All good ideas. I hadn’t thought about making capes or bucket hats for the shoeboxes, but they are good ideas. I’ve made dresses with tie straps, pull over tops, shorts or pants with elastic waist and stuffed dolls. I make up sewing kits for the older girls who want to sew their own clothes. I always include at least a yard of fabric, matching thread, elastic, needles, zipper, buttons, and scissors. I’ve even put in yarn and crochet needles with some instructions book with pictures. If they don’t speak English then most have missionaries that can translate for them so they can learn. I just had a thought to make a tool belt or tool apron for the older boys and add some small tools to it.
Thanks for sharing! Those are all great ideas. I know some people like to send tools to the older boys and having something to put them in would be awesome! Happy sewing, Lisa 💕😊
I heard back from a 7 yr old boy in Honduras and his favorite item was his knitted hat! His sister told me he also wore it in the shower!😂 You may not think they need gloves or hats but what is cold to them is different from what we feel is cold. They love putting on the hats and gloves at the distributions. And the boys love the gloves for sports and such! Just some thoughts. Thank you for your video! ❤
Thanks so much for sharing that! I'm definitely getting my circular knitting machine out and making some caps for my shoeboxes this year. Maybe it will help me decrease my yarn stash at the same time! Happy sewing, 💕 Lisa
I’ve been doing the Christmas boxes for a lot of years as well as sewing. I love sewing gifts for people. You have some new ideas I like. I often do boxes for the older children because they do get the least boxes. I always include scrunchies (which can be easily made), hair brushes and combs for the teenage girls. The older boys are a little harder to supply with goodies so I really like the pouch filled with playing cards and the pencil cases. I always supply pencils and tablets. I’d like to share another idea with you and your readers. My daughter from Atlanta volunteers with Samaritan’s Purse project every year where they fill about a thousand boxes from donated items in a long weekend. One idea she shared is that donors purchase soccer balls and the inexpensive hand pumps. They deflate the balls so they pack easily. Then the children can air up the balls to play with them. This is one of the most popular gifts they receive. Thank you for what you do.
Hi, Nancy! Thanks for sharing! I've also heard that they are very popular with the kids. I do try to put a few soccer balls in some of my boxes, especially for the older boys. I think I bought a pack of 50 air pumps from Amazon last year, so I have plenty of pumps to send with any type of ball that needs aired up. If I don't have a soccer ball or bouncy ball for my box, I will go ahead and put in a tennis ball. They are economical to buy and are easy to play catch with , plus they don't take up a lot of room. Happy sewing! 💕 Lisa
I made sewing kits for the older girls. I made a small pouch and a needle holder. I included buttons, needles, thread, pins, scissors, tape measure, and two fat quarters.
A lot of places are warm in the day, but temperatures drop at night, especially in high elevations. God knows where to send the boxes! Keep up the worthy cause. I make the pillowcase dresses, scrunchies, and pull string bags for Operation Christmas Child.
Wow, that's awesome! How many people are in your sewing group? I'm sure there are going to be a lot of happy boys and girls when they open your boxes! Happy Sewing, Lisa💕
I made one of my Dress a Girl dresses with Alisa's pattern. The fabric you chose is so pretty! The little hats are adorable! The bags and tote bags are a great idea!
My son-in-law is from Peru and I have a missionary friend in Zambia and they definitely use hats and gloves. Our id3a of cold may be different than ours. And Peru, foe example, has a damp feeling season. I'm up in MN and when my friends in warmer states get 50-60 degrees they are putting on jackests and hats and up here we are putting on shorts and t shirts. 😂
Thanks for sharing!! I may go ahead and do some knitted caps for my boxes this year. I have a circular Addi knitting machine, so they don't take long to make. I think MN would be too cold for me. After a couple of weeks of chilly weather, I'm ready for spring!🙂 Take care and happy sewing! 💕 Lisa
I love doing the shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child! I love making gifts for my grandkids. My last item I made for the was a crayon/ notebook caddy. I got the pattern from Gingercake Designs. It turned out really cute! I would love to se$ more gift ideas for kids
Hi, Beverly! Thanks for sharing. I just checked out Gingercake Designs and their patterns are so cute, especially that crayon caddy. I may have to include that in a future gift idea video! Happy Sewing, Lisa 🩷🩷🩷
What a special and worthy project. Each of the items you made will be such a treat for each child. Thank you for providing links to the patterns. I will definitely be using these patterns. This is such a good way to use up my fabric stash!
