Wish Lists

ITEMS NEEDED FOR APRIL  WISH LISTS

Quilts 
We have our normal requests which are repeated every month but in particular we need. We still have numbers of Children Quilts but any excess quilts we receive will be kept in storage for our Open Day in August. 
  • Adult Single Bed Toppers, 
  • Body quilts, 
  • Single Bed Quilts, 
  • Renal Quilts.  
Sensory
We have a request for 15 T/F Mats & we need more for our regular requests.
  • Blockenspeils 
  • Touchy-feely cubes
  • Touchy-feely books 
  • Rice feely bags. 
Knitted and Crocheted
  • Rectangular rugs and large lap rugs with 6 squares  (About 1m x 1. 5m (40"x60") works well). 
  • Lap rugs measuring 1m x 1m
  • Teddies and soft toys 
  • Fingerless gloves/mittens
  • Full term baby beanies  (12.5cm W by 15.5cm H or 5" W by 6" H when flattened).
  • Toys and Bears
Sewn
  • Children's clothes
  • Port Protectors for over seat belts.
  • Treatment bags 
  • Drawstring toiletry bags in all sizes
  • Wheelchair Bags as we have a regular request of 5 each month

(The toiletry bags work best if they have double drawstrings that you pull from either side).


ITEMS NEEDED FOR MARCH WISH LISTS


Quilts
  • Body Quilts and Single Bed Topper quilts 
  • Single Bed quilts
  • Renal quilts
Sensory
  • Touchy Feely mats and Tactile mats   
  • Blockenspeils 
  • Touchy-feely cubes (small) 
  • Touchy-feely books 
  • Touchy-feely aprons 
  • Rice feely bags. 
Knitted and Crocheted
  • Rectangular rugs and large lap rugs  (About 1m x 1. 5m (40"x60") works well). 
  • Teddies and soft toys 
  • Fingerless gloves/mittens
  • Full term baby beanies  (12.5cm W by 15.5cm H or 5" W by 6" H when flattened). 
Sewn
  • Small stuffed hearts (2 pieces of fabric sewn together and stuffed) (to put in the hands of palliative patients as a comfort). 
  • Children's clothes
  • Cancer hats/turbans
  • Treatment bags 
  • Drawstring toiletry bags
  • Gift bags. 

(The toiletry bags work best if they have double drawstrings that you pull from either side).

ITEMS NEEDED FOR FEBRUARY WISH LISTS


QUILTS
  • Body / single bed topper quilts
  • Single bed adult quilts
  • Renal quilts
SEWING
  • Drawstring bags - both toiletry and gift. 
(Sizes are - Tall Toiletry bag -  14" H x 12" W;  Medium Toiletry bag - 12" H x 10" W;  Small Gift bag - 8"H x 6"W;  Tiny Gift bag - 6"H x 5"W)         
  • Gift items such as Dove soap in drawstring bags (4" x 4"), covered coat hangers, crocheted top tea towels, pot holders etc. 
  • Seatbelt port protectors. 
KNITTING AND CROCHETING
  • Larger knee rugs and bed topper rugs (rectangular)
  • Soft toys, teddies, kanyini bears, sea creatures 
  • Baby beanies (full term size)
SENSORY
  • Blockenspeils
  • Rice feely bags
  • Small touchy feely cubes
  • Touchy feely mats
  • Tactile mats.
(Please remember when making touchy feely items to avoid using anything that is sharp or can break to form sharp edges, can be pulled off or has small pieces that can be removed.)


ITEMS NEEDED FOR DECEMBER/JANUARY WISH LISTS

QUILTS 

QUILTS
  • Adult single bed topper / body quilts
  • Single bed quilts 
  • Quilts in bright unisex colours suitable for young adults of both sexes 
  • A quilt incorporating aboriginal/indigenous designs 
  • Quilt bags are also in demand but they should be large - 20" (50cm) square. 
At the last meeting clarification on the sizing of bed toppers was requested. 
A single bed is 36" x 75"  (92cm x 190cm) and a pillow is about 15" (38cm) wide. A bed topper usually goes across the width and up to the pillow - so at least 36" x 60" (92cm x 152cm) but preferably a little bigger. 
Our quilt sizing guide says 45" to 50" x 65" to 70" (114cm to 127cm x 165cm to 178cm)

SENSORY
  • Marble mazes
  • Small TF cubes,
  • TF books
  • TF mats  
KNITTED AND CROCHETED
  • Larger lap rugs / bed topper rugs
  • Shawls
  • Fingerless gloves/mittens 
  • Teddies including kanyini bears 
  • Sea creatures  
  • Premmie octopuses  
Remember any toys for children should have embroidered features and not decorations that can be easily removed by little, determined fingers. 

SEWN
  •  Turbans 
  •  Breast drainage bags 
  •  The Quilt team also are looking for Quilt bags - like treatment bags but 20" (50cm) square. 


ITEMS NEEDED FOR NOVEMBER WISH LISTS


QUILTS 
  • Adult single bed topper / body quilts 
  • Single bed quilts.  
  • Quilt bags - 20" (50cm) square. 
(At the last meeting clarification on the sizing of bed toppers was requested. 
A single bed is 36" x 75" (92cm x 190cm) and a pillow is about 15" (38cm) wide. A bed topper usually goes across the width and up to the pillow - so at least 36" x 60" (92cm x 152cm) but preferably a little bigger. 
Our quilt sizing guide says 45" to 50" x 65" to 70" (114cm to 127cm x 165cm to 178cm)

SENSORY
  • Marble mazes 
  • Small TF cubes
  • TF books 
  • TF mats 
KNITTED AND CROCHETED
  • Larger lap rugs / bed topper rugs
  • Shawls 
  • Fingerless gloves/mittens
  • Teddies including kanyini bears
  • Sea creatures (Remember any toys for children should have embroidered features and not decorations that can be easily removed by little, determined fingers). 

SEWN
  • Turbans 
  • Breast drainage bags 

QUILTSITEMS NEEDED FOR OCTOBER WISH LISTS

QUILTS
  • Single bed toppers / body quilts (45" to 55" x 65" to 70"), 
  • Renal quilts and 
  • Single bed quilts
  • Larger rectangular lap quilts 40" x 55" approx 
SENSORY
  • Touchy feely mats or rice feely bags
YARNERS
  • Bed topper sized rugs and larger lap rugs  
  • Smaller soft toys / teddies - (small enough to be easily tucked in beside a patient or held in one hand). 
  • Kanyini bears - (embroidered eyes and noses for safety reason).
SEWN
  • Gift like items: covered coathangers, kitchen towels with crocheted tops, edged washers, pot holders etc
  • Toiletry bags (12" wide by 14" high) and toiletry items
  • Hospital gowns (made from soft cotton stretch fabric, the back seam is stitched closed halfway up - still with velcro closures above that). 

ITEMS NEEDED FOR SEPTEMBER WISH LISTS 

QUILTS

  • Adult body / single bed topper quilts
  • Single bed quilts 
  • Rectangular lap quilts - about 100cm x 120cm (40" x 48") especially those suitable for males. (Request from Bli Bli Blue Care Aged Care Facility.)
  • Renal quilts  
  • Larger bed topper quilts  
  • Quilt bags 
SENSORY
  • Rice feely bags
  • Blockenspeils 
  • Small TF cubes 
  • Touchy feely books (Also some that are suitable for children.)  
  • Touchy feely mats 
KNITTED AND CROCHET
  • Larger lap rugs / bed topper rugs rather than the smaller square ones (see link) https://thecrochetswirl.com/index.php/rectangle-granny/ 
  • Teddies and soft toys, especially sea creatures. (They prefer smaller ones which can be easily held and tucked in with patients.)
  • Kanyini bears 
SEWN
  • Toweling topped pillowcases
  •  Hospital gowns for adult palliative care 
  •  Drawstring toiletry and gift bags.


ITEMS NEEDED FOR AUGUST WISH LISTS

QUILTS

  • Body Quilts 
  • Renal quilts
  • Children's quilts 
  • Single bed quilts  
SENSORY

  • Noughts and Crosses sets
  • Touchy-feely mats 
  • Touchy-feely books. 
KNITTING AND CROCHET

  • Adult sized rugs
  • Bed topper rugs (same width as a lap rug but about one and a half times as long) 
  • Lap rugs 
SEWN
  • Hospital gowns made from soft stretch material (and the back seam part sewn up) 
PLEASE REMEMBER TO CHECK THE 'WHAT'S IN STORAGE' LIST TO CHECK WHAT IS ALREADY IN STOCK. THANKYOU.

