Connecting to the Past While Crafting for Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes

I have mentioned before that I have inherited a large quantity of yarn from my mother-in-law. She crocheted hundreds of baby blankets for babies in need. One year she purchased a hundred little dolls and crocheted blankets for them for Operation Christmas Child.

She had a close friend who joined her in her crocheting projects and she would supply all the yarn for her.  She got to know the ladies in the craft departments at Walmart and other discount stores and when they put yarn on clearance they would contact her and she would stock up.  Unfortunately the

Washcloth Frenzy & A Splurge for My Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes

One of my goals this year was to pack more Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes (surprised?).  But I also wanted to increase the quality of my boxes.  I shared earlier that I have taken to entering blog giveaways to help "support my shoe boxing habit."  This is one way I hope to pay for better quality items.  Another is to take advantage of online discounts.

Kohl's has become a favorite store of mine to shop online with (I do not have a local Kohl's). I love that you can combine discount codes -- you can use two (one $ off $$ amount & one % off -- or combine either with a free shipping code).  When I

Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Crafting Progress Report for 9/18 ~ Pretty Butterflies

This week's Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Sewing & Crafting includes a fun butterfly dress and drawstring bag I made from fabric donated by Kristy of Hopeful Threads.  The colors don't show well, but there is orange in the print and that is why I choose the orange trims and added a crocheted orange butterfly to her hat made of all the colors in the print.  My daughter found the Beanie Baby moth that was orange and thought it would be perfect.  The sparkly purple shoes my husband found at

Upcycling Greeting Cards Into Needle Books for Operation Christmas Child Shoe Box Gifts

I am always trying to think of ways to upcycle cards as they are so sturdy and lovely.  Here is my latest:  needle books for Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes.  I want to include small sewing kits in several of my 10 to 14 year old girl shoeboxes this year.  My mom can no longer sew and I have a box of her sewing supplies.  I decided to check it out and see if there were any new items I could use in my sewing kits.  I found some pins and needles and to make a simple needle book I used felt and a greeting card.  These will be included along with thread, scissors

Packing OCC Shoeboxes for Girls Verses Boys: Why I Sew Dozens of Dresses

Most of us know that Operation Christmas Child reports most boxes are packed for 5 to 9 year old girls and boys and that 10 to 14 and 2 to 4 year old boys receive the least.  This has caused many of us, including my family, to focus the bulk of our packing for boys.  I'm taking some time to rethink my packing in light of what I have learned about many cultures around the world from being involved with the representatives of Dress A Girl Around the World.

Check out my step by step, illustrated instructions to make your own Pillow Case Style Dresses.

Dress A Girl Around The World’s [DAG] goal is to provide dignity and protection to young girls in crisis situations while letting them know they are loved.  Their website says there are many “girls who live in a society where they have no value—where they are used as slaves—where they are abused and preyed upon and no one considers this to be unspeakable injustice.  By providing a new

My Favorite Thing About Getting New Shoes: The Empty Shoebox I Can Fill for Operation Christmas Child!

I rarely get new shoes.  I seem to run them right into the ground before I get another pair.  But when I do I am so excited to have another empty box to fill for an Operation Christmas Child delivery!  Now off to pick out fabric from my stash for another Pillow Case Style Dress to tuck inside this one.  Perhaps pink & green will be nice.

Wondering what type of box to use?  Check out our post:  What Type of Box to Use for Operation Christmas Child.