I really enjoyed this video. I too sew items to help fill shoeboxes. This year I made lots of totes, purses, bears, dinosaurs, balls, and various other little things. I pack about the same # as you, and xtra sewn items are for my church's boxes, and to send as fillers. I may try a couple of your ideas. Thanks!
That's wonderful! Sounds like you've been extremely busy! I know your gifts will be much appreciated.Thanks so much for watching and commenting! 💕💕 Lisa
Thank you so much! I’ve already got a few new ideas for this year and hope to have a video out in the next couple of months with some examples made up. Hopefully that will give everyone plenty of time before November to make some too! Take care and be blessed! 🥰 Lisa
Very informative. I've sewn charity quilts for many years for local neonatal and children in care. I hadn't heard of this shoebox charity, however, I am going to look into it for next year. years ago I was turn on to Bags for Beads, another child's foundation, I was able to make 50 bags and I have another 50 labels. Maybe I best do those this winter. Thanks for the ideas as well as a new to me charitable group. FYI, many moons ago (30+years ago) I made Dresses for Africa. There are many free patterns for the pillowcase dresses that are so easy to make. Hugs from a touched heart in Texas
Thanks so much for sharing! I'd never heard of Bags for Beads before. There are so many worthwhile charitable organizations to use our sewing talents for. Sounds like you've done a great job using your sewing skills! Take care and happy sewing! 💕Lisa
Thanks for your ideas and for all you doing for Shoe Boxes. I admire how much you get done each year the time and resorces you donate. I enjoy that you referred to some of my favorite YTubers. I have a couple of helpful (I hope) comments. First the zips that Christine uses come in several styles and sizes. You can get tape with nylon coil in two sizes as least. I have never had a problem with sewing over those zippers. There are also make your own zippers with plastic teeth. The second thing is that I love your cape idea, but I know some families and religious groups will not appreciate "super hero" capes. The capes would be fine and the kids could imagine whatever they were. But supernatural beings can be culturally in appropriate. Thanks again for you ideas. I plan to make some of them this year.
Karen, thanks for watching and sharing! I think I'll get the zipper tape with nylon teeth next time. Right now, OCC still has super heroes and licensed characters on their acceptable list. I know they go through the shoe boxes before they're given out to the children, so maybe in areas where those characters are not appropriate, they remove those items. I'm sure the kids though would still love to play with them without the characters on them. Happy sewing, Lisa 🩷
Thanks for your reply. For sewing over zippers, be sure to get the coils, not the ones that have plastic teeth. I sometimes get inexpensive zippers in an assortment from Home- Sew and some have had metal and plastic teeth.
What a blessing to see what you’ve been making for OCC. So inspiring and heart warming. I hope to make up a box or two soon and never thought to add handmade items in there. Thank you! 🙏🏼. I just subscribed to you and want to encourage you to continue to make more videos. You are anointed for this. Lovely
I made dresses for the little girls and tshirts and shorts for littlest boys. Made a coloring book caddy that hold crayons and a hygiene pouch and pencil pouch. Was thinking about some hats for next year and I love the super hero cape. I have also made little pocket teddy bears out of fleece.
Thanks for commenting! Here's a link to their website that tells all about OCC:www.samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/ In the town I live in, there is one church that acts as the collection center for all the shoeboxes in our area. People can drop off the boxes during collection week, which is the week before Thanksgiving. When you gift wrap your shoebox, wrap the box and lid separately, because the box will be opened and inspected before it is given to a child. The website explains everything, including suggestions on what to put in your boxes and also a list of items that are not accepted. Thanks for wanting to contribute! Happy Sewing, Lisa💕
Thank you so much, I really appreciate it 👏🥰 Also thank you for taking the time and sharing your lovely experience. You open the door for so many people including me. Looking forward to learning more from you. I’m a new subscriber 👏 I will use your ideas for my shoe box.
With your guidance, I made two boxes this year for boys ages 10-14. Looking forward to making more next year 🙏🥰 When I was dropping them off, they asked me “how did you know about us?” I spoke highly about you, they said “you are an angel 👼.” I definitely agree with them. Thank you again for everything you do.
