Heartfelt Couture

Children of Angel Home, India

2012-01-21T15:28:00.000-06:00

Thank you to EVERYONE who donated items,to the children of Angel Home. The adored their Christmas gifts, and were overwhelmed by your generousity this 2011 Christmas season. We are planning on sending a box in April for Easter so if you are interested in donation toys and such please contact me by March , 15. You can email me keri@heartfeltcouture.com.
We also wanted to add a disclaimer to these pictures...in some of the pictures the kids aren't smiling, it's definitely not because they don't like the gifts. They absolutely loved them! Sometimes, especially with the past that they all have, smiling without being told isn't a natural thing.

Christmas/New Year break

2011-12-13T19:31:00.001-06:00

Heartfelt Couture will be on vacation from December 15 thru January 3, so I can spend time with my family this holiday season. Any requests for gowns will be made the first week of the New Year. Thank you all for your support in 2011. I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Blessings,
Keri

email down

2011-11-23T14:42:00.000-06:00

If you have emailed keri@heartfeltcouture in the last week or so, my email is down. Trying to correct the problem now. If you have a question you can go on Heartfelt's facebook page and send me a message.

Have a blessed Thanksgiving!!

Keri Abshier

Poppylane raised $1000 for Heartfelt Couture in October!!!!!

2011-11-06T13:52:00.000-06:00

Poppylane Photography raised $1000 in the month of October for Heartfelt Couture. This money will be put to special use. Prayer pillows are VERY time consuming and this money will help to cut that time in half! Thank you to Megan with Poppylane and the families that participated. The session was only $100 and you got some AMAZING pictures and are helping some FABULOUS kids!!

Angel Home gift requests

2011-11-06T13:01:00.000-06:00

This Christmas Heartfelt Couture will be sending the 5 kids at Angel Home, in India, prayer pillows and other small gifts. We are looking for stationary type items; notebooks, pens, erasers, etc. Also, small toys and games that can be easily put in the box of prayer pillows. If you are interested in sending some of these items please contact Keri, keri@heartfeltcouture.com or you can mail them to Heartfelt Couture 3101 Mossy Oak Ln, Bedford, TX 76021. I will not be mailing the box until Dec 1st.

Blessings,
Keri Abshier

Angel Home

2011-10-24T11:43:00.000-05:00

Heartfelt Couture is partnering with Angel Home, in India by providing prayer pillows to 5 VERY special children. Here is a little more about Angel Home:

Since September 2009, Angel Home, in Trichy, Tamil Nadu, India has been the home to 5 beautiful children; Nitesh Kumar, Savithra, Yesu Mathi, Suganthi & Santhia. Some of these children came from dysfunctional families while others have been orphaned.

The future hope and vision of Angel Home is to be a safe haven for more orphaned/abandoned children & widows, especially those affected by HIV-AIDS and other communicable diseases, where they will be provided for physically, spiritually and emotionally.

We are also, going to have a list of things we would like to send to the kids, in the box with the pillows. So stay tuned for more information on how you can help Angel Home.

These precious children need to feel the love of God, and the hope there is in Jesus Christ.

Blessings,
Keri Abshier

Party with a Purpose

2011-09-01T13:46:00.000-05:00

Angie Arena, a Mary Kay consultant, is generously donating $1 for every new face she does in the month of September and 10% of her sales in September come to Heartfelt Couture. Contact Angie today email Angie at angela.arena@sbcglobal.net or call her (817) 729-8818. I have my appointment scheduled and will post pictures of my makeover! This is an amazing way to have a little fun and give to some AMAZING kids! Visit her website www.marykay.com/AngelaArena

Blessings,
Keri Abshier

October Fundraiser 2011

2011-08-12T16:48:00.000-05:00

Poppylane Photography is GENEROUSLY donating every cent from her photo sessions in October to Heartfelt Couture. Megan is an AMAZING photographer and has a heart of GOLD! You will fall in love with her photography and her sweet personality. Over the last 2 years, Poppylane Photography has donated over $800. In 2011 she wants to make $1000 to make a child's stay in the hospital a little more FABULOUS!!

Blessings,

Keri

Cutting Party at White's Chapel United Methodist Church

2011-05-05T12:16:00.003-05:00

12 amazing ladies from White's Chapel United Methodist Church in Southlake, Texas cut out around 60 gowns on May 3, 2011. They were fabulous and really fast at cutting out fabric. They had a great time and I was so thankful for their giving and kind spirits. If your church is interested in having a cutting party at your church please contact keri@heartfeltcouture.com. This is a great way to spread the word about Heartfelt Couture to different churches in the area. This ministry is such a blessing to many families and the more people that know that Heartfelt Couture exists the better!

Blessings,

Keri Abshier

Prayer requests 4/19/2011

2011-04-21T11:18:00.004-05:00

This week was boys week at Heartfelt Couture

Please pray for the following:

Trevor-age 4, has a congenital heart defect, Double Inlet Left Ventricle/Hypoplastic Right Heart. He will be having his 3rd open heart surgery in May

Brady-age 10, will be have a 17 hr surgery in May for his scoliosis.

We at Heartfelt Couture hope everyone has a blessed Easter!

"Jesus said to her,"I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"
John 11:25-26

Prayer requests week of 4/4/2011

2011-04-05T12:24:00.005-05:00

Heartfelt Couture shipped these 4 gowns out to these precious little girls. Please pray for each below: Charlotte-is 3 years old and having 3rd open heart surgery. Lilly-is 21 months and has Tetraology of Fallot with Pulmonary Atresia she will be having her pre-op cath. Addison-is a CHD patient and is getting ready for her 2nd heart operation. Janelle-will be having her heart cath and Fontan. Please pray for all these amazing kids! Blessings, Keri

Kids of Heartfelt Couture-April 2011

2011-04-04T20:35:00.004-05:00

This is from sweet Chase's mom.

"1 in 100 children in the United States are born with a Congenital Heart Defect each year. Of those children, approximately 8% will be born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome(HLHS). My 17-month-old son Chase is one of them. Chase was born in October 2009 with, essentially, half a heart. In children with HLHS, the left side of the heart doesn't develop in-utero and the child must undergo three life-saving, palliative heart surgeries. Chase underwent his first heart surgery at 7 days old. He then had a second heart operation when he was 4 1/2 months old and will have one further scheduled surgery when he is approximately 2 to 3 years old. Chase is so incredibly strong and is one of the happiest children I've ever known! He's been through more in his almost year and a half of life than most people experience in a lifetime. The odds have always been stacked against him, yet with his strong determination and our faith and trust in God, he has continued to thrive and exceed expectations! We are so very blessed to have Chase in our lives and we witness a living, breathing miracle every time we look at him. During a recent heart catheterization procedure, Chase had the joy of wearing an adorable Toy Story hospital gown, provided by Heartfelt Couture. Although he was NOT happy to be in the a hospital environment, surrounded by people in scrubs(he's not a fan of people in scrubs, for good reason!), his face lit up when he saw Buzz and Woody on his "shirt". Thank you so much for everything you do to bring a smile to little ones like my son, and for making a difficult experience a little bit easier on him. And of course all of the hospital staff thought his gown was adorable, too! Thank you, Heartfelt Couture!

You can follow Chase's journey with his special heart at http://www.mom2lo.com/

I want to thank Chase's mom for his story. This story is such an amazing testimony for Heartfelt Couture.

Cutting night March 2011

2011-03-21T17:34:00.007-05:00

Heartfelt Couture had another cutting night this past Friday. We got a TON done and had a great time doing it! Thank you to all the ladies that came and helped. All 4 of you! Special thanks to Megan with Poppylane Photography for taking some great pictures of our work.

Blessings,
Keri

Short hiatus

2011-03-19T17:59:00.002-05:00

Heartfelt Couture will be on a short hiatus between Monday March 21-April 4. I will not have email access, or sewing machine access. Any requests emailed in between those dates will be made the week of April 4th and shipped that Saturday April 9th. Sorry for any inconvenience this causes.

Blessings,
Keri

Prayer Requests March 13-19

2011-03-18T10:18:00.003-05:00

Here are this weeks prayer requests. Word of our amazing ministry is spreading!

Dakota-diagnosed with Craniosynostosis. This is a birth defect/disorder where the sutures in a baby's skull fuse and harden prematurely. She will be having surgery in the Spring. It will be a long surgery.

Lucy-please visit their blog http://www.erikandkatekrull.blogspot.com/

Guiliana-has HLHS and is having her Fontan surgery soon.

Josie-has a very rare congenital heart defect called double outlet right ventricle(DORV). Please go to www.giveforward.com/heartheroesforjosie to learn more about this sweet little girl!

Hannah-is having her 3rd heart surgery.

Jordan-had surgery a week and half ago.

Please pray for all these sweet girls! Seems like this week was GIRLS WEEK! I love Heartfelt Couture and know that all these gown and/or pillows will make a difference to the child and families.

Blessings,
Keri Abshier

Kids of Heartfelt Couture

2011-03-12T12:49:00.002-06:00

We are wanting to do profiles each month of children that have received a gown and/or pillow from Heartfelt Couture. If you have received a gown and/or pillow and would like to be featured as Kid of Heartfelt Couture please email me keri@heartfeltcouture.com We(or you) would love to write a little something about your child, their illness, their strength, and how Heartfelt Couture made them smile. This will be a great way to spread the word of Heartfelt Couture and how it really does make a difference!

Blessings,
Keri Abshier

Prayer Requests

2011-03-06T14:56:00.008-06:00

In the last week and a half I have made 8 hospital gowns and pillows for some precious boys and girls. I would love to list them on the blog so you can pray for these AMAZING kids! Most of them have up coming surgeries.

Mary Clare is 3 years old and has HLHS. Read more about her here
http://www.babypennington.com/ and about her upcoming surgery.

Aly Lincoln is 21 months and also has HLHS. Read more about Aly here
http://www.alyjeansspecialheart.com/ and about her upcoming surgery.

