Community Service

Cuddle Pads – click image for patterns (please set your printer to print actual size, no scaling) SMALL MEDIUM LARGE. * Flannel fabric must be used to make the cuddle pads. *The large and medium sizes should have two outer flannel layers and an inner layer of batting or more flannel. Inner layer optional on small size. *Directions are on the patterns for piecing since they can’t fit on an 8 1/2″ x 11″ sheet of paper. *Edges can be finished with bias binding, or by sewing right sides together, leaving an opening for turning. Slipstitch closed. Topstitching will help it stay flat after laundering. Thank you for participating in this worthwhile effort.

Flannel works nicely and is preferred.

Community-Service Sewing—Heart Pillows
By Janice Bennett & Barb Zerr, Chapter Community Service Sewing Co-Coordinators

We have a new community-service sewing project this year! Paoli Hospital has asked us to make heart pillows for use by surgical patients.

Polyester fiberfill will be supplied by the ASG Philadelphia Chapter. Pillow stuffing will take place at Open Sew-In Days, or fiberfill can be requested from Janice Bennett or Barb Zerr for distribution at monthly group meetings.

INSTRUCTIONS:
This community service project is an excellent opportunity for you to use your imagination and sewing skills—AND to use up some of your scraps or fabrics that have been looking for a good purpose!

REQUIREMENTS—It is expected that you will PRE-WASH all fabrics. Also, the hospital has asked that these pillows come from non-smoking environments and that they be free of pet hair. This is entirely with patients’ health and well-being in mind.

FABRICS—Recommended are firmly-woven quilting cottons or poly-cotton blends. Quilting-quality flannels are also acceptable. Because the pillows will be stuffed with polyester fiberfill, the fibers could migrate or beard through more loosely-woven fabrics (like homespuns). If need be, a layer of muslin can be added to prevent this migration. Please keep in mind that both men and women patients will be given these pillows. If you have any striped or plaid fabrics, then those might be suitable for mens’ pillows or a fabric with an obviously-male theme. NOTE: Fabrics with a juvenile theme should NOT be used. Home dec and apparel fabrics are not suitable. Please do NOT use white or off-white fabrics.

PATTERN TEMPLATE—Print the two pattern pieces. Place the two pattern pieces together on the dotted lines and tape; check the fold with a straight edge to see if it is straight. NOTE: A 2” sizing square has been added to the template. Using a ruler, carefully measure it and make sure it measures the dimensions it is supposed to be. Otherwise, the pillow you sew will not be the correct size. Also, you can measure the size of your template; the width should be 17” and 13 ¼” down the middle, point-to-point. IF the sizing square is not exactly a 2” square, check your printer’s settings. Make sure that “Auto Rotate” is checked, and that “Scaling” is NOT checked (this may be in a drop-down menu). New versions of Adobe Reader may say “Actual Size.” And try printing the template again.

CUTTING--A minimum of an 18” x 18” square of fabric is required for each side of the pillow. Finished size of a pillow is according to the pattern template.

STRAP—You will need to cut a strip on the fold of your fabric. Cut two strips 6 ¼” wide x 3” (or one piece measuring 3” x 12 ½”). One-quarter inch seams are allowed. Keep your folded fabric as you cut it, and sew the two seams along the two long sides; reinforce at the end of the seam on the fold, so the corner can be trimmed. Turn right side out. Press. The remaining open edge is inserted at the marked opening as shown on your heart template. Insert open edge ½” into seam.

SEWING—Pillows are to be sewn with a ¼” seam, so please use a quarter-inch foot. This will help to minimize the amount of clipping necessary along the curves. ASG labels should be sewn on the lower back of each pillow before the front and back are sewn together. Reinforcement stitching at the top notch of the heart and at the bottom point is advisable, and where the strap has been inserted. Leave an opening somewhere on a straight side edge so that your hand will easily fit through when you stuff it, about 4-5”. Backstitch on both sides of the opening. Clip the seam allowances along the curved edges as well as at the top notch and at the bottom point of the heart.

DESIGN--There should be no hard surface embellishments—like buttons—since they could cause pain.