Aw, thanks so much for your kind words and for letting me know. I'm so glad you participated this year and you chose the group that have the least number of boxes made for them! 🥰 I finished organizing mine last night and dropped off 32 boxes this morning. It was a record number for me! I do have a sister that contributes to my boxes. She is a great bargain hunter🙂. I feel so blessed and happy knowing that I'll be helping to put a smile on their faces and joy in their hearts this Christmas! thanks again, Lisa💕💕💕
Thank you for this video on children’s gift ideas! I wish I had these ideas years ago for my grandchildren . I can’t seem to find the hat pattern could you direct me to it? First time here.
Thanks for watching and letting me know about the bucket hat link missing. I've gone back and added it down in the video's description. Happy Sewing, Lisa 💕
This is the first video of yours I have seen and all your items are so well made. The little pink dress was stunning and I loved the bucket hats too. I would like to very gently and kindly point out that velcro is used on capes as a safety precaution. If a child gets it caught on something the velcro will release and not pose a risk to the child's neck. Absolutely no judgement, I can appreciate why you chose snaps. I was really surprised you can include a deck of cards. I work in a post office and know that restrictions apply and some countries wont allow playing cards to be posted to their country as they are considered a "product of gambling". It always seemed so strange to me as cards seem so innocuous. Your kindness, generosity and dedication to the OCC shoe boxes has surely been appreciated by hundreds of children in your time collating them.
Thanks so much for your sweet comments and also for pointing out the safety issue with the snaps. These are the first capes I've made for the boxes and I hadn't thought of the snaps being an issue. That's a great point though and I'm going to use velcro for the rest of my capes. I did double check OCC's website concerning playing cards and they are on the "acceptable" list, which is good because I've sent sooo many decks of cards! Happy sewing, Lisa 💕
There are many card games that could be used in place of a standard deck of cards. Old Maid, Go Fish, Uno, War, Concentration - to name but a few. Some are definitely for young children, but there are games that require more knowledge and skill for older children. The best thing is they take up very little space. I think your ideas for handmade gifts are great. Love the idea of simple elastic waist shorts for little boys with a tee shirt.
What about a blouse/T shirts for the middle aged and older girls? And shorts for little boys? Also, smaller drawstring bags for smaller items for medium aged boys and girls. Loved your idea of little cars and Barrett’s and hair do dads for the girls.
I've had several viewers mention making short for the little boys. If I were putting in tops for the middle aged and older girls, I would just try to pick a size that hit mid-range. I'm sure if they can't wear it, they know someone it would fit. I think any type of bag to put their stuff in, is a good idea! Thanks for watching and commenting! Lisa💕
I love your ideas! What size of needle should I use to sew canvas material and also what type of thread? I can’t wait to try sewing the hat and the tote bag, thank you!
Hi, Tammy! I just use standard sewing thread and a needle that is made for medium to heavy weight woven fabrics. Thanks for watching and commenting! Lisa 💕
Wonderful ideas. I loved them all! I have a quick question about the actual box. Are you using the plastic shoeboxes to fill or are you actually using boxes from shoes?
I'm using actual shoeboxes. I'm friends with some of the staff at the church that is the collection center in our town for the shoeboxes. They have a group of ladies in that church that actually wrap boxes throughout the year and then give the boxes out for people to fill them. They always give me as many as I'm able to fill. That's a real blessing because I don't know where I would find two dozen plus shoeboxes!!! Also it would take me forever to wrap that many! I think you're able to order boxes from the OCC website that come flat and you just tape them together. I never do that, because I think those boxes are smaller than the boxes I get from the church and I want my boxes to be as big as possible!😀 Thanks for watching and commenting! Lisa 💕💕
@@thesouthernseamstress thank you for responding Lisa I appreciate it. I was thinking the bigger the box the better also. And so if you have a collection center you don’t have to pay postage to ship it?
Here's a link to their page about drop off locations. It has a field to put in your zip code and then it will show you the closest drop off locations. Their website also tells you all about how to pack your boxes, suggested items to put in them, a list of items that are not allowed, and they also tell you how to download the labels that are taped to the outsides of the boxes. Collection week is November 13-20. Thanks for wanting to participate! 💕Lisa www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/drop-off-locations/?
