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Sunday, March 22, 2015

Making Fidget Quilts--Not Reviewing

I am behind in reviewing because I've been back in the studio after a long hiatus.  

I'm making small fidget quilts for AD/dementia patients.  Dementia patients tend to have restless hands, and the quilts are very tactile, giving a place for hands to feel texture and tactile elements.  I wish I'd known about them when my father's hands appeared to be sorting papers, as if he were still in the office.
The butterfly is dimensional, the prairie points can be fidgeted with,
 the same with the loops, 
and the embroidery adds another textural element 
for fingers to linger over.


 So far, I'm using all kinds of scraps and odds and ends 
that I've made or collected that sit around waiting for a purpose.

F.Q. #2

More loops, prairie points, buttons, some fabric flowers, etc.

They have been through the washing machine and dryer,
so that I know how they will stand up.


I'm almost finished with the third one.
They are keeping me busy,
and away from my reviewing,
but they are so much fun.

21 comments:

  1. What a lovely thing to make, Jenclair! And I know just what you mean about the restless hands. There was one lady at my Dad's care center that always carried a doll who was her "baby". She would have loved one of these because she was always wrapping and upwrapping it in a towel. The restless and hands and the walking, walking, walking. Dad's place had an intricate "path" of doors and going in and out around the yard. All enclosed, but suited for the walkers - which he was one. We can wait on the reviewing. :-)

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    1. I just recently heard about these through another blogging friend on my quilting blog, but they are such a good idea. Your description of the "path" through the doors in and around the yard is also a wonderful idea.

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  2. These are beautiful and what a wonderful project to be working on! I'm sure they will bring comfort and joy to the recipients! I worked in a nursing home for a couple of years and while we didn't have a designated Alzheimer's ward, we did have some residents with dementia. It was so hard to see them struggling and their families too. Hope you'll show us a pic of the third one when you complete it!

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    1. I'm so glad I discovered this project; turning something I enjoy into something useful and comforting is rewarding. The hope is that the quilts will soothe some of those long hours.

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  3. I agree; they are gorgeous and I think it's a wonderful project. I'm sure anyone who's seen them will like them (I know I do!). Looking forward to your third quilt. :)

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    1. Thanks, Melody! My blogging friend Michelle is always working for AD patients and frequently inspires me with her projects. This is my favorite because I know the toll the disease takes from watching my father's decline.

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  4. Gorgeous - so tactile looking - love the details that pop out as one gets caught up in looking closely.

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    1. Thinking up the details and making sure they are all washable is fun. There are some cool fidget quilts on Etsy, but many of them have details that aren't washable and some nursing home have rules about what is acceptable for these donations. Kind of like requirements for children under three.

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  5. Awesome quilts! I'm very impressed. And good for you for doing something so cool. I especially like the butterfly!

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    1. Thanks, Lark! They are small, so they can be held in the lap. I plan to make some more butterflies. :)

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  6. I had never known this about dementia patients. Definitely something to remember for the future. They are beautiful quilts, Jenclair.

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    1. I don't know about all of them, but it is certainly a common phenomenon. I suppose that is reasonable, there are more nerve endings in the tongue, lips, and hands than in any other area of the body. Maybe patients in decline get the majority of sensory input through the hands and fingers as their other senses fail.

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  7. Gosh, these are beautiful! And so helpful for those suffering from dementia! I love the creativity of this project and wish I knew how to sew & quilt. Kuddos!!

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    1. Thanks, Les! I mentioned to Michelle (who got me started on these) that the process is as much therapy for me as for any AD or dementia patient who might enjoy these quilts. And I get to use up remnants and scraps of all sizes--so I'm recycling as well! :)

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    2. My mom has been doing some sewing, so I should see if she is interested in doing something like this. Is there somewhere that she can find some patterns for these?

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    3. There aren't any real patterns that I know of, but Pinterest has lots of examples. Since some nursing homes have certain requirements about what they will accept, I have followed Michelle's suggestion that the quilts be completely washable. If your mom sews, she shouldn't have any problem. Most of them are around 25x25"--small enough to hold in a lap. They really are fun to make!

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    4. Thanks for the info! I'll pass it along to my mom.

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  8. So beautiful! I'm sure the recipients will love them :)

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    1. Thanks, Stefanie! I certainly hope they do find them comforting!

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