March Madness is Coming.....

March Madness - and no I'm not talking basketball.  We are buzzing around here trying to get caught up and ready for spring.  It seems this year is flying by faster than normal. We have been blessed with an embarrassment of riches so far!  In the last two months we have received some beautiful quilts, many crochet and knit items as well as two gorgeous quilt tops from a Binky Patrol friend in Italy.  We also have some wonderful fabrics and yarns in our stash and we are dreaming of what we will create in the coming months.  How exciting.  Now we are working very hard to get these all out to recipients for Spring.

We want to send a special thanks to the ladies at Palmeto GBA ~ they sent over two large bags of goodies that are just awesome.  Included are two large soft blankets along with beautiful crocheted hats and blankets, an adorable dress and booties.  We so appreciate this donation and the bulk of it will be going to our newest recipient, The Family Shelter, here in Columbia.  This shelter is rare in that they take in families.  Most shelters are set up for either women or men and families must be separated.  We are so very happy to add this shelter to our list of recipients!!  Thank you so much Palmetto GBA for getting this donation going for us!!  We so appreciate you!

We are Thinking BLUE for February.....

We are thinking BLUE for February!  For some reason most groups receive 2 or 3 times the amount of girl items as boys.  I know it can be so much fun making the cute frilly pink things.  I especially like crocheting dresses myself.  But the boys need just as much as the girlies.  We are having a Boy Drive in the month of February to do our best to collect more blankets, hats, booties, clothing and more for our boys! 

If you need ideas or patterns, let us know - we have lots.  Blues and greens are great boy colors and there are lots of variegated boy colored yarns out there.  I am always drawn to them - I guess because I have 4 boys.  It seems there are more boy patterns in fabrics these days as well.  Jump in and help if you can - even just one little blue hat or booties would be so helpful.  Email us at binkypatrolsc@sc.rr.com or visit our web site at bpsc.co.

Ringing in the New Year.....

January is such a great time to start planning and dreaming of what we can accomplish in the New Year!  Winter is also the time when needs are the most pressing - especially for those who are homeless or those who are not able to keep their homes heated well.

 We are working on year end reports so that we can let you all know how we did last year.  I do know that we almost doubled our 2010 contributions - that is pretty exciting.  We are nearing our 2nd anniversary as a chapter and that is so exciting as well!

In the new year we will be working to find local girl scout troops who would like to earn a badge for their assistance.  What a great way to teach young girls to give back and be a part of this wonderful organization.  Susan (our founder) has made available a beautiful patch the girls can earn by participating.  Please contact us if you would like to get involved in this new project.  This is the 100th Anniversary for Girl Scouts of America - what better time for them to be involved in BPSC.   The patch is on the right and we are so very proud of this.  Keep watching and jump in when you can - we always need more hands.  Email us at binkypatrolsc@sc.rr.com.

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year.....

It's that time of year again when our minds run to ideas for gifts, goodies, baking and more.  What a wonderful time it is for most of us!  We have so much to enjoy and be thankful for.  Even if you don't have lots of money, if you have a warm clean place to live and food on your table and close family and friends to enjoy it with, you are rich beyond measure.

For many this time of year is not so joyful and it becomes a reminder of just how bad things are.  This is where we come in - it only takes a short amount of time to make a hat or scarf, donate an old coat, go through your children's outgrown clothing and donate what they no longer use.  Most of us have tight budgets right now, but it does not have to be expensive to help out.  So much can be done just by recycling what you have.  Did you know that clean t-shirts in good condition can be made into many wonderful things -- from quilts to knit scarves and so much more.  Most every part of the shirts can be put to good use.  Clean out your old yarn or fabric - so much can be done with these items that may just be taking up space.

Take a minute and think about what you and your family can do to help and give back a little.  It is a wonderful thing to teach young children.  Email us at binkypatrolsc@sc.rr.com and we can help you come up with ideas and supplies - there is much to do and it takes lots of hands!  You will be so glad you took the time to help.

Hats........We need Hats.......

