Cleverly crafty
Calling all crafty folk!
Looking for something crafty to do? Got a friend or family member who’s keen to support or learn a new skill? You can do this and support some of New Zealand’s tiniest and most vulnerable babies at the same time!
You don’t need to be an expert, there are plenty of easy, simple projects for all abilities, dimensions and patterns for the below items are available to download in our PDF here.
Scent hearts
Scent Hearts are given to parents whose babies are cared for in some Neonatal Units in New Zealand. The hearts are made in pairs to give to mum to wear in her bra or dad to wear on his chest whilst they are apart from baby. The second heart is placed near baby so they can smell each other and feel loved. The hearts are then swapped frequently to help maintain a bond.
Note: Nurses in the Unit will further instruct parents on the use and handling of the Scent Hearts.
Quilts
Quilt fabric should be 100% cotton and measure approximately 80cm x 80cm
Please use machine washable batting so it doesn’t shrink in the industrial wash and no embellishments e.g. buttons or ribbon
Incubator covers (Isolette Covers)
Incubator covers are 1mx1.2m. The outside fabric can be any pattern of your choice and preferably a plain darker colour on the underneath side so as to protect baby’s eyes from light and visual stimulation. They don’t necessarily need to be quilted but preferably double weighted so they don’t slip. However, if you do decide to use batting, please ensure it is machine washable so it doesn’t shrink in the industrial wash. No embellishments please e.g. buttons or ribbon
Cot sheets
Please make these from 100% brushed cotton (flannelette), measuring approximately 110x70cms
Muslins
100% cotton muslin measuring approximately 90x60cms with a simple overlocked or bound/hemmed
The benefits of sewing and knitting
The art of crafting and knitting are often associated with friends and family. The craftwork in progress may be intended for a loved one or perhaps it is being created while in the company of friends, family or a social group. It is a fantastic hobby for individuals and the basics are easy to pick up
Sewing and knitting is recommended to peoples of all genders and ages as it provides unexpected benefits for both physical and mental health – with the enjoyment and satisfaction factors on top of this.
Here are 5 things to know:
- It can help with managing stress, anxiety, and depression
- It keeps your brain healthy
- It can help your motor skills
- It is a meditative act
- It instils pride upon completion
Check out this article published on Stuff
Thanks so much for sharing your personal story!
We get a lot of positive feedback from families in a neonatal unit who read these stories and feel strength, hope and positivity knowing that they are not alone going through these experiences and feeling certain emotions.
If you would like to discuss sharing the story of your neonatal journey, we’d love to hear from you.
Support Us
If you want to help our support of families going through the stress and anxiety of a neonatal journey, you can donate via the link below.
- The Little Miracles Trust provides support to families of premature or sick full-term babies as they make their journey through Neonatal Intensive Care, the transition home, and onwards. We do not receive any Government funding and are entirely reliant on the generosity of individuals, companies and organisations in the form of donations, value-in-kind donations, grants, sponsorship and fundraising events to supplement operating costs and fund our services and initiatives.
- As we are a registered charity (CC56619) with Charities Services New Zealand we will send you an IRD compliant tax receipt – this will happen automatically by return email.