Merritt is 6 weeks old and has RSV. She has been in the NICU and is starting to recover.

Chloe is 3 years old and has a medulloblastoma. Her treatment will be 4 months of chemo and a bone marrow transplant in July or August. She has a 50% chance of survival.

Ethan is 2 years old and has a congenital heart defect. They find out in April when his next surgery is scheduled.

Chase has HLHS. He will get his procedure this spring.
http://www.mom2lo.com/

Daylen is 4 months old and is having hemi-fontan surgery in March.

Kylan is 21 months and has HLHS. He will be having his 3rd open heart surgery this spring.

Blessings,
Keri

Heartfelt girls

2011-03-04T11:14:00.008-06:00

Pictured above is my little girl "A". Her bear "Gabrielle" is sick and she made a prayer pillow for the bear using fabric letters I had dropped that day.

My other little girl "L" was looking at a blog with me about a little girl named Lucy yesterday. I asked her what should we do for Lucy since she is very sick. "L" said, "Make her a hospital gown and pillow."

My girls at 5 years old are "getting" that Heartfelt Couture helps sick children feel better.

I am not saying this because I am "The World's Greatest Mom". I am really an average at best mom. My house is a mess, I can get frustrated very easily, we don't eat 100% organic. I never intended to be a stay at home mom, and sometimes I go into my room, shut the door and scream into my pillow. Why am I tell you this? Because I am not perfect. I am normal.

The one thing I want my girls to learn from me is giving. I want it to be second nature to them. We live in a selfish, me driven world, and I struggle with this daily. I want them to rise up and be an example of kindness and a giving heart.

On my fridge we have our family verse,
"In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: "It is more blessed to give than to receive." Acts 20:35

I truly believe if we can teach our children to be givers then God's kingdom will grow faster than we ever thought possible. This is only 1/3 of the reason I do Heartfelt Couture. Maybe I will blog more about the other two reasons later!

Blessings,
Keri Abshier

Prayer Pillows change

2011-02-28T20:33:00.004-06:00

Effective March 1, 2011 prayer pillows will only be the one letter. ie First inital. I am having a hard time finding boxes for the prayer pillows. This will help with shipping cost, with labor, and with cost of batting. If you requested a pillow February 28th or before you will get a pillow with the full name. But as of March 1, 2011, I can no longer keep up with demand for the full name pillows. I do love making the pillows but I want to make sure they get out in a timely manner and that I have time for my family as well!

Blessings,
Keri

Introducing Heartfelt Couture's Board of Directors

2011-02-21T18:43:00.008-06:00

Heartfelt Couture has had this group of ladies on the board for over a year and a half, but I thought it was HIGH time you were able to see this beautiful ladies!

Poppylane Photography* took these amazing photos. It was such a fun time and I cherish each and every one of these beautiful gals! These ladies love to laugh and joke around, so it was amazing that Megan was able to capture that time! All these women are hard workers, have a heart for Jesus, and are truly beautiful women inside and out! Megan even said on the phone after the photosession, "Those are a really great bunch of girls." I COMPLETELY AGREE! Everyone of them would go to bat for me or Heartfelt Couture.

All of us are mothers and know that making a child smile is the most priceless gift in the world! They are all dedicated to making your child's stay in the hospital a little more FABULOUS!

*special thanks to Poppylane Photography! In 2010, Poppylane Photography donated $400 from her Heartfelt Couture photosession package.

New Year

2011-01-06T10:34:00.004-06:00

Last year proved to be the best year for Heartfelt Couture. We shipped out more hospital gowns and prayer pillows this year than in both years combined. We received an amazing amount of donations this year. Which will all be used to provide even more gowns and pillows across the country. From North Carolina to Indiana, children are being blessed because the community is coming together,to help support Heartfelt Couture. The picture above is an AMAZING small group from Compass Christian Church in Colleyville. They all came together and blessed Heartfelt Couture with an amazing gift. It's people like this that make Heartfelt Couture possible. From individuals, companies, and photographers, I would like to thank everyone that gave a donation in 2010. I am so proud that people are believing in this ministry. I know Heartfelt Couture will only continue to grow because of you!

The New Year will bring some new faces to Heartfelt Couture. The board of directors will be more involved and HC will no longer we a solo effort on my part. I am super excited for a little help! I have been running on fumes and God is giving me the help I need. I was only able to do 2 gown deliveries to Cooks Children's Hospital in 2010. But I am hoping that in 2011 I will be able to do 2 at Cooks Children's Hospital and 2 at Medical City Dallas Children's Hospital. Having help will make this possible.

Here at Heartfelt Couture we hope you have a Happy New Year!

Blessings,
Keri

19 gowns delivered to Cooks Children's Hospital

2010-12-23T12:40:00.004-06:00

On December 17th Heartfelt Couture delivered 19 custom hospital gowns to Cooks Children's Hospital in Downtown Fort Worth. From sock monkey's to English gardens these gowns are sure to make these kids smiles bright. I hope the 19 families that receive the gowns feel hope and love this Christmas season.

If you are reading this and you received a gown from Heartfelt Couture please feel free to contact me keri@heartfeltcouture.com I would LOVE to make you a prayer pillow as well!

Blessings this Christmas,

Keri

Prayer pillows

2010-11-07T13:59:00.004-06:00

I made 2 prayer pillows today for some very special boys. One is for a 12 year old boy named Austin. He was in a dirt bike accident. He lacerated his spleen, kidney, and pancreas. He loves Texas Tech so OF course I bought Texas Tech fabric.

The other pillow is for Skyler. To learn more about Skyler please read his blog http://www.crystalandskyler.blogspot.com/ His story will bring tears to your eyes. He loves Superman. I already sent him a VERY cool hospital gown, but wanted to make him a extra cool prayer pillow.

Before I ship each prayer pillow and hospital gown, I pray over the gowns or my girls, husband and I pray over the gowns. We pray for strength for the child, peace for the family, and for the families to feel God's love. I also, pray for the families to feel the hope that is in Jesus Christ.

Blessings,

Keri

Happy Birthday Heartfelt Couture!

2010-10-18T13:04:00.002-05:00

This week marks 2 years since Heartfelt Couture has been blessing kids! We have come a LONG way since October 2008. Through hard work, determination, and A TON of help, Heartfelt Couture has been able to bless over 3oo kids! Thank you to all of you who have volunteered! I believe in the ministry with all my heart. I can't wait to see what God's plans are for the next 2 years!

Blessings,
Keri

Testimony

2010-10-10T18:29:00.004-05:00

A couple of weeks ago I recieved an email from a mom named Keri(She has a fabulous name). Keri wanted to make her daughter, Becca, a gown herself and had some questions for me. Becca is 5 and has Epilepsy. I just had to make a prayer pillow for this sweet girl! Here is what Keri said about the pillow.

That pillow really was the perfect size for her(Becca). All that stuff for the EEG leads made her head control a little off in the bed, so I was able to either use it as a neck pillow, or prop it up behind her. Or-at times it even helped me when I was co-sleeping with her-to give my arm a place to rest when she was using MY ARM as her pillow!

The pillow got compliments from so many staff! Thank you sooo much for getting it to us so quickly! Keri K

Let me just say that all my pillow are different sizes. They are as big or as small as the name is. What I find amazing is that God knew EXACTLY how big it needed to be for Becca's sweet head! It could have been too big or too small but it was JUST right!! Only God could have known that!

Blessings,

Keri Abshier

Amazing Ladies

2010-10-07T12:21:00.004-05:00

In September, an amazing group of women cut out around 20 hospital gowns. They normally play Bunko on the 3rd Tuesday of the month. On this Tuesday they decided to give back to some very special children! They did a fabulous job and I think they had a TON of fun too! I know all the families that receive one of these gowns, will be very appreciative of their hard work!

Blessing,

Keri

New Website

2010-09-15T17:56:00.006-05:00

Heartfelt Couture now has a website! After almost 2 years of prayer, God anwered them in the form of my husband. He got a book on web design on Sunday and had a website up by the next Saturday. It may not be the most fancy website, but it was FREE! You can go to http://www.heartfeltcouture.com/ and check it out. We will be updating it slowly.

We also have links on the site to our "friends". Poppylane Photography offers a package year round that gives 1/3 of the proceeds to Heartfelt Couture. At Christmas she runs a special package that also includes a free Custom made Christmas card. Megan is a precious, kind, and generous person. And she takes the most amazing pictures!

The other link is Up in the Eyre Custom Children's clothing. Rachel Eyre is the owner of the shop. She makes and sends out gowns to children all over the country with her own money. Her clothing is fantastic! She is an amazing, creative and kind-hearted woman!

I am so proud of Heartfelt Couture and the lives it is changing. I hope we plant hundreds of mustard seeds in the hearts of these amazing children. Showing someone unexpected kindness and generosity can go a LONG way!

Blessings,
Keri Abshier

Poppy Lane Photography

2010-09-08T11:50:00.003-05:00

Poppy Lane Photography is partnering with Heartfelt Couture again this year. Megan has such an amazing heart. Last year she helped raise all the money we needed for our IRS fee. She went above and beyond to help our 501c3 status become complete. She offers a package year round where proceeds benefit Heartfelt Couture, but for the 2010 Christmas season she is also offering a custom Christmas card along with the package. This is an amazing deal! Only $75 and you get a disk with the edited photos from the shoot, custom Christmas card, and signed copyright release so you can print the pictures and card, when and where you want. Book soon so you can be sure to get an appointment.

You can contact Megan at http://www.poppylanephotography.blogspot.com/ or megancarrin@gmail.com.

Blessings,
Keri

Prayers for Beckham

2010-05-21T15:53:00.002-05:00

Please pray for sweet Beckham. He is 2 weeks old and is hospitalized for bacterial meningitis. Go to www.beckhamlittleton.blogspot.com for updates.