ITEMS NEEDED FOR JULY WISHLISTS

QUILTS

  • Body/single bed topper quilts
  • Renal quilts
KNITTED/CROCHET

  • Large yarn rugs/blankets
SENSORY
  • Soft fabric balls
SEWN
  • Hospital gowns
  • Treatment bags
BABY
  • Rugs (at least a metre square) 
  • Baby jackets sizes 0-3 (can be knitted, crocheted of sewn from soft fabric like flannelette)

ITEMS NEEDED FOR JUNE WISHLISTS


QUILTS
  • Adult body/single bed topper and single bed quilts  
  • Renal quilts 
SENSORY
  • Balloon covers  
  • Rice feely bags
KNITTING AND CROCHETING 
  • Adult sized rugs/blankets  
  • Primary aged children's clothes 
  • Baby beanies  
  • Sea creature toys for the children's ward (smaller ones are preferred). 
  • Kanyini bears for NAIDOC week in July 
SEWN
  • Towelling topped pillowcases 
  • Drawstring toiletry 
  • Gift and soap bags, overnight bags 
  • Turbans/cancer hats
  • Warm children's clothes from warm fabrics like fleecy 
  • Warm ponchos  

ITEMS NEEDED FOR APRIL/MAY WISH LISTS

Quilts
  • Single bed quilts (for adults both males and females) 
  • Single bed topper / body quilts 
  • Quilt bags to carry them in 
  • Wheelchair quilts 
  •  Lap quilts with colour and texture  
Sensory 
  • Tactile mats 
  • Themed sensory quilts (the size of a small lap rug) 
Knitted and Crocheted 
  • Larger rugs /blankets
  • Clothing items for primary aged children - jumpers, beanies and scarves etc. 
  • Bed topper rugs   
  • Fingerless gloves/mittens 
  • Lap rugs with colour and texture  
  • Full term baby beanies - they should be big enough to fit easily over a clenched fist and reach down to the wrist - approximately 12.5 cm (5")across and 15.5cm (6") long. The bottom should be able to be folded up so please ensure that the bottom edge can stretch and is not overly tight. See Patterns page for baby beanie template. It can be used to check the beanie size. Cut it out of cardboard and slip it inside the flattened beanie. The beanie should go over it easily without stretching.
  • Dolls or teddies with dark skin/fur. (They could be kanyini bears in Aboriginal or Torres Strait colours) but don't have to be. 
  • Hand or finger puppets - people or animals 
Sewn
  • The dark skinned dolls, hand and finger puppets mentioned above could be fabric or felt as well 
  • Hero capes capes
  • Children's and women's clothes (Sunshine Linus usually only donate new handmade items) 
  • Adult hospital gowns suitable for male and females (Not open at the shoulder and with one or two Velcro closures). 
  • Turbans and cancer hats in a variety of soft fabrics and colours


ITEMS NEEDED FOR NOVEMBER WISH LISTS


  • One recurring request that we haven't been able to supply much for recently is from the Remote Nurses and the Reconciliation Group for children's and women's clothes (summer not winter). Both groups send them to remote communities where shopping is limited. They use post satchels or hand luggage to get them there so nothing bulky is suitable. 
  • Other recurring requests include breast drainage bags and pillows, drawstring toiletry and gift bags, covered coat hangers, towelling topped pillowcases, overnight bags, kanyini bears, single bed quilts, body/single bed topper quilts, double bed topper quilts, and children's quilts
  • We have cleared our storage supplies of many of our knitted and crocheted items and while we will receive some requests for rugs, shawls, hand warmers and toys in the coming months we would prefer to store as little as possible over the humid summer break - so a few of those but please keep most of the knitted and crocheted stuff at home until the cooler months.
  • We have some of most sensory items in storage at the moment and no requests so far for this month.

ITEMS NEEDED FOR OCTOBER WISH LISTS


SEWING 
  • Drawstring cover bags for IDC (urine) bags. The finished bag should be 16"(40cm) H x  8"(20cm) W. These are different dimensions to the toiletry and gift bags and should be made from a sturdy material. 
  • Drawstring toiletry bags. ( Tall 14" H x 12" W and Medium 12" H x 10" W) as well
  • Gift bags
  • Covered coat-hangers, 
  • Eye patches see the instructions at https://sew-hip.livejournal.com/1735915.html 
KNITTING AND CROCHETING 
  • Bed topper rugs (same with as lap rugs but half again as long)
  • Lap rugs
  • Shawls (L-shaped or triangular with buttons)  
  • Bears and other small toys 
Please no more warm items such as beanies, scarves and bedsocks. 

SENSORY
  • Touchy-feely books 
  • Touchy-feely tablecloths - 1-1.2m square with ties on the corners. 

QUILTS

  • Adult single bed topper/body quilts
  • Adult and child single bed quilts
  • Larger child lap quilts 
  • Double/queen bed toppers


ITEMS NEEDED FOR SEPTEMBER WISH LISTS

Santa Sacks
Marion now has about 100 more sacks ready for sewing. This will be the end of this task for this year and if we can complete them by the end of the month it will give Care Outreach / students time to decorate for pre-Christmas delivery. These sacks only need to be sewn up and hemmed across the top and tie attached to the back students sufficient time to decorate them for pre-Christmas delivery.

Touchy-feely items considerations
We are getting regular requests for sensory items particularly from aged care facilities. The requests have increased, partially because covid-19 hygiene guidelines mean that items must remain with the patient / resident and not be shared. Many of the Touchy-feely items go to dementia patients who can be very strong and very persistent but have lost the understanding of how objects might harm them. We need to make Touchy-feely items with this in mind. 
Attachments - All items need to be strongly attached and not able to be 'worried' loose. Be wary of items like bells that have small parts that may separate off or sharp edges that may cut through the thread. Some people put items like bells or buttons in an organza bag and sew the bag across the open edge or flat onto the fabric.
Sharp, pointy or excessively rough items - Elderly people have fragile skin. Think carefully about using anything that might break their skin. Pot scourers were one item raised as unsuitable. Also items made of hard plastic that might be broken or stretched are probably not a good idea. A plastic spoon was mentioned in this context.
Large or weighty items - These can make the Touchy-feely item awkward to handle as well as dangerous if waved around. Try to keep things soft and light.

Shirt clothing protectors 
Sundale Nambour has asked our help with these. They are made out of a shirt or blouse with a yoke. The idea is that they look like a regular item of clothing. If you don't feel you could make them, would you see if you have any yoked shirts or blouses that you could donate for someone else to convert?

SENSORY
  • Touchy-feely BOOKS  
  • Touchy-feely Cubes and Muffs 
  • Rice Feely bags, Marble mazes, and Noughts and Crosses sets

SEWN 
  • Breast Drainage bags 
  • Towelling topped pillowcases 
  • Shirt Clothing Protectors 
  • Adolescent Hospital Gowns - sizes 10 to 16.
We DO NOT NEED Niki pump bags, wheelie walker bags or turbans.

KNITTING AND CROCHETING

We DO NOT NEED beanies (of any size), scarves, bed socks/slippers or lap rugs 
BUT we would like:
  • Bed topper size rugs - same width as lap rugs but about one and a half times as long as lap rugs.
  • Bears/toys (sea creatures?)  
  • Kanyini bears  
  • Shawls - either triangular or L-shaped with a button. 
  • Hand warmers (fingerless gloves/mittens)

QUILTS
  •  Adult body/single bed topper quilts and child and adult single bed quilts in particular, suitable for men/boys as well as women/girls. 
We DO NOT NEED any Wheelchair quilts at the moment.

 

ITEMS NEEDED FOR JULY WISH LISTS

SEWN
          https://sew-hip.livejournal.com/1735915.htm
  • Children's clothes
KNITTED AND CROCHETED
  • Large / Bed topper rugs  
  • Kanyini bears
SENSORY
  • Small Sensory items - Marble mazes, Squeezies, Noughts and Crosses sets, T/F books, T/F mats, Tactile cushions, rice feely bags
QUILTS
  • Adult Body/Single bed topper quilts
  • Adult single bed quilts
  • Adult double bed topper quilts
  • Quilt bags.

 

ITEMS NEEDED FOR JUNE WISH LISTS

Filler items for Activity Bags 

  • Colouring books and pencils, sticker books etc plus small toys for both boys and girls (cars, dolls, soft toys etc).
Santa Sacks
  • Coolum Care Outreach uses them to put Christmas packages in and so needs them a couple of month's before Christmas. It is very simple sewing - 3 sides, finishing the top if there is no selvedge, and a tie, stitched in the middle near the top. Marion has prepared the Sacks for sewing. You may need to make the ties - doesn't have to be Christmas fabric- any bright red, green or gold fabric will work. 
If you can sew some let Marion or Jenny D know. They can be collected from Marion or we will deliver if not too far away. 

