Fidget Blanket Contd…Helping Loved Ones with Dementia

As we continue on with making the fidget blankets I am realizing it will take much longer than I anticipated. It takes a lot of time measuring and lining up the seams to get them to look good and even.

On top of keeping the squares aligned we are trying to design the blankets as we go, putting the fidget tools in place according to what we think would be best.

I spent last weekend laying out all of my squares to get a full picture of the pattern design and size. At first the goal was to make a 3 yard blanket but the ideal size for a lap blanket (in my opinion) is 2 yards. The blanket I am making will be just short of this length.

I am working on getting a line of squares sewn at a time adding on the tools as I go. Some of the tools will be sewn directly on the squares but others (like the string with beads) will need to be sewn in between two squares. This is why I needed to also lay out my tools to see which squares would be used when sewing them…

I want all of Aunt C’s fidgeting fun to be located down the center of the blanket. The ends of the blanket will be empty and used for cuddling and holding purposes. It’s so much easier executing a plan when you can see the full picture.

It was easier for me to continue after this because I then knew the direction I was going with everything.

I do have to admit I did chicken out when it came to sewing on the fancy lace black zipper. I’ve only sewn one zipper before so I’m not too confident with using a zipper foot. So what did I do?…

I asked my mother to do it for me! 😅

She was glad to help me once she saw how nervous I looked after explaining how to stay on the zipper and being careful not to break the needle. I do not want to break anymore (yep, I broke one) of my mother’s needles. I’m okay with admitting crocheting is my superpower not sewing. 😄🤷🏽‍♀️

I do have another zipper that is plain without any lace designs that I will be sewing myself. I do love how my mom is letting us take lead and is on standby until we need her assistance. It’s giving me a chance to use my brain to problem solve and design something I’ve never done before.

I continued sewing the squares together until I reached the next design spot. I had to first sew on the ribbon for the loop tools before attaching the next line of squares.

With these she can move the rings up and down the smooth ribbons, put her fingers through them and even twirl them around if she wants. I only sewed the ribbons at the very end so they could be loose to lift up and move around.

Next session I’ll continue working on attaching the next line of squares together and adding on the velvet pocket square. I have five lines of 9 squares to sew; which is a total of 45 squares altogether.

My sister also laid out her design to see how she would attach her tools. She is sewing 4X4’s to make the sewing go quicker and to keep her fidget tools spread out a bit more. She is doing a lovely job and her design is so beautiful. I love that she used the red as her anchor color (we learned that term from my mom last weekend 😁).

I am really excited about our progress and look forward to seeing this blanket look more and more fidgety. Both ladies really need this and that’s what’s keeping us both motivated.

My mother-in-law called and asked about the blanket last week. She explained some of the things that Aunt C was doing and expressed how much she needed this blanket.

No matter how frustrated I get and even if things don’t go as planned I am determined to get this blanket in my aunt’s hands for her needs. I really think these blankets will be so beneficial for both ladies and their mental health.

I admit it does feel good using my time and hands to make something helpful for someone else. I spend a lot of my crafting time doing things I enjoy but sometimes it calls for me to get uncomfortable and venture into something that may not be my cup of tea. I know in the end it will all be worth it. 😊

Let the venture continue…

Stay tuned for more updates!!

All photos are my own and were taken with our Cannon EOS Rebel T6.

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