If you are like me and have trouble with larger projects like blankets and quilts, then we have the project for you.  Many may not be aware, but we are always in need of hats!  Newborns and preemies use them year round and particularly this time of year we need them for all ages.  There are tons of patterns for knitting, crocheting, or sewing hats and we have lots of free use ones.  If you would like to have a free pattern, just let us know and what type you would like to try.  Email us at binkypatrolsc@sc.rr.com for more information. 

Also, please remember that we are not looking for perfection!  Anything you create will be greatly appreciated and believe me, we all make mistakes and that's okay - it just shows that your items are handmade with love and caring.  Here are some of the little pumpkin hats that I have been knitting for the preemies.  This pattern is lots of fun and easy but these are far from perfect.  They will keep a baby just as warm and will be appreciated just the same!! 

We are also in need of preemie size blankets for fall and Christmas.  The hospitals decorate the NICU's with these and it helps make it a little brighter for parents of a preemie.  The only requirements are that they be at least 20 X 20, soft and clean and they can be knit, crochet, sewn, quilted - any type is just fine.  Let us know if you need more information or are interested in helping out.  We need to have the Fall/Halloween blankets in by October 10th and Christmas ones by December 10th.


Of course, we are very happy to have any kind or type of blankets all through the year as we send them to groups who serve children from birth to young adult.  More information about the groups we provide to is located on our web site at www.bpsc.co - take a minute and visit and learn more about the Binky Patrol South Carolina!

Fall is in the Air.......

I just love Fall and this year I have been looking so forward to it.  It will be so nice to have crisp cool evenings, no humidity and the beautiful golden and red leaves that we enjoy here in South Carolina.  Unfortunately, soon after will follow the cold months of the winter and we will need to get busy preparing for the many shelters that will be filled to the brim as the homeless seek to find comfort and warmth during the cold months.  Many babies and children are included in these numbers and it takes a great effort to keep them warm and safe.

We are very fortunate that we have had many wonderful donations this year and we have donated more than 190 items so far in 2011.  This is almost double what we did all of 2010.  We hope to continue to grow and increase what we are able to put out into our community. 

We are also celebrating the birth of the twins that we took on as a project this year.  How exciting and wonderful - I have 4 boys myself but I have to admit that I have been in such awe of this family.  These two little distinctly different human beings have come into this world at the same time - so healthy and full of life and it is truly a miracle!!  They have 8 children between them, including the twins.  They are such a beautiful blended family!  We are still working on items for them because it is very costly to take care of multiples.

We have lots of projects for fall and winter so let us know if you would like to get involved.  We can always use another set of hands!  Email us at binkypatrolsc@sc.rr.com  or visit our site at www.bpsc.co!

One of Our Favorite Projects......

While the Binky Patrol SC is all about helping children in need, we do on occasion, have the opportunity to provide items for a happy situation.  Our twin project has been just that and has brought so much more joy than we could possibly provide.  A few weeks ago, I was privileged to attend the baby shower for this young mother.  The couple has six (6) - yes I said 6 children between them and with the birth of the twins they will have 8!  Yep - I said 8 kids.  But --- they handle this with grace and joy and the family is a pleasure to spend time with.  I feel so thankful to have met them.  They are hard working people who take excellent care of their children and are very excited to welcome their two new boys.  They are already named and have been for some time - Caleb and Griffin - family names.  There are so many people who are anticipating this birth and these babies will be welcomed with much love and affection.  But - we all know the stress of multiple births, the work, the cost, and so much more.  So -- this is why we get involved where we can.  This is a joyous project and one we dearly love!

Helping with happy occasions such as this makes what we do all the more rewarding and brings us much more than what we offer.  If you would like to help, email us at binkypatrolsc@sc.rr.com or visit our web site at www.bpsc.co.

We are ready for Fall and Winter!!!

Karen Johnson Designs Donation

We were so fortunate to receive a fabulous fabric donation last week from Karen Johnson Designs here in Columbia!  This is just one picture of the wonderful colorful awesome fabrics donated by Karen.  She is a local sewing instructor and these beautiful pieces were from a fabric shop she used to own.  When I look at these I see blankets, applique, bibs, clothing, pillow cases and more!  This donation has given us just the boost we needed to start preparing for the winter ahead.  Karen - I can't thank you enough.  This colorful array of fabrics not only supplies us but it inspires us to create in every way possible.  Please watch our Flickr photo stream at http://www.flickr.com/photos/binkypatrolsc/ and follow these donations as they "become" as in the Velveteen Rabbit - they will become favorite loved items by children all over our state and more!  Let us know if you want to get involved - email us at binkypatrolsc@sc.rr.com or visit our web site at www.bpsc.co.