You work very hard to fill that many shoeboxes. Great ideas. The children seem to be much smaller in those countries, so our size clothing is too big across each age group. Do you have to worry about the characters that you put on your capes? Everything that is common and acceptable here may not be elsewhere, and then your hard work may be destroyed.
Hi, Karen! Thanks for commenting! Yes, it’s rather difficult in deciding what size to make in a garment. That’s why I’ve usually just made accessories. My dresses may be a little large, but maybe they will grow into them or give them to a family member. They do have certain guidelines on their website about what you can and can’t send. I know you can’t send anything that is war or military related. As far as I know,, super heroes have always been okay!😊
Hi, Karen, I just wanted to let you know that i double checked the list of "acceptable" items on the OCC website and items with super heroes and licensed characters are all acceptable. 😀
Don't believe me but I come from Mexico and sadly hero capes are banned in some States; as they present a hazard to children. Several children have tried to fly with their hero cape from a tall building to their death. I do not recomend capes for this reason. 🚫🚫🚫🚫🚫
That is so sad to hear. I just noticed last night that I had forgotten to include my capes in my shoeboxes. Somehow they got under a pile of fabric and I was so busy just trying to get all my shoeboxes organized that I forgot about them. After reading your note, I think it worked out well that they weren't included. I will save my capes for some of my little nephews after I make sure they know that they don't contain any special powers. Thanks for sharing! 💕Lisa
Which one could you not get for free? I just downloaded all of them this week except for the Harper cardigan. I had downloaded it a couple of weeks ago.
Sorry, I thought you were talking about my last video. Yes, I did mention that one of the dresses was a paid pattern. I just put that in there because I was showing what I made for OCC. The other dress is free. Happy sewing, Lisa
All good ideas. I hadn’t thought about making capes or bucket hats for the shoeboxes, but they are good ideas. I’ve made dresses with tie straps, pull over tops, shorts or pants with elastic waist and stuffed dolls. I make up sewing kits for the older girls who want to sew their own clothes. I always include at least a yard of fabric, matching thread, elastic, needles, zipper, buttons, and scissors. I’ve even put in yarn and crochet needles with some instructions book with pictures. If they don’t speak English then most have missionaries that can translate for them so they can learn. I just had a thought to make a tool belt or tool apron for the older boys and add some small tools to it.
Thanks for sharing! Those are all great ideas. I know some people like to send tools to the older boys and having something to put them in would be awesome! Happy sewing, Lisa 💕😊
I heard back from a 7 yr old boy in Honduras and his favorite item was his knitted hat! His sister told me he also wore it in the shower!😂 You may not think they need gloves or hats but what is cold to them is different from what we feel is cold. They love putting on the hats and gloves at the distributions. And the boys love the gloves for sports and such! Just some thoughts. Thank you for your video! ❤
Thanks so much for sharing that! I'm definitely getting my circular knitting machine out and making some caps for my shoeboxes this year. Maybe it will help me decrease my yarn stash at the same time! Happy sewing, 💕 Lisa
I’ve been doing the Christmas boxes for a lot of years as well as sewing. I love sewing gifts for people. You have some new ideas I like. I often do boxes for the older children because they do get the least boxes. I always include scrunchies (which can be easily made), hair brushes and combs for the teenage girls. The older boys are a little harder to supply with goodies so I really like the pouch filled with playing cards and the pencil cases. I always supply pencils and tablets. I’d like to share another idea with you and your readers. My daughter from Atlanta volunteers with Samaritan’s Purse project every year where they fill about a thousand boxes from donated items in a long weekend. One idea she shared is that donors purchase soccer balls and the inexpensive hand pumps. They deflate the balls so they pack easily. Then the children can air up the balls to play with them. This is one of the most popular gifts they receive. Thank you for what you do.
Hi, Nancy! Thanks for sharing! I've also heard that they are very popular with the kids. I do try to put a few soccer balls in some of my boxes, especially for the older boys. I think I bought a pack of 50 air pumps from Amazon last year, so I have plenty of pumps to send with any type of ball that needs aired up. If I don't have a soccer ball or bouncy ball for my box, I will go ahead and put in a tennis ball. They are economical to buy and are easy to play catch with , plus they don't take up a lot of room. Happy sewing! 💕 Lisa
I made sewing kits for the older girls. I made a small pouch and a needle holder. I included buttons, needles, thread, pins, scissors, tape measure, and two fat quarters.