Children's clothes
  • The Salvation Army would like knitted/crocheted or fleecy cardigans and jumpers for primary aged children. 
  • The Remote Nurses and the Reconciliation Group are sending children's clothing to Northern Australia so are looking for lighter children's clothing - any age. 
Single bed toppers or single bed rugs  
  •  Knitted/crocheted rugs rather than lap rugs
Children's hero capes 
  •  They don't have to be elaborate. 
Quilts - single and double bed toppers and single bed quilts 
  • For both adults and children. 
Small sensory items 
  •  Rice bags, noughts and crosses sets, marble mazes 
Towelling top pillowcases, breast drainage bags and pillows 
  • These are ongoing. The clinics we donate them to are grateful for all we can give them. 
 
ITEMS NEEDED FOR MAY WISHLISTS

 QUILTS

  • Body /bed topper size
(We have plenty of wheelchair and lap quilts in storage.)
 
SENSORY
  • Blockenspeil foam blocks
(Our supply of foam blocks for blockenspeils has been depleted. If you have any unused/surplus foam blocks at home, could you please bring them back next meeting if you are not planning to use them.)
  • Touchy-feely mats
(We have plenty of balloon covers and marble mazes.)
 
SEWN
  • Towelling topped pillowcases, breast drainage bags and pillows
(The breast pillows with the elastic loop are preferred because they are easier to do up one handed. Pattern is on the blog)
  • Superhero capes - here are links for two patterns:
  • Seatbelt port protectors (portsofties) - pattern on Blog
 
 KNITTED AND CROCHET 
  • We are beginning to get requests for warm items so you can start bringing in those items you are storing at home.
  • Large rugs 
     (We have quite a few toys in storage but expect a big request for kanyini bears for July.) 
     

ITEMS NEEDED FOR APRIL WISHLISTS

QUILTS

  • Body/single bed topper quilt  - this size is most commonly requested 
  • Single bed quilts  - also requested often 
  • Renal quilts - (a Dialysis unit contacted us for the first time this week asking for these quilts) 
  • Quilts in colours/patterns for men are always welcomed
(We have plenty of lap quilts and wheelchair quilts in storage.)

SENSORY
  • T/F mats - (We were unable to meet all the wish lists for these last month. In fact all T/F items are needed as we have none in storage ie T/F cubes, books, cushions, muffs, aprons etc.)
  • Rice feely bags -  also in short supply and we were unable to meet all requests 
  • Blockenspeils  and Noughts and Crosses sets - are always in demand. 
(We have plenty balloon covers in storage.)

KNITTING AND CROCHETING
  • L-shaped or triangular shawls with front button  - (We finally exhausted our supply of shawls in storage and couldn't meet all requests last meeting. Recently we have been asked for shawls in solid dark colours which would be suitable for men.)
  • We either have none in storage or ongoing requests for Kanyini bears, beanies and scarves in indigenous colours
  • Large rugs or blankets suitable to cover a single bed
(Everything else we have stocks in storage. The weather has not got cold enough to prompt organisations to ask for warm items yet, so please hold onto those items until May at the soonest.)

SEWN
  • Drawstring toiletry and gift bags 
  • Towelling top pillowcases, breast drainage bags, breast pillows and overnight bags and children's clothes are also  ongoing requests.
  • Kid's hero capes - (SCUH asked us for these. There are lots of designs on the web but this is a link to one I liked 
http://www.threadridinghood.com/wordpress/free-cape-tutorial/

(We have plenty of wheelchair bags, Niki bags and treatment (X-ray) bags in storage.) 


ITEMS NEEDED FOR MARCH WISH LISTS


QUILTS
  • Single bed topper/ body quilts  
  • Single bed quilts  
  • Children's quilts in bed topper size
  • Larger quilt bags for the bigger quilts 
We do not need wheelchair quilts at the moment. 

SENSORY 
  • T/F cubes
  • T/F books 
  • Rice feely bags.
  • Blockenspeils
  • Noughts and Crosses sets
  • Tactile mats and T/F mats (especially themed ones)  
We do not need balloon covers, marble mazes, cardholders or rummage bags at the moment. 

KNITTING AND CROCHETING
  • Crocheted or knitted rugs big enough to go on a bed (bed topper size) 
  • Small soft toys such as bears and sea creatures
  • Kanyini bears and beanies in indigenous colours
  • Soft scarves for cancer patients

SEWN
  • Towelling topped pillowcases
  • Towelling heat pack covers 
  • Breast drainage bags 
  • Breast pillows 
  • Children's clothes 
  • Book bags (they are basically unfilled activity bags)
  • Toiletry bags (preferably drawstring) and the toiletry items for them especially razors and shaving cream. 
  • Cancer hats and turbans. Turbans are an ongoing need but was asked about some cancer hats for men. There is a pattern on the Blog or this one https://blog.fehrtrade.com/gallery/286/chemo-hats-with-pattern/#search
    Both are made from T-shirt type fabrics. They prefer plain dark colours.
We do not need Niki bags (we have 166 in storage!) or wheelie walker bags at the moment. 



ITEMS NEEDED FOR FEBRUARY WISH LISTS

Quilts

  • We have continued requests for Large Body quilts, Single Bed quilts, Lap quilts and Small Children's quilts (suitable for use on cots, as play mats and as a comfort wrap for a child). We have very few of these in storage. We do not need any more Wheelchair quilts or Renal quilts at the moment as we have plenty in storage. Body quilts are preferred to be at the larger end of the size. (That is what is being requested.)

Sensory

  • We have had a special request for some tactile mats from a unit at SCUH at Birtinya. They should be about the size of a tea towel - they suggested we could use a tea towel (particularly one that might promote recognition in an elderly person) as backing for the mat. On the front, they don't want any T/F items sewn on - just 4 quadrants of different textured material - satin, organza, corduroy, tapestry, lace (could sew a doily on), velvet, cotton, denim, fur, vinyl - whatever you have. They are meant to be stroked and help calm the patient.
  • The hospital has also asked for some more Noughts and Crosses sets using milk bottle lids as counters. Other organisations have liked them too.

  • We have very few T/F items in storage -  mats (we have had some very positive feedback for the themed ones), aprons, books, cushions, cubes, mitts, mittens, muffs etc. and these are frequently requested so any you can make are appreciated. We have some blockenspeils and rice feely bags in storage but they are regularly requested and supplies always need replenishing. There are lots of Balloon covers, Rummage bags, Squeezies, and Marble mazes in storage and not many requests for them so perhaps concentrate on the other items.

Knitting and Crocheting

  • The hospital has said they have enough baby beanies for now.  We still have plenty of items in storage so about all we need are a few light scarves, bears and toys (including sea creatures and Kanyini bears) and anything in indigenous colours eg beanies. I'm sure we will need  other items in the future but for now that is it.

ITEMS NEEDED FOR DECEMBER/JANUARY WISH LISTS:

Quilts
  • Body Quilts - we have none in storage and these are the most requested size. These are mainly used by patients undergoing treatment in reclining treatment chairs. They need to be wide enough to cover the body and long enough tuck under the feet and still reach the chest/chin - approximately 40-50" (100-120cm) wide by 60-65" (150-170cm) long. 
We have plenty of lap and renal quilts in storage . 

Sensory 
  • Rice feely bags - we get frequent requests for these and have none in storage. 
  • Smaller Touchy-feely items such as books, cubes, cushions etc
  • Blockenspeils - always in demand 
We have plenty of balloon covers in storage. 

Knitting and crocheting 
  • Full term (40 week) baby beanies  - That means unstretched 12.5 cm wide and 15 cm long. A knitted pattern is on the Blog but any pattern that you prefer is fine, so long as they end up very close to those measurements. 
We have plenty of warm items in storage especially shawls and lap rugs but also beanies, children's jumpers/cardigans, gloves/mittens, slippers and blankets. 

Sewing 
  • Breast drainage bags - There are a several units that want as many of these (and breast pillows) as we can supply. 
  • Breast moon pillows - The feedback we have received is that these are preferred to the usual pillow. They are more curved and have a tie with a bow that goes through an elastic loop. (See blog for pattern but no need for embroidery).
  • Women's hospital nightshirts - Dove Cottage have asked for these but none were made for the last meeting. They are similar to hospital gowns but in attractive material with the shoulder seams sewn up (no buttons or Velcro needed there). They should have Velcro at the back of the neck and part way down the back. (See blog for pattern and  just sew up the shoulder seams and use Velcro instead of ties). 
  • Heat pack covers - for maternity wards 29cm long by 16cm wide, made out of towelling like a small pillowcase. SCUH has asked for these in recent months but we haven't been able to give them any. 
  • Towelling topped pillowcases - This is an ongoing request. 
We have plenty of wheelchair bags, wheelie walker bags, overnight bags and Niki pump bags in storage. 

