Angel Wings
These patterns are valuable resources we use to craft clothing, reusable sanitary towels, and quilts for underprivileged children worldwide.
You are welcome to download and utilize them for sewing purposes in support of Rags To Riches. It’s essential to understand though, that these patterns are not meant for commercial use. They align with the compassionate ethos of Rags to Riches, aiming to assist those in need.
Some of these patterns are official Rags To Riches patterns, some have been crafted by our team members, while others have been curated from online sources sharing a similar commitment to making a positive impact. We kindly request that you employ them with responsibility and in alignment with our mission.
To many, this is a very touchy and delicate subject but it needs worldwide attention. In the world’s poorer countries and rural areas – most particularly in Africa and Asia – girls who are menstruating usually can’t afford sanitary towels. Instead, they’ll use old rags.
Worse, some will use unhygienic substances like sand, sawdust, leaves or ash. And, no matter what they use as sanitary material, they’re very likely to skip school during their periods.
Research has estimated that one in ten African adolescent girls misses school while menstruating. Many eventually drop out because of menstruation-related issues. These include the fact that affordable sanitary protection isn’t easy to access, the social taboos related to menstruation and the culture of silence that surrounds it. We at Rags to Riches UAE make what we fondly call Angel Wings.
These are fully washable and reusable sanitary kits that we send to young ladies in need around the world. The kit includes reusable/fully washable sanitary pads, toiletries, and underwear. This helps girls to be able to stay in school and carry on with their education, which is key.
To many, this is a very touchy and delicate subject but it needs worldwide attention. In the world’s poorer countries and rural areas – most particularly in Africa and Asia – girls who are menstruating usually can’t afford sanitary towels. Instead, they’ll use old rags. Worse, some will use unhygienic substances like sand, sawdust, leaves or ash. And, no matter what they use as sanitary material, they’re very likely to skip school during their periods.
- Your Angel Wing pad can be used on either side!
- One side should have one line stitched down it in the middle, This side is suitable for light/normal flow period days.
- The other side should have two lines (or a narrow rectangle) stitched down the middle. This side is suitable for heavy flow period days.
- Use only one side each time and then put your pad to wash.
- Place your pad into the gusset of your underwear and secure in it place using the snap fasteners to fix it around the gusset and hold it securely in place.
- You should change your pad between one and six times a day depending on the flow of your period. You will know it’s time to change if it starts to feel wet next to your skin.
- The heavier your flow, the more often you will have to change pads.
- The lighter your flow, the longer you will be able to wear the pads.
- Once you have used your Angel Wing pad it is best to try to start the cleaning process as soon as possible to prevent the blood staining the pads.
- If possible, soak immediately in cold water (blood is a protein stain so using hot water will cause the stain to set, so always use cold water).
- Place the pad with the stained side facing down so that as the blood loosens and leaves the pad it drops to the bottom of the bucket/sink/container and away from the pad.
- Allow the pad to soak for at least 30-40 minutes and you will find that the washing process is much easier.
Method A: (Hand washing)
- Salt is a good natural product to help clean blood out of fabric. Once you have soaked the pad, put salt and/or soap onto it and rub the fabric of the pad against itself to loosen any persistent stains. Then rinse thoroughly until the blood, soap etc is completely removed.
- In your final rinse water, it is a good idea to use a little vinegar or a few drops of tea-tree oil as a natural way to sanitise your pads and leave them smelling fresh.
- Wring out as much water as possible then gently pull the pad into shape.
- Hang out to dry, in the sun if possible as this aids in the sanitising process too.
Method B: (Machine Washing)
- Always soak first as per the instructions above*, once soaked you can machine wash at a maximum of 40 degrees with similar coloured items.
- Do not use fabric softener as this will inhibit the absorbency of the pad.
Thank you for contacting Rags to Riches UAE about young ladies that need our assistance.
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