Wonderful Thank you......

Daybreak Crisis Pregnancy Center

We received the most wonderful Thank-you email from the Daybreak Crisis Pregnancy Center last week.  It is always wonderful to know that items we send are received and useful.  Daybreak is one of our newer recipients and we are so happy to be working with them to help them help young mothers-to-be in crisis.  This mission is very important to us as is everything we do.

Helping children in need is very simple and there is a program or group for every talent and desire.  A list of our recipient groups is located on our web page at www.bpsc.co as well as popular patterns and projects we work on.  But, if you have something that is a special talent or idea that you would like to provide, please do let us know.  We are always open to new ways to provide items for our kids.  Our ultimate goal is to help each other do the things we love to do and use those gifts to help babies and children in need.  We aren't worried about perfection - just creating from the heart.

If you would like to get involved or know of a need in our area, please contact us at binkypatrolsc@sc.rr.com. 

We may be quiet......but we are still here.....

While I have been a little under the weather the last couple of months, our little group has continued to be very busy and we have received so many wonderful contributions!  I am so very thankful for each and everyone who takes the time to create, pack up and deliver the beautiful treasures we receive.  The best part of what we do is getting them out to those who need these caring gifts.  Our members are what keep this chapter afloat and we so appreciate all that you do!!


We have new pictures of most of what we have received during the last couple of months - still have a few more things to add.  Check them out when you get a minute - you will be impressed by the talents and generosity of those who support the BPSC!  Our photo album is located here:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/binkypatrolsc/.  So many ideas, colors and imagination that come together to make the children feel loved and special.

We will be sending out our first package to the Daybreak Crisis Pregnancy Center here in Columbia.  This is a wonderful organization to assist young women with unplanned pregnancy.  The items we send are used as incentives and care packages.  Thanks so much to Andrea for suggesting we contact this group.

We also finally have a good supply of boy blankets which will allow us to send a package to The Boys Home in SC.  This is very exciting and we can't wait to get them off in the mail.

The most important thing we can express here is there is no donation that is too small, one pair of socks, one new toothbrush, fabric, anything you feel would be useful, will be put to work.  There is no need for perfection - most of the items I create have mistakes but I know in my heart that the recipient will know the gift was made in love and just for them.  Email us at binkypatrolsc@sc.rr.com if you would like to join us in creating comfort for children in need.

Still Pluggin Along......

Even though the warmer weather has arrived - especially here in the southern states, we are still working hard on binkies and more.  There is always a need for the many items that we collect - year round and children in need have no season.  For many kids, a blanket is so much more than warmth - it is a possession that gives them peace and security and allows them to feel love - even when they are sick or hurt and in need.  Lovies are also necessary items for survival and a friend when a child is lonely and afraid.

We also have many areas in crisis right now due to recent weather events and many of the children in these areas have nothing left from their homes.  A lovie or soft blanket can go a long way in giving them back a little bit of love and security.  We also collect baby items - there are always babies in need and mothers who can't provide everything they need to.  June is our Virtual Baby Shower month and we will be collecting baby items to send to moms-to-be in need to help them give their new babies a great start in life.

Please check out our calendar on our site at www.scbinkypatrol.com and keep up with opportunities to get involved.  You can also email us at binkypatrolsc@sc.rr.com  and let us know you would like to be on our email list.  We also have a new shorter link to our site - www.BPSC.co.  This is a quick way to pass on our link and will get you to the same place as the longer link.  Visit often and find out what we are doing - we make comforting covers and more for kids in need ~ it's just that simple!  Remember --- items can be dropped off at the Creative Sewing Machine Center in West Columbia - don't miss a chance to visit this wonderland!!

In Tee Shirt Heaven......

