Sunday, January 20, 2019

Black and White Blog Hop



Today is my day to share my project for the Black and White Blog Hop.  Thanks so much for our super talented host, Carla, for organizing this hop.



I went a different route for this hop by creating a Figet Blanket.  These are used in memory care facilities for the patients who enjoy the textures, colors and interest of the blankets to occupy their time and give them something to handle with their busy hands. At approximately 15 x 20 inches, it easily fits on a lap or table top.

The recipient of this one is a long retired teacher who continues to love to read words.  She was also a seamstress.  There are so many wonderful text prints out there now so I dug through the stash and picked some that I thought would be interesting for her.



Once opened, you can see all of the items of interest to handle and feel.


Starting in the corner, there is a working watch sewn onto a clock fabric background.



There are keys, a spring and a velcro tab with a chalkboard background.



More word fabric that has news stories of perhaps distant memories.  There is also an old wooden spool with red "thread".


Hiding out in a lower pocket is a finger puppet of a little mouse.  The pocket has added buttons and applique for more tactile stimulation.



Lions, links and letter beads......


There's a zippered pocket that has a zipper pull for easier access and can hold treasures - a plastic room card, a comb, a toothbrush and a squeaker toy.  The added prairie points throughout add even more texture and interest. 



The middle finishes off with more text fabrics of sewing terms and cats with red umbrellas.  Sewn to that are multiple strands of textured strings - ribbons, ric rac, lace and cording.



Should you know of someone with memory issues or should you have a memory care facility near you, I recommend that you search your fabrics and bits to make a few.  They are enjoyed for hours each day.  A hint if you make them would include sewing things down well.  I stitch down all knots so they cannot be untied, thus making the items removable.  You do not want small objects becoming choking hazards.  They are really fun to personalize if you know the recipient's interests.  

Please be sure to check out the other participants in this weeks Black and White Hop.  I know that I am looking forward to seeing all of the creations.

at

67 comments:

  1. ScrapatchesJanuary 20, 2019 at 9:14 PM

    This is wonderful! I have never heard of Fidgit blankets, but I can see how helpful this must be in the hands of the recipient. Thank you for opening a new world of sewing for me ... :-) Pat

    ReplyDelete
  2. Pink RoseJanuary 20, 2019 at 10:14 PM

    Hi Mary wow this is a fabulous idea and the one you have made is beautiful,well done my friend xx

    ReplyDelete
  3. Danice GJanuary 20, 2019 at 10:55 PM

    Very creative, and the pop of red is perfect.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Vroomans' QuiltsJanuary 20, 2019 at 11:12 PM

    This is such a lovely gift. Our guild is going to make fidgit quilts this summer for an Alzhiemer Ward.

    ReplyDelete
  5. sketchrsJanuary 21, 2019 at 12:00 AM

    Thank you for sharing your Figit Blanket - it is amazing.
    Ronelle

    ReplyDelete
  6. AnitaJanuary 21, 2019 at 1:15 AM

    What a wonderful and thoughtful project! The pops of red are perfect!

    ReplyDelete
  7. VireyaJanuary 21, 2019 at 3:28 AM

    That is a very thoughtful and caring version of a fidget quilt. I find it incredibly sad that such things are required, but I'm sure the recipient will find some comfort in the personal touches you have included.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Anna brownJanuary 21, 2019 at 3:32 AM

    Great idea I made one for a friends mom.. and also remeber things need to be able to wash they are not going to take the time to remove things...Most places are like hospitals...

    ReplyDelete
  9. Kathy S.January 21, 2019 at 3:40 AM

    Beautiful job! Love your fabric and fidget selection.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Carol SwiftJanuary 21, 2019 at 3:45 AM

    What a beautiful fidget quilt and so fun, too! I love this idea, especially since I spent a lot of time visiting memory care units while taking care of my German lady. This would be such a nice gift!

    ReplyDelete
  11. ginJanuary 21, 2019 at 4:33 AM

    Great work! The recepient will have a wonderful gift.

    ReplyDelete
  12. DorianJanuary 21, 2019 at 4:33 AM

    What a great idea! and a great blanket. I love all the little bits and pieces you put on it.