ITEMS NEEDED FOR NOVEMBER WISH LISTS:

QUILTS
  • Body Quilts - these remain the most commonly requested quilt, mainly for hospitals. 
  • Children's single bed with pillowcase - these are for Santa's Classy Helper's day in December, so this is the last meeting we will be distributing these.
  • Single bed quilts - Dove Cottage requests these on a regular basis.
  • Smaller children's quilts - these are mattress topper or large cot size. They will go to the Emergency units at hospitals or to Santa's Classy Helper's day. 

We have a large number of lap quilts in storage at the moment so maybe hold them at home for now.

SENSORY

We have a steady demand for sensory items. The Wishlist Foundation have indicated they have a desperate need at SCUH for sensory items. In particular we need:
  • Rice bags
  • Blockenspeils
  • Touchy-feely cubes and cushions

KNITTED AND CROCHETED

We haven't got a lot of demand for warm items and we have a lot of lap rugs and shawls in storage right now. Please keep these items at home until I let you know otherwise. We do need: 

  • Baby beanies - for SCUH - 40 week beanies (ie for full term babies) (12.5cm W x 15cm H or 5" x 6") (There is a pattern on the Blog but whatever you prefer that makes the size). 
  • Teddies/toys - steady requests for these for hospitals etc
  • Kanyini bears - unfortunately NAIDOC week has been cancelled for this year but we have agreed to keep collecting them for next year. We've also been including them in the items for the Reconciliation Group to send to remote communities. 
  • Sea Creature toys - this is an ongoing one for the children's ward at SCUH. 

SEWN

We have had a lot of requests for sewn items this month. We need: 

  • Breast pillows and drainage bags
  • Treatment (X-ray bags) 
  • Children's hospital gowns - the pattern can be found on the Blog, print off the pages and sticky tape together. (The samples I was given have 3 buttons on the shoulders rather than Velcro and use self ties rather than ribbon). 
  • Women's hospital nightshirts - Dove Cottage have asked for these. They are similar to hospital gowns but in attractive material with the the shoulder seams sewn up (no buttons or Velcro needed) and they have Velcro at the back of the neck and partway down the back. The pattern for the adult version can be found on the Blog. (Just sew up the seams and use Velcro instead of ties). 
  • Eye masks - we were asked for these for mums in the Neonatal ward. There are lots of patterns on the web but as this one uses wadding in the middle I thought it might be a way to use wadding offcuts. https://www.tillyandthebuttons.com/2015/07/how-to-make-eye-mask-free-pattern.html
  • Heat pack covers - for maternity wards - 29cm long by 16cm wide, made out of towelling like a small pillowcase. 
  • Towelling Pillowcases - this is an ongoing request. The recipients were thrilled with the last delivery especially for the variety of designs and in particular the Christmas ones. 
  • Children's clothes and hats - these are eagerly sought after for the Remote Area Nurses and the Reconciliation Group who both send them to remote communities where clothing is difficult to obtain.
  • Drawstring toiletry bags - these are both for Care Outreach and for filled bags we give to the hospitals who prefer drawstring to zippered bags.

ITEMS NEEDED FOR OCTOBER WISH LISTS:

Quilts

We have requests for:

  • single bed quilts for adults - both male and female 

  • single bed children's quilts with matching pillow cases 

  • body quilts

  • smaller children's quilts (to make a child's visit to Emergency a more pleasant experience) 

(There are large number of renal and lap quilts in storage at the moment so please can you hold those at home for the time being).

Sensory

There is a steady demand for smaller sensory items. In particular we need:

  • Touchy-feely books, muffs, cubes and mats

  • Marble mazes

  • Rice feely bags

(Please remember objects on sensory items need to be firmly attached. They should not be easily pulled apart nor have sharp edges nor be too heavy).

Knitting and Crocheting 

As the weather has been becoming warmer demand for rugs etc. has dropped off. Please keep warm items at home until next autumn. 

We have a small number of requests for warm items for elderly and cancer/renal patients in hospitals. We need:

  • Soft toys/teddies 

  • Sea creature toys

  • Kanyini bears

  • Beanies in indigenous colours 

  • Scarves and fingerless mittens for cancer patients

Sewing

We need:

  • Children's hospital gowns. 

(SCUH has asked if we could make some of these. The PDF instructions with a pattern which can be printed off can be found here.)

  • Towelling topped pillowcases

(Our second delivery last month was gratefully received as they had used up all of those delivered in the previous month. These pillowcases are used by Mental health clinics for patients whose medication causes excessive saliva production. They have 4 clinics across the coast so this will be an ongoing request). 

  • Sea Creature toys

(SCUH's children's ward uses these as decoration, distraction and reward to take home). 

Ongoing requests for:

  • Turbans, breast drainage bags and pillows, drawstring toiletry bags and gift bags, treatment (X-ray) bags

ITEMS NEEDED FOR SEPTEMBER WISH LISTS:
Sewn
  • Masks - We diverted some of last month's masks for Equity Works to the Kidney Support Network wish list, so we would like some more masks made to replace those. 
    There are more kits made up. Please let Jenny D know if you can do some more and she will get the kits to you.
  • Breast drainage bags and breast pillows - these are for the Adem Crosby Centre at SCUH. Please make the bags with a flat bottom as the drainage bottles sit better in them.  A pattern and instructions for drainage bags are on the Blog http://sunshinelinusgroup.blogspot.com/p/free-patterns.html.
  • Treatment (X-Ray) Bags - a number of clinics (cancer, renal, etc) regularly ask for these and we have donated all those in storage. (Pattern is on the Blog)   http://sunshinelinusgroup.blogspot.com/p/free-patterns.html.)
  • Drawstring bags - The Care Outreach Coolum were delighted with the Santa Sacks and Drawstring bags that we delivered to them last month. Their wish list for drawstring bags is ongoing as they send out care packages five times a year. So any more would be welcomed. 
    Toiletry bags with drawstring - TALL 14" H x 12" W (400) - MEDIUM 12" H x 10" W (200) (in mainly pretty material) Gift bags with drawstring (preferably in sheer material) - SMALL 8"H x 6"W (200) - TINY 6"H x 5"W (200) Soap bags with drawstring - 4" x 4"  
  • Children's clothes  -  the Reconciliation Group and the Remote Area Nurses have been taking these for remote communities.
  • Towelling topped pillowcases and turbans  - these are also ongoing requests so more are always welcomed.
Yarners

The weather has warmed up so we won't get further requests for warm items until probably next May so please store those at home until then. We do have requests for
  • Bears and soft toys
  • Kanyini Bears
  • Beanies in indigenous colours only
  • Lap rugs with colour and texture  - The lovely flower rug that Loretta made was pictured on the Blog last month  http://sunshinelinusgroup.blogspot.com/. Many patients with milder dementia benefit from the sensory input but are suspicious/offended by a Touchy / Feely rug so these are eagerly received. The texture doesn't have to be from raised flowers - any stitch that gives texture would work so long as it is not too loose or have holes that catch fingers. (Jenny D suggests the Bavarian crochet stitch). 
  • Shawls -  for aged care patients L-shaped or triangular with a button - only a few. We are still asked for these but we have already donated a lot in the last two months.
  • Fingerless mittens/gloves for cancer patients undergoing treatment.
Sensory
  • Themed T/F mats  - Ruth from the ARC unit was especially pleased with some themed T/F mats she received from us. Pictures of these are in last month's meeting report on the Blog http://sunshinelinusgroup.blogspot.com/. They are tactile without being too obvious and the theme makes a connection with the patients.
  • Smaller sensory items  - smaller items that can be easily held are regularly on wishlists  eg blockenspeils, rice bags, T/F cubes and books, marble mazes.
Quilts
  • Body quilts, Single-bed quilts and quilt bags - we have regular requests for these (Dimensions are on the blog - http://sunshinelinusgroup.blogspot.com/p/quilt-sizes.html )
  • Children's quilts (single bed size with matching pillowcase) - These are for an ongoing request for Santa's Classy Helpers for Christmas.
  • Lap quilts with texture and colour - like the lap rugs these are popular with aged care facilities as they are sensory without being obviously so. We had a beautiful lap quilt with 3 dimensional flowers donated last month which was perfect!

ITEMS NEEDED FOR AUGUST WISH LISTS:

SEWN

Masks

Equity Works have asked us if we can make 200 - 300 washable masks for their workers. We have decided to follow one specific design for these masks - it follows the Victorian government's guidelines for 3 layers (Polyester, Poly-cotton and Cotton) and is a pleated design with elastic threaded through casings at the side as this seems the most versatile design to use when you can't make the mask to fit a particular person. The mask instructions can be found here. Because of this design specificity we have made up kits containing the 3 layers cut to size, elastic and pipe cleaners for nose wire. Each kit contains enough material for 10 masks. We're asking people to make a minimum of 10 masks and return the made masks to us as soon as possible as we would like to deliver some masks before the end of the month. Please contact Jenny D to arrange to get some of the mask kits.