Ok - this is just one picture of the t-shirts we received last week from Ingersoll Rand!  Just leave it to say they are in abundance.  Our job now is to turn these beauties in useful quilts and it seems that I can't think about anything else.  I am jazzzed to say the least and I know wonderful things are going to come from this stash.  We will post pictures as we go and let you know what we are doing.  Beth Holland with Ingersoll Rand thought of this idea and then contacted us about making the quilts.  We have a video posted here on the blog left side which is a commercial she created about collecting the shirts.  I also received an email from her on Friday and she has more on the way.  Unbelievable - to think that so many would get on board to help with this project.  We are also working on ideas to use up every square of fabric from the shirts for bags for the homeless, stuffing for toys and more.  Stay tuned as we work on this.

I know this is exciting because my hubby Greg - who normally does all the management stuff and running, delivering, picking up, post office, etc., actually is so interested in this project that he researched ways of cutting the shirts and actually went INSIDE the Joann's with me to talk to them about rotary cutters.  Believe me when I say this never happens......and he is really getting involved with every aspect.  So much fun!!!

So - if tees are your thing, let us know if you would like to help - we will send you a package and all you will need to do is sew together and return to us.  If you use any materials of your own, we can send you a tax deductible receipt.  Say something with your time and tees - there will be many warm and comforted kids and more from this project!  Thank you so much Beth!!!  This is what we aim to come up with on the right - or something close and lots of them.  :o) Join us if you can - email us at binkypatrolsc@sc.rr.com.

Cookin With Gas.....

Or should I say Embroidering with my machine - finally.  I am so excited to have this added capability to embellish the binkies and make them even more special.  The possibilities are just endless and my mind is buzzing with ideas!  Now....I have to stop playing and get down to business - Binkies for Boys Business!

We received so many wonderful blankets this week and we are getting them ready to deliver to DSS/Foster Care on 4/1.  There are all types, sizes and shapes - so exciting!  I am working on pictures to post and believe me you will be inspired by these creations!!  Thank you so much Susan, Andrea, Anita, Nancy, and Diana for participating in this drive.  We still need more so don't stop now.  We always need boy blankets because we just don't receive as many suitable for them as we do for the girlies.

We also have a new group we will be providing items to - The Boys Home of the South.  Take a look at this wonderful facility - they are doing such wonderful things here.  The sweet thing is that their administrator, Lori Griswold - tells us they like to receive girl blankets as well, to be used as gifts for their sisters.  What a wonderful gesture.  Sooooo keep sending in those binkies - we need and love all sizes, types, shapes - they will be used and loved!

Please let us know if you have ideas, suggestions, or just want to join our little group - believe me you learn more and gain so much more than you give.  Email us at Binkypatrolsc@sc.rr.com or visit our web site at scbinkypatrol.com.

Got Fabric........................

Spring is here and what a wonderful week - oh my the colors, textures and the dreams of what can be.  We received a large donation from one of our good friends at the Creative Sewing Machine Center , Sonya.  It was incredible and we are still going through the pieces!   Also included were beautiful bibs, sweet little baby pants and a wonderful little spring overall set with a bunny applique - all handmade.  I know these items will be so appreciated by Foster Care and God's Tiny Angels.  We will get new pictures loaded up to Flicker as soon as we can.

We have so many projects in the works and there is something for every type of crafter and every interest!  We have uploaded our calendar for 2011 which gives you a list of the events we are committed to for this year.  Check it out at http://www.scbinkypatrol.com/uploads/5/5/4/9/5549888/bpsccalendar2011.pdf  .  But...remember...you don't have to be a crafter to help - there are many things to be done and there is something for anyone interested in helping!

One of the Binky Patrol chapters has a connection that will fly a supply of blankets into Japan and deliver them.  We will be shipping some to this chapter by mid May.  Let us know if you would like to send one.  Any type, any size will be fine.  They can be sent to us and we will ship to the chapter in one bundle.


If you haven't been to our web site lately, be sure to visit often.  We have added more information and listed more free patters under the pattern link.  Check back often to see what is new at http://www.scbinkypatrol.com.  We also have more pictures loaded at Flickr at http://www.flickr.com/photos/binkypatrolsc/.  As always - let us know if you have questions, need more information or just want to join in.

Is Your Fabric Speaking to You.......

Wow - this is just a sample of the items we have received in the past weeks.  Needless to say we are so thrilled and we are working to move them out as they come in.

