Who can help?

Hello everyone,
my name is Claudia, I am 50 years old, and with my handmade crocheted items I support the children's cancer ward in Giessen.
Right now this is about little Maya; she is not even 3 years old yet and has cancer. Her family has a lot of expenses because of the many trips and other things. For this reason, they need support.

We are a group of a few women, aged 18 to 82. We are looking for people who can support us with a handmade item.

I am even writing a little book at the moment. One of our women has contact with a publisher; the costs will be covered by the company 'Optik Gerlach in Schenklenksfeld.

'Here is an excerpt...it isn't finished yet!

Endi Blue on a Journey of Discovery!!When I first saw the light of day, my parents looked at me and thought,the little one looks curious; what name should we give him?There was a family council, and then they gave me the name Endi Blue. Some of you are surely wondering about this
name, but it's easy to explain.Endi…stands for explorer…and Blue for my color. You see, my parents thought that with such a curious look, he will
surely go on a journey of discovery one day.I was born in a little nest located in a huge garden. When I crawled out of
my nest for the first time, I could hardly close my eyes from amazement.
Everything was so green and fragrant.Slowly I set off on my very first outing. I was winding my way through
the greenery when suddenly I got a huge fright.Heeeelp, a giant...heeeelp. I didn't know where to go, so I curled up, hoping that
no one would see me. The giant came toward me, and I didn't know what kind of
creature it was.The giant stopped in front of me, and before I knew it, he had discovered me. He crouched down in the green and
watched me. Then I heard a voice, a very gentle and lovely
voice.It said, well, little one, what are you doing here? You don't need to be afraid. In a quiet voice I said
I…hmm…I don't know you; who or what are you? The giant answered, I
am a human, my name is Regina and I live here. Who are you?My fear vanished, a human with such a kind voice, a human named Regina whom I
do not need to be afraid of. Phew, am I glad.Well, I am Endi Blue and I was born here in a nest. I got the name because I am curious
and want to go on a journey of discovery.My first discovery now is you, Regina, and I am glad I don't have to be afraid of you. Can you
help me discover even more, and can you help me so I don't have to be
afraid anymore?Of course, my little Endi Blue, I can help you.But you need to know, there are wonderful things to discover that make you laugh.But there are also moments that make you sad, that make you a little afraid, and that hurt too.Okay, then I ask you to help me get to know all those things. I am a little sad, because I have
left my nest to go on a journey; I miss my parents, but I
know that they are always with me in my heart. My mommy
said, no matter where my path leads me, she is always with me. Yes, little Endi Blue, that is right. You are always in your parents' hearts, and they are always with you. That
is important, because then you know you are never alone.Since I am not called Endi for nothing, I had to know what this kind human does. But how do I
find that out...grumble...grumble.Of course, I'll just ask. That is surely the best way.Regina, what do you actually do when you're not sitting with me in the grass? Can you tell me about it?Of course, Endy, I can. Do you have time for me to tell you about it?Yeeees...of course, I really want to find out what is going on here in the world. Well, my little friend. I have already told you that there are beautiful and sad things. I'll just
start.Stop...stop...wait...don't start yet...shiver...shiver...what is that there, what is coming toward me? Oh no, what
is that?Hey, don't be afraid, Endi...I'm Marie...a little ladybug. I won't hurt you; I am on a journey of discovery
and want to know what is going on in the world. Phew...am I glad, I am
on a journey of discovery too. Shall we go this way together? Of course, but
what is your name? I am Endi Blue.Ooh...what a cute name. Hmm...you're right about that, but my parents thought I am a little
curious fellow and will surely set off one day to discover the world. They
were right about that.Marie, do you already know the giants who call themselves humans?Yes, I have seen them before, but only from far away...because I was afraid. Hehe...Marie, you don't have to be afraid. Just come
over to me; I'll introduce you to a kind human. Okay, one moment, I'm
coming...ssssss. Hey Marie, you can fly. That is so cool. Yes, I can
fly, so I get from one place to another faster. There, Endi, here I am.
But what is sitting there in the grass? Is that one of those giants who calls itself a human? Yes, Marie, may I introduce you, this is Regina.Regina, may I introduce Marie to you? She wants to go on a journey of discovery with me.Oh, wonderful. Hello Marie, I am Regina, and I will tell you a little about the world.Hmmm... Regina, Marie asks. Yes, what is it? What is that funny thing you have with you?Laugh...Marie, that is not a funny thing. It is a book. A book with pictures about a trip to the sea and about
Justin and little Maya.Oh...may Endi Blue and I take a look at what is inside? What are Justin and Maya?Justin and Maya are humans too, but they are not as big as I am yet. Justin is a boy and Maya is a
girl. But I will tell you about that another time.Now come to me; I'll show you a few pictures.Here you can see a picture of the sea with a beautiful beach. Hmm...Marie and Endi Blue look at each other, and as if with one voice comes the question: what are the sea and the beach?Well, the sea is a lot of water, and around the water there is often a beach with lots of sand. There you can
rest and go into the water to swim. See, here is a picture of
the creatures that live in the sea.Lots of animals live in the sea: octopuses, shells, and big and little fish. Look here in the picture, this is what
the animals look like.Oh...Regina, it must be exciting to live in the sea. Can we do that too, Marie and I? No, my
