Taking the time to make such beautiful things to sell would be a wonderful item for someone to purchase, but Pattie makes these dresses and charges not a single penny. I was in awe of her generous kindness in all the lovely details of the smocking, sewing and embroidery. We want to thank her publicly for this gift from the hands of a needle artist who gives back in such a special way.
Maritta says: "When I opened the package and saw the beautiful gown I was in tears, not because it was a sad moment. My tears were from seeing such a perfect dress, made with such care and love; the gown was so precious and it gave me back a memory I thought I was not going to have...the memory of a handmade gown for my beautiful daughter. Thank you for the love, and tenderness put into each and every gown you make Pattie, your thoughtfulness gave this mom a memory and a motherly moment I was in such need of at the time."
At the hospital there was a room, called the Butterfly Room. It is filled with handmade blankets, some quilted, some knit for these tiny babies who were either stillborn or died shortly after birth. Little dresses and outfits were also there along with tiny plush animals. Grieving Mothers and Grandmothers can choose little outfits and a blanket for the burial. Often they had matching sets so one set was given to the Mothers when they leave the hospital and placed in a 'memory box' with the feet and hand prints of the baby and other items.
If you feel inclined to share your needlework skills in this way I suggest contacting your local hospital to see if such a program exists in your area.
In gratitude for the gifts from the hand and heart,
Cecelia
