (Charlottesville, VA). Chris had stepped out of the room to talk to her sister. I took over her spot on the bed, to hold her hand and talk to her. She looked at me, smiled, and closed her eyes. She was gone. I ran to get Chris. We thought we would have more time with her. I'm going to miss her so much!

Early today, my daughter-in-law lost her baby. She had been having problems with her pregnancy. My son called and told me the news. I am so heartbroken - they lost their daughter....I lost my grand-daughter. I always wanted a daughter and it wasn't meant to be. And today, I lost my grand-daughter.

My heart just aches - too much to handle in one week.

May Meeting Reminder

2009-05-11T21:26:00.000-04:00

This is a reminder of our meeting on Tuesday, May 12th, at Winchester Medical Center from 7 pm to 8:30 pm in the Mall level meeting room next to Subway.

Apple Blossom Deliveries

2009-05-04T19:24:00.011-04:00

Here are a few pictures of items received and delivered to Winchester Medical Center's NICU for Apple Blossom!

The nurse that spoke to us as we made the delivery, told us how much they appreciate all that we do for them, especially on holidays. The families and staff truly appreciate all the beautiful items that are made for them. It really brings a smile to the parents!

Easter Pictures

2009-04-14T10:48:00.008-04:00

Here are just a few of the items we received for Easter!

These Bunny hats were made two different ways. The traditional hat with the ears inserted through the first round. Then a crocheted headband with the ears sewed onto the sides for babies that may have IV's in their head.

These blankets were made from fleece! Oh so soft and cute!

These little outfits fit preemies! So adorable!

These crocheted sets were a wonderful Easter gift for the babies!

Thanks to everyone for making Easter just alittle more special for those babies and families that had to celebrate Easter in the hospital!

April Meeting Reminder

2009-04-14T10:29:00.000-04:00

This is a reminder of our meeting on Tuesday, April 14th, at Winchester Medical Center from 7 pm to 8:30 pm in the Mall level meeting room next to Subway.

Happy Easter to Everyone!

2009-04-12T01:07:00.002-04:00

Wishing everyone a very Happy and Blessed Easter Sunday!

I delivered the Easter items to the NICU's (Winchester and UVA) and the nurses and staff were so excited to see all the beautiful items made by all the wonderful volunteers! Thank you so much for bringing a smile to those in the NICU's on Easter!

March Meeting Reminder

2009-03-10T14:29:00.000-04:00

This is a reminder of our meeting on Tuesday, March 10th, at Winchester Medical Center from 7 pm to 8:30 pm in the Mall level meeting room next to Subway.

HeartFelt Angels on Ravelry

2009-02-20T19:48:00.005-05:00

If you are a member of Ravelry, we are now listed as a group there! This is the badge for our group. An awesome lady named Mel made these for me and they are just what I wanted! Thank you so much Mel!

So stop in on Ravelry and join our group there! If not a member, just request an invitation. May take a few days to get accepted, but it is worth the wait! This is another way to get our name out to the world so they can see who we are and what we do for the babies and families!

Valentine Delivery

2009-02-17T23:02:00.005-05:00

These are just a few of the items that were delivered to Winchester Medical Center - NICU for Valentine's Day. The nurses were excited to see our holiday delivery! Sadly to say, we did not have enough Valentine's Day afghans for the babies at UVA NICU.

Happy Valentine's Day to Everyone!!!

2009-02-13T11:07:00.002-05:00

Just wanted to wish everyone a very Happy Valentine's Day! Chuck and I are going away and not sure where we are going at this time! He likes to take me away and surprise me when we get there....so I'll check back with everyone later! Have a great weekend! (Yes, got my yarn packed already!!! :) Crochet Hugs to everyone!!!

February Meeting Reminder

2009-02-09T19:36:00.001-05:00

This is a reminder of our meeting on Tuesday, February 10th, at Winchester Medical Center from 7 pm to 8:30 pm in the Mall level meeting room next to Subway.

HeartFelt Angels Pictures on Picasa

2009-02-05T20:55:00.006-05:00

To see what we have been up to over the years, please check out the pictures that have been posted on Picasa. I still have more to upload, so please check back!

