Sewing for Hope Ministry

Our Lord does not look so much at the greatness of our actions, nor even at their difficulty, but at the love with which we do them.

St. Therese of Lisieux

There’s a new ministry at St. Andrew’s that needs your help even if you cannot sew!  This organization has been creating dresses for children in Haiti, Africa, Mexico, Honduras, Columbia, Panama, as well as in the United States since 2010; and the organizer is a new parishioner to NC.  Over 7,700 dresses have already been created and shipped, touching thousands of children’s lives.

How can you help? 

You can participate in this corporal work of mercy by sewing dresses and shorts, of course! Instructions and patterns are provided. However, if you wish to donate material and other sewing items to create the numerous dresses sewn each month, please refer to the “Items Needed” list on the right. A bin is located in the collection area near the business offices.

Additionally, any contribution is welcomed to help purchase the above-referenced items as well.  Thank you in advance for your generosity.

Patterns

Boys Shorts
Make the boys shorts a little longer for the med and lg sizes, because boys in Haiti and Africa are taller (and thinner). Pockets are optional on the shorts. If it’s lightweight cotton fabric, please line the shorts for durability. Contact Ro for pattern information.

Boys Pants
Here is an easy pull on pants pattern to download and print which can be cut in length to shorts or below knee length. Store bought boys shorts patterns can also be purchased. Easy pull on shorts with elastic waist is recommended. Boys in other countries are taller and leaner, so please keep that in mind with smaller sizes especially. Click here to view pattern.

Dress with Bias Tape Ties a.k.a. Pillowcase Dress
A simple pattern using a yard of fabric (more or less depending on size). Embellish as you wish with pockets or trims. However, don’t use buttons or lace, as these dresses are washed in the river and they are likely to fall off. Click here to view pattern.

Dress with Sleeves – Lillian’s &  Ro’s Dresses
Pattern/Instructions for Size 6 dress is offered. It requires 1 ¼ yard of fabric and bias tape and elastic. You can adjust the size to make smaller sizes and vary the style as Ro did.

It’s a fun dress to make as you can mix and match fabrics to add enjoyment. Click here to view pattern.

T-Shirt Dress
A simple skirt is sewn to the bottom of a colored t-shirt to make a comfortable dress to wear. Length can be adjusted to match the size of the t-shirt. Contact Ro for pattern information.

Items Needed

• Cotton fabric (prints, plaids, stripes or solids) that are non-see-through (used for boys’ shorts (sizes XS, S, M, Lg) and girls’ dresses (sizes 2-8))
• Girls’ Colored T-Shirts (sizes 10-12) (*Walmart “Wonder Nation” brand is more fitted for thin girls, and fabric skirts are sewn onto them)
• 1/2″ Rick Rack trims in ALL COLORS
• Single-Fold Bias Tape (for ties on dresses) in ALL COLORS
• 1/2″ elastic – any color – (for neckline gathers)

No buttons or lace because
they wash their clothes in the rivers.

Sample Dresses and Shorts