That's a great idea. I'm sure the girls will love them! I may have to put that on my list to make next year! Thanks for sharing.🩷🩷🩷 Lisa
A lot of places are warm in the day, but temperatures drop at night, especially in high elevations. God knows where to send the boxes! Keep up the worthy cause. I make the pillowcase dresses, scrunchies, and pull string bags for Operation Christmas Child.
Thanks for sharing! I'm sure the children will love opening your boxes! Happy sewing, Lisa🩷
My sewing group made over 1200 dresses and shorts for OCC
Wow, that's awesome! How many people are in your sewing group? I'm sure there are going to be a lot of happy boys and girls when they open your boxes! Happy Sewing, Lisa💕
These are thoughtful ideas, thank you! I love the tote bag for the older girl group, the pleated one. adorable.
Thank. you so much for watching and commenting! I will have another video with more suggestions coming out soon! 🥰 Lisa
Having lived in Central Africa for some years, winter can still be cold and kids love wearing bright colours.
Thank you for sharing. Maybe some of the knitted caps I sent in the past got to be worn some!😊. Happy sewing, Lisa 💕💕
I made one of my Dress a Girl dresses with Alisa's pattern. The fabric you chose is so pretty! The little hats are adorable! The bags and tote bags are a great idea!
Thanks, Nancy! I think I’ll make the one she designed two years ago next, but without the ruffle. Happy sewing, Lisa 💕😊💐
My son-in-law is from Peru and I have a missionary friend in Zambia and they definitely use hats and gloves. Our id3a of cold may be different than ours. And Peru, foe example, has a damp feeling season. I'm up in MN and when my friends in warmer states get 50-60 degrees they are putting on jackests and hats and up here we are putting on shorts and t shirts. 😂
Thanks for sharing!! I may go ahead and do some knitted caps for my boxes this year. I have a circular Addi knitting machine, so they don't take long to make. I think MN would be too cold for me. After a couple of weeks of chilly weather, I'm ready for spring!🙂 Take care and happy sewing! 💕 Lisa
I love doing the shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child! I love making gifts for my grandkids. My last item I made for the was a crayon/ notebook caddy. I got the pattern from Gingercake Designs. It turned out really cute! I would love to se$ more gift ideas for kids
Hi, Beverly! Thanks for sharing. I just checked out Gingercake Designs and their patterns are so cute, especially that crayon caddy. I may have to include that in a future gift idea video! Happy Sewing, Lisa 🩷🩷🩷
What a special and worthy project. Each of the items you made will be such a treat for each child. Thank you for providing links to the patterns. I will definitely be using these patterns. This is such a good way to use up my fabric stash!
Thanks, Judy! I bought a few new fabrics, but I'm also trying to use a lot from my stash! Happy sewing, Lisa💕
What a blessing you are to all those children- well done you!
Thank you so much, Marilyn! It gives me great joy to be able to do it, happy sewing, Lisa💕
Thank you so much for these ideas. I love to sew and found a new outlet for my hobby. Thank you 🙏 and God bless!
So glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching and commenting! Lisa 💕
I really enjoyed this video. I too sew items to help fill shoeboxes. This year I made lots of totes, purses, bears, dinosaurs, balls, and various other little things. I pack about the same # as you, and xtra sewn items are for my church's boxes, and to send as fillers.
I may try a couple of your ideas. Thanks!
That's wonderful! Sounds like you've been extremely busy! I know your gifts will be much appreciated.Thanks so much for watching and commenting! 💕💕 Lisa
New to your channel and so excited to see all of your ideas. Love the cape and bucket hat! Be blessed in all you endeavor to do!
Thank you so much! I’ve already got a few new ideas for this year and hope to have a video out in the next couple of months with some examples made up. Hopefully that will give everyone plenty of time before November to make some too! Take care and be blessed! 🥰 Lisa
I think you have a great compassion your voice.. very good and helpful video.. thanks
Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed it. Happy sewing, 💕 Lisa
Clever items to make for Samaritn's Purse!