dears, you can't, because you are animals that live on land.So, my sweeties, that's enough for today. I still have to work, and you two should get some sleep first.But...but...we still want to know what is going on with the smaller humans. Please...please...tell us about it.No, not today. But I will come back tomorrow, and then I will tell you about it.Really, will you do that? Yes, I promise!All right...come on, Marie, let's find a little place to sleep. Yes, Endi Blue, I think Regina is right. Actually
I am tired too.Come over there, there's a nice little spot. Okay, wait, Marie...I'm not that fast; I can't
fly, after all.Bye Regina, see you tomorrow.Bye, you two, sleep well and see you tomorrow!!When the two of them arrived at their sleeping place, of course sleep was still out of the question.Endi...yes, Marie...I am glad I found you. This way I am not so alone anymore. Oh Marie, I am
also glad that we know each other. I am already very curious about what Regina
will tell us tomorrow. So, my dear Marie, try to sleep now. Tomorrow will
surely be exciting again. Good night and sleep well. You too, Endi. Dream
sweet dreams!! The next morning...the sun was shining through the branches of the apple tree under which Endi and Marie had lain down to
sleep. Endi...hello...are you awake already? Yes, Marie, I am awake, and I slept and dreamed so nicely. And you, did you
sleep well? Yes, I did. It took a little while, because yesterday we
experienced so much. I was thinking about it. But Endi, what did you
dream?Oh Marie, it was so beautiful. I dreamed I was by the sea. I saw the sea and lots of giants who
call themselves humans. There were animals there too. I crawled onto a big rock
and from there I had such a beauuuutiful view; I could even
look into the sea. Do you know what was funny, Marie? No, what, Endi? The sea is the same color as I am,
it is blue too. Ooh...Endi, you went on a journey in your dream...giggle...giggle...too bad I couldn't be there.Do you know what I am wondering, Marie? No...what? What kind of animal I might be? Hmmm...unfortunately I can't
tell you that either. But when Regina comes later, she will surely know. We will
just ask her.Do you really think, Marie, that she knows? Of course she does.You may be right. I hope she comes soon so I can ask her. Oh Endi, I am so curious about what she
has to tell us about Justin and Maya.Psst...be quiet...Endi...do you hear that? Hello Endi...Marie...where are you?Yes Marie, I hear it, it's Regina. Come on, let's go to her. But Marie, remember, not so fast; I can't
fly.As if with one voice, the two call out...Regiiiiiiiiiiiina...hello, we're here!Where? Over here by the apple tree...hello...here!Ah, there you are. Good morning, you two, did you sleep well? Endi,
how was your night? Oh Regina, I dreamed soooo beautifully that I was by the sea
and experienced a lot. Marie, and you? I don't know whether I dreamed, but
I slept well.We are so curious about what you have to tell us about Justin and Maya. You said they are also
humans, just like you.Yes, Endi, that's right. But because they are not that old yet, they are called children.Hmmm...does that mean Marie and I are children too? Yes, that's how it is. You are children too.All right, my dears, come a little closer and, as promised, I will tell you something about Justin and Maya.Justin is a boy and Maya is a girl. Both are very sick, you know. Both are in a hospital.Hmm...wait a moment, Regina, what is a hospital? A hospital is a house where people who are sick are helped so they can get well again.Justin and Maya are very sick, and that is hard for both of them and their families. Because no one knows whether they
will get well again. The two of them are little fighters who have to go through
a lot. Oh...sniff...sniff...that is so sad. Can anyone help? Marie and I would definitely do that if we could.Yes, you two, that is the thing! The parents of both children need help. Because they have many expenses. They drive
to the hospital a lot to visit their children. That costs a lot of money. For this reason there are also many people who support me in supporting the families.So...what do the people do? They make things to bring joy to sick people and put a smile on their faces.Some knit socks, Nicole sews Kummerlis, Claudia crochets figures, and much more. The items are then passed on to
sick people or sold to give the money to the families.Ooh...that sounds good. Marie...it's a shame that we can't make something like that. I would so love to help little
Maya.Regina...yes, Endi...I don't even know what kind of animal I am. Can you tell me? Yes, I can. You
are a beautiful little blue caterpillar, and one day you will become a
butterfly.Hmmm...butterfly...but what is that? A butterfly is a beautiful animal that can fly.Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaat...one day I will be able to fly. Marie, did you hear that? One day I will be able to
fly, just like you!That is wonderful...hooray...soon I will be able to fly too!!Yes, Endi, you will, and then you can see the world from above.Sniff...sniff...sniff...! But Marie, what's wrong with you?I am thinking about Justin and Maya. It makes me sad that they are not doing well.Regina...? Yes, little Marie, what is it?What happens if the two of them don't get well again?That is a good question, my little one. They will go on a journey. On the journey to the other end of the rainbow.
A rainbow is in the sky and shines in many bright colors. There
many angels will be waiting for the two of them and will go with them on their further
journey.Hmmm...grumble...grumble...Marie, do you think we may accompany them? Endi, that would be a wonderful idea. Then we will be with them
and the angels and can always watch over them.Regina, is that possible?Yes, you two, that is possible. The two of them would surely be happy if they knew that something as sweet as you
two were by their side. But only one can go along on the journey with
each person. You would have to separate for a while, but at the end of the
rainbow you will see each other again.Whisper...whisper...whisper...!Regina, we would like to rest a little first and think about what you told us.
Maybe you will have time for us again later.Okay, my sweeties, then I will leave you alone for now. See you later!! ----------

