by dennis999 13 Jun 2016

A Project for my local Hospice:


You may have seen my post asking for guidance on the application of bias binding. Well, that was all connected with a project I volunteered for which was to make some cheerful satchels used in the Hospice and outside for patients who are connected via an subcutaneous feed line from a drugs syringe driver. The syringe driver supplies a cocktail of drugs to the patient continuously over a twenty four hour period. The syringe driver is held securely in the satchel and worn around the neck where patients are mobile.
Essentially, the satchel is a simple padded bag with 'D' rings to attach the halter and a velcro-type closure to keep the syringe driver secure.
The Hospice staff had asked that the satchels be cheerful and based upon a seaside theme. The material used was chosen specifically with the seaside in mind and the satchels then embellished with machine embroidered images with a range of coastal scenes, all local to the area covered by the Hospice.
The embroidered images were taken from a local company (Registered Trademark "thecardshed") with their written authorisation for use of the images for this specific project. This company produces greetings cards formatted to appear like old advertising posters used by the railway companies. The photographic images (some twenty in all) were digitised by Vicki of basketkasedesigns who made a fantastic job of everything and was so much help throughout the process. I cannot thank her enough.
The rather poor quality of my machine sewing skills hopefully is not too glaring but I must learn how to sew straight.
I have put up a number of pictures showing some of the satchels (some close-up of the embroidered images), an example of the syringe driver and lastly one of my good lady wife modelling one of the satchels.

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by greysewist Moderator 15 Jun 2016

Great to see work from you again Dennis, and what an eyecatching project to help with such serious issues. Well done to you, Vicki and of course your glamour-model :)

1 comment
dennis999 by dennis999 15 Jun 2016

Very kind thoughts for which I thank you. Yes, Vicki and 'her indoors' proved invaluable.

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by airyfairy 15 Jun 2016

Dennis, you are a bloody marvel. Your sewing is fantastic. Vicki is a star.
I do not know which method you used in the end to sew on the bias binding but is looks fantastic . A great job

1 comment
dennis999 by dennis999 15 Jun 2016

Thank you so much. For the bias binding, I used a variety of the suggestions provided by you lovely Cuties, including your own advice and the use of those wonderful little clips. I think I have said it before but the advice provided proved a great inspiration for me to get on with the job. This forum is just brilliant.

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by ktk9 14 Jun 2016

Dennis, You deserve all these commendations from Cuties so don't be shy about accepting them. Even more, we all can say a grateful prayer that you yourself felt well and strong enough to complete such a task!
Judy

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dennis999 by dennis999 14 Jun 2016

Some very kind words there. Thank you so much.

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by shozo1271 14 Jun 2016

Bags are awesome, Dennis! I think everybody will wear this proudly, and I hope that it gives strength and healing to all. they would also make a super cute purse! Hope you make a purse for your beautiful wife! Vicki and you outdid yourselves with these designs. *Hugs and Flowers*

2 comments
dennis999 by dennis999 14 Jun 2016

Thank you so much for your kind words from both Vicki and myself. As for making a purse for my wife, she already has far too many designer handbags, etc., not to mention her extensive shoe collection! What is it with you ladies and your handbags and shoes??????? LOL

shozo1271 by shozo1271 14 Jun 2016

You forgot about our scissors!!!!!! lol

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by Dodi2012 14 Jun 2016

wonderful. This bag make for the patient.

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dennis999 by dennis999 14 Jun 2016

Thank you

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by bejoscha 14 Jun 2016

Absolutely great, well done

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dennis999 by dennis999 14 Jun 2016

Thank you

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by Smokey12 14 Jun 2016

These are fantastic. You both made a great team. You had to figure out the measurements and bag design, and Basketcase had to digitize the designs. All of them look so cheerful and bright. I can only imagine the work involved to create a bag so needed and then make so many to donate. Kuddos to both of you.

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dennis999 by dennis999 14 Jun 2016

Thank you so much for your kind thoughts.

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by baydreamer 14 Jun 2016

You have done a wonderful job, this looks like she is carrying a purse. No one but the person would know what is inside. Fantastic

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dennis999 by dennis999 14 Jun 2016

Thank you. I hadn't thought about the 'purse' connection but you are so right. Several of the Hospice patients do use these when they are allowed home and may therefore have the opportunity to get out and about.

