(I appreciate you reading this whole post. Happy Valentine’s Day. –Julie)

About a year and a half ago, I had an idea (and I have lots of ideas) to make some goodies, sell them and give some money to a good cause. Tons of people do this, but I wanted to do this in honor of a terrific girl out in California for her 10^th birthday. She turned 11 last September. OY!

The big idea: 10 for 10. I thought I could make ten blankets or maybe one item for ten months… for Claudia, the little girl in California. Proceeds from those ten items would go to the CdLS Foundation.  They serve people with Cornelia de Lange Syndrome and their families. Why the CdLS Foundation?

Claudia. She lives with CdLS. She is my cousin’s daughter. My list of cousins – ridiculous! My mom, oldest of seven, and my dad is #9 (or #10) of 14. Compute.

So, Claudia’s dad – think back and remember your very first best friend. That’s who my cousin is for me.

Yes, I look like a boy in Swiss Miss gear. (1977)

He moved to California with his family when I was five years old. I cried the ugly cry, lower lip sucked in. Boy did I miss him, but we kept in touch writing real letters and occasional phone calls. I had this dream that we’d grow up together and be neighbors… our kids would be buddies. Actually, our daughters are only five months apart.

Abby and Claudia during a visit (2004)

Correspondence became less frequent, even with e-mail, after college and both of us getting married. A few years ago we visited my cousin and his awesome family…  made me wish that we lived closer and that I could do more with them.

My cousin and his wife are celebrating a wedding anniversary. I thought this might be the right time. Idea time. Gotta start somewhere – it’s a small act of kindness from miles away.

Flannel blanket – rag quilt style

Flannel blanket (back)

Flannel blanket (close-up)

Flannel blanket (back, close up)

I made this blanket with their girls in mind, especially Claudia. And here are crinkly squares that little ones love to scrunch.

5″ x 5″ Crinkle Toys (cotton and minky)

My inaugural offering. Want to buy them for a good cause? CuddLeS for Claudia.

** Update 2/25/13: The blanket has been purchased and sent to its new home! Thanks, Julie S.! **

I don’t have an online store set up yet. E-mail me at jtiu (at) comcast (dot) net or contact me at the Facebook page. A percentage of the sales of CuddLeS items will go to The CdLS Foundation. I’ll explain more via e-mail.

Going to make more stuff, and hopefully soon, probably posting next month!

**Update 10/1/13: Crinkle Toys are purchased.**

11/2/13: RIP Claudia Rose Tiongson. Forever in our hearts.