Andrea and I were discussing how our stash of fabric and yarns can actually become so intertwined in our lives that they hold very strong memories and feelings.  As we have been going through my personal stash collected over the past 25+ years, I remember the purchase and the intended purpose of almost every piece.  As I came to the realization that I would never be able to complete all of the projects or use it all up, I found the most grand purpose of turning all of these colorful memories into lovies that will comfort and help a child in need.  I am not saying it has been easy - we all let go of things in different ways and for different reasons.  But, having said that, I can tell you that it has been extremely cathartic to see these glimmers of my past life turned into useful items and passed on.

The beautiful floral I purchasde for a dress to soothe myself after a miscarriage is now something most beautiful and useful, the scraps that were a part of my boys rooms are off to bigger and better things, the fabrics purchased for my youngest son - now 15 - are finally being made into Binkies for Boys.  If you have a stash of fabric, yarn, threads, etc, that are calling you to put them to use, think about donating them or creating something that will show love to a child who so needs something to hold and know that he or she is thought of, something to be with them when they are alone or away from their loved ones, sick or cold....think of giving your stash a higher purpose.  Believe me - it is a wonderful thing and it will free you in so many ways.  Give it a try - I highly recommend it!

We have many projects going on right now - jump in anywhere --- Binkies for Boys, Charity Mystery Quilt Contest, T-Shirt Quilt Project, and coming Be Square and Help Build a Binky.....something for everyone and every stash.  Email us at binkypatrolsc@sc.rr.com.

Binkies for Boys.....

We work on lots of Binkies, for lots of reasons, and each and every one is beautiful in it's own unique way!  We have a big project ahead of us now and a deadline.  We need to create 19 binkies for boys and we need to try to have them completed by the end of March.  These will be donated to boys in Foster Care and they range in age from 2 months through 14 years.  This is a very important project for us, as they all are.  We have noticed that most of us, for whatever reason, seem to create things that are more on the girly side - maybe because we are girls and we are more naturally attracted to the pinks and flowers and frills.  But --- even before the challenge came to us, we had realized that we had to focus on more blankets for boys!  That means more plaids, more trucks and cars, more sports and just more blue.  Whatever boy means to you is just fine - what ever your definition of a little boy, a teen boy, a baby boy, or anything in between.  We want to show these young men that we care and we want to make something to make them feel special and loved as all Binkies are meant to.

If you are interested in helping with this project, please do contact us.  We can use finished blankets, fabric, thread, etc - anything needed to complete a blanket.  Just email us at binkypatrolsc@sc.rr.com  - we are hoping to hear from you!!  ;o)

Two Anniversary Celebrations.............

What a wonderful and exciting week!  The Binky Patrol SC has reached the one year milestone and we are so excited to celebrate.  Our sponsor, Creative Sewing Machine Center is also celebrating an anniversary - 10 years in business in West Columbia, SC.  As I have stated before, this is the go-to place for anyone who sews or would like to learn.  I just can't say enough about how exciting, creative and just plain good fun a visit to this store is!  The ladies who work there truly enjoy their work and they show it.  They take the time to provide something that you don't find in retail much any longer - true friendly personable customer service and guidance.  Believe me - I have tested it time and again - I am one of those customers who loves to look, asks lots of questions and wanders around touching and feeling everything.  I hang out way too long and walk the isles until my legs can't drag me along any longer and I never encounter sighs or those glances that say "just buy something already" - not even a little bit!  They are genuinely excited about what they do and it shows.

We spent the day today, Andrea and I, in this wonderland of fabric and patterns, dream machines and more ideas than you could cram into a week much less one visit.  I always leave this shop with a sense of awe and excitement about what is possible.....what I might be able to do.  I can touch and feel all of the things I spend hours looking at online and the atmosphere is contagious.  Peggy and the staff had a sweet basket of goodies for us, made in the hoop in their "Make it and Donate" class - they are the most wonderful little soft textural lovies for the babies in all shapes, colors and sizes.  We can't wait to send these off to God's Tiny Angels.

We also received two beautiful handmade quilts that are perfect for the Dickerson Center from our newest member Kristen when she stopped by for a visit.  Check her out at Etsy - she is a very talented quilter!  We are so excited to have her join us!!