My prayers go out to this family.

"In the day that I called, you answered me. You encouraged me with strength in my soul." Psalm 138:3

25 hospital gowns delivered to Cook Children's Hospital in Downtown Fort Worth

2010-05-19T09:50:00.005-05:00

On May 18th Heartfelt Couture delivered 25 precious gowns to Cook Children's Hospital. We were not able to take any photos of the delivery, but I have a few of them all ready to be delivered. Packaged and pretty for 25 amazing kids.

As a mother I cannot imagine what these families go through, but hopefully this little gown will brighten the spirit of the child and their families.

Thank you to all the volunteers that helped make these amazing gowns.

If you received a gown from this delivery or any hospital delivery please email Keri: keri@heartfeltcouture.com. We would LOVE to hear from you!!!

If you know of a child that would LOVE a unqiue hospital gown email me and I will get one shipped to you!

"We will praise you, O Lord, with all of our heart." Psalm 9:1

Blessings

Keri Abshier

New Donation information

2010-04-03T11:06:00.002-05:00

Heartfelt Couture is always in need of donations to send out these amazing hospital gowns and name pillows.

You can mail a check to:
Heartfelt Couture
3101 Mossy Oak Ln
Bedford, TX 76021

All donations are tax deductible and a statement will be mailed out by January 31st.

I am working on adding a donation button but I am not that blog savvy so be patient I should be adding it soon!

Have a blessed Easter! This ministry would not be possible without the help of generous people!

"Therefore, since through God's mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart." 2 Cornithians 4:1
Keri

Heartfelt Couture is now a 501c3 public charity

2010-03-15T14:34:00.002-05:00

Heartfelt Couture is now a 501c3 IRS recognized non-profit.

What does this mean you ask(unless you are a CPA or know tax laws)?
It means that I had to go through a LONG process, with a lawyers help, to have Heartfelt Couture be a recognized non-profit with the IRS. Donations were always tax deductible, but by making Heartfelt a 501c3 we are now accountable for all donations with the IRS. We will also have to file tax returns in May.

I will also be posting Heartfelt Couture financial information every year. I will post how much we have made for the year and how much we have spent.

Heartfelt Couture also has a board of directors. We are an extremely small non-profit but to meet the qualifications for the 501c3 status a board of directors had to be put into place. We have no paid employees. Everyone works as volunteers. Just a little glimpse into how Heartfelt Couture is run.

Blessings,
Keri Abshier

Fabric restrictions

2010-02-23T09:38:00.002-06:00

I know I have written about this before, but the fabric used for Heartfelt Couture HAS to be CPSIA certified fabrics, and it has to have labels sewn into the gowns. The CPCS has very strict guidelines for businesses/non-profits regarding anything made for children under 12. If you are interested in doing a cutting night or what fabrics you can purchase feel free to email me keri@heartfeltcouture.cm

Blessings,
Keri Abshier

How Heartfelt Couture Started

2010-02-20T08:32:00.002-06:00

Heartfelt Couture all started because a little 4 year old Sarah Swan didn't like her "normal" hospital gown. Her mother Sharon Swan contacted Keri Abshier to make her some gowns for her upcoming Heart cath and Heart surgery. Sarah has congenital heart disease and her amazing mom knew that Sarah would be needing plenty of FABULOUS hospital gowns.

With a lot of prayer, Heartfelt Couture was launched October 2008. To read more about what we have done from October 2008 to present go to the post from October 2009 called Did you know?

If you are wanting a hospital gown and name pillow for your child or any other child you know. Just contact Keri at keri@heartfeltcouture.com and she will get one out to you!!!

Heartfelt Couture is really in need of a website that is easier to navigate. If you know of anyone or you yourself can help me out that would be great! I don't have time between making the gowns, name pillows, IRS stuff, financial stuff, gown deliveries, and other things that I don't have time to teach myself how to do a website.

Blessings,
Keri Abshier

About Heartfelt Couture

2010-02-19T11:25:00.003-06:00

The hospitalization of a child can be a stressful time for children and their families. At Heartfelt Couture, our mission is to provide pint-sized patients with fun and fabulous hospital gowns that are as unique as the are. Each handmade gown is created to provide each hospitalized child a little joy in their hearts and a smile on their face.

If you know of any child that will be in the hospital and would like an amazing hospital gown. Please contact keri@heartfeltcouture.com

All gowns and name pillow are shipped for free. No cost to patient. We just want to make sure these special children have a little something fun.

Blessings,
Keri Abshier

Gown pattern

2010-02-09T12:39:00.003-06:00

I have had many emails about the pattern for the gowns. This is the link to the gown pattern. www.lazygirldesigns.com/hospitalgown.php Please let me know if you have any questions.
Blessings,
Keri

Gown delivery to Texas Children's Hospital in Houston

2010-01-23T13:14:00.010-06:00

We had a gown delivery at Texas Children's Hospital on Friday, January 22nd. We took 40 gowns that will be given out to children being admitted to the hospital for heart surgery over the next months or so. Sadly...many children will be admitted for heart surgery. On a good note, these gowns will brighten their day and give them something special and fun on the day of their surgery. Sometimes, it's the littlest things that make a difference for these kids. Kate at TCH is such a sweet child life specialist! She always makes kids feel special and helps calm their nerves at a very difficult time and these gowns will just be one more way for her to achieve that! She did notice that one of the little gowns,for a girl, was the same fabric as the doll she uses when she explains their bodies and what about the surgery, etc. I know that she will end up giving that particular gown to some little girl who is uneasy and that she will see that her little gown will match the doll and it will hopefully make her smile.

Kate is going to send us some photographs of some of the patients modeling their gowns later after passing them out. I can't wait to see the smiling faces in their Heartfelt Couture gowns! Thanks to Beth and Dr. Justino also for the nice comments about the gowns and for the photo opportunities! Texas Children's Hospital showed great appreciation for the delivery of the gowns!

The gown delivery would not have been possible without the help of Susan Tanner! She lives in the Houston area and volunteered to sew gowns for us! She came to the hospital where we met for the first time and helped deliver the gowns. Several other have helped sew gowns in Lufkin, as well! Kelly Wayland of Lumbermen's Insurance has been such a blessing as well! Also, thanks to Corrine Davis of Lufkin, Heartstrings Support Group, Jan at Bessie Mary in Highland Village, She donated some of the fabric, and Southside Baptist Church ladies who all pitched in to help with these gowns. Without the help and donations of others, this would not be possible.

We are in need of donations to continue this work. If you or someone you know would like to know how to donate, please contact Keri. Her email is keri@heartfeltcouture.com. She can give you the details of exactly how you can help! We would greatly appreciate any help you can give

Sharon Swan

http://www.mommysharon.blogspot.com/

http://www.inretrospectphotography.blogspot.com/

New Year

2010-01-12T08:20:00.002-06:00

It's a New Year, a fresh start, and it's super exciting to see what God will do with Heartfelt Couture in 2010. Last year basically blew my mind in what I thought God could do with this ministry. If you are new to Heartfelt Couture go down to the Did you know post and read about the amazing things that happened in 2009.

I am also happy that I will be devoting all my time to Heartfelt, besides taking care of my family.

If you know of a child in the hospital or one that will be in for surgery, please contact Keri. My email is www.keri@heartfeltcouture.com. I will be happy to make a hospital gown for that child and ship to them at NO COST!

Blessings in 2010!
Keri Abshier

The Journey Magazine out of Lufkin

2009-12-27T20:44:00.002-06:00

Sarah Swan was inspiring young woman for December 2009 in The Journey Magazine. Heartfelt Couture was mentioned in the article. Check it out at http://issuu.com/suchilders/docs/finaldecember09 go to page 42.

Thank you Sewing Seeds and Merry Christmas to all!

2009-12-15T11:18:00.003-06:00

Sewing Seeds is a women's group at Gateway Church in Southlake, TX. They took time to make over 20 gorgeous gowns for some amazing children. I was able to deliver some of them to Medical City Children's Hospital on Thursday December 10th. I know that these families are so grateful to receive such a special gift.

Amy, Mandy, Renee, Shelly, and Rosie thank you!! I know these children will LOVE them!!! You all have a heart of gold.

If you are in a women's group and would like to do this please email me keri@heartfeltcouture.com. I would be happy to help get you started!

This will be my last post for the year. Heartfelt Couture continues to reach families and children everyday. 2009 was an exceptional year and I cannot wait to see what God has in store for HFC in 2010.

Blessings, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Keri Abshier

Looking for an intern

2009-12-04T10:38:00.002-06:00

Heartfelt Couture is looking for an intern to come to my home and serge hospital gowns. I am looking for someone punctual, responsible and that can either drive themselves or have a parent bring to my home in Bedford, TX.

This would be great for a high schooler that is looking for work experience/college references. I will work with their school/activties schedule.

I only have room for 1 person right now. Please email me at keri@heartfeltcouture.com if you know someone that maybe interested.

Thanks,
Keri

Heartfelt Couture is on Twilightseriestheories.com

2009-12-01T19:52:00.003-06:00

Back in May I asked one of the sisters from http://www.twilightseriestheories.com/ if they would like for me to make/design a one of a kind red carpet dress for the premiere of New Moon.

See I am a HUGE fan of Twilight. I know that may sound odd since I am a Christian and LOVE Jesus. But Twilight is much more than a story about vampires and werewolves. Plus Kassie and Kallie the creators of TST are amazing Christian woman as well. Kassie and Kallie do a podcast and discuss the books and the movies. If you dig Twilight then you really should listen ,they are hilarious!!!

I asked with the intention that I could spread the word about Heartfelt Couture. TST reaches millions worldwide. It took me almost 5 to 6 months to get the dresses ready. Kallie was able to be on the red carpet and interview Kellan Lutz, Daniel Cudmore, and THE Robert Pattinson. She looked BEAUTIFUL in her dress and I could not have been prouder for an amazing person to wear the dress.

