My aunt will soon be going into a palliative care or hospice facility. She will be moved about via wheelchair. I heard of a 'lap quilt' which is the perfect size to cover her legs without getting caught in the wheels. Does anyone of this...have a pattern or a place I could use for a pattern. Thanks muchly!

A lap quilt is any pattern or whole panel quilt that is about 48 x 54" . Any size within 6 " of this is fine. It is long enough to cover the lap and legs, and wide enough to tuck in on each side when someone is sitting in a chair. You can go wild or just tie 2 pieces of fabric together. Even get a panel of fleece which doesn't need to be hemmed, just cut out.

I agree. Fancy or simple, it will be cherished because you took the time to do it for her. Thats the main thing--showing you care and took time to do something special for her.

I made a few for the nursing home,I like to use flannel, using the 6" block. I tyed it together. make it simple.

http://www.sewing.org/enthusiast/html/ec_lap.html
Lap robe for wheelchair users

http://www.orgsites.com/ok/kiamichiquiltguild/WheelchairQuillow.pdf
WheelchairQuillow.pdf (application/pdf Object)

These are free patterns....I might make the second one for my MIL....she is in a NH and sits in a chair most the day.

I am sorry to hear about your aunt and I know she will treasure the lap quilt you are going to make her.

Country Quilter - you are so wonderful and I notice you always seem to have a link to somewhere. Thank you!
~Tiffany

I have made some using squares of fabric with different textures (all very washable) to provide some tactile stimulation. I also put short zippers and pockets on some. These are appropriate for someone whose mind is not as agile as in past days. I think that being washable is the most important criteria, because the robes will not receive the same care as we give them at home, and they need to be durable.

Tiffany.....other than quilting my next favroite past time is surfing the net! LOL Especially for free patterns!

After I printed out that second pattern, my husband looked at it and said his mother might forget she has her feet tucked into it and try to get up and walk.... hmmm.. maybe he has something there!? She falls alot, thats why she is in there.... she's already fallen once since she got there!

Its something to consider if you are thinking about using this pattern for an elderly person.....however, that said, I might make one for myself for sitting in the evenings and doing hand stitching! :)

Thanks for the ideas and links. I think I'll use the 'quillow' version as a pattern without the pocket for the legs. I think it would be too dangerous and difficult to have the back of the leg section on it. I found some fleece on clearance and the colour will blend with the shawl I made her last year. Hopefully that will be warm enough for her.

Thanks