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Why a Comfort Doll Project?

One simple idea,one piece of Art,this is where my idea was born.....I saw a beautiful crazy quilted art doll on an online group and couldn't get her out of my head so I ordered one.Linda Feuge was the creator of this beauty which you see in the background. My pure joy I felt upon receiving her led me to realize the power this beautiful cloth creation could have on a woman. If I felt so happy owning this piece of art,I could imagine what a woman who may never even know such things exist would feel owning one of her own.

There are many charity groups that Artists of any medium can join,many of which I donate crazy quilt blocks or items to. However, I haven't seen art donations going toward battered women.

They may be out there, I just haven't been aware of any. When Crazy Quilting International, an online group asked about charity causes, I raised my hand to collect cloth "Healing","Spirit","Comfort" dolls to be gathered by the dozen and sent to Women's shelter's.
Jo Newsham is a dear friend from New Zealand.She is collecting dolls for those who want to donate across the pond.Please email her for address if sending dolls there.
Please know that anyone who donates a doll can submit a name of a shelter in their town/state/country, to receive a dozen Comfort Dolls when available.

Unlike Jo, I had a short confrontation with physical abuse in my late teens. Thank goodness I had a supportive family to guide me home without further harm. It was the most frightening time in my life, and as the taxi made it's way to the airport and the miles between fear and freedom widened, I felt myself getting stronger and saw a bright future.I knew I had seen the bottom and the only way to go was up. I thought I was the only one who experienced this trauma. Embarrassment kept me from revealing my past. This experience can leave you with low self esteem and the feeling of failure.Fortunately I have found my Prince Charming and life is good.
Unfortunately, many women aren't so lucky.
I know some may think making dolls to give to a woman who has just been beaten,raped, or abused in some way is like putting a band-aid on an amputation. Well, I see it as sending a message of hope,love,and encouragement. A gentle hug,a smile,a nudge to go forward and see there is sunshine ahead.

Imagine a woman being handed a beautiful cloth doll with a message of hope attached. This doll from a stranger whom she will never meet,yet makes this connection of love and caring from one heart to another. A stranger who can imagine,if not know where she has been and hoping she will have brighter days ahead. The woman carries this doll in her purse,or pocket,knowing someone cared enough to think of her. When she needs strength, she strokes it or admires it and her lips turn up with a smile and her heart warms. Yes, I am a dreamer but I do think this will happen.

If anyone wants to create a "Comfort doll",please email me or send them to the address at the top of blog. I will collect them within the US,and hopefully find someone in each country to collect them because this is a worldwide cause. I won't dwell on details, but in the US, every 15 seconds a woman is abused.

Comfort doll specifications: 6" max size doll of any medium. May have face or be plain,any color,lots of embellishing such as beading,sequins,and charms need to be sewn on very securely please. Crazy quilting, Fimo faces, painted,cross stitch,felted,etc is all wonderful and welcome. You may choose any pattern you desire or make your own.I add a message to each doll, but feel free to add a sentiment of your own.
There are many free cloth doll patterns online. Look under "goddess "too, they have wonderful simple shapes to embellish easily.

Thank you for spreading a bit of comfort to those in need. This will be an ongoing project.

You may send dolls to: Pat Winter 1010N 350E Chesterton,IN 46304

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Whoops!

I have no idea how I missed uploading these two beautiful dolls from Sammy Stafney. I must have put them aside to add when I was updating, but for some reason I could have sworn I blogged them. Anyway, I want to add them and say a big" Sorry" to Sammy. Forgive me???

22nd dozen dolls sent to Maine

New Hope for Women will receive our 22nd dozen comfort dolls.
The donors are:Teri Dusenbury,Pam Kellogg,Bennie Harman, Adria (Pam's mom),Sherry Wade,Noel Poupard,Anne Bernstein,Becky Bunn,Sherry Klemmt.
Thank you all for creating and donating these beautiful dolls to the Comfort Doll Project.

21st dozen Comfort Dolls sent to Pennsylvania

Women in Need located in Pennsylvania will receive our 21st dozen comfort dolls.
The donors are: Bennie Harman,Teri Dusenbury,Adria(Pam's mom),Charlene Pawlik,Noel Poupard,Melanie Willows,Sherry Wade,Becky Bunn and Sammy Stafney.

Thank you very much for your wonderful Comfort Doll donations. Each is much appreciated.

20th dozen to Alabama

Daybreak shelter in Jasper Alabama will receive our 20th dozen comfort dolls.
The donors are:Sherry Klemmt,Noel Poupard,Pam Kellogg,Adria (Pam's mom),Bennie Harman,Teri Dusenbusy,Sher Miller,Jan Bartlett,Becky,Anne Bernstein,Sherry Wade.

Thank you so much for contributing to the comfort doll project. The director is very excited to recieve these dolls.

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Teri Dusenbury's Art cats

Yesterday I received these amazing cats from Teri Dusenbury,aka Tatbit! Teri is from WA and she made these pieces of ART by designing,painting and embellishing.

Yes, they are painted! The catfish are too funny and sure to bring many wide smiles to their recipients. The two cats ready for hugs have special messages as you can see, along with fou fou boas..la ti da! How cute is that?
Thank you so much Teri for your wonderful Art Cats. They are very unique and cheerful creations!

Crazy Cats from Pam Kellogg...Purrrrrfect!

Pam Kellogg, our crazy quilt comfort cat maker has contributed more purrrrfect kitties to the Comfort Doll Project. These beauties arrive with a special pansy hand made card which I will display in my studio.Thanks so much Pam. You are the QUEEN of CQ Cats!

More sweet Teddies from Bennie Harman

Bennie, from Florida is the creator of these adorable teddies. This cheerful bunch arrived and spread sunshine immediately. Thank you very much Bennie. I know they will be well received.