STUFFING—Samples and fiberfill will be available at the Open Sew-In Day event. For personal sewing at home, please request fiberfill from Janice Bennett or Barb Zerr; it can be picked up at monthly meetings

Surgical Cough Pillows

“Surgical cough pillows” will be used by hospital in-patients who have had abdominal surgery; holding a pillow over an incision site when coughing eases the pain. A patient will be able to keep their pillow and take it home after discharge.

Polyester fiberfill will be supplied by the chapter. We will have fiberfill available at future Open Sew-In events. If you are unable to attend, you can give your unstuffed pillow(s) to either a group leader or anyone who will be coming.


INSTRUCTIONS

This community service project is an excellent opportunity for you to use your imagination and sewing skills—AND to use up some of your scraps or fabrics that have been looking for a good purpose!

REQUIREMENTS—It is expected that you will pre-wash all fabrics. Also, the hospital has asked that these pillows come from non-smoking environments and that they be free of pet hair. This is entirely with patients’ health and well-being in mind.

FABRICS—Recommended are firmly-woven quilting cottons or poly-cotton blends or lightweight home dec fabrics. Quilting-quality flannels are also acceptable. Because the pillows will be stuffed with polyester fiberfill, the fibers could migrate or beard through more loosely-woven fabrics. If need be, an extra layer of fabric, a layer of quilt batting, or lightweight interfacing could be added to prevent this (homespun fabrics are one type of fabric that would need this).

Please keep in mind that both men and women patients will be given these pillows. If you have any striped or plaid fabrics, then those might be suitable for mens’ pillows or a fabric with an obviously-male theme. NOTE: This hospital does NOT have a pediatric ward, so fabrics with a juvenile theme should not be used. Also, no fabrics with a religious theme should be used.

SIZE—Finished size of a pillow should be about 12”. This is perfect for anyone who has any
12½’ quilt blocks leftover from some other project.

DESIGN—The design is completely up to you. The pillows do NOT need to use a quilting design.
No hard surface embellishments--like buttons--should be used since they could cause pain.

SEWING—Use 1/2” seam allowances where possible. If using a quilt block, ¼” allowances are fine. Leave a 5-6” opening at the bottom middle for stuffing purposes. Before sewing the front and back together, sew on an ASG label on the lower back side; if you do not have a label, one can or will be sewn on at the Open Sew-In Day event. If you use a square-corner design, please reinforce the corners with an extra stitching.

Edges should be finished with a blanket stitch or serger stitch. Single layer is fine. Adding a ribbon to one corner to tie it to a wheelchair makes it easy to retrieve if it falls. Pockets to keep hands warm are also a nice addition. Please add an ASG label. Call Barb Zerr for labels or to make pick-up arrangements or for more information. 610-613-6847.

Port Pillows
This item is in high demand at hospitals and infusion centers. Patients with ports need these to protect
port area from car seatbelt.
Supplies
(2) 4” X 7” rectangles of quilting cotton
3” hook & loop tape
Fiber fill
ASG label (optional)
Construction
1. On the right side of one rectangle mark each 7” edge at 3 ½ “. This is the placement mark for the
hook & loop pieces.
2. Overlap the hook & loop tape so it closes in the center leaving ½” free on each end. Center tape
over the marks on your rectangle with the loop side facing up. Stitch tape to your rectangle with
a 1/8” seam allowance on each side. Loops should be attached on one side and hooks on the
other side. You can topstitch an ASG label above or below the hook & loop tape if you like.
3. Cover with the other rectangle placing right sides together. Stitch the long edges and bottom
short end. You will have a tube open at one end.
4. Clip the corners and turn right side out. Turn in the open end 1/4” all the way around the tube
and press.
5. Stuff with fiber fill until firm. Firm = When you pinch fingers do not touch.
6. Pin and edgestitch the top edge closed.
If you would like a visual to accompany these instructions there are several on You Tube.
Currently these port pillows are being accepted at Fox Chase Cancer Center. They can be mailed to:
Helen Gordon, CAVS, CPXP
Director, Volunteer Services
Fox Chase Cancer Center 333 Cottman Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19111

