During church today, several of the prayers and hymns were centered on the theme of being more giving and loving. It inspired me to get started on a project I've been excited about ever since I heard of it a few days ago.
As you know, I recently learned to make baby slings. It's been like no other project I've ever attempted; I instantly understood the instructions, the needle glided smoothly over the fabric, and in just minutes I sat holding something that can bring peace into a stormy parent-child relationship. I feel so lucky to have had the use of slings during Suzi's fussy "fourth trimester" phase. A ride next to our hearts in the sling would often calm her when no amount of rocking or bouncing would.
Unfortunately, not all women have $50 to buy a sling, and most of them don't have a sewing machine either. This is why I was so glad to read about No Mother Left Behind: a volunteer organization which collects donated slings and redistributes them to mothers who need them. Just think--this organization could be the difference between an overwhelmed mother shaking her baby in frustration, or finding relief in soothing the baby in her sling.
They accept gently-used slings, slightly imperfect seconds from companies, and hand-made slings from individuals. I am waiting to hear back for more info on how to contribute (like what sizes they need most), but I am hoping to make some slings to donate. From what I've seen at work, I feel quite certain there are mothers right here in our community who need slings, too.
God has provided the skill, an outlet, and even fabric. Weeks ago I bought gobs of fabric for just a couple of dollars at a yard sale; at the time, I didn't know what it was for. Yesterday I found a roll of sturdy decorator fabric (at least four slings' worth) for $3 at Goodwill. I know there is more out there if I just look!
I think it would be fun to have a sling-making workshop. I don't know when or where, but we could bring our sewing machines, teach others to make slings, and make a bunch of them together! Let me know if you are interested!
P.S. To see how Suzi hurt my feelings at church today, read my post over at Mothering Without a Manual.
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