Please help with a Gift from the Garden to Iraq

I really think we could do this guys it is 120+ degrees in Iraq right now and weather you agree or disagree with the war does not change the fact that those are our brothers, sister, kids, parents, friends and relatives over there and the heat is making them physically ill. We have at least one member here at DG with a son over there here is her thread which started this idea http://davesgarden.com/t/445005/

(((((((((((lizh))))))))))))))) suggested making cool-ties and what a cool idea they are. If any of you sew it is really do-able in no time at all. One yard of material will make about 8 ties however one pound of polymer granules will make more than 55 ties and that is the smallest quantity I was able to find.

I have wrestled with the logistics a couple of days there is no reason to have everyone getting a bunch of polymer granules. I have just ordered and received 5 pounds of the polymer granules if we use it all more power to us and if not I will use it in my pots. So whoever wants to make one of these for the troops please send me an email (I don’t want to waste the extra time it would take to do SASE) with your address and I will send you the tablespoon of polymer you will need per tie. I am still trying to get the humanitarian team here where I work to cover the shipping cost to Iraq pretty good chance they will but they would like an idea of how many.

So.. I am asking.. how many think they could make 1 or 2 or a few?? Here are some pages about the cool ties.


http://www.p2designs.com/ShipCooler.htm

http://organizedhome.com/sewing/sewsimple/cooltie.html

Old rose,

I think its a great idea. My husband is also over there, but working for KBR instead of active duty. (hes retired USN) He usually buys a couple of them when he comes home on R&R.

I dont have a sewing machine, so I would be unable to actually put some together, but i would more than happy to donate $ to help defray the costs of someone else making them.
Have you contacted nursing homes and senior centers? I bet they would love to help!!!
Let me know
Jen

good idea ms jen I have a nursing home just 2 doors down. I had planned on making some extras for those without sewing machines. I will let you know more about that when I get a better idea of what the numbers are.

Old-Rose...How about if I make some and mail them to you...then you could add the granules and do that last bit of sewing on them...saves postage back and forth?? Would that work?

My DGD (Amy....DD of Weedwalker) is on her way for the FOURTH time to the Persian Gulf...USNavy and on an Aircraft Carrier. Would be delighted to help out...Jo

road runner sounds great.. you have mail.. Thank You.

I will make some also, where do I get the material to make them? I think I read some where they have to be made of comouflage material, is this right?

This message was edited Jul 24, 2004 8:22 PM

Thanks yardbird,
Actually they are pretty flexible this is what I have found so far.
Acceptable colors for coolties:
tan
brown
sand
gray
darker blue
dark green
desert camo
patriotic prints

DO NOT USE:
prints (except for patriotic prints)
florals
pink
lavender
pastel colors
bright colors
plaid

I'm glad you posted this...I had already washed my fabric and had a piece of "bandana" print......I'll stick with the dark blue fabric I washed. No problem..between me and Weedwalker (DD), we have enough fabric to make abouta anykind... OK...getting started today. Jo

This message was edited Jul 24, 2004 6:29 AM

I'm wondering if its safe to use patriotic prints? I know they have to be extrememly careful over there with displaying "flashy stuff".

I kept my fabric on the dark side also didnt' want my gift to end up a risk.

I talked to bill about it a few minutes ago and he said "wow, thats a great idea, but please tell them not to use patriotic prints, it would make them more visiable".

Old Rose...I have almost finished a dozen...will mail them to you on Monday...that's about all I have time to do right now as I have 3 more sewing projects hanging...I put this to the front as they are so important.

MSJen...I had decided the same thing...so just did Navy Blue and medium green/dusty green.

What is your timetable on this? I won't be able to help until we get back Aug. 7th. Also, is it easiest to do what roadrunner suggested? or is that too much work for you? LMK how I can help. thanks!

Kooger I will would think the 7th would be just fine I don't want to wait too long but I want to give us enough time ot make an impact. I have 16 (2 yards) in the works here since we have mailing time I think if you don't mind I would like to just mail you some of the polymer you will get it before the 7th and you can mail them out finished OK.... If not I don't think the finish stitching is too bad and have good friend who's son is in the marines to help me here.

