The March of Dimes Maine Chapter is calling for stitchers, knitters and crocheters to help make preemie clothing for inclusion in the Preemie Project 1372 event, which takes place Tuesday, Nov. 14, at the Augusta Armory. The first lady of Maine and honorary chairwoman of the March of Dimes Maine Chapter Prematurity Campaign, Karen M. Baldacci, will host the event.

Preemie Project 1372 is a statewide grass-roots project, which will result in a visual display of 1,372 articles of preemie-size clothing sewn by volunteers in Maine. The display aims to demonstrate just how tiny premature babies are and how many are born in Maine each year. The clothes, which range from onesies to dresses to tops and bottoms for boys and girls, will be on display all day before being donated to the neonatal intensive care units at Maine Medical Center, Central Maine Medical Center and Eastern Maine Medical Center.

The day also will include Karen Baldacci speaking about the problem of prematurity and reading to children from “Evan Early” by Rebecca Hogue Wohjan, a book for siblings of preemies. A Moment of Hope will be observed with a pink and blue lighting display at 5 p.m. at the Augusta Armory.

Sharon Schulberger of March of Dimes Maine Chapter said, “The Preemie Project 1372 was borne out of many women wanting to do something to help and to raise awareness of the crisis of preemie babies. Prematurity is the No. 1 killer of newborns in Maine and the crisis is worsening. Many babies who do survive are often plagued with illnesses such as cerebral palsy, lung disease, mental retardation, learning problems and blindness.”

Schulberger said the emphasis this year will be on preemie clothing rather than caps or blankets, as some hospitals have reported a backlog of those items. Those who wish to make clothing for preemies will find sewing patterns and resources for knitters and crocheters at www.marchofdimes.com/maine. Scroll down the page and click on Preemie Project. Then scroll to the bottom of that page to find the patterns and resource links. The sewing patterns may be printed for use. Those who do not have access to computers may call Schulberger at 878-1199 or (800) 668-5678 and she will mail patterns to you. Finished items should be mailed to: March of Dimes, 60 Gray Road, Falmouth ME 04105-2024. Deadline for delivering preemie clothing is Oct. 25.

And speaking of babies – knitters will be enchanted with two new books. “Natural Knits for Moms and Babies: Beautiful Designs Using Organic Yarns” by Louisa Harding, is a collection of charming patterns beginning with a “bump” sweater for an expectant mom and ending with a nursing sweater and a shawl. In between are adorable patterns for sweaters, caps, booties, mittens, a blanket and even knit dog, cat and bunny toys for babies of all ages. The emphasis in this book is on the use of organically grown yarns.

“Itty-Bitty Caps” by Susan B. Anderson is a collection of whimsical knit caps designed to make the baby tugging your heartstrings more adorable than he or she already is. Knitters can choose from patterns in animal, garden, striped or dotted motifs. And just to gild the haberdashery, the book contains patterns for hats with flower and sweet treats themes. A section of embellished hats with sailboat, football and star motifs will have you knitting like – well, a mad hatter.

This book will appeal especially to those with a sense of humor who love bright colors and unusual trims such as feathers, garnishes such as turtles and chicks, and embellishments such as ribbons and loops of fringe. But some of the caps with floral details will delight those with a taste for something a bit more elegant.

Both books contain items that are sure to look smashing on any baby, including those little preemies – provided the garments are sized to their needs and knit of the softest yarns.

Snippets

The Jane Gruber Collection, a trove of molas made in the San Blas de Cuna Islands of Panama, are on display through January at the Hudson Museum, Maine Center for the Arts, in Orono. These intricate and mutlilayered needlework pieces are stitched in bright colors that dazzle the eye. The pieces depict birds, flowers animals and abstract motifs. It’s a must see for those who love fabric and stitching. To learn more about the exhibit or the museum, call 581-1901.