Thanks for hosting a baby bootie making party!
- First, contact mary@maryvaneecke.com to get your panel pattern for 100 pairs of booties.
- Gather a list of friends who knit, crochet, and/or sew. Assign bootie colors according to your panel pattern. If you will not be making a panel, make all your booties white and send them to me to put on a panel.
- Decide on a time and place. Think about how many tables, chairs and outlets for sewing machines (if needed) you will need. Your local yarn/fabric shop might be a great place to have your party.
- Invite your friends. Remind them to bring yarn or felt in shades of black, white, and/or gray. Get RSVPs and distribute a supply list from the free patterns (below), or use this one:
- Black, white, gray felt (wool, rayon, or acrylic) or yarn according to your panel pattern. (Scraps are great for this project)
- Scraps of trim and lace, and embellishments of your choice (buttons, etc.)-Optional
- Paper scissors
- Fabric scissors
- Pinking shears (optional)
- Needle and thread for hand-stitching/embellishments (optional)
- Pins
- Fabric glue (optional)
- Have copies of some free patterns on hand. Click here for a list. Some simple patterns can be completed in minutes (though, of course, this is not a race!).
- For sewing parties, each participant might focus on cutting out patterns for their booties and embellishing them. Take them home to finish sewing, and you don’t have to worry about bringing in sewing machines. Just be sure to send in the finished products! Schedule a follow up party to collect your beauties and stitch them to your panel.
- Invite your local TV station or newspaper (click here to find out how), and your local elected officials (click here) to help get the word out.
- Will you have snacks? Snacks are always a good idea!
- Make copies of this handout to talk about the issues and solutions to infant mortality. This is a sad topic, but the good news is that we know what has to be done. With this knowledge, we can advocate for changes in policy that will save lives.
- Post video or pictures of your party to instagram and facebook.com/themourningproject–show off your progress! #TheMourningProject and #23000babybooties
- Distribute one Checklist and Permissions Form for each maker. Have them complete the form and attach booties to your completed panel. Click here for instructions on how to attach booties to the panel. Click here for a video on how to attach booties to your panel. Send them with your completed panel to Mary Vaneecke, 2000 S. Hermosa, Tucson, AZ 85713.
- HAVE FUN!