Bags for the “Bless Your Hearts Squad” Supplies:
Fabric - Exterior and lining unless using a medium to heavy weight fabric.
Interfacing may be used for light weight fabrics such as quilting cottons.
Thread - Matching or contrasting
Zipper - 8’’ or longer
Preparation:
1. Cut 2 pieces of exterior and lining fabrics 7.5” X 6”. Cut 2 pieces of interfacing the same
size or a tad smaller). For medium to heavier weight fabrics, cut 2 exterior pieces only.
2. Cut 1 piece of exterior fabric for the strap 12.5” X 2”.
3. Press interfacing to the wrong side of exterior fabrics.
4. Press the zipper.
5. Press the strap fabric in half lengthwise and press.
6. Press each side to the centerfold.
Sewing:
1. Sew each long side of the strap about ⅛” from each long edge. Set aside for now.
2. Lay lining fabric down with the long side at the top, right side facing up.
3. Place zipper on top of lining with the right side up. Align the zipper with the lining top
edge. Make sure zipper pull is out of the way.
4. Align exterior fabric right side down on top of the zipper, sandwiching the zipper between
the exterior and lining fabrics. Make sure the top and sides are lined up and pin/clip in
place.
5. Sew top edge being careful of the zipper pull if you have an 8” zipper.
6. Flip exterior fabric over the lining, press and top stitch about an ⅛” away from the zipper
edge.
7. Follow steps 2 thru 6 on the opposite side of the zipper.
8. Open the zipper about halfway.
9. Place the lining pieces right sides together, aligning the sides and bottom, pin/clip in
place leaving about a 2” opening on the bottom.
10. On one side of the bag lining place and pin an ASG label inside along the seam
allowance.
11. Place the exterior pieces right sides together, aligning the sides and bottom, pin/clip in
place pinning the strap about 1” below the zipper on the closed end of the zipper.
12. Start sewing on one side of the lining opening and sew around the entire bag using a ¼”
seam allowance. Stop at the other side of the lining opening. Sew over the zipper a
couple of times to reinforce.
13. Clip corners.
14. Turn the lining right side out, poking the corners out. Then turn the exterior right side out,
poking the corners out.
15. Fold the seam allowance of the opening to the inside and sew closed.
16. Press lining and exterior.
17. Push the lining bag into the exterior bag and press.
*****For bags with no lining:
1. With the zipper facing up, place fabric right side down on top of the zipper. Align the long
edge of the fabric on the upper edge of the zipper and sew.
2. Press and top stitch about an ⅛” away from the zipper edge.
3. Repeat on the other zipper edge.
4. Press and top stitch about an ⅛” away from the zipper edge.
5. Continue at step 11 from above.
You're all done and Thank You.
Mission Statement:
To empower and provide support to youth and families struggling with financial demands or
personal emergencies. Through services and resources, but not limited to distribution of free
feminine and personal care products, diapers, clothing donations and assistance to families
during the holidays. We are able to meet folks where they are and assist as best we can.
These bags have been requested by The Wagner School
Return completed bags to our member:
Tracy Ragsdale
e-mail: bowrags@yahoo.com

We have been contacted about the need for charity quilts for dialysis patients. Size 36″x60″. Since the dialysis patients are in reclining positions, and dialysis can cause a patient to be cold, having the quilts cover them from shoulders to feet requires some extra length. Please sew an ASG label onto the quilt. If you are inclined to make quilts for this worthy cause, or need ASG labels, please contact Barb Zerr upon completion – barbzerr@gmail.com. Barb has graciously volunteered to add this to her volunteer responsibilities, and she will work with you to arrange pickup and/or delivery.

​

Addendum from a member who has made several: 1) Use a smaller hook to get a tight stitch and 2) cotton yarn is preferred because it can take sterilization processes better than acrylic type yarns. 3)On the very last page in the directions for the tentacles, change to: ch 50. 2 sc in the 2nd ch from hook. 3 sc in ea chain across.