threadsdmr

You need to to this with your heart and not worry about anything else.

GloBug

Let her buy what the pattern calls for.As hospital beds are longer then normal you may find you need more.

:-)

writerwomen

My husband has been in Senior care for many years.
We often have taken the children to visit residents in the memory wing. We have found simple things bring them temperarily in to a lucid state and their memories are so vivid. See if there are any fabrics or clothing items that may have been special to the grandma that may be of comfort to her to use in the quilt. Items like that are more comforting then something made all brand new. Do put her name in a very obvious place on the quilt for two reasons- ownership ID and for her to see her name. Using a premade comforter for a backing is not a bad idea as it will give more of a gentle tactile feel for her. Also be sure to clarify with the staff that all care for the quilt will be done by family. Also keep in mind that she may be experiencing bathroom mishaps and an expensive quilt may not be the best choice as the timing of your picking it up to launder it may be must past the middle of the night accident.

Blinkokr

You will remember, so it does not matter that she will not.
Its called LOVE

judykay

Are you going to hand quilt or machine quilt it? If MIL is not specific about what kind of quilt pattern you might consider a pretty panel & add a border and put grandma's name on it in permanent marker not a sewn on label as things tend to disappear in nursing homes through either other patients or staff. A panel would go faster.
Just a thought.

arimuse

I took care of my MIL as she went thru Alzhemiers and finally ended up in the hospital, it was very trying to say the least. What I would do is ask your MIL for any of ther moms clothes she would part with and use as much salvaged cottons from them and make a quilt from her clothing, so whe she does finally pass the quilt can be a memory for the family and grands sharet

writerwomen

In addition to fabrics etc of special interest to the Grandma- (not the MIL )consider color and texture. Another alternative which may be more appreciated is a lap quilt- one that can be easier washed, handled and less likely to get soiled- that way she can sit with it and enjoy it- you spend a great deal less time on it. A lap quilt would be preferable as most residents complain of being cold especially those who are memory impaired. Residents are encoouraged to not stay in ther rooms but to mingle so something she can take with her and show off to staff and other residents would be of special importance to her.

mimom

update: spoke to MIL about theft at nursing homes and we have decided to purchase a nice flowery quilt at walmart or kmart.

writerwomen

still would consider making her a lap quilt- somethng she will use and appreciate My husband always encouraged families to bring in a special lap quilt so the resident had a connection as well as something of their own

vicsdg

I would make a very serviceable but nice quilt for her following the good advice given here, but keep the scraps. Then knowing that 1.) it may be stolen or ruined and 2.) MIL is needy (=lonely) I would ask her if she would like to help you make a quilt for her from the scraps. This way you would be keeping her company and would have something that would remind her of her momma once she is gone.

Perhaps this way MIL will get a new hobby to fill her time; you both will have something you can talk about on the phone and decrease the need for DH to drive back and forth all the time.