Go to their site and check them out!! I am so proud of what God is doing for Heartfelt Couture. He gave me the talents to make these dresses and put me in the right place at the right time to ask. Now millions of people will read about HFC and possibly a child that would like a gown will get one! That is the whole reason I did the dresses so one child would be blessed!

Blessing,

Keri

Thank you Professional Flooring Supply

2009-11-18T20:57:00.005-06:00

I want to send a HUGE thank you to Professional Flooring Supply. Monday I had a cutting night at their office and it was AMAZING!!!! They also gave Heartfelt Couture a very generous donation that will help us out with fabric. I felt so blessed and they had such an amazing spirit and helped cut out 15 or so gowns and over 100 letters for name pillows. We did this after work hours so they also generously gave up their night! These kids are going to be so blessed by these awesome people!!

A special thanks to Karen Haas! She set everything up and was so well organized I was amazed!!

PFS once again you ROCK!!!!

Blessings,

Keri

Question about CPSIA certified fabrics/info

2009-11-10T12:11:00.004-06:00

I know alot of you have had questions about what the CPSIA law is and what type of fabrics to buy for Heartfelt Couture. Here is a blog that gives lots of info about the law and fabrics.

www.cpsia-compliance.blogspot.com

It gives the history of the CPSIA law passed in August 2008 and more information.

I know this is all confusing but Heartfelt Couture will abide by this law.

On another note. Heartfelt Couture is now Heartfelt Couture, Inc. We should have our 501c3 application completed in a week or so and we have raised part of the money for our IRS fee. Thank you all so much for helping and praying faithfully.

Blessings to all,
Keri

A New hospital for Heartfelt Couture

2009-11-06T17:12:00.006-06:00

Jennifer, Me, and Jada with Child Life

Marie(with Volunteer Services), Jennifer, Jada

The Amazing Jennifer!

Today we had our first gown delivery to Cook Children's Hospital in Downtown Fort Worth. Jennifer Inman-Cartwright and a group of her friends and family made 20 gowns for Cook's. Cook's is a special hospital for Jennifer her son Zach is a patient. He is an amazing 2 year old. Jennifer lives in Wichita Falls, TX and commutes every 3 weeks for treatment for Zach. I was so excited to meet this amazing woman. She gave of her time and finances to make some amazing and fabulous gowns.

I was also able to speak with the Child Life and Volunteer Services with Cook's. I am hoping to be able to do more gown deliveries next year at Cook Children's Hospital, Medical City Children's Hospital, Texas Children's Hospital. I am also planning on adding more hospitals to HFC.

Blessing to all,

Keri

Did you know....?

2009-10-29T15:04:00.004-05:00

Did you know all the hospital gowns and name pillows are free? We don't even take money for shipping? These gowns and pillows are given to these amazing children.

Did you know that Poppy Lane Photography is offering a Heartfelt Couture package? Check the out http://www.poppylanephotography.blogspot.com/. Because of Poppy Lane most of our IRS fee is going to be taken care of!!!!

Did you know that between Dec 2008 and Dec 2009 almost 200 gowns have been given out?

Did you know we have given out almost 10 name pillows?

Did you know that a gown costs between $12-$20?

Did you know that Heartfelt Couture saves all the scrapes from the gowns to make the name pillows? Not an inch is wasted!

Did you know that not only do we do gown deliveries to Medical City Children's Hospital, Texas Children's Hospital, and Cook Children's Hospital, we have also sent gowns out to children all over the US?

Did you know that all of the money earned from pillow sales ($30) goes towards a child in the hospital? He or she will receive a pillow and gown with all costs covered.

Did you know your financial contribution is tax deductible? We will also have our 501c3 status completed in a few more weeks.

Did you know that the Texas Rangers wives have helped make over 40 gowns?

Did you know we will have to use certain fabrics due to a law passed awhile back? Anything made for children 12 and under has to be lead tested. There are fabrics that comply with the CPSIA law. I have found a shop on Etsy that will sell us fabric for a reduced price. If you want more info email keri@heartfeltcouture.com

Did you know that HFC started with 2 stay at home moms? Now we have several moms helping out. They give their time, talents, and money. They purchase the gowns and cut/sew them. This would not be possible with out their generosity.

Did you know we gave 35 children on the heart floor at Texas Children's Hospital gowns and hat boxes filled with goodies to be open on Christmas Day 2008?

Did you know we are on Facebook and only have less than 200 members? And our blog is only followed my less than 20. Let's get those numbers up so more children can receive a gown and pillow!

Even though giving a custom hospital gown to a child is a small thing it does something to their spirit. And something to the parents spirit. To know that someone took their time and money to make something special, for someone they don't know puts a smile on any one's face. And this shows the love of Christ.

Jesus said, "What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we describe it? It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest seed you can plant in the ground. Yet when it is planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds of the air can perch in it's shade." Mark 4:30-32

I have such a passion for Heartfelt Couture, you don't even know. I am thinking and praying for it everyday almost every hour. I think by touching and enriching others lives it gives them hope. Also it teaches these children to be givers too! Teaching the children of tomorrow to give will be AMAZING

Love to all,
Keri Abshier

Sad Day

2009-10-26T10:47:00.002-05:00

Hannah Collie went to be with Jesus early Sunday morning. Please pray for her family in this terrible time. Read more about Hannah on the blog in the July section.
I cannot even put into words how deeply sad I am for this family. I know we don't understand what God's will is for our lives and I do rejoice that she is with our King, but at the same time I know her mom and dad miss her DEEPLY. Please pray for peace, understanding and comfort.

"O my Comforter in sorrow, my heart is faint within me." Jeremiah 8:18

Keri

Heartfelt Couture Christmas Wish List

2009-10-19T13:50:00.002-05:00

Many people ask me what can they do to help. So I decided to make out a Christmas List for 2009. Also if you have a talent that could be used to help out with any of these below please email Keri and we can figure something out.

Website-Right now the blog works but you have to scroll down to read everything and I would like for it to be simple to just click to read testimonies/about HFC/ways to give/donations. Things like that. We do own our domain name.

Labels for gowns-Due to the CPSIA law all gowns will have to be labeled. I have been using someone on Etsy and if you would like to just purchase them for us that would be fabulous.

Marketing materials-We need business cards, information cards, letter head etc. Also I am not a marketer my nature it's really a push for me. So if you are a good marketer than maybe emailing me ideas or ways to get the word out about HFC. If you want to just purchase these things for us I can also give you info and upload our designs and you can just pay for it.

Supplies-thread, velcro, interfacing, freezer paper. We go through a lot of these and you can just buy it and ship to me.

Fabric-This of course is the most important of all. We need 100% cotton fabric. In Feb of 2010 we will have to start using CPSIA certified fabrics. Moda, Michael Miller, and Amy Butler are all CPSIA certified fabrics. These fabrics are double in price from what is being bought now. If you would like to buy the fabric and have it shipped to me that is great. Or you can make a donation for the fabric. With the new fabrics it will cost between $10-$15 to make a small child's gown and $16-$20 to make a large child's gowns. A small takes 1 yard and a large takes 2 yards. Please know that none of the fabric is wasted I save all the scrapes and make name pillows out of them. My house is 1500 square feet and is filled with scraps of fabric.

Time-You can do a cutting night with your family, friends, woman group, or church group. If you are doing the cutting night before Feb 2010 you can use fabric from Hobby Lobby or JoAnn's. But after Feb 2010 please use the fabrics listed in the above fabrics. You can also email me and I have all the specifics. This would also be an amazing project for teenagers. A great way to have them give there time. All they need is some fabric and scissors. My girls are almost 4 are already know about the hospital gowns and what they are for.

Fundraising-This is the part that is the hardest for me and I pay a lot out of pocket because this is so hard. We do need funds for shipping to different children, batting for name pillows, and other supplies. Also paying lawyers to make sure we are complying with the laws of the IRS. If you have a talent that you would like to use to help us raise money that would be amazing. An example is Poppylane photography. Megan uses her talents to help us with the IRS non-profit fee.

Thank you ,
Keri
keri@heartfeltcouture.com

Child Life

2009-10-19T13:44:00.002-05:00

http://childlife.today.com/

Just found this today. Heartfelt Couture is starting to spread! If you are interested in helping out email Keri.
keri@heartfeltcouture.com

A sweet email

2009-10-12T21:34:00.003-05:00

Keri,

Hello. My name is Kerri Fasano. I wanted to get this email out while I had a few free moments.My husband plays baseball for a team other than the Rangers.

I was able to get into contact with Rachel Eyre through a baseball website. And to make a long story short, she was able to, very quickly, I might add, sew me a hospital gown for my little 2 year old son who had open heart surgery on October 1st.

Let me tell you, I have never met Rachel and knowing baseball, I know it was the end of the season and she was heading back home, and just a busy time of year. I was taken aback that she was more than happy to get it done for me! What a sweet woman. I am amazed at the care and love you girls put into these gowns. It might not seem like much, but what you are making DOES make the hospital a bit more comfortable!

I can tell you, my son, many times, has asked for his "roar" (dinosaur gown). We are still here, hoping to go home in the next few days. I have washed the gown numerous times in the sink, and it can't dry fast enough for our little guy!!

It is very cute when the nurses come in and start talking to Santino about his dinosaurs and he gets this little proud, very cute :) grin on his face! The nurses love it, too.... they all talk about it, and I have even had other nurses not assigned his room come in to peak at it!Anyway, I am attaching a picture of him wearing it...and again, wearing it proudly!!

We were playing puppets that day, with hospital socks..hee hee.I have Rachel's email address on my home computer, but only have my laptop here in the hospital. Could you PLEASE forward this email and picture on to her?