Thank you, Susan! 💕 Lisa
You have some good ideas. I especially liked what you created for older boys.
Thanks so much for watching and commenting! So glad you enjoyed the video! Happy Sewing, Lisa 💕
Very informative. I've sewn charity quilts for many years for local neonatal and children in care. I hadn't heard of this shoebox charity, however, I am going to look into it for next year. years ago I was turn on to Bags for Beads, another child's foundation, I was able to make 50 bags and I have another 50 labels. Maybe I best do those this winter. Thanks for the ideas as well as a new to me charitable group. FYI, many moons ago (30+years ago) I made Dresses for Africa. There are many free patterns for the pillowcase dresses that are so easy to make. Hugs from a touched heart in Texas
Thanks so much for sharing! I'd never heard of Bags for Beads before. There are so many worthwhile charitable organizations to use our sewing talents for. Sounds like you've done a great job using your sewing skills! Take care and happy sewing! 💕Lisa
Thanks for this! Love your southern accent!
Mary, thanks so much for watching and commenting! Lisa💕
Great ideas. Thank you for showing us your items that you made. You inspire me.
You are so welcome! Thank you for watching and commenting! 💕 Lisa
The dress you made that Alissa designed is beautiful.😊
Thank you, Zelda! 😊. I'm hoping to get a few more made before collection week! Happy sewing, Lisa🩷
Very thoughtful gifts, thank you for sharing 😊😊😊
Thank you for watching and commenting! Happy Sewing, Lisa 💕
I made a few bags and pencil cases for the shoeboxes myself but instead of using zippers, I made a flap and use velcro to close the bags
That's a great idea, especially if someone doesn't like to put in zippers! Thanks for watching and sharing! 💕Lisa
It’s very thoughtful of you its a lovely project.
Thanks, Tracy! Imaging the joy on the children's faces when they open my boxes, makes it all worth while! 🥰🥰🥰
Thanks so much for sharing your ideas and patterns! 😊
You're welcome! Thanks for watching and commenting! 💕 Lisa
Thanks for your ideas and for all you doing for Shoe Boxes. I admire how much you get done each year the time and resorces you donate. I enjoy that you referred to some of my favorite YTubers. I have a couple of helpful (I hope) comments. First the zips that Christine uses come in several styles and sizes. You can get tape with nylon coil in two sizes as least. I have never had a problem with sewing over those zippers. There are also make your own zippers with plastic teeth. The second thing is that I love your cape idea, but I know some families and religious groups will not appreciate "super hero" capes. The capes would be fine and the kids could imagine whatever they were. But supernatural beings can be culturally in appropriate. Thanks again for you ideas. I plan to make some of them this year.
Karen, thanks for watching and sharing! I think I'll get the zipper tape with nylon teeth next time. Right now, OCC still has super heroes and licensed characters on their acceptable list. I know they go through the shoe boxes before they're given out to the children, so maybe in areas where those characters are not appropriate, they remove those items. I'm sure the kids though would still love to play with them without the characters on them. Happy sewing, Lisa 🩷
Thanks for your reply. For sewing over zippers, be sure to get the coils, not the ones that have plastic teeth. I sometimes get inexpensive zippers in an assortment from Home-
Sew and some have had metal and plastic teeth.
Okay, good to know! Thanks!
Great video! Loved all the beautiful items you made.
Thanks so much! 😊 Happy sewing, Lisa 💕
Fantastic ideas! Thank you!
Thanks for watching and commenting! Glad you liked my ideas! 💕 Lisa
What a blessing to see what you’ve been making for OCC. So inspiring and heart warming. I hope to make up a box or two soon and never thought to add handmade items in there. Thank you! 🙏🏼. I just subscribed to you and want to encourage you to continue to make more videos. You are anointed for this. Lovely
Thank you so much for the kind words. I’m so glad you enjoyed the video! Happy sewing, Lisa 💕💕😊
I made dresses for the little girls and tshirts and shorts for littlest boys. Made a coloring book caddy that hold crayons and a hygiene pouch and pencil pouch. Was thinking about some hats for next year and I love the super hero cape. I have also made little pocket teddy bears out of fleece.
