Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Fidget Quilts #3 and #4

Alzheimer's patients often exhibit repetitive behavior and and fidgeting.
  • Fidgeting - Someone with dementia may fidget constantly. As with pacing, try to distract their attention and offer reassurance. Try giving the person something to occupy their hands, such as a soft toy or worry beads, or provide a 'rummage' box containing interesting objects.  (source:  The Alzheimer's Society)
Fidget quilts provide a way to occupy the hands.

I've finished two more quilts to be donated.  Mary plans to donate hers for Easter, which is a nice idea.  I may wait until I have 8 or 10 ready.

Number 3 is complete, I pretty much tossed it in the flower bed for the picture.  I need a way to hang things outside.



 

I mentioned in an earlier post that I might use some of Bryce Eleanor's drawings for a quilt, and I still would like to do that, but we didn't get around to doing any drawing on her last visit.  

Somewhere I saw some applique animals with arms and legs loose and decided that a person with AD or dementia might enjoy the "face" aspect as well as the various textural items. I've looked and looked for the site (thought I'd pinned it, but no such luck), and there was so much colorful inspiration there.  I'll share it when I find it again.

Anyway, I drew a silly dog on paper and made the applique elements for f.q. #4.   The result is my favorite so far.  Skipped the binding on this.  I meant to include some tags before turning the quilt, but forgot.  




 TaDa!
Both quilts went through 
the washing machine before I took the pics.
They survived in tact.

I have an idea for #6 that I'm going to try,
then I'm making more silly animal quilts
with floppy ears and arms and legs.

Happy  Mid-Week!

10 comments:

  1. What an awesome thing to do! I am honored to read your blog. My father died Dec. 13, 2013. He had A.D. Thank you for caring! Too many people don't understand!

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    1. Thanks, Karen! I lost my father to A.D. as well and wish I'd known about these little quilts at the time!

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  2. You seem positively inspired by these fidget quilts!

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    1. They serve so many purposes for me, and I hope for those who receive them. I haven't done any quilting in several years; this is a perfect way to get back to it!

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  3. What a lovely thing to give to AD or dementia patients. I'm sure it gives them comfort and the bright colors make anyone feel better. You're a jewel.

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  4. I'm having such a good time with these little quilts. They are on my mind a great deal as I think of new ways to use my scraps and left-overs. Knowing that they will be appreciated by those who have little left to appreciate is big benefit. Toward the end, my father had few if any pleasures left, but that road is a long one, and any pleasures available along the way are good.

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  5. You little quilts keep getting cuter and cuter! I think you're getting obsessed (not a bad thing in this case) and your ideas are just adorable. Your cords are perfect for legs and arms. This puppy could be one of B.E. drawings from her younger years.

    I have decided to donate my 4-5 quilts while I'm off for Easter. I plan to visit mom and dad's grave to pray a rosary; the nursing home where she was a patient for a while is practically across the street, so there's that convenience, plus it's a good way to celebrate Easter.....don't you agree?

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    1. I love pulling out all the fiddly things I've worked on just to soothe my own hands and being able to use them to soothe the hands of someone else! I think donating your quilts as an Easter gift is a great idea, Mary.

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  6. these quilts are lovely. I've always thought that I'd like to make a full size patchwork quilt but haven't got the skill to do so - have you done one?
    Lynn :D

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    Replies
    1. No, I'm too intimidated by a full size quilt and trying to quilt it without a long-arm machine. The largest I've made was a child's quilt--4 x 6 ft. I think, and I struggled with quilting that one!

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Good to hear from you!