Ryan's Case For Smiles

  

I saw a notice in the paper about a group that makes pillowcases for children in the hospital.  This is an organization called Ryan's Case for Smiles.  They try to give a pillowcase to every child admitted to the hospital.  In this case, the local group gives the cases to the children in Carilion's Children's Hospital.  There are a lot of organizations that focus on research and cures, but Ryan's Case tries to improve the quality of life for the children undergoing treatment.

The article was asking for volunteers.  It sounded like the kind of thing I would like.  I got in touch with my friend Doris and she said she would go with me.  In addition to showing up and helping, they asked for donations and 1 1/2 yards of colorful fabric.

  

I brought my sewing machine and Doris brought fabric for both of us.  The event was held at the Church of the Transfiguration in Fincastle.  There were several stations set up to make cases in an assembly line.  The fabric was already cut for the body and the top hem.  One group folded and pinned the cloth for the first seam.  They used a "burrito" fold, which I had never heard of.

  

I was paired with another newcomer to sew that seam on the "burrito" and pass it on to the ironing and finishing stations.

  

Over the course of the day we made 200 finished pillowcases and had many in various stages of completion.  It was a tiring day for me, because it hurts to sit for long periods of time, but I met a lot of nice people and I felt good about doing something for children.  If you hear about a group in your area, you might want to check it out. No sewing skills necessary!