Towelling Pillowcases

A nurse from the Continuing Care Team (CCT) for Mental Health and Addiction Services contacted us asking if we could make towelling topped pillowcases for patients with mental health issues who are treated with a medication which makes them produce excess saliva at night-time while asleep. These are just standard pillowcases with towelling added to the top. The need for these is ongoing as the condition persists for as long as the patient is on the medication. She will be grateful for any we can provide but I hope we can have at least a dozen for her at the end of the month. There are some spare pillowcases in storage that we can adapt. 

Please contact Jenny D if you would like to use them - first in, first served.

Santa Sacks and Toiletry / Gift bags

We (especially Claire P) have already been making large drawstring Toiletry bags for Care Outreach Coolum but they have let us know that they need hundreds of a variety of bags each year. The sizes of the toiletry and gift bags are given below. They will accept as many as we can provide on an ongoing basis.

They also require Santa sacks to put children's presents in for distribution at Christmas. They have been given a large quantity of white sheeting to use to make these. The bags are LARGE: 30" square or SMALL: 20"W x 30"H with a 3" Christmas fabric strip sewn in one place at the back of the bag to form a tie around the top. Claire and Marion have cut up the sheeting into the correct sizes to make the bags and have boxed them in lots of 30. (They just need to be stitched up the sides and the ties attached). Care Outreach would like the Santa sacks back soon to organise decorating them, so we need to get them made by the end of the month. 

Please contact Jenny D to arrange to get your box if you can make some. 

Ongoing drawstring bag requirements

TALL Toiletry:  12"W x 14"H (with drawstring) - 400 of this size used per year.  This size is what is needed to fit the bigger / taller items in and allow closure of the bag. 

MEDIUM Toiletry: 10"W x 12"H (with drawstring) in mainly pretty material - 200.  These are specifically for smaller gifts for Mother's Day and Female gifts which are packed all year around as well.  

SMALL Gift bag - 6"W x 8"H (with drawstring) - 200. Sheer fabric is great but not essential, as these are used for gift soaps, jewellery and smaller gift items

TINY Gift bag - 5"W x 6"H (with drawstring) - 200.  Sheer fabric is great but not essential, as these are also used for gift soaps, jewellery and smaller gift items

SOAP bag - 4"x4" bags (with drawstring) This size fits a boxed Dove soap nicely and are included in Mother's Day gift packs.

KNITTED AND CROCHETED

We had a huge amount come in last month. As it will have started to warm up by the end of August we won't have much demand for warm items until next year. The aged care units still request shawls (preferably L-shaped with a button) and knee rugs (preferably with colour and texture) to cope with air conditioned hospitals but we were swamped them last month. So please hold most of these items at home for now.

We have an ongoing request for kanyini bears - NAIDOC week has been postponed until November and Laurel Place has asked for some beanies in indidgenous colours only for their centre at Murgon.

QUILTS

We have the ongoing request from Santa's Classy Helpers for children's single bed quilts with matching pillowcases (please pin together) for November.

Regular wish lists ask for single bed quilts with quilt bags, body quilts and lap quilts (100-120cm square).

SENSORY

We haven't had any specific wish lists for sensory items so far this month but we get steady requests for sensory cubes and books, blockenspeils, rice bags, and marble mazes.

 Items needed for March Wish Lists:
Quilts
  • Renal quilts - these are body quilts with a pocket for feet. We have had a wishlist for 20 since the end of last year from Selangor Hospital's kidney unit. Kaye showed us some beautiful ones in Show and Tell last meeting (see pictures on the blog) but we need some more, please. The dimensions are also on the blog.    http://sunshinelinusgroup.blogspot.com/p/free-patterns.html 
  • We have ongoing requests for single quilts with quilt bags and body quilts
Sensory 
  • Blockenspeils - We have steady requests for these and have not been able to supply all that have been requested. Thank you to all those who continue to make these fiddly items. 
  • Rice fiddle bags - These also are regularly requested.
  • Touchy-feely items of all kinds, especially those suited for males. 
We do not need any more balloon covers at the moment.

Knitting and Crocheting
  • Shawls - we were unable to supply all requests last month. They are for for elderly patients in air conditioning. L-shaped or triangular ones with a front button.
  • Lap rugs -  same story as the shawls. Please avoid stitches/tension that makes holes for fingers/toes to get caught in.  
  • Full term baby beanies. Three is an ongoing need for these. Two sizes - H 15cm (6")  x W 11.5cm (4.5") for babies born at 36 weeks and H 15.5cm (6¼”) x W 12.5cm (5") for babies born at 40 weeks.   
  • Boobs - the lactation consultants were very excited about the ones we did last month. They have asked for more crocheted ones  in different sizes and different colours . I used the pattern from here  https://www.lcgb.org/resources/teaching-tools/lcgb-knitted-breast-the-pattern/  but I found it was a bit small so I modified it to make larger ones. Unfortunately I didn't record the modifications so I am currently crocheting and recording. If you would like to have a go at crocheting some, email me and I'll send you the modified pattern when I finish it. I'll put the modified pattern on the blog too.
  • Teddies and Kanyini bears - there is an ongoing need for these.
Sewn
  • Large drawstring toiletry bags -14" high x 12" wide with sturdy drawstring. These are needed for Care Outreach Coolum who put toiletry items in them for Relief packages. The request is ongoing but they would like 300 for Mother's Day in May. Claire P has already made over 100 but she would like some help.
  • Wheelchair bags - at least the dimensions in the pattern on the blog (or a bit bigger)  http://sunshinelinusgroup.blogspot.com/p/free-patterns.htm
  • Cancer hats for men - when we supplied turbans to the Adem Crosby Centre they told us of a need for turbans for men. We thought something like the cancer patients hats would work  http://sunshinelinusgroup.blogspot.com/p/free-patterns.html  
  • Scarves - made from silky/soft material approximately 2m long by 30cm wide - also for cancer patients to use with/instead of turbans
  • Turbans -  ongoing
  • Towelling heat pack covers - the finished cover is 29cm long x 16cm wide and made like a small pillow case. 
We do not need any treatment (x-ray) bags, drainage bags or overnight bags at the moment.



Items needed for February Wish Lists:
Quilts 
Sensory
  • Blockenspeils, rice feely bags, and small touchy feely items eg. cubes
Knitted and Crocheted
  • Shawls - preferably the L-shaped ones with a button on the front.
  • Lap rugs - same story as the shawls. Please avoid stitches/tension that makes holes for fingers/toes to get caught in.
  • Full term baby beanies - there is an ongoing need for these. Two sizes - H 15cm (6") x W 11.5cm (4.5")  for babies born at 36 weeks and H 15.5cm (6.25") x W 12.5cm (5") for babies born at 40 weeks. 
  • Teddies, Kanyini bears, Sea creatures and other cuddly toys - there are ongoing requests for these. 
Sewn
  • Wheelchair bags - for the Rehabilitation unit at SCUH. Use the dimensions in the pattern on the blog (or a bit bigger).   http://sunshinelinusgroup.blogspot.com/p/free-patterns.html
  • Turbans - ongoing requests for cancer patients at various places.
  • Scarves - made from silky/soft material approximately 2m long by 30cm wide - also for cancer patients to use with/instead of turbans.
  • Treatment (X-ray) bags - there are ongoing requests for these. See blog for pattern   http://sunshinelinusgroup.blogspot.com/p/free-patterns.html  
  • Towelling heat pack covers - they want them in towelling not heavy material.   The finished cover is 29cm long x 16cm wide and made like a small pillow case.
  • Teddies, Kanyini bears, Sea creatures and other cuddly toys - there are ongoing requests for these. 
Items to fill Toiletry Bags 
We need items to ffill toiletry bags (we have sufficient bags), such as shampoo and conditioner, razors, tampons, combs/brushes, toothbrushes and toothpaste.


