I volunteer at a rehab center and nursing home. We made one small quilted pillow, hand sewing it and I quilted them, which the ladies enjoyed. I need more simple sewing ideas as most have had strokes or are experiencing dementia. Simple, easy to make sewing project ideas for something useful would be appreciated.
By Dorothy from Burnsville, NC
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How about a simple apron or giftbags? For the waist tie apron; seam the sides 1st (unless you find pretty panel prints); seam the bottom hem; fold the top edge over to make a casing and sew down the edge. Create the tie seaming a long, narrow length of material wrong side out; turn inside out after stitching. String through the casing and tack-stitch at each apron panel edge. For gift bags, you are basically creating a pillowcase of any size. leave a hole in one side seam of the wide casing top for ribbon to thread through.
Table napkins. Rag bags. Tooth fairy pillows. Pincushions. Yo yos (which you can do a million things with).
Seasonal pillowcases (using appropriate print fabric) for the youngest grandchildren and great grandchildren or great nieces and nephews are simple to cut and sew.
Pillowcases are easy to make and in today's world, fabric print can be found for most holidays and special memories. From Christmas to Easter, Fourth of July to Halloween, or Thanksgiving to favored pet week; nary a season or subject goes by without a printed fabric that represents such. An attached note (which could be transcribed by an aid of the elderly for the receiver) could also be framed or bookmarked as part of the gift and cherished as an historical note for the receiver.
Just sayin' 'cuz us family kid's had holiday and special event pillow cases as children and they really touched our hearts as we grew up. Of course a responsible adult will have to help preserve such and use it for only the special occasions, but if only one of a hundred of these items survive, blessed will those be that are encouraged to remember the work of their elders.
They are lucky to have such a caring person in their midst! I have been using fleece and poly filling to make 12" heart-pillows. Tacky glue really works to seal the edges.
The above apron could have a large top, to be used as a *b i b*. With their name and other thins painted on it could be a practical yet colorful addition to their wardrobe. As to the answer, most older people learned to knit and crochet as children. Circular knitting needles, found in thrift stores or donated and large crochet hooks are easier for arthritic hands to maneuver, (sp). These would need to be in the larger sizes. Double or triple the yarn to make up for bulky or fuzzy yarns. Fuzzy wouldn't be a good idea as it is harder to work with. Also ladies and men don't have a good eyesight as needed to work with small stuff. Mix bright, contrasting colors.
Little sachet pillows would be something nice, and appreciated by so many.
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