My question to you: would you like to support this campaign with a handmade item?

Crocheted figures would be best. I make teddies, snails, and owls myself.

I was asked for a bee and a turtle.

You can be sure that the items will arrive. 


We have done a campaign like this once before, for Justin. The boy is 17 years old, and unfortunately we already know today that he will not make it.

You can see something about it at the following link.

http://hilfe-fuer-maya.jimondo.com/

If you have any questions, I am happy to help.

I would be absolutely delighted if someone would take part and support our 'campaign with a donation of something handmade.

Best wishes
Claudia

Dear Claudia,

unfortunately, I don’t have time to crochet for this project myself, but I can provide a free pattern for the bee and the snail (for this purpose). If you’re interested and have someone to do the crocheting, please get in touch with me.

I wish you lots of support for your project.

Best regards, Sabine

Hi Claudia, I’d like to help, too.
I can’t crochet little animals anyway—I’ve never done that before.

I have a sewing pattern for a cuddly elephant + instructions + large fabric scraps. I’d be happy to send them to you.
If that would help, please write me an email: laveya.schnitte@googlemail.com.
I’d also be happy to send Mia a lovely doll or a cuddly toy. Please ask her what she really wants ;-).
Wishing you lots of strength and a good recovery.
Best regards
Serap

Dear Sabine,

thank you very much for your offer. I’ll be happy to get back to you about it when I have the chance.
Since I’m the only one in our group who crochets figures, I’m currently busy working on them.

