Something For The Little Ones

A while back I saw a post on the etsy forums calling for the assistance of crafters , seamstresses, etc. in order to make some clothes for 16 orphaned children in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Susan, a very talented etsy seller, has been a supporter of the Umbrella Child Organization, and put out the call for the handiwork of a few good etsians when she learned that used clothes, regardless of their minimal usage, were not accepted into Ethiopia (she tried.)

I thought it was a great idea, and although children's clothing is not my specialty, I figured I'd make it my specialty for the occasion.

My intention was to make 4-5 skirts for the girls using material from my stash that had been sitting there waiting for a purpose. Well, let's just say I really got into it and ended up making 8 or 9 skirts (can't remember now) and 3 shirts. Below are pictures of some of them. I had the urge to grab a couple of the rambunctious children who run around downstairs and have them model for me, but I figured hangers would do.


The top in this one came out smaller than I had intended it to. Hopefully one of the children can fit it since they do have thin physiques.



There were two of these skirts made. After the fact I wish I'd made that material into shorts for the boys instead. Everything was for the girls...which is the exact sentiment I get from men concerning my etsy shop, ha ha! But they'll be able to wear the shirts.


This skirt is one of my favorites. I wish I'd had more of that fabric so I could have made a frilly lil lace skirt for all the girls. :-)


Now this ensemble is my favorite of them all. Of course it doesn't have to be worn as an outfit, but I think it will be too adorable on one of the girls. The skirt is gathered and is finished off with an elastic waistband. The top (and yes this is the same shirt from a previous photo) is of the dashiki style and has a front pocket. I would have loved to have been able to make a pair like this for all the girls and a matching top with shorts for all the boys. Oh the possibilities! Maybe next time...

I had to make myself stop sewing so the package would reach Susan in Washington in a timely fashion. She wants the entire package to get to the children by Christmas, and it could take a month to reach its destination.


The joy I got from doing this for the children is something that I can't even explain. I'm still really excited about it all. They deserve the best, and I wanted to do what I could to further let them know they're loved.


peace