I know I said thank you to her via email before, but I definitely wanted to say it atleast once again! And I also wanted her to know that it was the reason I smiled some days because of the expression on Santino's face when he was looking at all the colors and dinosaurs!! Please also, let her know that he sailed through surgery and had a very speedy and successful recovery... I know she was thinking and praying for him!Thank you very much... for all that all of you girls do :)Kerri Fasano

I want a million more stories like this to post on our blog. Please let us know about any child in the hospital. Heartfelt Couture was started to lift up these children. Yes it is something small but Kerri's story above proves that it makes a difference. Also tell us what the child is into dinosaurs, Star Wars, Care Bears and we will make a special purchase and find that fabric. It matters to us and it makes a difference to the child

Keri

Rachel Eyre will be helping out with Heartfelt Couture

2009-10-12T15:45:00.002-05:00

I am pleased to annouce that Rachel Eyre will be working with Heartfelt Couture. Rachel has been helping Heartfelt Couture since July 2009. She has made over 30 gowns for us and will now be in charge of Florida. She will take care of all aspects of HFC in Florida and also helping out all over the country as well. I will have an email set up for her soon. If you know of anyone in Florida or anywhere for that matter that would like a gown for their child. Please email me at keri@heartfeltcouture.com.

Keri

A Heartfelt Departure

2009-10-11T22:43:00.005-05:00

Dear Friends,

When Keri & I started Heartfelt Couture, my goal was to be very involved in working to get hospital gowns made and delivered to children in hospitals near us. Since then, we have been very successful in doing so. However, my child, Sarah, was scheduled to have her open heart surgery this past week and got rescheduled. We are now waiting to find out a date which should be in the next few weeks.

During this past week, I realized that my emotions are a slight bit overloaded and my mind is at full capacity. I feel like my computer when it is full of too many photos, info, emails, etc. Something has got to be cleared out so that I can think again and run faster. I am overloaded at the moment.

Keri and I have been talking and after some prayer and careful thought, I have come to the conclusion that I need to take a break from Heartfelt Couture for a while. My family and I have a lot to overcome in the next few months and I need to be able to be fully devoted to Sarah and Jason during this time and not feel guilty for not doing all that I want to do with Heartfelt Couture. I am sad to come to the realization that I am not superwoman and I cannot do it ALL, but I know with God, I can do what I am meant to do.

Keri will be taking over all operations with the help of some very special women who have already been helping her. She is confident that she will be able to handle it for now. My plan is to get involved again after things settle down at my house.

I thank each of you for your prayers and support during this time.

Sincerely,

Sharon Swan

Thank you Poppy Lane photography

2009-10-06T13:33:00.003-05:00

Some of you may or may not know but Sharon's daughter Sarah was going to have heart surgery today Oct 6th but they had to cancel due to a lung transplant. Praise God a baby got a new lung. So Sarah's surgery has been post-poned. With that being said, we had a photo session set up for Nov 21st to raise money for the IRS fee of $750 and are rescheduling due to the surgery postponement.

Megan with Poppy Lane photography has stepped up and said she would do the sessions for the same amount and donate her time. Only those that signed up for the session get the amazing deal but if you are in need of an amazing photographer please go to her blog www.poppylanephotography.blogspot.com

Megan,
Thank you so much for your kind and giving heart. May God Bless and keep you!!!!!

Keri

Prayer for Sarah & Mikaela

2009-10-02T13:55:00.002-05:00

Mikaela is having heart surgery today so PLEASE pray for this sweet little girl. Also pray for her parents.

Also keep Sarah, Sharon's daughter in your prayers as well. She will also be having heart surgery on Tues Oct 6th the same surgery that Mikaela is having today at the same hospital. The surgery will take place at Texas Children's Hospital and could take up to 8 hrs. Pray for Peace for both familes.

Another hospital gown delivery

2009-09-24T14:15:00.002-05:00

An amazing women's group in Wichita Falls, TX is busy working on 20 gowns to deliver to Cook Children's hospital in downtown Fort Worth. The women have been working tirelessly to get these gowns ready for these amazing children. Jennifer received a gown from us for her son and wanted to do 20 gowns on her own. This touches my heart because she cares so much. Thank you to all the ladies that have helped out. This ministry could not survive without women like you. We will post pictures from the delivery soon.

Also if you are part of a women's group or really any type of group that would like to do the same thing as Jennifer and you live in the DFW area I would love to come talk to your group or give you the information on doing a gown delivery if you are not local.

Keri

Thank you letter from Medical City Children's Hospital

2009-09-17T19:59:00.004-05:00

This letter made me cry. Just to know that even one child is uplifted from these gowns is why this is the best ministry EVER!!!

There are many ways in which you can be involved in this amazing ministry. If you live in Houston/Lufkin area contact sharon@heartfeltcouture.com, If you live in DFW area contact keri@heartfeltcouture.com. We will also have someone soon to contact in the state of Florida. If you don't live in any of these areas but would still like to know how to help contact Keri at above email address.

To God be the Glory Forever and Ever,

Keri

Another successful gown delivery to Medical City

2009-09-10T13:19:00.004-05:00

On Tuesday September 8th Heartfelt Couture partnered with The Texas Rangers to delivery 40 hospital gowns, wives cookbooks, and hats to some very special children. The Rangers wives and Captain Ranger the mascot also came to hand out these special gowns. These amazing women helped cut out, sew and package the gowns. It was a great time and the kids had a lot of fun. We were also able to go around to some of the patients rooms with the mascot and hand out hats to some of the older kids. We will be making the older kids a more custom gown. God has blessed this ministry in so many ways.

Keri

Prayer need for little boy hit by a line drive in a baseball game

2009-09-04T15:09:00.002-05:00

Please go to site below to read about this 4 year old little boy hit by a line drive. Pray for this sweet little boy and his family. He is in an induced coma and will need your prayers for awhile.

paneech.com/2009/09/the-saddest-thing-i-have-ever-seen/

Rachel Eyre and Andrea Murphy are amazing!!!

2009-08-24T10:44:00.003-05:00

Rachel and Andrea have been sewing gowns for a special delivery to Medical City Children's Hospital. Rachel is the wife of Willie Eyre with the Texas Rangers and Andrea is the wife of David Murphy with the Texas Rangers. These ladies have been working overtime to get these gowns ready for our delivery in September. Since the Rangers are in the wild card race this year. WHOHOOO! The wives are going to deliver these gowns with Heartfelt Couture. These amazing women helped cut out all 40 of these gowns. And that in itself is very time consuming. Please pray that God puts us in the path of the children he wants to have these gowns.

I am just so overwhelmed with gratitude to Rachel for doing all of this for HFC that I could cry. I haven't had to do one thing. She organized the cutting night/fabric purchasing/sewing/and has been a liaison between me and the Rangers.

Oh and did I mention she has 3 kids 4 and under?

We are still unsure of the date for delivery but it will be amazing. Cannot wait to see what God has instore for Heartfelt Couture. It is always beyond my imagination. God is so good.

Also if you are reading this and know of a child that will be in need of a hospital gown. Please contact keri keri@heartfeltcouture.com in DFW area or Sharon sharon@heartfeltcouture.com in the Lufkin/Houston area.

Keri

Hannah.....keep praying.

2009-07-24T22:09:00.001-05:00

Well, Hannah did not end up going home as they planned. She is having some issues that are causing them to keep her and do another procedure tomorrow. She has blood in her stool and they do not know why. Please continue to pray for sweet little Hannah!

HANNAH'S GOING HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-07-24T10:05:00.003-05:00

GREAT news, everyone! Hannah Collie is heading home from the hospital today!!!!! Praise the Lord for this amazing little girl's journey and her getting to go home to get back to normal today!!!!

Her mom and dad posted this photo of her in her hospital gown that Jennifer Bowers made for Heartfelt Couture and sent to Hannah! She even put a little "H" on the heart pocket for Hannah! These photos are worth a million words! This makes everything we do worth it to see precious children snuggled in their cute little hospital gowns!

Thank you, Jennifer for making this adorable gown for Hannah!!! We are so thankful for helpers like you! :)

Praise God for these blessings!!!! Sharon

Photos, Please! :)

2009-07-22T23:59:00.000-05:00

Hello, Heartfelt Friends!

If your child has recieved a gown from us and you would like us to post a photo in our "Hall of Fame" please email them to heartfeltcouture@yahoo.com ! I am also doing a short presentation on Sunday at my church and would LOVE to share photos of your precious children in one of our gowns! We hope you are all doing well and are blessed!

Great news update on Hannah....She is going home this week!!!!!!!!!! They are hoping to be released from the hospital by Friday!!!!!!!!! Praise the LORD!!!!! God is so good!

Love to all!
Sharon

The Texas Rangers wives are amazing, Again.

2009-07-22T16:08:00.002-05:00

I talked with Rachel Eyre(Willie Eyre's wife) this afternoon and her and the other players wives have 40 gowns that are being sewn for Medical City Dallas Children's Hospital! This is the most we have ever taken that hospital and I am SOOO excited. Rachel Eyre is one of the sweetest and amazing people I have ever met. When we first met she was so kind and giving it really put things into perspective and God showed me that he wants this ministry to succeed! Rachel set everything up and did a fabulous job.

I know that all these women have a heart for giving and can't wait to meet them and deliver the gowns. We will also have some of the players come to deliver and the mascot. This ministry has grown faster than I ever thought possible. God is behind Heartfelt Couture all the way!!

If you know of a child that would like a gown and he/she doesn't go to Medical City Dallas Children's Hospital we would love to still make a gown for him/her. Please email us and we would be happy to mail you one.

Also Sharon has been working on our website www.heartfeltcouture.com check it out. It is still under construction!
God's Blessing to you,
Keri

"Therefore, since through God's mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart."
2 Corinthians 4:1

We have all our photo session times filled.

