2019 Maker Finish-Along ~ Donations

It’s time for the next challenge in the 2019 Maker Finish-Along! In September we worked on labeling our projects. Labeling is important so people know who made that fabulous item! As usual, we picked another UFO to focus on to help move them on out of our space. For October, let’s focus on donations. There are many organizations out there that would appreciate a handmade item. I touched on this a bit in the gift making challenge, but I think it deserves it’s own challenge. Find out more below!

By the way, a UFO is an “UnFinished Object”, in case y’all didn’t know. It’s usually used by quilters or crocheters or knitters, but it applies to projects of all kinds. Since this is a Maker Finish-Along, it’s open to makers of all kinds. No matter what fuels your maker mojo, you can join in the fun!

Here are links to the previous challenges >

You’ll also find a printable schedule & UFO list in the Facebook group.

Donations

This past month, I was inspired to start making lapghans to donate. I offered up a bag of crocheted afghan squares that I wasn’t going to sew together, on my YouTube channel. So many people wanted the bag to make afghans to donate & that was really unexpected!

I decided to use some of my massive yarn stash to make squares & lapghans to donate. My Memaw Teadoddles was in a nursing home for a good part of her later years. I made her a lapghan because she could no longer crochet. It was returned to me when she passed & I still have it to this day. Being that she’s the one that taught me to crochet, I felt it’s time to share the love!

I have made things to donate in the past. The last time I remember doing it was when I made doll quilts for Doll Like Me. It’s a wonderful cause & I really enjoyed doing it!

No matter what you decide to make to donate, it is most likely greatly appreciated. There are all kinds of places looking for donations for quilts, afghans, hats, scarves, hats, cards, etc. It doesn’t even have to go to an organization, it can just be for a neighbor that really needs some extra love.

October’s Maker Challenge

This month’s challenge is to make something to donate. You don’t have to make something grand, just what you feel moved to do. I would start local & see what might be needed in your area. Also, make sure you know what is actually needed. Some organizations have strict guidelines because the item cannot be used if the guidelines are not followed. Here are just a few you may or may not have heard of:

• The Magic Yarn Project – This organization makes yarn wigs & beanies for children going through cancer. You can make beanies, accessories, or even the whole wig!
• Cards for charity – This article from Scrapbook.com lists several places that could use handmade cards. It also talks about the benefits of receiving a physical card versus a digital one.
• A Doll Like Me – I mentioned this one above, but they take more than quilts. You can also help make clothes for the dolls.
• Art work – There are many places that take art work of all kinds, either to sell to raise money or just to make people smile. I would check with your local nursing homes, hospitals, & non-profits.

As I said before, I would check with local organizations to see what’s needed first. You can do a Google search for the specific kinds of items you like to create. Making a gift basket or food basket for a new neighbor, single parent, or elderly person living alone would also be a great idea for this month’s challenge. I think as long as you’re giving from the heart, it will be appreciated. : )

Don’t forget to share your makes in the Teadoddles Makers Facebook group! Then you’ll have a chance to win the $20 Amazon gift card I give out each month. You can also use #tmfal2019 on Instagram if you prefer sharing there. Hope y’all have a great week filled with making!