September News

NEW AND IMPROVED

The DFG kit-making instructions have been simplified, improved and updated in the past month.  Check them out here.

I love the wordless instruction card for using and caring for the new Heavy Flow Kit.  If you or your business would like to contribute by printing these and the instructions for the regular kit on (2-sided) card stock, please let me know!

QUALITY CHECKS

As you sew, please check the measurements and quality of your work--including the tension.  I've come across a few shields and bags where the tension got messed up, and I could easily pull out the stitching by pulling on a thread on the back.  Not good!

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO MAKE A KIT?

Various team/chapter leaders weighed in on this recently.  Since there doesn't seem to be anyone who just makes one complete kit at a time, these are estimates.  But the consensus seems to be that an experienced seamstress could sew a kit in 3-4 hours.  Add to that shopping, washing, drying, pressing cutting and packing time, and about $10-$12 worth of materials.  Other estimates were up to 10 hours total per kit. At minimum wage, you're looking at at least $40 per kit.
This is quite the gift and labor of love we're giving our sisters!

ENJOY THE PHOTOS

I get to see numerous photos shared by various groups who have distributed DFG kits around the world.  Here's a site on Flicker that I just discovered where you can enjoy lots of them!

ONLINE FUNDRAISER

Days for Girls will be participating in the online Revlon Challenge again this year.  As people make contributions to the DFG teams and chapters, Days for Girls International,  as the "mother" charity, earns credit (but we get 100% of the money donated to our chapter during this fundraiser) and the charity that raises the most money wins a million dollars. Imagine how many girls that money would help!!

I'll post the link for donating to our chapter once it goes live--which is September 14.  These online fundraisers have been our main source of funds for the kit supplies we need to purchase.

UPCOMING DATES

Our next work day at Our Sewing Room is September 18th.  Join us for as much time as you have available, between 10 am and 5 pm.

I will have an information table at Emerald Valley Quilters' Quilt Show at the Lane County Fairgrounds, October 1st and 2nd.  Come by and say hi!  If you haven't seen the kits and components up close, that'll be a good time to take a look--I'll have a bunch (including the new Heavy Flow shield and liner)!  If you have some items to donate, I'd be happy to collect them there.  EVQ shows are held in even-numbered years, and they always have lovely quilts on display and fun vendors to visit!  I really appreciate their providing space for people to learn about Days for Girls.