Sandy

Okay, address in addy exchange. Mail me enough polymer for about 2 yds. TY

Sandy....mine will only require about 2 inches of sewing on each one...the little opening where I left it so I could turn it, and the place you will fill it through. The green can be sewn with white thread...and the others are all Navy Blue thread...Jo

This message was edited Jul 24, 2004 1:09 PM

Old Rose, I don't have a sewing machine, but possibly I could hand-sew some of these. Or else I could contribute some $ to help with postage in getting these overseas. Please let me know.

What a wonderful, thoughtful idea!

Jean

SweetPea would you mind making the tags??? Or at least some of them??? They should read:

Immerse in cold water approx 60 min, until crystals become gel
tie around head or neck.
Regenerate by soaking 1-3 minutes
Do not freeze
Dehydrate to store
Hand wash only, mild soap

That would be a great help. There is also a template if you prefer. http://organizedhome.com/sewing/sewsimple/cooltag.htm

Edited to explain myself a little better>> I appreciate the offer to stitch these by hand . you have way more patience then I do if you would even think of that. My concern is that the polymer grandules are so small. like sand almost when it is dry I don't think anything but a machine could make that small of stitches but .. then again I am not any good at sewing without my machine. But you know your stiches better then me and I would never refuse help so any way you would prefer to participate will be greatly appreciated.

Thank Again
Sandy

This message was edited Jul 25, 2004 12:08 AM

Sandy, I would be happy to make the tags! Thank you for finding a way for me to participate.

Let me know approximately how many tags we'll need and where to send them.

Jean

Thank you so much everyone...

SweetPea I think about 50 tags would do for what we have promised and give us some extra in case anyone else joins in before mailing.

Kooger: I am sending your gradules out in tomorrows mail. I used a straw to scoop them up and get them in place. you need very very little; figured this out after I blew the seams out on my practice scarf. LOL.. I will also gladly fill and finish sew them if you prefer; now that I figured out how to fill them and RR is right the tiny bit of sewing to finish after filled is a breeze.

TY I'll be watching for them.

Sandy, I left about a 2" opening in the CENTER of the tie...but I also stitched it from side to side in the center....this way you can add half of the granuals to one side,,,half to the other...and still only have to sew the 2" opening. I have stuck a little straw on either side of the center so you can locate one easily....will mail them out to you tomorrow. Thanks for letting me help in this project. Jo

RR you are a sweetheart... Thank You!!! I am sure it will be no problem at all to fill and stitch up. Looking forward to getting your ties

Sandy

Old rose,
Do you need zip-lock bags to put 1 tie and 1 instruction in?
Been trying to think what i could do to help.
LMK
jen

MsJen and any others who don't sew or don't have the time to sew but want to help out. My friend who's son is in the Marines is very active on the Marine Moms website they had a list of things the soldiers are in need of so if you would like to contribute anything from the list I will be thrilled to add them to our box of ties.

I put the list in my Journel. It is the only entry. Under new for 04. here is the link http://davesgarden.com/ej/viewentry.php?rid=45674

Thank Again
Sandy

Ms Jen I missed your post earlier.. Ziplocks would be a great idea not only would they keep the ties and instructions together for delivery but.... once they get them they can re-generate their ties in them.. Ziplocs would be a wonderful contribution msjen if the offer is still open....

Thanks for everything.

Sandy....I mailed mine today....Jo

RR I am so glad you posted here.. I just got your e-mail and thought I was losing my mind even more then usual. I could not put Roadrunner and Jo together.. Thanks again I am sure the Brandon and his gang are going to appreciate them. It seems it is getting hotter over there daily.

Sandy...I know you are having "quit smoking withdrawals...." BTDT...but I sign all my posts with JO...LOL Jo

Ok lets see must be the full moon comin' up in a few days... Or maybe it could be that I just had the 20th anniversary to my 26th birthday. Maybe it is the lack of sleep. Maybe just maybe it could be I have always been a little left of center. One thing for sure it couldn't be that I am just getting old and forgetful. Love ya jo and I promise not to forget (at least not for a good hour anyway) Jo = Roadrunner

Sandy....
and speaking of how my non-smoking goes here are my stats **pats self on back **
I have been quit for 6 Days, 9 hours, 16 minutes and 45 seconds (6 days). I have saved $31.92 by not smoking 127 cigarettes. I have saved 10 hours and 35 minutes of my life. My Quit Date: 7/20/2004 Except for 1 day July 25th 2004...

This project has alot to do with my success.... kept my hands busy with a good thing.

