Originally Posted by
Linda Renfro
My niece who lives with me works as a CNA for a nursing home. She was telling me about some of the residents that are only supported by the state and have no family members etc., to help them with expenses for clothes or personal items. She was saying so many of them are frail and get cold so easy and have nothing to put on to keep them warm so I gave her some clothes I was going to donate to Good Will for her residents...then I got to thinking that maybe I could make some lap quilts that could also be used around their shoulders to help keep them warm this winter. I was wondering if any of you might have easy quilt patterns that I could use to make about 44 quilts with. I know of a couple but thought maybe someone might of already had done something like this, and might of worked out the kinks with really easy patterns. Or do any of you know of any easy jacket patterns...anything that would help them. I'm going to be down with a knee replacement the end of Oct. so I thought maybe this would be a good project to help others this winter for me. Thanks and all suggestions are appreciated!
Lap quilts are probably the easiest but not the cheapest. If you do them just use squares sewn together and flannel for batting.
We used sheeting for backing or flannel which ever we could get the cheapest. We also made over 150 reversible vests one year for Christmas..even the men loved them. We saw tears from men and women (tears of happiness) They had been remembered. We matched the fabric to each persons likes or past history. You can draft up a really simple pattern. Be sure to make them at least one size bigger than they wear as they have trouble getting their arms up and into anything. They went fast and easy to make. Also we would buy with our $$$$ yarn and tea towels to give to those who wanted to sew or make things they used to....We got lots of Kitchen towels with crocheted tops and buttons. We paid for the materials and then bought them back from the residents....They loved it and had a little spending money of their own. Some were not of the best quality but it was worth seeing their faces light up when they provided something for us.
We also provided paperback books to those that still read....pick them up for a dime or so at sales....They would fold the corner of the pages down on what they thought were good readings and pass them back to us or to another resident. At Christmas time we had several employees bring in things they received and did not want such as powder, perfume, lotions, BLING for the girls. Just keep your eyes open as to what you can do that does not cost you your paycheck. Even candy is a treat to them. Good Luck and have fun. Bless you for noticing others need help and doing something about it. Carol RN