Thanks for sharing! I would love to see what the little pocket teddy bears look like. Is there a website or video about them? Happy sewing, Lisa 💕
The pocket teddy bear is such a cute idea.
Glad to find you ❤
Could you please provide more details/ information about the Shoe Box project, I would love to be part of it.
Thanks for commenting! Here's a link to their website that tells all about OCC:www.samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/
In the town I live in, there is one church that acts as the collection center for all the shoeboxes in our area. People can drop off the boxes during collection week, which is the week before Thanksgiving. When you gift wrap your shoebox, wrap the box and lid separately, because the box will be opened and inspected before it is given to a child. The website explains everything, including suggestions on what to put in your boxes and also a list of items that are not accepted. Thanks for wanting to contribute! Happy Sewing, Lisa💕
Thank you so much, I really appreciate it 👏🥰
Also thank you for taking the time and sharing your lovely experience. You open the door for so many people including me.
Looking forward to learning more from you.
I’m a new subscriber 👏
I will use your ideas for my shoe box.
With your guidance, I made two boxes this year for boys ages 10-14. Looking forward to making more next year 🙏🥰
When I was dropping them off, they asked me “how did you know about us?” I spoke highly about you, they said “you are an angel 👼.” I definitely agree with them.
Thank you again for everything you do.
Aw, thanks so much for your kind words and for letting me know. I'm so glad you participated this year and you chose the group that have the least number of boxes made for them! 🥰 I finished organizing mine last night and dropped off 32 boxes this morning. It was a record number for me! I do have a sister that contributes to my boxes. She is a great bargain hunter🙂. I feel so blessed and happy knowing that I'll be helping to put a smile on their faces and joy in their hearts this Christmas! thanks again, Lisa💕💕💕
❤❤
Great video Lisa. Thanks for sharing the channel. All the best with yours too😀😀
Thanks, Christine! Hope you have a wonderful new year! 💕
Thank you for this video on children’s gift ideas! I wish I had these ideas years ago for my grandchildren . I can’t seem to find the hat pattern could you direct me to it? First time here.
Thanks for watching and letting me know about the bucket hat link missing. I've gone back and added it down in the video's description. Happy Sewing, Lisa 💕
This is the first video of yours I have seen and all your items are so well made. The little pink dress was stunning and I loved the bucket hats too. I would like to very gently and kindly point out that velcro is used on capes as a safety precaution. If a child gets it caught on something the velcro will release and not pose a risk to the child's neck. Absolutely no judgement, I can appreciate why you chose snaps. I was really surprised you can include a deck of cards. I work in a post office and know that restrictions apply and some countries wont allow playing cards to be posted to their country as they are considered a "product of gambling". It always seemed so strange to me as cards seem so innocuous. Your kindness, generosity and dedication to the OCC shoe boxes has surely been appreciated by hundreds of children in your time collating them.
Thanks so much for your sweet comments and also for pointing out the safety issue with the snaps. These are the first capes I've made for the boxes and I hadn't thought of the snaps being an issue. That's a great point though and I'm going to use velcro for the rest of my capes. I did double check OCC's website concerning playing cards and they are on the "acceptable" list, which is good because I've sent sooo many decks of cards! Happy sewing, Lisa 💕
There are many card games that could be used in place of a standard deck of cards. Old Maid, Go Fish, Uno, War, Concentration - to name but a few. Some are definitely for young children, but there are games that require more knowledge and skill for older children. The best thing is they take up very little space. I think your ideas for handmade gifts are great. Love the idea of simple elastic waist shorts for little boys with a tee shirt.
That is an awesome organizayion. I like your top. That is a pretty cotton lawn.
Thanks so much! They've certainly brought a lot of smiles and happiness to millions of children!🥰
Good video!
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching! 💕 Lisa
What about a blouse/T shirts for the middle aged and older girls? And shorts for little boys? Also, smaller drawstring bags for smaller items for medium aged boys and girls. Loved your idea of little cars and Barrett’s and hair do dads for the girls.
I've had several viewers mention making short for the little boys. If I were putting in tops for the middle aged and older girls, I would just try to pick a size that hit mid-range. I'm sure if they can't wear it, they know someone it would fit. I think any type of bag to put their stuff in, is a good idea! Thanks for watching and commenting! Lisa💕
Love your generosity!!❤️❤️
Crazy. I just made one of her capes for a granddaughter. I used heat transfer vinyl for the symbol on the cape.