I have been following this thread with every post and have not been able to type..... I want to thank each and every one of you for this loving act!!!! Very rarely am I speechless but this time I am floored! Brandon and his "gang" are really going to love these and to think they will be hand made from my "gardening" buddies literally blows me away. I have not mentioned this to Brandon due to wanting to keep it a suprise!!! They get so little good suprises over there and and I wanted this to be one of them. The last email we received from him it was 126 and the hot wind was blowing hard. He stated that the sand is just blown into your skin. I am so worried about their physical and mental well being. I read an article in our state paper yesterday about how high the sucicide rate is on returning soldiers. The article had some stories of what is lingering in their minds once they return. A young married male and female soldier who recently returned committed sucicide this week. so just returning home to USA soil is not the end of this----please continue to pray for them and their families as we try to get back "to life" as we knew it. The soliders have experienced some really horrid sights but so did the soldiers from other wars. The thought of a six or seven year old carrying a rocket propelled grenade is mind boggling and then to think that you have to "shoot" before they "shoot". But I also feel that God has a plan for this and for each and every one of us---we just may not understand now but we will one day. It is hard to lay down at night and know that Brandon is laying his head somewhere that the people don't like you because you are trying to bring peace and order to their country. It is also hard to work outside and come in the house in the afternoon and sit "under" the air conditioning while he is standing over there in the gear and 126 temps and wishing for cooler weather. You know it is really hot when 95 or 96 feels cool!!! Please don't think that I am whining--or spilling out a sob story I am not because every soldier is the same but at the same time every soldier has a family--- Thank each and everyone of you from the bottom of our hearts! God has added a jewel to your crowns in heaven!!!

Old_Rose---- I will forever be in debpt to you! God will see you thru your quit smoking period. May God Bless you for wanting to keep your hands busy!!!!!!!! I love you for this act of true love and support~~~~~~~ Marie---military mom

So wonderful, will get those sewn that I promised. Do you have a measure for the amount of polymer per pouch (1/8 tsp or less) I know what you mean about too much- my potted plants for outside were very "gloppy" Will check on the list-need your address. I think that I have some dark Green Bay Packer fabric along with the darker colors that I use for the kitty toys that I make-should work fine. Appreciate the info from everyone, was going to include a floral bouquet of silk flowers for the tent. Do not know anyone over there (my friends were in Vietnam. Praying that we find some other way than war.

HumbleBumble you are so welcome Thank you for introducing us to your son and allowing me a venu to feel like I at least helped a little to make those wonderful people fighting for my freedoms a little bit more comfortable. Keep the faith ...

Marcia Green-Bay packer fabric will work I guess LOL.... just kidding love those packers. I have been using a straw to measure with I stuffed a tissue in one end and left about an inch or so open to scoop with. My address is in the address exchange.

Thanks again.
Sandy

Edited to say Marcia you've got mail

This message was edited Jul 27, 2004 12:27 PM

Hey gang--- for all of those who would like to help but don't have a sewing machine I got our news bullentin from Brandon and this was posted in it so maybe this is something you could do....

quoted from the bullentin:

Soldiers in the Iraq theater of operation are in need of greeting cards to send back to family and friends. It is difficult for soldiers to purchase these cards in our area due to availability. Many birthdays, anniversaries, and other special days go by and soldiers can't send cards back to the states.

If you have any of these you can mail them to me and I will send the a large box of them---- I will pay the shipping because I will be sending Brandon a care package anyway and can send them with it. thanks Marie

Would you want 'blank' cards? My MIL had gobs of them from all the agencies she donated to over the years and never used them. I just felt guilty throwing them out so I didn't. Now they're taking space here! LMK if you can use them!

Kooger---yes they are asking for blank cards so that they can send love ones back home birthday and anniversary cards. Do you have the envelopes with them so they can mail them??? Marie

Yep, got all the envelopes too. Is your addy in the exchange? If not, email it to me pleez.

Kooger Oh Super!!!! My address is on its way! Thanks so much! Marie

I will e-mail you Rose to get your mailing addy to send a check for postage. Sounds like a generous and thoughtful gesture for our troops and although I don't sew I can contribute to the postage.

I am unable to open your journal (or anyone else's). Could you post a link directly to the Marine Moms website so those of us who don't sew will know what to contribute?

By the way, when do you want the stuff by?