    ReplyDelete
  13. RamonaJanuary 21, 2019 at 4:35 AM

    Mary, this is one of the nicest fidget quilts I've seen. I love it in the black, white and red and how wonderful that you used all of the text prints for your friends reading pleasure. Great finish and what a wonderful gift.

    ReplyDelete
  14. KateJanuary 21, 2019 at 4:46 AM

    Your fidget blanket is fabulous and such a splendid idea!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Quilting BabciaJanuary 21, 2019 at 4:47 AM

    This is just about the sweetest thing, and the little mouse is over-the-top cuteness! Your friend will love her little fidget quilt! A couple gals in our quilt ministry have made these little quilts for relatives in nursing homes, and I'll be sure to show them photos of yours for more inspiration.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Marjorie's Busy CornerJanuary 21, 2019 at 4:49 AM

    OH my soul, so very neat, Mary...love it!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Elizabeth CoughlinJanuary 21, 2019 at 4:51 AM

    Wow what a clever, and beautiful, project!

    ReplyDelete
  18. tink's momJanuary 21, 2019 at 4:53 AM

    What a wonderful concept, and you worked it to the max. Your friend will truly enjoy it for hours on end. Thank you for sharing your fidgit blanket with us and for sharing the story behind it.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Lorna McMahonJanuary 21, 2019 at 5:16 AM

    This little blanket has so many wonderful features! But the wee mouse is my favourite. Lots of love and care are sewn into this treasure!

    ReplyDelete
  20. jrquiltsJanuary 21, 2019 at 6:12 AM

    THANK YOU FOR SHARING, LOVE THE IDEAS.
    hjrogers@sympatico.ca

    ReplyDelete
  21. SharonJanuary 21, 2019 at 6:31 AM

    What a wonderful idea! I'm sure that she will love it.

    Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Siouxzq64@gmail.comJanuary 21, 2019 at 6:38 AM

    Great idea and love all the different items to fidget with.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Anita Jackson @ Domestic FelicityJanuary 21, 2019 at 6:44 AM

    Your ideas for the fidget quilts are quite wonderful. I've been wanting to make some after my commitment list is finished.

    ReplyDelete
  24. WebsterquiltJanuary 21, 2019 at 6:46 AM

    That is so much fun!

    ReplyDelete
  25. beaquilterJanuary 21, 2019 at 6:53 AM

    What a great gift! yours is so sweet!

    ReplyDelete
  26. NancyJanuary 21, 2019 at 6:54 AM

    Oh, such a great idea! And a creative project for those of us who may have loads of past crafting supplies. I can think of my ribbons, charms from scrapbooking, etc. And I am sure there are many care facilities that would accept these.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Jane HolbrookJanuary 21, 2019 at 6:55 AM

    The growing popularity of fidget blankets is heart warming and bittersweet because of all it tends to. Your fidget blanket is the finest one I've seen because of the many creative sewing details. I am so grateful that I visited your blog. I am also a retired RN so we have that connection as well as being quilters. Blessings to you for being such a thoughtful friend and making this gift. I am going to make a couple for elder relatives. You are inspiring.

    ReplyDelete
  28. CathieJJanuary 21, 2019 at 6:58 AM

    I started making one of these for my FIL, but his mental state and health deteriorated too quickly. This is so wonderful for someone who loves words and sewing.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Lori SmanskiJanuary 21, 2019 at 7:00 AM

    wow this is amazing. thanks for inspiring.
    quilting dash lady at comcast dot net

    ReplyDelete
  30. LorisJanuary 21, 2019 at 7:17 AM

    Such a thoughtful and interesting gift! Great use of your Black and White!

    ReplyDelete
  31. works4meJanuary 21, 2019 at 7:20 AM

    What a wonderful and special quilt. I am sure the recipient will be very pleased getting such a thoughtful and pretty quilt.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Quilting TangentJanuary 21, 2019 at 7:41 AM

    Wonderful idea.

    ReplyDelete
  33. CalicojoanJanuary 21, 2019 at 8:18 AM

    That is absolutely awesome. What a labor of love and searching for the perfect fabrics really makes it personal. You have done a spectacular job!