Thanks so much! That sounds like a great idea. I have a Cricut that I need to use more. Happy sewing, Lisa 💕💕
Great projects ❤
Thank you!💕
Precious gifts, Lisa! The recipients will love them! What state do you live in? 💗
Thanks, Andra! I live in Central Arkansas. What state do you live in?🙂
@@thesouthernseamstressTennessee 🧡
I love your ideas! What size of needle should I use to sew canvas material and also what type of thread? I can’t wait to try sewing the hat and the tote bag, thank you!
Hi, Tammy! I just use standard sewing thread and a needle that is made for medium to heavy weight woven fabrics. Thanks for watching and commenting! Lisa 💕
Wonderful ideas. I loved them all! I have a quick question about the actual box. Are you using the plastic shoeboxes to fill or are you actually using boxes from shoes?
I'm using actual shoeboxes. I'm friends with some of the staff at the church that is the collection center in our town for the shoeboxes. They have a group of ladies in that church that actually wrap boxes throughout the year and then give the boxes out for people to fill them. They always give me as many as I'm able to fill. That's a real blessing because I don't know where I would find two dozen plus shoeboxes!!! Also it would take me forever to wrap that many! I think you're able to order boxes from the OCC website that come flat and you just tape them together. I never do that, because I think those boxes are smaller than the boxes I get from the church and I want my boxes to be as big as possible!😀 Thanks for watching and commenting! Lisa 💕💕
@@thesouthernseamstress thank you for responding Lisa I appreciate it. I was thinking the bigger the box the better also. And so if you have a collection center you don’t have to pay postage to ship it?
I think they’ll accept boxes that don’t have prepaid labels. There are people that just give money to help with postage.
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Thanks! 💕
where would I sign up for the operation Christmas child? I would like to participate.
Here's a link to their page about drop off locations. It has a field to put in your zip code and then it will show you the closest drop off locations. Their website also tells you all about how to pack your boxes, suggested items to put in them, a list of items that are not allowed, and they also tell you how to download the labels that are taped to the outsides of the boxes. Collection week is November 13-20. Thanks for wanting to participate! 💕Lisa
www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/drop-off-locations/?
You work very hard to fill that many shoeboxes. Great ideas.
The children seem to be much smaller in those countries, so our size clothing is too big across each age group.
Do you have to worry about the characters that you put on your capes?
Everything that is common and acceptable here may not be elsewhere, and then your hard work may be destroyed.
Hi, Karen! Thanks for commenting! Yes, it’s rather difficult in deciding what size to make in a garment. That’s why I’ve usually just made accessories. My dresses may be a little large, but maybe they will grow into them or give them to a family member. They do have certain guidelines on their website about what you can and can’t send. I know you can’t send anything that is war or military related. As far as I know,, super heroes have always been okay!😊
@@thesouthernseamstress
I can tell that making these projects and coming up with new ideas gives you great joy. I am humbled by your work.
Thanks for the sweet comments!💕💕💕
Hi, Karen, I just wanted to let you know that i double checked the list of "acceptable" items on the OCC website and items with super heroes and licensed characters are all acceptable. 😀
@@thesouthernseamstress
Excellent, I appreciate the feedback.
Don't believe me but I come from Mexico and sadly hero capes are banned in some States; as they present a hazard to children. Several children have tried to fly with their hero cape from a tall building to their death. I do not recomend capes for this reason.
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That is so sad to hear. I just noticed last night that I had forgotten to include my capes in my shoeboxes. Somehow they got under a pile of fabric and I was so busy just trying to get all my shoeboxes organized that I forgot about them. After reading your note, I think it worked out well that they weren't included. I will save my capes for some of my little nephews after I make sure they know that they don't contain any special powers. Thanks for sharing! 💕Lisa
They are all not free.
Which one could you not get for free? I just downloaded all of them this week except for the Harper cardigan. I had downloaded it a couple of weeks ago.
Sorry, I thought you were talking about my last video. Yes, I did mention that one of the dresses was a paid pattern. I just put that in there because I was showing what I made for OCC. The other dress is free. Happy sewing, Lisa