Items needed for January Wish Lists:
Sewn
  •  Turbans and cancer hats (made from stretch material - not beanies). The cancer units at Adem Crosby (Kawana), Nambour and Gympie have all been asking for turbans but we have had very few to distribute. There are lots of patterns on the web.
This is a link to one: http://www.sewing.org/html/turban.html or the pattern for a cancer hat is in our patterns at http://sunshinelinusgroup.blogspot.com/p/free-patterns.html
  • Niki pump bags - for SCUH. Pattern is on our blog.
  • Treatment bags - these are X-ray bags. They don't get used for x-rays any more (most x-rays are digital now) however they are still in demand. They mainly get used to put clothes etc in for those undergoing treatment such as radiation hence the name change. They do not need outside pockets.
  • Heat pack covers (towelling)- The finished cover is 29cm long x 16cm wide and made like a small pillow case. Old towels are ideal to use for these.
  • Newborn bunny rugs -  approximately 1m x 1m from soft fabric.
Knitting and crocheting

We do not need rugs, wraps, adult beanies, jumpers, scarves, mittens, socks, or children's clothing. If you have some of these please hold them at home until the cool weather next year. We already have some in storage. There are some requests for shawls for air conditioned units in the hospital but they prefer the L-shaped shawls with a button.We do need:
  • Baby beanies -  SCUH needs lots of these. We have not been able to supply them in the past. They have asked for two sizes - H 15cm (6")  x W 11.5cm (4.5") for babies born at 36 weeks and H 15.5cm (6¼”) x W 12.5cm (5") for babies born at 40 weeks. There is a knitted pattern on the blog but there are lots on the web too. I found this crocheted pattern helpful.            https://www.mybluprint.com/article/how-to-crochet-a-baby-hat-step-by-step
  • We also have ongoing requests for bears and knitted toys - the children's ward at SCUH have a sea theme and they would like small to medium sized sea creature toys such as fish, turtles, whales, sea horses etc. Children get to choose one to keep.
  • Baby rugs about the size of a pillowcase. That's 50cm (20") by 66cm (26") These must be done in a stitch that doesn't leave holes for fingers and toes to be caught in.
Sensory

 Blockenspeils are what we have been unable to supply in sufficient numbers. There are steady requests for the other sensory items including rice bags.

Quilts
  • 1m by 1m playmats - the IFYS Young Parents Support group were delighted with the ones we gave them last month and would like some more if possible
  • Renal quilts - These are the ones the nurse from Selangor Hospital's Renal unit spoke about at the last meeting. They are body quilts with a quilted pocket at the bottom to put feet in. The pattern is now on the blog.
  • Neonatal quilts (60cm x 70cm or 24" x 28") - these are the ones Sharon spoke about at the last meeting. They can be any colours on both sides. (No need for a dark side).
  • Ongoing requests for body quilts, single quilts and lap quilts.


Items needed for November Wish Lists:

 Please note we have a surplus of filled activity bags and toiletry bags. Please do not bring in any bags or items to fill them until we let you know we have distributed those in storage.
Quilts
We do not need any more wheelchair quilts at the moment. 
Apart from the usual single, body and lap quilts we have had special requests for 
- Quilted play mats 1m x 1m for the IFYS Young Parents Support Group. 
- Bunny rugs (approx 1m x 1m)
Sensory
No special requests so just the usual items. We have plenty of balloon covers and marble mazes in storage as well as small numbers of most other sensory items. Blockenspeils continue to be requested.
Knitted and crocheted
We have lots of warm items for colder weather like scarves, adult beanies, rugs,socks etc. We get requests for a small number of shawls (L-shaped with button) and lap rugs from air conditioned geriatric units at this time of year but most of the items will have to be stored until at least May next year. Please hold any more of these items at home until the weather gets cooler.
The good news is that we have had requests for some more unusual knitted and crocheted items. We need
- Christmas decorations - knitted and crocheted so they are soft for the ARC unit at Nambour Hospital
- Knitted/crocheted rugs (size of a pillow slip is fine) - for babies in Neonatal and Maternity. 
  Please use a stitch and tension that does not allow holes for fingers and toes to get caught in.
- Full term baby beanies (12.5cm wide x 15cm high) - for SCUH. They want lots. The Baby Group cannot supply the number requested and are only covering the Neonatal needs.
- Baby booties with shape and stretch ( full term) - also for SCUH image.png
- Sea creatures - knitted or crocheted toys - for SCUH- Small knitted or crocheted balls with soft filling - to be used with patients to strengthen hands and fingers when stress balls are too hard
Ongoing need for knitted and crocheted bears/toys including Kanyini bears.
Sewn Most items needed are for the hospitals. Lots of bags but not x-ray bags at the moment. We need
- Wheelchair bags - if possible about 2 inches (5cm) wider than the pattern on the blog. 
   Make sure they are double stitched so they will take some weight.-  Drainage Bags - they have changed the size again. The finished size should be 30cm wide by 42cm high. 
   If you use the pattern on the blog cut two bag (and lining) pieces 40cm wide by 48cm high. I'll try and redo the pattern on the blog.
- Niki Pump bags - These are new. See below. Finished size 18cm wide by 30cm high. Straps about 40cm by 1.5cm attached in the middle.
   I'll try and get a pattern on the blog.
image.png
- Bunny rugs - approximately 1m x 1m (These are for full term babies at SCUH so Baby Group is not making them).
- Heat pack covers - The finished cover is 29cm long x 16cm wide and made like a small pillow case. See picture.
   Any thick fabric/towelling is suitable (old towels work well)
image.png
- Soft Christmas decorations - for the ARC unit at Nambour Hospital
- Sewn sea creature toys - for SCUH



Items needed for September Wish Lists:
Quilts
We have not been able to supply sufficient quantities of the following:
  • Children / Teenage single bed quilts with matching pillowcases. We need these for Santa's Classy Helpers. They make them available to needy families for Christmas.
  • Body quilts. We regularly supply these to palliative care, cancer and kidney patients at various locations. Wishlist  Foundations says they should be 100cm x 120cm (40" x 50") but we have used 100-120cm (40-50") by  150-170cm (60"-65") in the past.
  • Cot size 70cm x 50cm (27.5"x 20") for SCUH 

Sensory
Requests for these are steady. We especially need:
  • Touchy/feely books 
  • Blockenspeils
  • If you are making  T/F mats please put a tie in one corner. 
  • We are also getting more requests for sensory items suitable for children.
Knitting and Crochet
Wishlist Foundation have asked for: 
  • Cot size rugs 70 cm x 50 cm (27.5"x 20")
  •  Lap rugs 90 cm x 115 cm (36"x 45")
  •  Body rugs 100 cm x 120 cm (40" x 50")
  •  Baby beanies 12.5 cm wide x 15 cm high (5"x 6") and 11 cm wide x 13 cm high (43/8"x 51/8")
  • We have ongoing need for bears/toys and Kanyini bears
Sewing
We need more:
  •  Wheely walker bags with tie handles (and possibly an outside pocket for name)
  •  Overnight bags 
  •  Shopping bags 
  •  Drawstring toiletry bags 14" high x 12" wide
  • Turbans
  • X-ray bags
  • Breast drainage bags.   
Check the blog for patterns http://sunshinelinusgroup.blogspot.com/p/free-patterns.html




 Items needed for August Wish Lists:
Sensory

We have steady requests for sensory items but we especially need
  • Touchy/feely aprons - some suitable for males have been asked for
  • Touchy/feely books
  • Marble mazes with big marbles
  • Blockenspeils
  • A touchy/feely tablecloth (1m square with ties in each corner)
  • Touchy/feely mats with a set of ties in one top corner. 
  • Touchy/feely wheelchair quilts with one set of ties in top corner or middle of one side.
  • Rummage bags
  • We seem to have touchy/feely mats and wheelchair quilts in storage if someone is willing to add a tie to the mats or turn the wheelchair quilts into touchy/ feely ones I can arrange to get them to you after Open Day.  Please let me know. (Jenny D)
Quilts

We need 
  • Lap quilts (900mm x 1150mm) 
  • Body quilts (1000mm x 1200mm)   
Knitted and Crocheted

We have had requests for smaller knitted and crocheted items mainly from the Wishlist Foundation for the Sunshine Coast University Hospital at Birtinya but also for some aged care homes. Please hold bigger blankets etc until we need them next year.
Please be aware that the stitch used in rugs needs to be relatively firm so that there are no holes that fingers or toes can get caught in. This especially applies for cot size rugs.We need
  • Scarves
  • Lap rugs (900 mm x 1150mm)
  • Body rugs (1000mm x 1200mm)
  • Cot size rugs (700mm x 500mm)
  • Beanies for full-term babies (12.5cm wide x 15cm high) Pattern attached below
  • L- shaped shawls with a button
  • Fingerless mittens. These are for cancer and kidney patients undergoing treatment.
  • There are plenty of patterns out there but the simple style which is a rectangle sewn up the side with a hole left for the thumb is fine. The first two links below are for this style.
  • Jill Peck has been making this style for SCUH for a while. Her version is - 8 ply wool, No. 8 (3.5 mm) needles. Cast on 58 sts. K2P2 rib until work measures 20cm. Cast off. Sew up sides, leaving a gap to fit your thumb through. 12 ply wool, No. 6 (5mm) needles Cast on 48 sts
  • Here are links to other couple of crochet patterns: 
  • Ongoing requests for comfort bear/toys (not big ones please) and Kanyini bears (see guidelines on the blog.
Sewn

We do not need any items to go in activity bags or activity bags, or small toiletry bags at the moment. We need
  • Ongoing turbans, X-ray bags, large drawstring toilet bags (14" high x 12" wide)


Items needed for July Wish Lists:

  • Quilts -  single and body sized quilts 
  • Sensory -  T/F cubes, T/F books, T/F aprons,  blockenspeils and puzzle balls, sensory boxes
  • Yarners - rugs, beanies, scarves, mittens, socks/slippers, toddler/childrens warm clothing, bears/toys
  • Sewn - wheel chair bags and wheely walker bags (both patterns can be found at  http://sunshinelinusgroup.blogspot.com/p/free-patterns.html). Handles can be loops or ties. Remember the velcro closing on both.Ongoing Wish list items include turbans/cancer hats, breast drainage bags, x-ray bags, large drawstring toiletry bags (14" high x 12" wide), pajamas for the children's ward.