If I need new patterns, I’ll be sure to reach out to you.

I wish you a great start to the new week and good health for you and your family.

Warm regards
Claudia

Dear Serap,

thank you so much for your offer. I’ll send you an email to the address you provided regarding the sewing pattern.

I’ll ask Maya’s dad what she’d prefer—a stuffed animal or a doll. You’re sure to make her very happy and make her little eyes light up.

I wish you a great start to the new week and good health for you and your family.

Warm regards
Claudia

Dear Claudia,

thank you—I received your email.
I also have a little daughter. Princesses love little shoulder bags. You can crochet those, too. I’ll try to crochet another one in the evenings on the side ;-)…
I’d be so happy if I could make Mia happy…
Best regards
Serap

Hi Claudia,

I just quickly posted a call for help in a Facebook group. Maybe we’ll find a few crocheters for the project… if so, I’ll email you their contact info.

I’m keeping my fingers crossed that lots of people will respond :-)

Great idea—I’m sure some ladies will respond ;-).

Hi everyone,
I don’t want to come across as a killjoy or a “naysayer”—BUT: crocheted animals, dolls, and figures require a CE marking. It doesn’t matter whether they’re sold or given away.
The CE certification process is very time-consuming, and if you have it done by an external agency, it’s also very expensive. Only certain materials are allowed to be used.

This is also the reason why I don’t sell or give away my animals and dolls. I ask for your understanding in this matter.

Hi Petra,

we’ve already sold lots of items for sick people at bazaars (crocheted, knitted, and sewn items) to support the families with the proceeds.

We’ve never had any problems.

I only use cotton for the animals. The animals can be washed at 30 degrees.

But thanks for your message.

Best regards,
Claudia

Basically, I have to agree with Creativissimo. And to be honest, I didn’t want to post this at first, because I didn’t want to come across as a killjoy and “disrupt” your great project in this way. And just because you’ve never gotten into trouble before doesn’t mean it’ll stay that way forever. Maybe you’ll sell another 100 items and nothing will happen 100 times. Maybe next time you’ll get “caught.” You should just be aware of the risk you’re taking. Especially if something happens to an animal you’ve made, then unfortunately you’ll be held responsible and liable for damages. And precisely because you’re acting for charity, you should be warned accordingly. So maybe you should take the time to look into this again very carefully.

Hi :)

A few days ago, I asked a question about CE certification in the authors’ forum and got a great link from Petra (creativissimo): www.wirmachenspielzeug.de

Even if you use cotton and the stuffed animals are washable… that’s still nowhere near enough to make it compliant. You can find great information on the page mentioned :)

I don’t mean this (and neither do the others) in a bad way—I’ve always donated my stuffed animals to a charity myself and wanted to sell them for this purpose now… In the process, I also had to find out that it’s not allowed… And that’s why I’m going to stop now—both selling and donating stuffed animals myself.

It’s a shame, but that’s just how it is. When I have more time, I’ll look into the CE issue and tackle it. But without it, it’s really too risky...

Hello everyone,

Thank you so much for the information.

We didn’t know that!!!!

We’ve stopped sales effective immediately.

But maybe some of you have ideas on how to support this little fighter and
her family.

Warm regards and best wishes for good health

Claudia

Hi Claudia,

you can still sell your handmade items… I’m thinking of bags, pot holders, scarves, shawls, etc. These do require a textile label (specifying the material), but not a CE mark. The label can be a small fabric tag (which you can sew in yourselves), like the ones you see on clothing, for example.

Maybe that’s an idea

Hello everyone,

thank you so much for the suggestion about bags, hats, etc.

I think we can help with these items too.

So if you’d like to contribute, we’d be happy about every item.

If you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to
email me at

Handarbeitmitherz@web.de

Thank you so much for your help!

Best regards,
Claudia