Carol's Zoo pattern & Nursing home gifts

Every year for the past 5 years or so  my mother, daughter and I work together to give a gift to some nursing home residents.  At first we wanted to give all the residents a small gift but decided that we would rather focus on those that do not have a family.  The Nursing home we chose is a small facility located in Franklin.    Last year there were 11 and this year there were 8 residents that didn't have a family.                                                  

 

The items in the gift bags are purchased throughout the year and include, shampoo, body lotion, a toothbrush a comb, chap stick and warm no slip socks.  We also like to give them something soft to hold.  Last year and this year we were able to use donated pillow panels and animals that had already been cut out.  When we made the pillows we made a inner pillow,  stuffed it then inserted it into the prepared printed pillow and hand sewed the opening shut.  Even though this takes longer than just stuffing the pillow the result is much nicer.  The 2 plain white pillows on the side are filled with sewing scraps and go to the local animal shelter for pet beds.

 

 

 

 

The two frogs were pre cut so we just had to give them eyes, sew and stuff.  I didn't have directions so I don't think the eyes are placed quite correctly but I think they have lots of personality.  The pattern is from Carols zoo.  They have a range of animal patterns that just have 2 or 3 pieces.  I have made several and they are all cute and make perfect projects for a beginner sewer.  The frog takes longer to turn and stuff due to having legs but if you get the bear  pattern below the Sewing, turning and stuffing is really fast and easy.  The entire range of patterns is available at Carolszoo.com