I made two of these blankets for Pete’s mum before she passed away in 2011. This wasn’t a post I’d intended to write, but just before my sister-in-law arrived to pick up the blanket, I quickly took a few photos in case I needed to replicate it. As I hadn’t been able to find anything on the internet about these, I thought it might be useful to others, so I wrote it up. It makes me happy (and sad) that the original post continues to get dozens of hits every week.
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This is a sensory blanket.
We have a family member suffering from advanced dementia, and this is the second blanket I’ve made for her. The first one was the size of a cot blanket, whereas this one is lap sized, and will hopefully provide both warmth and distraction.
Dementia, particularly as it advances, is an incredibly tragic and heartbreaking disease. For some sufferers, one of the later symptoms is an almost constant need to touch and fiddle with things, which is where these blankets, also known as fidget blankets, can help. The ones I’ve made aren’t particularly pretty, but as there isn’t a lot written about them on the internet, I wanted to share mine with you in case others with loved ones with a similar condition might find the idea useful.
In this larger piece, I’ve sewn bits and pieces (found in my sewing room) onto the upper edge of the blanket. The base is made of red polarfleece, which is both warm and lightweight. I’ve tried to work in a combination of elements that allow “doing” with some that are designed just for “touching”.
There is a long zip pocket for opening and closing, as well as a button flap (the button is sewn on with dental floss for security)…
A small drawstring bag is half-stitched in, enabling it to be opened and closed…
On the tactile front, I’ve sewn in a patch of non-slip fabric, originally bought for the soles of baby shoes (which goes to show how long it’s been in my sewing room), and a patch of embossed velvet. For added interest, I’ve sewn a small triangle into the velvet, and trapuntoed it from the back to create a little raised pillow…
A scrap of fur salvaged from Reverse Garbage…
…and some stiff braid add textural interest…
This old snap-lock came from Big Boy’s baby sling! I’ve also added little pieces of suede fringing…
As I mentioned, this is the second blanket – the first, smaller one was filled with many of the same components, and has been very successful.
I’m hoping this one will provide some comfort as well.
Fig Jam and Lime Cordial 