GREAT NEWS!
I am teaming up with Days at Dunrovin (a ranch in Montana) to create stuffed calico horses to be delivered to foster children and adults in care centers in time for Valentine’s Day! I am looking for VOLUNTEERS to help create the herd.
At this time of isolation, there is a need for so many people from all walks of life. Visitation and outside comforts are temporarily halted for an undetermined amount of time. Men, women and children of all cultures, are hurting — your simple act of kindness may help brighten their world.
This is a POST HOLIDAY project and will take a weekend of your time at the most, and much less for experienced craftspeople. The instructions are written for ALL levels. Look for my FREE downloadable pattern that will be available in December on our websites. Volunteers will be able to follow along as I present detailed instructions using blogs and live videos that will be recorded for you to watch at your leisure.
The horse is approximately 13” from head to tail and stands 9” high. The pattern will have easy step-by-step instructions with full color images.
Trimming mane
Each horse will have a patch on it that will identify the person who made it. This lets the recipient know where the act of kindness came from. Once your calico horse is complete, you will send a photo of it to be shared on our websites and social media. Next, an address will be sent to you of where to ship it in the US. International volunteers are welcome to use my free pattern and deliver to people in need in their own countries. Volunteers will provide their talents, materials and postage.
This is a massive humanitarian project and I do not have any assistants. Please DO NOT email me with questions, please post them in the comment section of the blogs. This will help others as well.
Look for my upcoming blogs and join this humanitarian effort to bring a hug using the healing energy of the horse.
A Herd For Hugs will touch many lives across the globe and quoting Mahatma Gandhi, together we will
“Be the change we wish to see in the world.”
I understand you have strict guidelines for good reason. Just wondering though if 100% cotton flannel is acceptable?
Thank you Susan. Guidelines are made by agencies.
*Important – be sure to read this paragraph included with the supply list:
Calico Horses Pattern by Lorraine Turner
This simple pattern was designed to be safe for everyone over the age of three. The supply list has been carefully created to meet safety guidelines so the stuffed animals will be accepted by the foster homes and care centers. No alterations of the pattern or additional embellishments (such as buttons and glues) are allowed.
The materials listed MUST be adhered to or your Calico Horse could be rejected by the homes and care centers. If you are delivering stuffed animals to local facilities, please check to see if those facilities have additional safety requirements.
YOU will also need to double check your work to assure you have followed directions. Lorraine Turner is not responsible for faulty craftsmanship.
Hi! i’m so excited to be part of this great project! i’ve just printed out my pattern pieces and taped together, and i have a couple of questions. (please excuse me if you’ve answered somewhere else; i didn’t see.)
#1, is the 1/4″ seam allowance figured into the pattern already, or do we need to add that when cutting out the fabric (i.e. cut the fabric 1/4″ larger all the way around the pattern pieces?
#2, since the pieces are a pdf, the only size that i can print is what the pdf is. i measured the square and it’s 1/8″ smaller than one inch on my tape measure. however, i have seen slight variations in rulers and tape measures over my 50+ years of sewing so it could be that this particular tape measure is off a bit. How critical is that 1/8″? should i cut a bit larger than the pieces to allow for it?
Thank you so very much for doing this!
Rita
Hi rita,
#1 See my instructions on the .pdf
Instructions step 1) Note: All seam allowances are sewn at ¼”. When stitching fabric pieces together, their right sides must face together.
1) On 8.5” x 11” paper, print out the pattern at actual size, NOT “fit to page.” Use a window or a lightbox to match pieces and tape together. Cut out all pattern pieces. So, no, you do not need to add 1/4″ larger when cutting out.
#2 If you have printed correctly that square should be an inch. Having it 1/8″ off will just make the tricky parts trickier such as ears and hooves.
and i forgot to add a couple of questions about the patch:
1. the instructions say square but i saw a photo of one with a heart-shaped patch. is that ok?
2. do we send the horse to you with the patch left blank, and you write in who and where from? I do machine embroidery and could letter a patch on the emb machine then sew it to the horse body. is that ok? if so, what info do you put on the patch?
Thanks!
Rita
Please read instructions carefully. 9) Patch Felt. Cut a 2 ½” square or a heart shape and set aside
Step 21) Practice writing your inscription on scrap paper. Made by ________. Then, under your name, write where you are in the world. When you are happy with your practice, write this onto the patch using a permanent marker. You do NOT have to write your whole name or exact location; this is an act of kindness and you are connecting your heart energy and sending it to someone in need of a hug. Another option: You may wish to write In honor of __________ and the location. This identity patch connects YOU the artist to “A Herd For Hugs,” and validates your generosity. THANK YOU.
Yes, you may embroider this on your machine.
No, The horses are NOT sent to me and by filling out the google form The Days at Dunrovin team will contact you to let you know where to ship it. Thanks! https://friendsofdunrovin.org/herdforhugs/