Picasa Pictures of HeartFelt Angels

My Preemie, Steven

2009-02-02T19:54:00.004-05:00

This is one of the reasons I started Afghans for Angels - VA Chapter, now HeartFelt Angels. My son, Steven, was born 3 months early. He weighed 2 pounds 3 ounces. The next day he weighed 1 pound 13 ounces. He was a preemie in the Newborn Intensive Care Unit at UVA in Charlottesville, VA. He was there for 2 months and came home weighing 4 pounds. While we were there, I saw several babies that passed away. It broke my heart to see the parents holding their baby with the pink, blue, and white receiving blanket. They were not prepared for a loss and had nothing special to hold their little angel in their arms with. Just that cotton receiving blanket that returned to the hospital wash. It was a blessing to find the AFA Charity to begin makings afghans for parents. Because these handmade afghans and quilts would be used by the parents for the begining process of healing. But it was also a blessing and a miracle to have my preemie home with me.

Steven graduated from Millbrook High School in 2007 and today he is taller than me! He has gone with me in past years on deliveries to UVA. They always love to see graduates from the NICU. He has also helped me with my meetings at the hospital...looking cute and carrying things to the car for me!

2008 Christmas Stockings

2009-01-06T18:34:00.005-05:00

This is a picture of just two out of the 210 stockings I delivered to the hospitals. The red and white stockings were sewn by member Tina K. The pink/blue and white stockings were donated by members Barbara and Charles.

The nurses ooo'd and aaah'd over the items given to the units. They were so surprised over the stockings too! I really felt like Santa's helper with all the stockings, blankets, hats, booties, and outfits in the back and front of my car! We brought a lot of smiles to the nurses and to the families that received our holiday items! I got home at 1:30 am...Santa was still working!

Ticker Information

2009-01-06T18:04:00.003-05:00

What are the tickers for?

For the past several years, we have made Christmas afghans for the NICU babies. That is Winchester NICU and UVA NICU. We make 22 for Winchester and 44 for UVA. Sometimes they have more babies and sometimes they have less. That is a number we work with. Deliveries are made by Beth (Founder of HeartFelt Angels) on Christmas Eve. It is the groups goal to provide Christmas afghans for all the babies in those two NICU's. We also make Jewish color afghans for those who do not celebrate Christmas. Those afghans are not counted into the original count, they are extras for the units.

In 2007, we started making Christmas stockings for the babies/parents. They are filled with items for the babies (bibs, small teddy bears, socks, handmade ornaments, baby toys, etc.). We had enough for those two NICU's. In 2008, the group wanted to expand our Stocking count to help another hospital. Much to my surprise, we ended up with at total of 210 stockings! We were able to give stockings to 5 more units!

So, the tickers are for the Christmas afghans and stockings collected during the year. This will show how many we have and what is needed to reach our goal. Anything received over our goal will be delivered to other units.

We also have "Christmas in July" for the group to make and send in items for Christmas. If we can get all the items needed by the end of November, we can all enjoy the holiday and not be rushed to make last minute items needed.

Other tickers will be added to show the counts for the afghans needed for the holidays (Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, Easter, etc.) The dates next to the Holidays are dates all items need to be received by to make the deliveries.

January Meeting Reminder

2009-01-06T14:09:00.002-05:00

This is a reminder of our meeting on Tuesday, January 13th, at Winchester Medical Center from 7 pm to 8:30 pm in the Mall level meeting room next to Subway.

Welcome to the HeartFelt Angels Blog

2009-01-06T13:58:00.002-05:00

HeartFelt Angels is a non-profit organization of volunteers that make handmade baby items for area hospitals to give to parents in need. Whether it be from a loss of a child resulting from miscarriage, stillbirth, infant death, to an illness of a child or even parents who are financially challenged and may not have an afghan or a handmade outfit to take their baby home in.

Over the years, the hospitals needs have grown. Therefore, we have grown to help these hospitals with their needs to help families. Not only do we make afghans, but we make many other much needed items such as gowns, hats, booties - preemie and newborn; angel ornaments, burial items, sweater sets, bibs, etc. We also make items for holidays (Christmas, Easter, Valentine's Day, July 4th, etc.) to brighten up the units during a sad time for the parents. These items are either knitted, crocheted, sewn, quilted, etc. If you would like to volunteer your talents to help these babies and families, we would love for you to join!

This blog was created for members, family, and friends to keep up with us to see what we are up to, what our needs are, and what we are working on for the hospitals.

Thank you for your interest in HeartFelt Angels!