"Why the sweet little owl?" when my usual focus is children's clothes, you might ask. I saw a little mention of a Foster Care project on Instagram, and I immediately headed over to Sew Mama Sew to see what it was all about. The awesome people behind Sew Mama Sew are collecting handmade softies to distribute to foster care children. Cool, right?!?
This little owl is the Modkid Mod Owl Stuffie. I happen to think it's perfect for this project! It can be made for a boy, girl or gender neutral, and I think it works for older kiddos too. The front pocket makes it perfect for a tooth fairy pillow, or stuff the pocket with an occasional note or treat. I used mostly Josephine Kimberling Caravan Dreams fabrics.
I attended a foster care meeting a while back, and a foster dad of more kids than I can count mentioned a funny thing. When he went to pick up his first foster child they almost needed a u-haul for all the stuff he had been given. I am sure this is not the case everywhere, but it made me think harder about this gift. I realized it wasn't the object that I was sewing that would make a bit of difference, it was the prayers I was praying over it and its future owner that would have an impact. Prayers of comfort, love, bonding, peace, healing, and the light of Christ in the child's life went with the stitches. I keep trying to think of a good bible verse to include in the pocket, but it hasn't come to me yet. Feel free to share any suggestions!
I'm not sure I've done the best job of explaining foster care to Avery, but she got excited about sewing an owl herself for another child. Here's her progress so far. We will be praying over this one together even if it's not during the actual stitching!
If the soft toy drive isn't your thing, there is one more reason to sew a Mod Owl Stuffie. You can enter in the Spectacular Softies Contest, but hurry the contest ends on April 5th. You have until April 30th if you are donating something to the toy drive.
