How can we make a donation to help cover the cost of dolls, small cars and other project expenses? Your financial support is greatly appreciated. We are still a small project, but as of the summer of 2015, we are 501c3 non-profit corporation. This means you are eligible to receive a tax-deduction for your contribution to Stitchin' for Kids. Go to the Donations Page to make your contribution.

What should be done after completing an item to donate? Contact us at moreinfo@stitchinforkids.org, and we will provide you with the best way to make your donations. Or you can send your items directly to us at PO Box 144, Fairfax, CA 94978

May we use fabric and yarn from our own stashes? Yes, that is one of the best parts of the project. BUT, the fabric must be clean and not have been part of a previously worn or used item. For doll clothes, remember that the Glitter Girl doll is about 1/7 the size of an adult, so scale of pattern is an important consideration for fabric and yarn selection. Our patterns have guidelines for the types of fabric or the size of yarn and needles.

How do we find out what is new with the project? Our project is continually trying to improve. You can hear the latest about new ideas, hospital deliveries and project improvements in the quarterly newsletter. We will be glad to add your name to the email list for the newsletter. Contact us at moreinfo@stitchinforkids.org.

May we make clothes for other dolls? All of our patterns have been standardized to fit the two dolls, Glitter Girls and Corolle Mon Premier Bebe Bain. We request that the handmade clothes fit the dolls that we donate to the hospitals.

Why are doll clothes and accessories so important? This question was recently addressed in a website Wren*Feathers, "Doll clothes are a vital part of play for children, helping to spark imaginations and create new scenarios. I’m a speech-language pathologist, and at work I see a big difference between language-disordered and typically-developing kids in how they play with dolls. I have a few sets of wooden dolls with magnetic clothing covering everything from princesses to sports outfits to swimsuits. For a kindergartner I might give them the dolls and hold on to the clothes, pretending I’m “the store.” A typically-developing kid will walk her doll over to me and say, “I’m going to the beach, can I buy a swimsuit please?” A language disordered kid is more likely to say something like, “I want a pink one.” If they like the dolls, this is a great way to teach vocabulary. “Oh, you want a pink swimsuit. I bet your doll is going swimming, what else does she need to take with her?” It can also help scaffold stories. First, the doll gets her suit, towel, etc., next she drives to the beach, etc. So, although many people might not think of them that way, doll with a nice variety of clothes can be a really educational toy, especially if an adult is willing to add to the wardrobe/join in the play. For older kids to adult collectors, sewing for dolls is a wonderful way to “play” with them and develop a valuable skill at the same time."

We know that you serve the San Francisco/Marin/Oakland/Sacramento areas and the Seattle/Tacoma area. Are you going to expand to other areas? Although we have wonderful volunteers outside of these areas, most of our volunteers are close to the hospitals we serve. We are always eager to help people in other areas to start their own projects to serve hospitals close to them. We suggest that the hospital be one that treats children who require extended stays.