Sew cloth dolls and quilts to give away - good idea, yes?
 

I've been thinking about this for years and should probably just do it. I've always wanted a side business to bring in extra money but I always think back to the day a very favorite special friend of the family had to go into a nursing home in her 80's, and after a time started forgetting who we were. I didn't know what to do so I made her a cloth doll. omg, she absolutely loved her, I mean loved her! Her husband had died 20 years earlier and they couldn't have children, but had many, many children in their lives as they knew like the entire town of Haverhill MA and for a time owned a little variety store. She cried and hugged that doll so tight it made me cry. Right then THAT was what I felt I was supposed to do (that knowing, no-doubt-about-it feeling that can only be attributed to divine intervention) - make dolls for the elderly. But, I didn't, because my kids were still sort of young and going through teenage world and being a single working parent there was only so much I could handle. (refer "annoying daughter" post)

Lately I'm again, thinking of side biz vs. sewing to bring happy (not fond of the word "charity") and I keep going back to sewing for happy, because I'd feel like I was doing some small good for a few people in the world, it would make me happy, and not sure I want the aggravation of a biz, so I guess that's selfish but I can be because this is a good reason.

What do you think? I was thinking small cloth dolls, 10" - 15", clothed, with maybe a nightgown / pjs and quilt with pillow and little quilted basket for sleeping. There are orgs near me who donate blankets, quilts, and clothing for babies to teens and I'm sure some for the elderly, but I want to do something separate from that, something that's "mine", you know?

It sounds like a good plan to me. There are many in nursing homes who would really appreciate a small doll of their own and treasure it. There are so many seniors suffering with different forms of dementia and have no family or friends to provide small comforts.

I worked in nursing homes for years. I love your ideas about the dolls. The ladies treat them just like they are their children and give them much love and care. It gives the ladies a reason to live,someone to care for.
My only caution is to check with the nursing home and make sure they allow it. I worked in one where it was not allowed. Everything taught was reality--it didn't work. Once they get to this point you are not going to teach them anything different from what they think. I say keep them safe, comfortable and happy.
I wish you good luck with this.

get started, do it......

What are you waiting on???? There is a definite need! Get cracking!!

Do it and do it now. It will make a difference in someone's life as well as your own.

I love your idea, I think it is a wonderful gift of giving!! DO IT!! What pattern do you use for your cloth dolls? Post pictures when you get a doll done, I would love to see them.. Bless You !

ok, geeze, lol. I have a few patterns that I could use and am looking at the ones by Carolee Creations.
These are mine, some go back to when I made dolls and clothes for DD and her dolls.
Dolls: Simp 2462, M6099 (the above mentioned), S2809 and S2387 - both new. Dinky Baby "Addison", 18".
Clothes, Crafts: S8105, 5421, 9144, M8554, 6005.

(S=Simplicity, M=McCalls)

I thought I should make the smaller ones but maybe the larger, 16 - 21" would be better for them to change?

Also on Carollee's site there are a few for puppies, kitties and bunnies. I suppose the men would prefer those.

What a great idea... go for it and God bless you!

Thank you but don't go blessing me yet, I haven't even started!