It was a very exciting day and we made lots of new friends and we are fast spreading the word about the mission of the Binky Patrol South Carolina!  We are so hopeful - and so thankful to the Creative Sewing Machine Center for providing this opportunity!!  Pictures to come!!

It's National Craft Month.......

March is National Craft Month and we are hoping that many will think about crafting for a cause!  If you make something, consider making a second something and donate it.  There are tons of free charity/donation patterns online for just about every craft you can imagine and all they ask in order to use the patterns, is that you make one to donate.  Most charities will also provide a receipt for taxes so that you can deduct the cost of materials. 

This brings us back to the Binky Patrol SC and there are so many ways you can help - you don't need to be able to sew, knit or crochet.  We can always use simple items such as thread, batting, fabric, yarn, and more.  Our complete wish list is on our web site at http://www.scbinkypatrol.com as well as on this blog.  If you do craft, let us know if you need a pattern - we have patterns for sewing, knitting, crocheting, our Baby Binky Bunny and more. 

Think about creating something to donate - even if it is not for the Binky Patrol - choose a charity or cause you feel good about.   One of our sponsors, Creative Sewing Machine Center, has come up with a wonderful idea - "Make One ~ Donate One".  Believe me, you won't be sorry you did and don't be surprised if you get hooked - it is contagious!!

Binky Patrol SC Mystery Quilt Contest

We had a suggestion from Quilter Anita to have a quilting contest and we are so excited about this!  When all of the entries come in, she will be assembling a mystery quilt for us to donate to one of our groups.  Don't miss out on this - details are below.  Next we will be having a Be Square - Build A Binky Contest for the knitters and crocheters.  Watch for details on that one to come.

The Binky Patrol South Carolina is CRAZY for Quilts!  

Join us for a Charity Mystery Quilt Contest!

Please join us to help create a Charity Mystery Crazy Quilt to be donated to one of the groups we provide quilts to. To see the full list, please visit our web site at http://www.scbinkypatrol.com.

Dates:   Friday, February, 18th through Friday, March 11th, 2011

Rules:   Submit as many scraps of fabric as you would like—anything from 5” X 5” inches and up will be included. Strips, squares, rectangles, triangles are all fine just as long as they are at least 5 X 5. Each piece of fabric, of at least this size, will be incorporated into the quilt in some way. Your fabric must be mailed in to reach us by the deadline and the form below must be included with your scraps. For each scrap you send in, you will be entered in our drawing to win—no limit on the number of scraps you can submit. Winners will be drawn randomly from the names entered on Saturday, March 12, 2011. Pictures of the quilt will be posted as soon as it is completed.

Prize:   The winner will be allowed to choose the group the quilt is donated to from our list of donor groups. The winner will also receive a $25 gift certificate for Creative Sewing Machine Center in West Columbia!  Thank you so much to Creative Sewing for providing the prize for this contest!!

Address: BPSC, 149 Collumwood Circle, West Columbia, SC 29170
Contact us with questions or concerns at binkypatrolsc@sc.rr.com
The registration form is available on our web site at http://www.scbinkypatrol.com/uploads/5/5/4/9/5549888/bpscquiltflyer0211.pdf

Quilts....Pillows.....Cases...Ah Quillows...

I have always heard about Quillows - you know the blankets that stuff into themselves and become a pillow.  Well --- duh - it finally dawned on me that these would be so perfect for the kids in shelters that we send blankets to.  A Binky Quillow!  How great would that be to have a soft pillow and quilt all in one - and easy to carry and keep up with.  When it's not a pillow, its a blanket and when not a blanket its a pillow.  Who ever thought up this one was a genius! 

I have heard they are relatively simple to do as well.  If you like to quilt, they could be made in patchwork, but if that isn't your thing, they can be made in simple solid pieces of fabric.  I am in search of a very clear pattern and if you know one, please do let us know.  We would like to include this project in our next Bink-A-Thon.  They would also be wonderful for babies as well and could be included in the upcoming National Baby Shower project.  Watch for more details on both of these events as they get closer.  We will be posting our calendar later this week.  Also, don't forget to let us know if you are aware of any individuals needs for the Binky Patrol.