    ReplyDelete
  34. DeonnJanuary 21, 2019 at 8:19 AM

    Wow,Mary, this is truly inspirational! What a neat collection of fidgety fun ideas, It's brilliant that you used text prints just for her. I have been meaning to make some fidget quilts myself. Thanks for the great ideas.

    ReplyDelete
  35. CarlaJanuary 21, 2019 at 10:20 AM

    Mary, this is incredible. Every little detail is so well thought out. You have certainly given me inspiration. If you ever make this a pattern I would love to have it. A huge thank you for joining the B&W Hop. Your post is so motivational. We should all be as considerate as you.

    ReplyDelete
  36. barbara woodsJanuary 21, 2019 at 10:41 AM

    that's a great idea, our group is making for the nursing homes

    ReplyDelete
  37. Brenda @ Songbird DesignsJanuary 21, 2019 at 10:47 AM

    Love this! I'm sewing with a group next week to make some of these for hospice patients as well. Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  38. ~Melody from TwoMakerChicks.comJanuary 21, 2019 at 11:22 AM

    You did a wonderful job on that fidget blanket. With all the different things it will probably get a lot of love.

    ReplyDelete
  39. VasudhaJanuary 21, 2019 at 12:13 PM

    I'd never heard of a fidget blanket. This is the most wonderful gift for someone in memory care. Thank you for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  40. Mary AnnJanuary 21, 2019 at 1:25 PM

    This is a lovely gift for your friend. I had never heard of them but will definitely keep it in mind now that I have. Thank you for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  41. SusanJanuary 21, 2019 at 1:40 PM

    Fantastic detail on this - it should be quite the hit!

    ReplyDelete
  42. OPQuiltJanuary 21, 2019 at 2:51 PM

    Mary
    This is amazing! I loved reading about your fidget quilt, as I know I'll need one in my (hopefully, far off) future, but can also think of others who could use one. All your details are precious, and thoughtful, and hopefully will give her a lot of pleasure.

    Did you have a pattern, or just go to it, adding and thinking up things as you went? So fabulous!

    ReplyDelete
  43. JADE1712January 21, 2019 at 3:15 PM

    She still loves it and shows it to me every time we FaceTime! The squeaker drives Layla crazy; she thinks I bought her a new toy every time she hears it and runs around the house looking for her toy.

    ReplyDelete
  44. DianeJanuary 21, 2019 at 3:27 PM

    what a very impressive way to help others. I applaud you for thinking of others and teaching many of us a new way that we can help other. So you have not only helped the person you made the fidget blanket for but for each of us who you have taught to make fidget blankets your contributions is a gift that keeps giving and giving. Thank you so very much.

    ReplyDelete
  45. KayJanuary 21, 2019 at 4:22 PM

    This is one of the prettiest and well thought out fidget blankets I've ever seen. She's going to love it.

    ReplyDelete
  46. JJJanuary 21, 2019 at 7:10 PM

    That is such a clever idea and I love the fabrics that you used.

    ReplyDelete
  47. Karrin HurdJanuary 21, 2019 at 8:10 PM

    What an awesome project!

    ReplyDelete
  48. MichelleJanuary 21, 2019 at 9:46 PM

    This such a wonderful project, suited perfectly. She going to love it!

    ReplyDelete
  49. SheilaJanuary 22, 2019 at 4:32 AM

    This has the be the nicest fidget blanket I have ever seen , I am sure the recipient will get many hours of enjoyment feeling and touching the various items you have chosen .

    ReplyDelete
  50. KarenJanuary 22, 2019 at 5:14 AM

    I have always wanted to make fidget blankets but I am afraid of not attaching things secure enough. Very pretty.

    ReplyDelete
  51. allthingzsewnJanuary 22, 2019 at 5:59 AM

    Wow that is one great fidget blanket. I'm a fan of the red, black and white too.

    ReplyDelete
  52. dqJanuary 22, 2019 at 6:02 AM

    This was a fantastic post to read! There are so many thoughtful details that went into that quilt for this elderly lady. I love it!