Items needed for June Wish Lists:

  • Kanyini Bears - we need kanyini bears for NAIDOC week in July - about 100! We have been asking for them for a few months now but have had less than 10. So if you can make a couple this month it would be appreciated. 
Kanyini bears are teddy bears with brown faces that are dressed in indigenous colours with a yellow sun on their chest. Usually they have black pants and red shirts but any combination of red, back and yellow is fine so long as they have brown faces and a yellow circle on their chest. I have attached a document from Buderim Private Hospital explaining kanyini bears with pictures and a knitting pattern. These two links are for easy bear patterns too.Crochet pattern http://www.bevscountrycottage.com/beckys-bear.html Knitting pattern http://www.bevscountrycottage.com/buddybears.html
  • Warm clothing for toddlers -   a couple of organisations have asked for warm clothes for toddlers - either sewn or knitted/crocheted. Parents often have warm baby clothes but nothing for when their babies grow. Sizes 1 - 3
  • Warm items - with the arrival of cold weather we are getting more requests for warm items - in particular knitted/crocheted slippers, ugly socks and rugs & blankets. Other warm items are useful too.
  • Wheel chair bags and wheelie walker bags - a couple of aged care homes have requested these. Please ensure they have velcro fastening on the top. There is a pattern for wheel chair bags on the blog.
  • Ongoing wish list items - turbans, cancer hats, breast drainage bags, X-ray bags, drawstring toiletry bags 14" high x 12" wide, lap rugs, shawls, single quilts, body quilts, and quilt bags.


Items needed for May Wish Lists:

  • Quilts - We have ongoing requests for single, body and wheelchair quilts. We are also trying to collect quilts to put on display for our Open Day in August.
  • Sensory Items - We have not been able to meet all requests for T/F books, T/F tablecloths, T/F aprons, T/F wheelchair quilts, puzzle balls, blockenspeils, and soft balls.
  • Knitting and crochet - We have ongoing requests for shawls and lap rugs, knitted toys/ bears and Kanyini bears (they aim for 100 for Reconciliation Week in July). We also were unable to fill all the requests for puzzle balls last month.
  • Sewing - We have ongoing requests for turbans, x-ray bags, breast drainage bags, large drawstring toiletry bags and children's PJs for the hospital. 
  • Under the 'Patterns Tab' are instructions to make the cancer hat / beanie that Lisa Rowe referred to last meeting and instructions to make the breast drainage bags to the size requested by the hospital (they are wider and shorter than the old ones - 25cm wide across the base and 30cm high)
  • We have been unable to supply the Neckchief / Bandana clothing protectors (bright fabric one side, towelling the other) requested by an aged care home. I am endeavouring to find an adult pattern. Does anyone have one? There are plenty of baby ones but these are too small for adults. I have one I can modify but would be very happy if someone else has already done it!
  • We also need adult aprons for art and people confined to princess chairs. I put an example in last month's email. Some suitable for males would be good too.

Items needed for April Wish Lists:

We have very little in storage. These are what we especially need
  • Quilts -  especially single and body sized quilts (see last month's post for sizes). That includes children's quilts with pillowcases. Quilt bags as well.
  • Sensory items - any as we have no reserves in storage. In particular -
  • T/F tablecloths - 1m x 1m with ties on the corners. We need several.
  • T/F books - we haven't been able to supply all requests.
  • T/F wheelchair quilts - Normal wheelchair quilt with T/F section in the lap area of the quilt.

We have some wheelchair quilts in storage. Could anyone volunteer to convert them on the activity day?
  • Blockenspeils
  • Marble mazes with big marbles
  • Knitting and Crochet - we are starting to get requests for warm items so you can bring in stored items.
  • Shawls - we are getting ongoing requests for triangular or L shaped shawls with button on front.
  • Knitted toys including kanyini bears
  • Lap rugs - patterns with texture are appreciated
  • Beanies and scarves
  • Sewn items.
  • Adult aprons - for art etc. We need lots.
  • Triangular Neckchief (bandana) clothing protectors - one side terry towelling and other side colourful material for aged care residents with saliva issues


  • X-ray bags - ongoing
  • Turbans - ongoing
  • Toiletry bags - larger than usual 14" high x 12" wide with drawstring. These are for a charity that sends out care packages to drought communities etc so full size items need to fit in.
Items for Activity bags and toiletry bags

We supply activity bags for children to organisations like the police and community centres. They are drawstring bags with things to occupy children quietly while caregivers are occupied elsewhere. We need items like colouring and sticker books, pens and pencils, matchbox cars, finger puppets, small toys etc to fill these bags. We also supply various organisations with toiletry bags containing essentials like soap, shampoo, conditioner, toothbrush, toothpaste, brush etc. If you can supply any of these especially in sample size it will be appreciated.


Items needed for March wish lists:

  • Sensory items - only have some squeezies and balloon covers in storage and we've had new wishlists come in from a school, a hospital and aged care facilities. So mats, blockenspeils, books, cubes, marble mazes etc suitable for male and female and children.
  • Lap rugs and shawls and wheelchair quilts are being requested by the various hospital wards with elderly patients. They feel the cold in air conditioning and the rugs etc have to go home with patients so the need is ongoing. Don't forget to put a button on the shawls. As yet we don't need large blankets. Wheelchair quilt pattern is on the Blog  http://sunshinelinusgroup.blogspot.com/p/free-patterns.html
  • Turbans, fingerless gloves and long narrow pretty scarves  - mainly for the kidney and cancer units. 
  • X-ray bags - I discovered these are used to carry quilts etc as well as X-rays so we have an ongoing need for these for various hospital units that we never exceed. Pattern is on the Blog http://sunshinelinusgroup.blogspot.com/p/free-patterns.html
  • Drawstring toiletry bags approximately 35cm (14") by 30cm (12") - ongoing for Care Outreach Coolum to fill and use for Drought relief etc.
  • Drawstring bags 25cm (10") by 35cm (14") to cover urine bags for aged care patients when on outings. 
  • Clothing Protectors - for the Nambour Special School. They look to be about half a standard towel size. Click on this link to view photograph. Clothing Protector
  • Quilt bags - a number of places are requesting single bed quilts and bags to put them in. So we need bags big enough for a single bed quilt. 
  • Children's quilts and pillow cases - We have some ongoing wishlists for quilts. Some receive a regular number each month, others we stockpile. Santa's Classy Helpers, a charity from Noosaville, who distribute to disadvantaged families for Christmas have asked for 100 children's quilts with matching pillow cases for the end of the year. So if making a child's quilt can you also make/provide a pillow case. If doesn't need to be patchwork - just tone in. 
Don't make any more breast drainage bags for now. 
The hospital has changed the size of their bags so the ones we make don't fit. I am waiting for the new dimensions and will let you know. 

Quilt size clarification: 
We mainly are asked for single bed quilts, body quilts and lap quilts (although we do distribute any size).
I was asked about quilt sizes. I don't quilt but here is what I researched. 

A single bed is 92cm x 190cm (36" x 75") 
To get the quilt size it depends on how much overhang you want. Usually it is 30cm to 50cm. So add 30cm (12") to 50cm (20") to the length and 60cm (24") to 100cm (40") to the width. 
If you want to go over the pillow add another 25cm (10") to the length. 

