Thanks for all the reminders about the static problems. Fleece had come to mind because of the 4-H projects we do for elder-care. It has that stretch to it which makes a nice fit. I wanted to avoid flannel because of the loose thread issue, and wool for the allergens and scratch factor. I guess for the hats, we could make the Knifty Knitter type looms and use cotton yarn, it would take a lot longer, but I wonder about the mittens.
(Knitting looms - a cardboard spool, like the ones on which ribbon comes; or for skinny belts, even a TP roll - craft sticks and duct tape. Every other stick is taped down to provide even spacing. A bent gem clip makes a needle. Wind and flip to make a tube scarf. OR, I guess, a tiny hat.)