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by pennifold 14 Jun 2016

Anne looks so great ans obviously very proud of her pouch you've made. Well done to you and Vicki on the digitising and sewing out of it. You've done an outstanding job Dennis and for such a worthy cause. I love the antique looking prints. Love Chri

1 comment
dennis999 by dennis999 14 Jun 2016

Thank you Chris. Of course, I would have made a far superior model just so long as the head and shoulders were cut out of the photo. I continue to be amazed by the exceptional work that Vicki has done for me, not least on this occasion during which she was recovering from her cataract surgery.

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by shirley124 14 Jun 2016

Great satchels. So bright and cheerful. You have put in a lot work on these. Thanks for showing us ladies just what a male sewer can produce. Thanks to Vicki (Basketkase) for the work she did). These will make some people proud to be wearing these. Shirley from Down Under in Convict Land

1 comment
dennis999 by dennis999 14 Jun 2016

Ah! Dear Shirley from DownUnderLand. Thank you so much. I confess that undertaking this project has taught me some valuable lessons which I hope will improve certain things for the next project.

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by worthy 14 Jun 2016

Each of you did a wonderful wonderful job. From the poster pict, to the great digitizing and your pushing the button (one time) ;-) , not to forget the lovely model.
I know each recipient will deeply touched that you took the time to care. Bless you
Your seams are great.. now how many of us would notice them if you had not mentioned them. ;-)

1 comment
dennis999 by dennis999 14 Jun 2016

Now you are just too kind, especially regarding my seams.....................and remember, I was able to select the best of the pics to avoid the worse of the stitching..........lol. Thank you again.

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by Barbaric 13 Jun 2016

Congratulations to all, they look beautiful. Our sewing group helps out with our local Hospice it is very rewarding.

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dennis999 by dennis999 14 Jun 2016

Thank you.................and yes, they are an organisation well-deserving of any help.

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by crafter2243 Moderator 13 Jun 2016

I am so impressed. You and Vicky did such a great job for a wonderful organisation. I am sure it will put a smile on some faces once they see the cheerful color and motives.

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dennis999 by dennis999 14 Jun 2016

Thank you Mrs Crafter.

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by basketkase 13 Jun 2016

Your sweet lady makes a terrific model, Dennis......I am so happy you have posted pics of your finished bags, I was so curious about them and they are works of art........who wouldn't want to use this and get their style on at the same time.......you have done such a fabulous job in the making of the bags (your stitching is straighter than mine!) and your stitchouts are fabulous.....great work you are doing for a compassionate and necessary organization......you have a wonderful and giving spirit!!

1 comment
dennis999 by dennis999 14 Jun 2016

You are too kind Vicki but I thank you for your kind words. I know that there are other seaside-themed embroidery files available but these are unique. The image design owner has been marvellous in allowing me to use the images and were it not for your sterling work doing all the hard work, I would never have got there.

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by toogie 13 Jun 2016

What a commendable job you've done! Love all the bright and cheery fabrics you've used and the designs are amazing. Thanks to you, Vicki, and Hospice for the unselfish work you do.

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dennis999 by dennis999 14 Jun 2016

Thank you Mrs Toogie. I did wonder at one point if I had gone over the top with the clash of colours and material patterns but I do like bright and cheerful. The work that these Hospices do is just above and beyond any call of duty and the patients, staff and volunteers deserve all the help they can get. Thank you again.

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by maggiejwl 13 Jun 2016

Dennis, what an awesome endeavor you have undertaken! & what an AWESOME result you have achieved! These are stunning, each & every one of them. Hospice and all the volunteers who work with & for them are amazing and such a great comfort to so many folks. With your satchels, I am sure a lot of folks will have huge smiles as they go through their treatment(s). Just a wonderful, wonderful thing you have done! Bless you.

-Maggie

1 comment
dennis999 by dennis999 14 Jun 2016

Thank you Maggie.................you are so kind. As you say, it is for the benefit of the Hospice patients, etc and I hope that they bring a smile to their faces.

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by jrob Moderator 13 Jun 2016

Not that I ever doubted your sewing prowess, but I'm SO impressed! What greats job from both you and Vicki. Not only did you make some folks very happy with the joyful look of the bags, but from the convenience also. I wish that I could award stars for the crowns for the both of you, but I can make suggestions. (HE knows I'm very bossy already.)

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dennis999 by dennis999 14 Jun 2016

Thank you so much, Mrs. JRob. I can say that I get a lot of inspiration from the projects that you ladies of Cute display here on a daily basis, not to mention the technical assistance I have received from so many Cuties (for example on the question of bias binding). Vicki was an absolute treasure with her advice, guidance and hard work.

