Jo Lovig, RN, at University of Iowa Hospitals takes the term “warm fuzzies” literally. She has spent hours of free time cutting and sewing snugglies (flannel wraps for babies that are half blanket, half-pajamas). Even more, she donates them to the intermediate care nursery at the hospital for premature babies that often are only one or two pounds at birth.

She is a member of the Sewing for Fun group in Kalona that last April worked together to produce 21 snugglies. Linda Hiatt, owner of the store donated the fabric in April and much of it for Monday. Lovig has bought the fabric in the past.

Valentine’s Day

Monday, the group was at it again, planning to do considerably more. In fact, they will be back February 14 for an all-day sewing of the snugglies at the Kalona Chamber of Commerce office.

“Anyone who wants to help with the sewing can join us,” said Lovig.

Hiatt will provide the sewing machines, and would like to know how many. Anyone interested in helping with the project, simply may call Stitches Galore, 319-656-3562 to register.

Fabric donations also are accepted and Stitches Galore will see that Lovig receives it.

To make the snugglies, Lovig had to adapt a larger pattern for the tiny babies. Each snuggly takes at least a couple hours to make, which is why the more who assist, the more snugglies that can be done.

“We use flannel because it is warm and washable,” said Lovig.

Her efforts earned her an Above and Beyond nomination at University Hospitals.