2009-07-20T15:19:00.002-05:00

God is totally with Heartfelt Couture. I can feel him with everything we do! Within 4 days of my first email ,about Sharon doing photo sessions to raise money for our IRS non-profit fee, we have all our sessions filled and raised all $750! I want to thank all my family and friends for signing up and sending out emails to other people. I couldn't have done this without you all! We rely on our family and friends for this ministry and have been blessed by all of you. Every time I get an email from someone thanking us for the gown they received, it makes me so happy that I have family and friends that made this possible.

Next year we will definitely do this again to raise more money for Heartfelt Couture. The IRS fee is a one time fee but we are reaching out to more and more hospitals everyday. Possibly Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville. More on that later.

If you live in the Lufkin area and need a FABULOUS photographer for weddings or portraits. Sharon Swan is the only choice! Or she will travel for weddings I know she has in the past!

Love to all,
Keri

A new friend to Heartfelt Couture

2009-07-17T12:58:00.002-05:00

Heartfelt Couture's newest friend is a wonderful lady that owns Bessie Mary in Highland Village, TX. She has THE CUTEST shop and donated 3 bolts of fabric to us and will let me buy wholesale through her or she will take me to Moda to buy wholesale from them. This woman is an answer to prayer. In Feb 2010 a new law states that anything made for children under 12 has to be lead tested. The law is very vague and confusing. But there are a few fabric designers that are compliant with the new law and Moda is one of them!!!!! Praise the Lord!!!! I am so excited you all have NO IDEA!! I am just giddy! It's all because of this woman with a heart of gold.

You must must must go to her website she has Fabulous gifts, and other amazing finds! She also sells fabric.

Heartfelt Couture has gone beyond any dreams Sharon or I had!!!
Love to all and God's Blessings,
Keri

Help Heartfelt Couture raise money for an IRS fee and get your Christmas card pictures done at the same time!!!

2009-07-14T17:31:00.002-05:00

Sharon is doing mini-photography sessions in Grapevine, TX on Friday Sept 12th and Saturday Sept 13th. The session is $50 and you get a CD with all the pictures and a signed release to have your pictures printed where ever you desire. All the money made goes to pay a fee to the IRS to that has to be paid by non-profits to be recognized as a non-profit. We have to raise $750. So with Sharon's talent we thought this would be a great opportunity for you to get your Christmas pictures taken and us to raise some money. Also for the first 10 people that sign up get a custom made Christmas card template to be printed where ever you choose.

Sharon is FABULOUS at taking pictures and she is AMAZING at digital design. I am definetly going to have her do our pictures. I already have 6 people interested so book soon to get your Christmas card!!!!
Thanks and God bless
Keri
email me at roykeriabshier@sbcglobal.net if you are interested in getting a session time!

UPDATE ON HANNAH!!!!!! GOOD NEWS!!!!!

2009-07-13T11:31:00.001-05:00

Update on Miss Hannah!!!! "Hannah is doing great.. Still really weak and intubated but they hope to take her off the vent today. We will have to see. Her kidney function is back to normal and we are waiting on the echo. GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME. Thanks for the continued prayers keep them up Love to all snowflake Will post later with new stuff." -Amanda Collie

Hannah is doing BETTER!!!!!!

2009-07-11T10:17:00.001-05:00

I copied this from Hannah's mom's facebook status this morning!!!! Praise the Lord!!! Yea!

"Hannah is doing so good the dr's are happy. WOW at the difference betwwen yesterday and today as far as the fluid, she is back to her regular size. GOD IS GOOD. They still expect her to be on the vent a few more days and hopefully come off next week sometime. Keep up the prayers ! God hears. Thanks!!!"

Update on Hannah

2009-07-09T06:41:00.002-05:00

Hannah's mom posted this on her status update!!!! Good news! Keep praying!!!!

"The catheter is doing what it is supposed thank you God. It is resting the kidneys and pulling off the fluid. she is more alert than she has been in a week, she is nodding yes and no to things and opening her eyes a lot. She even mouthed I love you today and brought her mommy to tears. Thanks for the prayers please keep them up."

CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR HANNAH COLLIE!!!!!!!!

2009-07-08T08:05:00.001-05:00

Hannah is in need a major miracle this morning. She is going into surgery because her kidneys are shutting down and building toxicity in her body. She is in critical condition but they say they are going to put in a pedi catheter to drain some of the fluid off because her. Pray for a miraculous healing of her kidneys that will awe the drs. and for her parents Amanda & Jason.

PRAY FOR HANNAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-07-07T13:00:00.002-05:00

She has a custom hospital gown on the way already, but.....

PLEASE keep this sweet angel in your prayers!

She is 4 years old and had a heart transplant two years ago.

Last week her body started to reject the heart and she is in Childrens Hospital in Dallas now under going treatment with some pretty potent meds. She will be under close watch for the next several days to see if the meds are going to stop the rejection.

This is where we come in with our concentrated prayer for our Father to show mercy on her and heal her sick and tired body.

Pray for her mom and dad (Amanda and Jason) as they too need the strength of the Lord to see this procedure through.

The power of Prayer allows us to let go and let God have his way!!!!!

For anyone who would like to send cards, notes of encouragement, etc....the address is :isChildrens Medical Center
1935 Medical District Drive
Dallas Tx 75235
Attention Hannah Collie
CVICU rm203

We love The Texas Rangers and their wives!!

2009-06-30T19:13:00.002-05:00

On July 7th Rachel Eyre wife of Willie Eyre with the Texas Rangers is having a fabric cutting night for Heartfelt Couture. She has gotten some of the other players wives to get involved and make hospital gowns for us to deliver!! I am just so excited that this is reaching levels far beyond what I thought was possible. Rachel has been instrumental in getting this together so quickly! I am so glad God has put her in our path!!! Please pray that their time together on the 7th will be stretched and they can get as much done as possible!!! I know they will have a great time as the cutting nights are always so fun!!! Rachel, Thank you again for all your help!!! I am just sad I can't make it!

God's Blessings,
Keri

Boy's name pillows

2009-06-28T13:16:00.002-05:00

I wanted to post a picture of Findlay's name pillow. It turned out so cute and wanted to show that we can make boys pillows too! If you know of any child that is in the hospital I would love to make them not only a gown but a name pillow if they would like. Also know that if you buy one of the name pillows all the money goes to provide a gown and pillow for a child in the hospital.

God's Blessings to all,

Keri Abshier

GOD IS SO GOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-06-25T18:51:00.002-05:00

Photo of gowns being cut out by Jennifer from Austin!!!

Thank you, Jennifer!!!!!!!!!!!

Hello, everyone! This week has just been AWESOME!!!!

Thanks to Jennifer for turning us in to Kelly's Korner Blog!!!

And thanks to Kelly's Korner Blog for writing about us!!!!

We are SOOOOOOOOO thankful and blessed!

We have had NUMEROUS emails, comments, phone calls, etc. this week with women all over the United States wanting to make gowns, get fabric, cut patterns out and mail them to us and donate time and energy to our cause!!! For this, we are so thankful! Thanks to all of you who are emailing us and commenting and encouraging us!

We sometimes find it so hard to believe that this all started just about 8 months ago because my picky little princess didn't want to wear an ugly hospital gown! All because of Keri, who had made my daughter the CUTEST clothes in the past and I called her to see if she could do a hospital gown and because she felt led to make this a mission with women of faith is all of this possible!!!! (For those of you who haven't seen Keri's creations.....you should DEFINITELY check her out! Her shop is on "vacation" until July 15th...but check her shop on etsy after that! www.chasingbirdies.etsy.com) She will kill me for posting that! Oh, well! :P Sorry, Keri!

I am so excited that we are meeting so many new people who want to be involved in our project and so many women from so many places! This is truly uplifting and we know that God is working in our lives to help us reach others in similar situations as Sarah. If you know of a child who needs a gown, please EMAIL US at heartfeltcouture@yahoo.com . We will do our best to get it mailed out quickly!

We know that the blessings will pour upon each of you who are helping in so many ways!

Thank you all so much!

Have a blessed day!

Sharon Swan

MANY blessings...

2009-06-23T01:56:00.005-05:00

Hello, Everyone! WOW...We are so blessed!

Heartfelt Couture is reaching new people every day! Not only are we meeting new people through the delivery of gowns but also through friends and we have groups of ladies popping up all over the place wanting to help and make gowns! This is such a blessing! What started out as 2 people trying to give back has turned into so much more and we are so happy for that! We love hearing from those who have recieved gowns and will be happy to post any photos or stories you may send us!!!! The one below is PRECIOUS!

We are getting VERY busy and so..............

Keri has now taken charge of all things "Dallas" area and I will be handling the "Houston" area. We have had people show interest in many other areas and even states! How exciting! We are thankful for God opening doors for us to meet others and to ultimately help SO many children have a little joy during a very scary time.

Sarah had her heart cath on June 5th at Texas Children's Hospital. Miss Keri was so nice to make her a pink & brown floral gown that she LOVED and I wanted to post some photos of it for her! Thank you, Miss Keri!!!! She was so excited to get it in the mail!

Her next surgery will be October 6th and will be an open heart surgery. (Fontan Operation)

She is very strong and we know that God has her in His hands. WE are so thankful for her continued healing and for Doctors that He has placed in our lives to take care of her!

My goal is to have enough gowns to deliver during her recovery time in October. This will be a great way to meet other parents in the recovery floor and talk to them and shine a light for God at the same time! What a blessing that will be! Also, while waiting in the waiting room the day of her surgery, we meet parents and this will be a comforting way to give them something they can share with their child after surgery!

Thanks to all of you who are getting involved in Heartfelt Couture! We are so blessed by each of you and will continue to bless others because of you!

Sincerely,

Sharon Swan

Grateful

2009-06-17T21:08:00.004-05:00

We received an email a few weeks ago from a mom:

Dear Keri,
I just wanted to send you a note of thanks now that our son's surgery is over and he is on the road to recovery. We received an adorable little gown for him to wear when we got to the hospital at 6:00am. And honestly, it was so much nicer to see him in that little army gown rather than the sterile hospital white or blue gowns. It really lightened the mood of the room to see that playful gown. Obviously, it was still hard for us to give our little guy over into the hands of the surgical staff, but your gift really touched our hearts. Thank you so much for your dedication to this ministry!
Sincerely,
Elise, Jacob and Findlay Belk

This is what I love about this ministry. It's something simple but it brightens a very scary day.