    ReplyDelete
  53. Cheree @ The Morning Latte January 22, 2019 at 6:48 AM

    What a fantastic project, and so well-done! I am a home-bound extra-ordinary minister for our church so regularly visit memory-care facilities. I know they would love to have something like this! Will definitely file this away as I think it would make a great group sewing project!

    ReplyDelete
  54. MariaJanuary 22, 2019 at 7:33 AM

    A fantastic Fidget Blanket made for your B/W Blog Hop.
    I know these special blankets aew much loved by the recipient...

    ReplyDelete
  55. Evi Erlinda - Brain PlasticityJanuary 22, 2019 at 9:45 AM

    prefect creations....
    greeting- evi erlinda

    ReplyDelete
  56. JeannaJanuary 22, 2019 at 9:56 AM

    This is a very thoughtful and useful project. You included many things that will have special meaning for the recipient.

    ReplyDelete
  57. SuzeJanuary 22, 2019 at 1:53 PM

    Mary, what a great quilt! I am not in a category to be receiving a fidget blanket YET. However, I have always been a fidgety person. I always have to be doing something. Now that I am officially disabled, I am on my laptop most of the time looking at ideas for quilts, cross stitch, or knitting. I do knit once in a long while - easy things like dishcloths. I get bored easily and want to switch projects. Sometimes I have more than one dishcloth on different needles at the same time. I did buy Aida cloth for two cross stitch projects and have not started them yet. I appreciate your telling how important it is to secure the items on the blanket. I went through the end stages of dementia with my best friend and her mother. I didn't know them until the end stages. It was sad. My father had Parkinson's and it was a tragic disease, too. You put immense thought into this and you will be blessed for it. I hope Eileen loves and appreciates it to the extent possible The bright red should catch her attention, too. Thanks for sharing a wonderful project!

    ReplyDelete
  58. The Joyful QuilterJanuary 23, 2019 at 6:30 AM

    Those prairie points on the back absolutely MADE the quilt!! What a thoughtful gift.

    ReplyDelete
  59. KathleenJanuary 23, 2019 at 6:46 AM

    That is one adorable fidget blanket. I love all the little tings that you added - the wooden spool especially struck me. This will be a wonderful gift for the former teacher/sewer1

    ReplyDelete
  60. BarbJanuary 23, 2019 at 7:39 AM

    I want to make some, where did you get the pattern? I just love yours, if there is not a pattern, can I copy yours? I won't make a pattern to sell, just for me to make for the assisted living my mother is in.

    ReplyDelete
  61. Super Mom - No Cape!January 23, 2019 at 9:25 AM

    What an awesome quilt!! I love all the fidget details that you added. My favorite is that little mouse finger puppet! And what a wonderful gift that's sure to keep fidgety fingers busy.

    ReplyDelete
  62. JoanneJanuary 23, 2019 at 10:27 AM

    This is wonderful! Your fabric choices and objects are perfect for the recipient. I made one of these many years ago and know that it was well-liked and used. Your post is a gentle reminder that I should consider doing this again.

    ReplyDelete
  63. sewyouquilt2January 25, 2019 at 3:55 AM

    Love your project and that clock fabric. I have been looking for a clock for the wall on my stone soup project. Thought i had one but i dont.

    ReplyDelete
  64. em's scrapbagJanuary 25, 2019 at 12:58 PM

    The care you put into your fidget quilt is amazing. What a gift!

    ReplyDelete
  65. nicolesenderJanuary 26, 2019 at 4:28 PM

    What a wonderful idea! So clever.
    nikilsend(at)outlook(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  66. Soma @ inkTorrents.comJanuary 27, 2019 at 12:49 AM

    You have outdone yourself with this one, Mary! Such a thoughtful gift. I am amazed by all the wonderful, beautiful details you added. The watch is my favourite and the chalkboard fabric is so great for a teacher. Thank you so much for sharing.

    -Soma

    ReplyDelete
  67. KimJanuary 29, 2019 at 2:39 AM

    Oh, this memory quilt is amazing, Mary! I love all the fabulous details that you have imagined and then put onto the quilt. One could look at this beautiful quilt for hours and have many memories come to mind. Love the idea of a clock that tells the time. Such a fun and important quilt to gift to a teacher.

    ReplyDelete