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by dragonflyer 13 Jun 2016

Very impressive, Dennis...you did a wonderful job making the bags and Vicki did an outstanding job of digitizing them for you...your wife is an excellent model...your work for the hospice is so kind and generous and I am sure it is so much appreciated...your bags will make several people very happy...now they can be somewhat mobile and get around while still getting their appropriate medications. Truly a generous gift you, your wife and Vicki have provided...well done!

1 comment
dennis999 by dennis999 13 Jun 2016

Thank you so much for your kind words.

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by cj2sew 13 Jun 2016

If I could reach through this computer I would give you the biggest hug ever. You're a wonderful and thoughtful lady. May the Lord bless always

4 comments
dennis999 by dennis999 13 Jun 2016

Whilst I thank you for your kind thoughts, I should just point out that you would be in for a shock reaching through your computer. Odd as it may seem for me to be on a predominantly ladies forum, I am actually male. No need for blushes though.

basketkase by basketkase 13 Jun 2016

Hey, Dennis, you got in touch with your feminine side, right?

dennis999 by dennis999 14 Jun 2016

Correct Vicki............must have been your influence because it didn't come from anywhere else!

basketkase by basketkase 14 Jun 2016

LOL!! I am also seeing lots of seagulls....we know the problems they can cause!!

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by michemb 13 Jun 2016

very impressive Dennis, great job

1 comment
dennis999 by dennis999 13 Jun 2016

Thank you so much.

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by pldc 13 Jun 2016

Dennis you did a terrific job on everything!~hugs~

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dennis999 by dennis999 13 Jun 2016

Thank you for your kind words.

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by devon 13 Jun 2016

Great job!!!

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dennis999 by dennis999 13 Jun 2016

Thank you.

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by asterixsew Moderator 13 Jun 2016

Fantastic work Dennis. I love the designs that you have used. The railway series of posters are beautiful and Vicki has transformed them excellently to embroidery files for you to use. The bags must have taken a while to produce and been a challenge to you but they really are fantastic. Keep up the good work.

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dennis999 by dennis999 13 Jun 2016

Thank you Caroline (am I allowed to use your name, you now being a Moderator....lol). I confess that the bags did prove a challenge at the outset.......................but it taught me to remember that old adage "Measure twice..........cut once." LOL

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by babash 13 Jun 2016

What a great job you have made of these bags. The one your Wife is modelling looks so comfortable. I can see a lot of work went into this from all involved from start to finish.
Job well done from Barbara at Margate Beach Queensland Australia.

1 comment
dennis999 by dennis999 13 Jun 2016

Thank you Barbara. What a coincidence you being at Margate Beach.

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by 02kar Moderator 13 Jun 2016

What a great team you, Vickie and your wife have made for these special bags. Thanks for doing this special project for Hospice. They are very special to me and can use all the help we can give to them.

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dennis999 by dennis999 13 Jun 2016

Thank you so much. You are so right regarding supporting our local Hospices. Truly wonderful places and such caring doctors, nurses, administration staff...............and the many volunteers who assist in all manner of ways.

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by lilylady 13 Jun 2016

Wonderful Work, and they are very cheery!

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dennis999 by dennis999 13 Jun 2016

Thank you so much

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by sonjapotgieter 13 Jun 2016

Awesome work!!!Well done..Such Beautiful designs!!!

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dennis999 by dennis999 13 Jun 2016

Thank you. I only pressed the start button...lol. The designs are down to the registered company and the digitising to our Vicki of basketkase designs.

sbott54 by sbott54 13 Jun 2016

Aw, you did push the button and much, much more. Great having pics of what you're up to. My Infusion Unit is always busy and I see old friends each time I go. I will have to do something for them. You motivated me! Thanks Dennis!!

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by mops Moderator 13 Jun 2016

Fabulous designs and lovely cheery satchels!

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dennis999 by dennis999 13 Jun 2016

Thank you Mrs. Mops

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by sandyqueen 13 Jun 2016

Keep up the good work. God has work for both of us to do yet.

SQ

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dennis999 by dennis999 13 Jun 2016

Thank you

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by teun 13 Jun 2016

Ganz toll

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dennis999 by dennis999 13 Jun 2016

Thank you

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by spendlove Moderator 13 Jun 2016

Fabulous work, Dennis!

1 comment
dennis999 by dennis999 13 Jun 2016

Thank you

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