Findlay will also be receiving a name pillow. Through sales of the name pillows on my website he will receive a name pillow and shipping for free. Mom opted not to get another hospital gown but I will be making one for another patient at Medical City very soon!

Love to all,

Keri

Update on Kyla...& New Name Pillows...

2009-05-04T15:46:00.002-05:00

Hello, Everyone....

Just a quick update to let you know that the little girl we spoke of in our last posting...Kyla....went home from her heart surgery and is recovering as planned! Thank God for this miracle in her life! Please keep her in your prayers as her healing and recovering continues!

Thank you for all of the thoughts and prayers for Kyla & her family!

Keri has began making name pillows and selling them on Etsy as a way to do to things! Number one....we are able to use the scraps that we have leftover from the gowns! The fabrics are so cute that we hate to waste a single piece! Keri had this awesome idea to make these pillows which are so precious and such a great gift! (way to go, Keri!)

They are available through her etsy shop at http://www.chasingbirdies.etsy.com/ !

She made one and mailed a pillow and a gown and mailed them to Kyla and her grandmother called and expressed sincere thanks!

We would love to hear from you if you know of anyone who would like to make a donation to our cause so that we may continue to show God's love through being able to make gowns and get them to children enduring a hospital stay! This is a great outreach and we are thankful for the lives we have been able to touch through this. Thank you to all of those who have supported us by volunteering time, energy & money! You are greatly appreciated!

Sharon

Please Pray for Kyla...

2009-04-14T00:05:00.002-05:00

This precious little girl had open heart surgery last Wednesday on April 8th. She is still in the CV-ICU and could use any extra prayers you can send her. She is Sarah Swan's age (only 3 weeks difference) and even though we've never met her, she holds a special place in our hearts as we know what it is to have a child having heart surgery!

Please lift her up in prayer if you would. Her family would greatly appreciate it!

Sincerely,

Sharon Swan

Gowns Delivered

2009-04-11T14:30:00.004-05:00

We delivered 31 hospital gowns to Medical City Dallas Children's Hospital. My amazing friend Becky went with me to help take pictures. My friend Chrissie was also on duty today. She is a pedatric nurse. She has been a tremendous help. All the nurses were so awesome and loved the gowns. I am so happy to be able to make this ministry a reality and see how excited the nurses were to see the gowns. So I know the patients will be twice as happy to get the gowns. If you recieved a gown today please email pictures to heartfeltcouture@yahoo.com. We would LOVE to see them and post them!

Delivery Scheduled

2009-04-09T18:13:00.003-05:00

Our next delivery date for Medical City Dallas Children's Hospital is set for April 11th. I will be taking 31 gowns to special children at this hospital for Easter. We have had countless help through this last month. Thank you all for your hard work. I know each of these gowns has been prayed over many, many times over.

Also, I am selling on my website http://www.chasingbirdies.etsy.com/ a name pillow. When you buy a pillow you are also paying for a hospital gown for a child in the hospital. No profit will be made from the sell of these pillow. Whatever money I have leftover will also, go to make a name pillow for a child in the hospital. I will be using the scraps from the gowns. Each pillow will be a different size due to the length of the name. It is super cute and would make a great gift!

Please also, pray for Sharon's daughter Sarah. She is having some medical issues. Pray for this sweet girl with a tremendous heart.

2009-02-18T12:26:00.001-06:00

Next cutting night March 13th at 6:30p-9 at Compass Christian Church in Colleyville. Dinner will be provided. So please RSVP if you would like to come and help make hospital gowns for Children's Medical City Dallas.

35 Wishes....Success!

2009-01-05T08:02:00.002-06:00

I was so lucky to have 2 special helpers in putting together the items for 35 wishes! Jason & Sarah LOVED it! I told them that as they put the boxes together, to take their time and place the items inside and pray over each and every teddy bear and box for it to be a blessing to whatever child ends up getting it. Pray for their health and recovery from heart surgery! I had tears in my eyes as we put all the boxes together with love. Jason kissed every teddy bear before putting them in the boxes. Sarah knows that she had heart surgery because we talk about it and try to prepare her for the fact that she will soon have more heart surgery. She said "Mommy, when I have my heart surgery, will I get a teddy bear?" My answer was...."of course!" So, she's excited now. She is willing to have heart surgery in exchange for a teddy bear! haha I think that's both cute and funny and even a little sad.

The day of delivery, one of my best friends, Shanna, went with me to help! She was SUCH a help! I loved getting to spend the day with her and hang out and be able to do something nice for others to be a blessing at Christmas! It was a great day for both of us.

When we got to Texas Children's Hospital, there were NO carts available. We had to wait for about 30 minutes and still didn't have a cart. The valet parking attendants were so nice. They didn't make us move our car. We got to leave it right out front so we could make several trips. ...with a wheel chair! We had to load the boxes into a wheelchair and Sarah's tiny umbrella stroller to carry them to the elevators and up 15 floors to deliver. It was comical, to say the least! When we got upstairs, we met the child life specialist for the 15th floor. Her name is Kate and she was SO helpful and sweet! I am so glad to have her as a contact. She came downstairs with us and brought a wagon and picked up the rest of the boxes and hospital gowns. She LOVED the gowns and thought that it was a really neat idea!

Below are some photos from packing and delivery! I can't wait to do this again!

20 wishes!

2008-12-18T12:30:00.008-06:00

I went with my friend Chrissie to Medical City Children's Hospital on Wednesday to deliver the 20 gowns to that hospital. Chrissie is an amazing pediatric nurse. I was really great to see where these were going and to also see what the gowns look like that they have now. It made me want to make a gown for every child in the hospital.

The gowns they have now are very very thin, and are just a plain greenish/blue. They didn't look very comfortable at all.

Brittany(holding the hospital gowns above) in Life Services at Medical City was great! She loved the gowns. She said that the kids are going to love them. It really put everything into perspective for me. My girls are very healthy, so I cannot imagine what Sharon and these other parents go through. It was worth every night that I stayed up until 2 in the morning sewing the labels on. Or the days me and my husband ironed for 4 hours. It is the least I can do for these amazing families.

I am also going to rework the pattern for the gowns for Easter. That way it can really be more comfortable and convenient for the kids.

If you got one of the hospital gowns please email any feedback to www.heartfeltcouture@yahoo.com

I can't wait to see what God has in store for Sharon when she delivers her 40 and the hat boxes as well!

PFS is AWESOME!!!!!

2008-11-26T14:23:00.007-06:00

I want to thank Professional Flooring Supply for their extremely generous donation they gave us today!

We are now going to be able to buy all the hat boxes, toys, and other fun stuff for the precious kids at Texas Children's Hospital and Medical City Dallas Children's Hospital. I was completely overwhelmed by their kind hearts and loving spirit today. They really went above and beyond for Heartfelt Couture. These kids are going to look extra special on Christmas in their gowns because some very special people care enough to help lift their spirits. God has answered my prayers today through several very special people!

Also with Professional Flooring Supply's donation we are going to be able to do this at Easter for possibly 3 more hospitals. If you are reading this and know of a hospital you would like to nominate to receive hospital gowns please email us at heartfeltcouture@yahoo.com. We do one wing in the hospital so if you also have a wing that you would like to include please let us know.

God is amazing and I have tons to be Thankful for! Visit PFS at http://www.professionalflooring.com/

-Keri

First Cutting Night 2008

2008-11-08T19:19:00.007-06:00

We finished our first cutting night last night! It was very successful. We had 12 people there. I felt so blessed to have so many people wanting to help these children! One of my friends that came is a pediatric nurse. She said that these gowns will definitely brighten these children's stay in the hospital.

We were able to get all the gowns cut out plus some. We will have 55 gowns ready by Dec 1st. We are going to give gowns to Texas Children's Hospital and also a hospital in Dallas.

We had several people ask when our next cutting night will be Probably not this year but I think doing more gowns for Easter is a definite possibility.(it takes days of prep work on my end to even get organized for a cutting night)

We had a blast last night! Some people learned to sew and we had a Master sewer there that taught me a few things! It was a really great night to just fellowship with others for a fabulous cause!

Heartfelt Couture ROCKS!!!

Praise the Lord!

2008-11-02T20:52:00.002-06:00

We are so thankful for all of the people and businesses who have offered to help us! We are so blessed by each of you!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you soooooooo much! 35 Wishes will be a reality by Christmas and soon after, we may get into just about every children's hospital in the country!!!

Cutting Out the Fabric Night Nov 7th from 6-10p

2008-10-30T16:30:00.002-05:00

We are going to have a Cutting Out the Fabric Night on November 7th from 6p-10p. Anyone who can come please email us at heartfeltcouture@yahoo.com. It will be at Compass Christian Church @ Highland Meadows in Colleyville, TX. If you can make it please do! Also if you have a sewing machine please bring it so we can get all of the gowns done at once! This will be a fun night to fellowship and make some fantastic gowns for these precious children of God!

Keri's Working OVERTIME!

2008-10-30T15:26:00.003-05:00

Let's give the girl some LOVE!!! She would kill me for posting this but I just want everyone to know what an awesome lady Keri Abshier is! Since a little over a week ago when this all came about, she has been getting donations, gotten us a discount at Hobby Lobby for our fabric, gotten a tax exempt number, called the IRS about getting set up for a non-profit organization, set up a sewing party at her church, made numerous phone calls and took care of 2 sick little girls!!!!!!!!!!!! (and I'm sure I'm leaving SOMETHING out like laundry, cooking, shopping, etc.!)

Let's give the girl a hand!

