For more on Carli’s pillowcase project and her charity, go to www.carlicares.org.
Carli Kennedy wants to make sewing cool again. The 12-year-old from Alpharetta already has done just that. She started her own charity and during Spring Break, delivered 150 pillowcases that she sewed for kids at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Carli was excited when she received a note back that some of the pillowcases are going to kids being treated at the child abuse clinic. “They get to take the pillowcase home with them with some nice gift surprises inside, such as books, journals, personal hygiene items,” the note said. “The kids are so excited… the faces are priceless.”And how cool is that?
Q: Other than sewing, what do you like to do?
A: Everything artsy. I like to write books in my spare time, usually fantasy and adventure, and draw and read. I also love drama and I go to acting camp every summer.
Q: How did you learn to sew?
A: My Omi, which is German for grandmother, gave me a sewing machine for Christmas when I was in the fourth grade and taught me how to sew a pillowcase.
Q: Did you want a sewing machine?
A: I was definitely in the mood for a sewing machine. At first, I thought it would be a cool way for my grandmother and me to connect. She lives in California. Then I thought it would be cool to use it for charity, to help people.
Q: Why did you decide to do pillowcases for kids in the hospital?
A: I think a pillowcase is a great way to express the first thing I ever sewed. I just thought about these kids sleeping in this hospital. I thought, if I sewed them a pillowcase, they might be happier. When they lay their head down, they will know that someone is thinking of them.
Q: Are the pillowcases all the same fabric or different?
A: They are all different. Some are floral. Some have baseballs and footballs on them. I didn't want to do them specifically for girls or boys.
Q: How long did it take you to sew all those pillowcases?
A: A year. I would have to have a schedule because I would have so much homework. I would do five pillowcases on Tuesday, three on Wednesday, and on like that. I wanted to make at least 150. During Spring Break, I dropped them off at the hospital with my grandmother.
Q: How does it feel to learn that the pillowcases are going to children at the child abuse clinic?
A: It feels really good. At first, I was surprised. It was hard to imagine something that I was doing at home would actually get all the way into the patients' hands.
Q: Do you make only pillowcases?
A: I do a lot of different stuff. I sewed my sister a bed set. I make clothes.
Q: What do you like about sewing?
A: I am very crafty. It is also very resourceful. If your shirt loses a hem, you can always sew it back. You can always sew your own clothes if you need to.
Q: How do you plan on making sewing cool again?
A: I guess I will just start with my friends and hopefully my friends can help spread the word.
Q: What’s next now that you have delivered the pillowcases?
A: I intend to keep this project going and hopefully inspire other kids to reach out and help the community in their own way.
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