We've been working on trying to gather funds together to purchase another embroidery machine - not that we need two machines, but the current machine we are using is starting to show some wear in ways that may not be as fixable (or affordable) in a timely matter when we have so many gown requests to be fulfilled.
The embroidery machine is used for adding the first name of children on their hospital gown - or even their nickname should that be requested. Even more so, it is used to create a truly unique gown for each child. One that is just as unique as they are.
Sometimes we get requests with things that children like, but fabric isn't made with that particular thing on it - this is especially true with characters, sports teams and things of that nature. There are also times where we use the same fabric multiple times because we have several yards of it, but we still want to create a gown that is special to another child, without making look exactly the same as another one.
The embroidery machine is used for adding the first name of children on their hospital gown - or even their nickname should that be requested. Even more so, it is used to create a truly unique gown for each child. One that is just as unique as they are.
Sometimes we get requests with things that children like, but fabric isn't made with that particular thing on it - this is especially true with characters, sports teams and things of that nature. There are also times where we use the same fabric multiple times because we have several yards of it, but we still want to create a gown that is special to another child, without making look exactly the same as another one.
From time to time though, it is just time to use the machine and create something a little extra special. We've used this with monograms and different fonts as well.
It is truly an honor to create gowns for each child that a request is made for - it is something that represents the child in a way that doctors, nurses, techs and other hospital staff members don't always see the child. They are ice breakers/conversation starters, which is always important to have when it is a new doctor or nurse coming on shift that isn't familiar with the child and family.
In many ways the gown can become the one thing each child has control over in a situation that is completely out of their hands. They allow each little one to have a choice in making the long hospital stays, the testing, the procedures a little more fun.
It is truly an honor to create gowns for each child that a request is made for - it is something that represents the child in a way that doctors, nurses, techs and other hospital staff members don't always see the child. They are ice breakers/conversation starters, which is always important to have when it is a new doctor or nurse coming on shift that isn't familiar with the child and family.
In many ways the gown can become the one thing each child has control over in a situation that is completely out of their hands. They allow each little one to have a choice in making the long hospital stays, the testing, the procedures a little more fun.
We are trying desperately hard to make our current machine last and work, as long as, it possibly can before having to send it in for deep cleaning and potential repairs.
The last time we had to send the machine in, we were without it for almost three months. We do have a couple options for at least getting names embroidered onto gowns should we have to do that again, but it will severely delay the process and a couple of those options will have a cost with them.
Is a new or used machine more expensive than repairs and paying for embroidery? Yes, it is, but in the long-term it would be a better investment and use of our funds to have another machine. We have a couple machines that are looking into because the price range is less, but it really boils down to the size of the embroidery hoops that are available to be used with that machine. We need one that can use all the current hoops we have and some wider ones to open a few more projects we'd like to do in the future of Gracie's Gowns.
The last time we had to send the machine in, we were without it for almost three months. We do have a couple options for at least getting names embroidered onto gowns should we have to do that again, but it will severely delay the process and a couple of those options will have a cost with them.
Is a new or used machine more expensive than repairs and paying for embroidery? Yes, it is, but in the long-term it would be a better investment and use of our funds to have another machine. We have a couple machines that are looking into because the price range is less, but it really boils down to the size of the embroidery hoops that are available to be used with that machine. We need one that can use all the current hoops we have and some wider ones to open a few more projects we'd like to do in the future of Gracie's Gowns.
Below we've included some more pictures of gowns that we've used our embroidery machine on in more unique ways than just putting a name on the gown.
The monsters and teddy bears that we have made and look forward to making and offering the in future as well were done on the embroidery machine. Our Freckles are embroidered on the machine as well (including the awareness ribbon). The angel wings we have made for our angel bear gowns are also an item that requires the embroidery machine to make.
Down the road we will consider a multi-needle commercial grade machine, but the pricing on those begin around $10,000 and the machine we are hoping and looking to get right now will be at most $3,000. We currently do not have the space for a commercial grade machine either.
The monsters and teddy bears that we have made and look forward to making and offering the in future as well were done on the embroidery machine. Our Freckles are embroidered on the machine as well (including the awareness ribbon). The angel wings we have made for our angel bear gowns are also an item that requires the embroidery machine to make.
Down the road we will consider a multi-needle commercial grade machine, but the pricing on those begin around $10,000 and the machine we are hoping and looking to get right now will be at most $3,000. We currently do not have the space for a commercial grade machine either.
If you're able and interested in helping towards this specific need of Gracie's Gowns, we would more than appreciate your support! The best way to contribute to this specific fund is through our gofundme.com fundraiser, but you can also provide a financial contribution through our website using PayPal on our How to Help page: http://www.graciesgowns.org/how-to-help.html
There is a donate button on the page - and in the special instructions to seller, please put "Embroidery Machine Fund" the same would go in the memo section on your check or money order should you wish to make a contribution that way. Our mailing address is below should you wish to make a contribution by check or money order.
Gracie's Gowns
PO BOX 1446
Spotsylvania, VA 22553-1446
There is a donate button on the page - and in the special instructions to seller, please put "Embroidery Machine Fund" the same would go in the memo section on your check or money order should you wish to make a contribution that way. Our mailing address is below should you wish to make a contribution by check or money order.
Gracie's Gowns
PO BOX 1446
Spotsylvania, VA 22553-1446
Any help is greatly appreciated and we thank everyone in advance for all the help provided!
We wouldn't have made it this far without your love and support.
Gracie's Gowns
We wouldn't have made it this far without your love and support.
Gracie's Gowns
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