I am so thankful for her and all of the hard work she's done! We still haven't gotten to "meet" yet but I can't wait to hug her for her hard work, determination and awesomely sweet attitude!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Keri!

We are so thankful for anyone who is and has given us donations of any kind! We are so excited that 35 wishes are going to come true! Please spread the word and we'd love to get more and more people involved! We have planted a seed and now we want to see it grow!!!!

Please email us if you are willing to donate anything we may be able to use...including cash or Hobby Lobby Gift Cards. We can always use those for more fabric!

Love to all!

Sharon

Our sample is finished

2008-10-25T12:36:00.001-05:00

I finished the first hospital gown last night!! It is going to be easier than I expected which is BLOWING MY MIND! Our deadline to have 40 finished is December 1st and I think we are going to have them finished in 2 weeks! God is good! Now this is a sample so it is not perfect but it is a starting place and the fabric is not as fabulous as I am going to do, but you get the picture. I am thinking ruffles for girls!

For those of you who are helping we are going to have a "Cutting out the Fabric Night" at my church Compass Christian Church at Highland Meadows in Colleyville soon. Date TBA. This should really help with getting them finished early. One of my really good friends just bought a sewing machine, is going to learn to sew so she can help! What an amazing Godly woman! I am going to include more stories like those because I believe God works in amazing ways and you never know how he is going to use you!

Also, I am not a photographer like Sharon so my pictures will always look just plain sad. But you get the jist of what it is!

We are going to need around 20 yards of fabric for the boys size med/large, 10 yards of fabric for the boys size small. We need 20 yards of fabric for the girls size med/large, and 10 yards of fabric for the girls size small. I need all of this by next week because I will need to wash and dry all of the fabric before cutting night. Pray that some how we will get the funding.

Heartfelt Couture...reaching hearts through sewing hands!

2008-10-24T01:25:00.002-05:00

Heartfelt Couture is a ministry effort between Sharon Swan & Keri Abshier! Our goal is to reach children who are staying in the hospital by giving them the gift of a handmade hospital gown! Many children staying in hospitals at some point must walk through a hospital or in the hallways of their floor wearing a hospital gown. Because of Sarah, we've realized that some of them are not thrilled with the "look" of typical hospital gowns! Sarah refused to wear one at 4 years old and with that rebellion.....a whole ministry has begun!

We are in need of volunteers to donate fabric, time, efforts, talents, marketing, word of mouth advertising, etc! If you have some talent, there is a way we could benefit from it for these children!

We realize that there are other ways to help children in hospitals, but this idea is close to our hearts and a passion we believe God put in us to carry out! We would love for you to be part of this potentially overwhelming task!

By December 2010, our goal is to have at least 12 chapters or groups of women throughout the country making hospital gowns for children's hospitals in their communites or close by. We are reaching Texas Children's Hospital in Houston, Texas and hopefully very soon, Children's Hospital in Dallas!

Right now, our mission of the moment is our first one....it's called "35 Wishes" and here's the scoop on it and a message from Sharon....

Hello, Friends!

When our daughter, Sarah was born, as some of you already know, she had heart problems. Over the period of her first year of life, she had four major heart surgeries.

After her recovery and getting better, we got home and I stayed with her and did not return to work for quite some time. During that time, I felt the overwhelming burden to do something for others in the same situation that our family had been in. Armed with my camera and some friends, I decided to go to the Ronald McDonald House and host a family portrait day in which I took portraits of all of the families and their children, both well & sick. I met some of the most amazing people through this mission and felt like God truly opened my eyes to a love of helping others through my experiences.

Before Sarah, anything I did for others was out of a feeling of just "doing my part". I didn't have a sense of urgency like I did after Sarah came along. My entire life, I've had that gut feeling that there is something out there that I am SUPPOSED to be doing but I've thought many times that the feeling just hasn't hit me just right. I've done lots of things with the talents I've been blessed with to try to bless others but STILL, I feel like I'm missing the boat somewhere.
So many times, I've been told..."You are so talented". It's sometimes a burden to me because I don't feel like I am always using my talent to absolutely be a blessing to someone else and even if I am ............I know there is some huge thing I've not seen yet! Something BIG that God has for me to do. I have always had the gut feeling that I am supposed to change lives in a BIG way. A bunch of lives.

I have felt called to children with heart problems since Sarah's birth and our journey with her.
It is allllllll coming together now! My "Big Thing" happened yesterday!

In September, I bought an outfit for Sarah that was handmade by a woman named "Keri" on http://www.etsy.com/. Her storefront is called chasingbirdies . She makes amazing clothing! Absolutely adorable things! After receiving the outfit, I decided it would be what Sarah wore to her cardiologist appointment in October. I always let her wear a special outfit that day and she always looks extra cute for those appointments. It's like her big day in the city! :) She loves it!

Well, AT her appointment, I'm sure most of you read the blog about her not wanting to wear her hospital gown. She said "it didn't match"! LOL So, I contacted Keri to see if she could get a pattern for hospital gowns and she said yes! I was so excited about that! We decided to have some gowns made for Sarah before her next surgeries that are coming up soon. The last thing I wanted is for her to be stressed out over her gown! haha Then, Keri emailed me and asked me if other children may be interested in one, too and how this may be a good ministry for us. I immediately had that WOW feeling!

I thought..........well, I can't sew, but I can find a way to help make this happen!

35 Wishes .....a plan is born....

So, I talked to Keri yesterday afternoon and we have a plan of action! She and some of her friends are going to make 35 hospital gowns for the children who will be in the hospital at TCH on the heart recovery floor on Christmas Day! AND, we are gathering other items to include in gifts for 35 children in the 35 rooms of that floor! Hence, the name....35 Wishes. Everyone who has heard of this since yesterday is 'on board' with helping! Even Jason (my 9 year old) can't wait to help! He's going to design the cards for us to put with each gift!

This is such a God thing! When we got on the phone, we had never spoken before. I had only bought a few things from her on etsy and we had chatted back and forth via email through their site. When I asked for her phone number....I called and she answered the phone with excitement in her voice! We could not talk fast enough! It was like we had both been waiting SO long for something big and we had found each other and we knew we were going to be unstoppable together! During our hour long conversation, we laughed, CRIED, everything! We are going to meet sometime in the next week or so and sit down and REALLY brainstorm about what we can do further....past Christmas....how we can grow and REALLY change lives! She and I talked about our husbands, too! Turns out....she tells me her husband works in the construction industry....I said...."Really?......mine too! What does your husband do?" She replies...."He's a branch manager for a rental company." ............so I ask..."WHAT rental company?" She says............"United Rentals,......have you heard of it?"! Well, yes.....my HUSBAND is a sales rep for united rentals!!!!!!!!!!! We both start screaming and laughing! It's hilarious!~ So funny!

A few "funny" coincidences we discovered that will make us a great team!....

*We are both Christians!
*She's only been sewing for a little less than 2 months.
*I was her first customer!
*Our husbands work for the same company!
*She lives an hour away from me! (and etsy is a worldwide website and I didn't even realize she was in the Dallas area until AFTER I ordered!)
*She does not like the marketing aspect of anything and I live for it!
*We are both stay at home/work at home moms!
*She & I have both been looking for something bigger!

I am so excited about this and if this story pulls at your heart-strings..........you can help, too!

Email us at heartfeltcouture@yahoo.com if you would be interested in helping in any way. We need support from everyone who can help! If anyone would like to make a donation to our cause, we are using the money to purchase the hatboxes to put the items in and for fabric to help make more hospital gowns, goodies for the boxes, etc. however, we are not set up as a non-profit or charitable entity yet and cannot provide tax reciepts. We are thankful for any help we get

Sarah has come SUCH a long way and we are so blessed by her life....I want her life to continue causing blessings for others! These photos are so hard to look back at and see where she started, but when you look at where she is now....it just truly shows how wonderful God is and how important it is to me to make a difference in others' lives!

And here's the scoop on Keri, too!

I always thought that God gave me twin girls for a reason and On Tuesday Oct 21th he finally revealed the reason.

I have only been truly sewing for 6 months. I started a couple of years ago and had a horrible time with it so I stopped. In April I was looking for a special outfit for my girls for family pictures so I went and looked. Everything I found was outrageously priced. So with the help of the most important person in my life I started to sew. When I tell people I have only been sewing that long they are amazed. And I truly feel like God gave me this talent so quickly for a reason.

I started selling on Etsy because a hand full of very close friends said I should start selling these outfits that I make for my girls. I really didn’t want to sell them because I felt it was a hobby and that I had just started. But under constant calling and hounding (you ladies know who you are) I decided I would start a little store on Etsy. I started on Sept 4th. Sharon was my very first Etsy order. She told me she loved my stuff which made me feel SOOO much better about starting this!

When Sharon contacted me about making the gowns it was also a WOW moment for me. First she loved my clothing enough to have me make her daughter something so unique that I felt honored. Second I have always felt blessed about very healthy children and every time I hear about a child that is sick I am on my knees praying for the child and thanking God for my own. When Sharon told me about Sarah, that’s what happened. I started praying and through the Holy Spirit over the course of a few weeks I decided to ask Sharon if other kids would like custom hospital gowns. And that is where God revealed why he gave me twin girls.
If I hadn't been looking to sew something for my girls I would have NEVER started sewing and if he would not have put these special people in my life to encourage me I would have NEVER opened an Etsy shop. And I would have NEVER meet Sharon! So God does do things with unlikely people. I don’t have a degree in fashion, I never took a sewing class, and I don’t spend tons of money on my clothes. I am a cheapskate mother of twins who believes it doesn’t have to cost a lot to look FABULOUS! So I think kids spending days, weeks, and months in the hospital should look fabulous too!

I believe that God can do all things and this right here is a testimony to that! I have a truly God given talent because I just learned to sew. Believe me I wished I had been sewing for years, I would probably be less self conscious but the Lord works in mysterious ways!