Lap quilts for nursing home residents
#101
Having just made several flannel baby blankets, I think they would make good lightweightlap quilts for this project idea. Missouri Star Quilt Co has a tutorial on making them. They are about 35" square, self bound with a mitered-corner border, very attractive, and quick and easy to make. They take 2 yards total of flannel (1 1/4 yards of one color and 3/4 yard of contrast; I buy 2 yards of each and make two blankets, reversing the colors) and it would be easy enough to add a label for a name before stitching the two pieces together.
#102
Attached, I hope, is a picture of a quilt I made for our nephew that is in a wheelchair. I also made them for our WWII veterans that went on our local Honor Flight. They made up real quick - I could make one after work at night. If you would like the name of the pattern, let me know and I will look it up tonight. I'm sure the folks you make them for will really appreciate them. I should mention that these lap quilts only take two fabrics of a yard each, if I remember right. They would be great out of flannel.
Last edited by Sophie2; 09-17-2012 at 06:09 AM.
#103
Super Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Florida - formerly Montana
Posts: 3,504
Here's a link that you could use scrappy strips: http://www.modabakeshop.com/2010/08/pure-comfort.html Once you take it off, it can be put at the foot of the bed to keep feet warm.
I want to thank you, Linda Renfroe for bringing up this subject. We saw so many residents in the home that never had visitors. It wasn't that their family members were neglecting them, it was that they didn't have family members. This particular nursing home had super volunteers that made lap quilts & crocheted shawls etc, to keep the residents warm.
#106
Super Member
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Rocky Mountains
Posts: 1,866
I know when my dad got sick he couldn't handle weight on his legs. We found fleece to be warm and light weight. Also because there is no sewing, they are very fast. This time of year the yardage stores have fleece at a good price.
#107
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Seward Alaska
Posts: 319
We have made several for the nursing home here, they did request a specific size for the lap quilts due to several of the residents being in wheel chairs. There are many free patterns on the internet that you can use. We made string blocks which were quilt as you go for many of them. The others we just used simple patterns like 6/1/2 blocks sewn together, or nine patch etc.
Our nursing home keeps a stock of them so that they can be changed out or washed as needed. Every couple of years we do a new batch for them.
Our nursing home keeps a stock of them so that they can be changed out or washed as needed. Every couple of years we do a new batch for them.
#108
Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: North Olmsted, Ohio
Posts: 128
my sister and I had a day of sewing with 9 and 10 yr olds girl scouts. we had them sew lap blankets for the nursing home nearby. then had them take it to the residents. it went over very big and wanted more. The reward for the girls was their badge for community service and the opportunity to help those that did not have much. the residents really enjoyed the girls and the blankets. we plan on doing it again soon... and the girls loved learning how to sew and want to make more.
#109
Earlier I posted a picture of a lap quilt I made for my nephew that is in a wheelchair. I was asked to post the pattern. It is called "Leg Cozies" by Mountain Meadow Designs. I tried the website listed, but it does not appear it is working, but when I google Mountain Meadow Designs, it does come up with the Leg Cozies pattern shown. It was a very easy pattern and in the instructions she mentions that it is a good pattern for community service projects.
#110
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Colfax, LA
Posts: 346
I've done this, but I just used fleece fabric and bound it with ready-made binding. Fleece won't fray and doesn't have to be bound, but it holds up better in the laundry if bound. It's light-weight and warm. I often found pieces big enough in the remanant bin in fabric stores.
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08-28-2011 05:41 PM