Lap quilts for nursing home residents
09-15-2012, 06:59 AM
#51
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Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Michigan
Posts: 1,664
These are great for keeping you nice and cozy. My sister made me one and I in turn made a few as gifts for my friends who like me are on the cold side in the winter. They are comfortable and not bulky, look for fleece on sale or use coupons at Joanns and they are super simple & quick to make.
09-15-2012, 07:02 AM
#52
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Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: NW Arkansas
Posts: 2,083
Another item that helps keep shoulders warm is the shawl that has pockets on the ends. I don't remember the pattern right now. It is a long rectangle with turned up ends to make the pockets. There is also one that can be knitted or crocheted.
Mother had several triangular and half circle knitted and crocheted shawls we took to church to keep the air conditioner's cold off our necks during service. They were shorter, more like capelets that came across our backs close to our shoulder blades, then closed in the front. ( My girls would always tease about looking like "old" ladies. But were warm and cozy- kept them from wiggling so much. )
Mother had several triangular and half circle knitted and crocheted shawls we took to church to keep the air conditioner's cold off our necks during service. They were shorter, more like capelets that came across our backs close to our shoulder blades, then closed in the front. ( My girls would always tease about looking like "old" ladies. But were warm and cozy- kept them from wiggling so much. )
09-15-2012, 07:56 AM
#53
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Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Between the dashes of a tombstone
Posts: 12,716
Your simple request has snowballed! Think of all the nh residents that will have a new quilt this Christmas because of your thread topic!
I must tell you that years ago DH's great aunt was gifted a small lap quilt. DH's parents acquired it when she passed and they used it as a shoulder or lap quilt at the home. When FIL went to nursing home it went with him. Now that he has passed, the quilt (now well worn) is at our house and my GC ask for "Gpa John's blankie" at nap time. Who would've thought the donation of a quilt over 30 years ago would have this kind of journey?
I must tell you that years ago DH's great aunt was gifted a small lap quilt. DH's parents acquired it when she passed and they used it as a shoulder or lap quilt at the home. When FIL went to nursing home it went with him. Now that he has passed, the quilt (now well worn) is at our house and my GC ask for "Gpa John's blankie" at nap time. Who would've thought the donation of a quilt over 30 years ago would have this kind of journey?
09-15-2012, 08:09 AM
#54
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Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Southeast Georgia
Posts: 2,526
I would love to help. My mother had Alzhiemer's and was in the nursing home for 3 years. You wouldn't believe the condition some of those folks are in. There are many who have no family and have been forgotten by friends. They have nothing and are so glad for anything. I say let's go for it and when Linda gets enough, we can branch out to other areas!
09-15-2012, 08:11 AM
#55
Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 73
I use basic 4-patch & alternate with sq same size. You can make these with theme, 2 colors, or just every patch different or themed fabric scraps. Make sure to use nonslippery material on back. some poly blends for example ok on front. Can be tied or quilted. Have made lots of them. Even from jeans & put flannel on back no batting. make sure everything is washed & can stand HOT water. & don't forget to make guy themes. Depened on fabric I use 4'-6" for 4-patch blocke. I try to fit size to 44" backing or width of fabric. which is wide enough, especiallly if they are wheel chair bound. Have fun!!
09-15-2012, 09:14 AM
#56
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: New York
Posts: 5,665
I worked in a nursing home for three years as an Acitivity Assistant and I loved it. Just be warned...many items that belong to the residents end up "missing". It means the quilt you make may find its way out of the building in to someone else's posession.
09-15-2012, 09:41 AM
#58
Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Posts: 105
If people would help out that would be awesome!!! I know it's a lot to ask of people because we are all busy with our own lives, but when my niece told me she had to go take clothes from other residents to clothe some of the people that didn't have anything to keep them warm my heart just broke. I thought it's the least I can do to help keep someone warm and comfortable...we never know when it could be us or someone we care about.
I have several bolts of flannel I bought last year from JoAnn's when they had their sale so I probably have enough for several dozen backings. Any help would be greatly appreciated and if any of you would like the name of the nursing home for their own reference I will certainly provide it to show it's a legit cause. It's just something I thought of doing on my own to help make the life a little better for some people that can't help themselves.
I have several bolts of flannel I bought last year from JoAnn's when they had their sale so I probably have enough for several dozen backings. Any help would be greatly appreciated and if any of you would like the name of the nursing home for their own reference I will certainly provide it to show it's a legit cause. It's just something I thought of doing on my own to help make the life a little better for some people that can't help themselves.
09-15-2012, 10:19 AM
#59
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 345
Also, please give this some thought. Every Christmas most clubs and organizations collect tons of toys for kids. I want to suggest that this year you request items for nursing homes instead. Being a nurse, I have always been aware of this extreme need. Surprisingly, I usually met with resistance because it is usually easier to go out and grab a toy than to give some thought to what a nursing home resident might need. Also, please leave some place where the name of the resident can be put...... these things sometimes acquire legs.
09-15-2012, 12:33 PM
#60
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Michigan
Posts: 1,664
For the shawls or lap quilts if you don't have the time to quilt them you can get some beautiful fleece at Joann's and it is almost always on sale. They have regular fleece and polar fleece and it is wide so you don't need a large amount for each one.
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