Single bed quilt  (with rounding) is approximately 
155-195cm (60-76") wide by 220-240cm (87-95") long 
(if not covering the pillow) 

Body quilts (cover the body from chin to toes in a reclining chair) - approximately 100-120cm (40-50") by 150-170cm (60-65")

Lap quilts approximately 90-115 cm (36-45") square
Items needed for February Wish Lists:
  • Sensory items for a special school - marble mazes, blockenspeils, rice bags, touchy-feely cubes and books etc.
    We distributed all sensory items that were in storage last month so have no reserves.
  • Knitted / crocheted poppies for Anzac day - for distribution at an aged care facility.
  • St Patrick's Day items for the same place. Not sure if we can fill this one as they would have to be ready by next meeting.
  • There are lots of ideas if you Google ‘St Patrick's Day crochet or knitting patterns’. These are just two crochet ones I found for a bookmark and a mug/jar cozy.
    https://amigurumipianosound.blogspot.com/2017/07/shamrock-four-leaf-clover-crochet.html
    http://www.yarnovations.com/leprechaun-hat-jar-cozy-and-green-food/
    Green beanies and scarves are also possibilities
  • Breast drainage bags (the ones with the long tie and loop at the top) and breast cushions for the Breast Cancer Unit.
  • Ongoing wish list items - X-ray bags, turbans, kanyini bears (these are items that requesting organisations use more than we can supply or are stockpiling for an event later in the year and so would like some more each month)
Excess items
We have oodles of knitted and crocheted items in storage. Please hold any more you have at home until we ask for them (probably round May).

We had an ongoing wish list for shawls and knee rugs from one of the hospital wards but they are being relocated and have asked if we don't send any more.


Items needed for January Wish Lists:

These are items which we have had shortages of, or have ongoing need for. That is not to say you shouldn't make other items as creativity takes you but please think about who we might be able to distribute the items to. Our motto says we are providing quilts and comforts to people in need. Not all items that might go on a craft stall fit into that category.
  • X-Ray bags - we have been unable to fill wish lists for these for several months.  Breast cancer patients are the main recipients. We need lots! Instructions are attached. 
  • Knitted/Crochet shawls - both Nambour and Sunshine Coast University Hospitals have asked for these for their elderly patients who find the air conditioning too cold. These are ongoing wish lists. They especially like the ones made of 3 x 50cm squares that are joined together in an 'L' shape. Regardless of design please put a button on the front so they can't slip off shoulders.
  • Knitted/Crocheted lap rugs - same as the shawls. Good if they can have a pattern or yarn which has texture.
  • Light weight summer lap quilts - with little or no wadding. For hospitals and aged care homes.
  • Marble mazes - ones with  large marbles.
  • Clutch/Puzzle balls - someone made a few of these some time ago (Google 'clutch ball or Amish puzzle ball free pattern' for an image) and they have appeared on wish lists (called triangle balls) since then but we haven't had any more made. If you made them we'd love some more or if someone else would like to try there are lots of patterns and variations on the web.
  • Conversational quilts with panels that encourage interaction - animals, flowers, farm life, gardening -for dementia patients but not appearing obvious.
  • Rice (bean) bags with removable washable outer covers - calico double stitched inner bags finished size approx. 15cm square. Covers - strong washable fabric with Velcro or snap closing, weight approx. 400g in each bag. For the ARC Unit to use in weighted objects.

Items needed for November Wish Lists:

  • X-ray bags
  • Wheelchair quilts 
  • Rice fiddle bags
  • Balloon ball covers
  • Bed socks in bright colours
  • T/F cubes suitable for toddlers 
  • T/F books 
  • T/F aprons 
  • Cubby House table cover for table 70 cm W x 101 cm L x 90 cm H
  • Overnight bags
  • Hand made Christmas decorations
  • L-shaped crocheted shoulder wraps
  • Circular card holders
  • Poncho made out of single length of fabric.
  • Crocheted/knitted lap rugs (preferably with texture) 
  • Conversational quilts with panels that encourage interaction - animals, flowers, farm life, gardening
  • Rice (Bean) bags with removable washable outer covers (Calico double stitched inner bags finished size approx. 15cm square. Covers - strong washable fabric with Velcro or snap closing, weight approx. 400g in each bag)

Items needed for October Wish Lists:

In addition to the usual creative things people make we need:
  • X-ray bags
  • Wheely walker bags
  • Handmade Christmas decorations suitable for Alzheimer patients. (They need to be soft and tactile. See the ones shown at Show and Tell last meeting on the Blog http://sunshinelinusgroup.blogspot.com for ideas).
  • Cotton beanies for cancer patients (We have plenty of warm beanies but would like some pretty ones made from soft cotton yarn for summer).
  • Sensory items for the Acute Restorative Care Unit at Nambour General Hospital (They would like items which are less obvious than our usual touchy feely items).
- Lap rugs cushions etc. which look like regular ones but have texture and tactile surfaces or have a theme eg. garden, pets - they can be crocheted, knitted or quilted
- Large animal toys - (prefer cats or dogs) that are tactile and possibly weighted
- Shawls - need a small number regularly to offset air conditioning - remember a button on front

  • Beanies and cocoons for new born babies in Tanzania (as described by Jan a the last meeting)


  
Items needed for September Wish Lists:

 All the creative things that you make are welcome.  These are items are especially in demand.
  • Touchy feely items in general but especially
  • Blockenspiels
  • Touchy feely books
  • Rice bags
  • Squeezy bags - these have been a surprising hit and are in demand especially in aged care homes. They are small sealed stuffed bags with a hard object inside. They are able to be held in one hand (about 6.5 cm  x 10 cm). Be creative! You can make them out of any material that feels good in the hand or has texture - felt, satin, corduroy, toweling etc. Stuff them with anything that allows the object inside to be felt - crinkly metal chip packet, cellophane, soft wadding, rice, styrofoam pellets, split peas etc. Put a hard object that can be felt inside - marble, key, peg, etc.
  • Quilts - we have none in storage at the moment. Any are welcome but especially ones big enough for an adult to use - single bed or big enough for an adult to wrap around them.
  • Children's quilts
  • Ongoing requests for children's clothes and kanyini bears also exist.

Please hold all knitted and crocheted items except beanies, scarves and toys at home until next year when the weather cools down.

 Items needed for August Wish Lists:

 These are the items we especially need for August's meeting. (Please
don't stop making the lovely sensory items, quilts etc that you usually make.)

  • Touchy feely squeezy bags - sensory bags that are light and easily handled

About 10cm x 6.5cm made from felt or other soft material with hard objects inside surrounded by soft or crinkly filling like chip packets (the metallic ones)

  • Large touchy feely rug/blanket  - around 1 metre square
  • Weighted blankets and lap blankets


  • Wheelchair bags
  • X-ray carry bags
  • Kidney drainage bags
  • Turbans
  • Blockenspiels
  • Kanyini bears (ongoing - they will stockpile them for NAIDOC week next year)

  • Adam from Maroochydore High is looking for thin elastic to make scrunchies etc. If you have some you could donate (I should image short lengths should be fine) please bring it next meeting.
Please note:
The demand for knitted and crocheted items will drop off dramatically from now on as the weather warms up. We don’t have the storage capacity for these items so if you could hold them at home until around next May it would be greatly appreciated.


 Items needed for July Wish Lists
  • Blockenspiels
  • Fingerless gloves
  • Scarves
  • Socks
  • Overnight bags
  • Quilt carry bags
  • X-ray bags
  • Weighted blankets
  • Weighted Lap - cushion size
  • All sensory items

Items needed for June Wish Lists
  • Kanyini bears - brown trauma teddies in indigenous colours (black, red, yellow) with yellow circle on tummy - need lots for July Nadoic week
  • Plain aprons for craft - on a wish list for a couple of months now
  • Any Touchy Feely items - tablecloths and aprons especially 
  • Knitted and crocheted items - fingerless gloves, rugs/blankets, scarves, beanies especially. Not so many shawls
  • Basic rugs made of fleecy material
  • Blockenspiels
  • Peanut pillows for premmie babies

Items needed for May Wish Lists

  • Knitted and crocheted beanies, scarves, socks, blankets and rugs - You can finally bring in your stores from home 😊
  • Craft aprons for adults
  • Touchy feely aprons
  • Touchy feely books
  • Touchy feely cubes
  • Touchy feely squizzes - sensory bags that are light and easily handled. About 10cm X 6.5cm made from felt or other soft material with hard objects inside surrounded by soft or crinkly filling like chip packets (the metallic ones) 
  • Touchy feely tablecloth - 1 metre square with 2 x 25cm ties on each corner (to attach to table legs). Tactile items over cloth for clients to feel as they go by.
  • Weighted blankets for adult males, a teenage male and female adult
  • Weighted lap blankets  (pattern on blog -  

      http://sunshinelinusgroup.blogspot.com.au/p/free-patterns.html)

  • Blockenspiels
  • Marble mazes with large marbles (better for arthritic hands)
  • Rice bags
  • Balloon covers
  • Lap quilts




1 comment:

  1. UnknownMarch 9, 2022 at 12:47 PM

    I live on the sunshine coast and have knit fabric and lace I am trying to find a home for, are you interested.

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)