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-   -   Lap quilts for nursing home residents (https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/lap-quilts-nursing-home-residents-t200449.html)

grandmahoney 09-16-2012 01:13 PM

Even if the Ladies don't quilt they still could cut blocks and help tie the lap robes. That how my sister in law got started in quilting and she is in her 60's. She makes over a hunderd quilts a year and gives them to the hospital for childern that are sick. We need more people like you in this world that has a given heart. May the Lord bless you for all that you do for these dear old people. Also you might check with a few of the local churches and see if some of there members would donate sweat shirts and material for lap robes.

barri1 09-16-2012 01:19 PM


Originally Posted by Rose_P (Post 5518979)
Yes, but please keep in mind that most of us have nursing facilities, VA hospitals, children's homes, etc. much closer to home and the money that would be spent on postage for sending things to Maryland could be better spent on more materials for our local organizations. Our guild has a very active charity effort, and most of us could easily hook up with something of that sort. The guild pools resources, such as donated fabrics and batting, so that people can donate the work without investing a lot of their own money. It's very satisfying activity, and a great way to practice skills while helping those in need.

Hi Rose_P
You are so right. If you go back on all the posts on this thread, you will find that some of us especially me did not think of the needs of our seniors. It would be great if more of us got involved with making the quilts for them. I have tons of scraps that are sitting, doing nothing. I am in the middle of working on another project, and have started working on a couple of quilts for Linda. Yes, the postage is an added expense, but I am looking forward to sending her a couple to ease her work load for her project.
I guess I don't think past my mom (84yo), and her needs. I love getting calls about her internet problems, the car needing an inspection, oil change, the items on sale at CVS, the a/c making noise, etc. I am grateful that mom is very active, and is making the most of her remaining years, due to good health.

wordpaintervs 09-16-2012 01:41 PM

you are so good to do that. Last year my little church bought clothing (mostly) plus some craft items for 11 people who had no one....for Christmas.

I know how it is for folks in that situation and everything someone does to brighten their day, including going to read to them, is appreciated so much.

nhnative 09-16-2012 02:09 PM

I belong to a group that makes polyester lap robes for the needy. We use 42 7" squares and then put a polyester backing and bring it to the front and sew it down and then we tie them.

Jean in Ohio13452 09-16-2012 02:54 PM

A lot of The Methodist Churches as well as other Churches in my area make lap Robes every Year... The United Methodist Women often make this a local Mission Project. 36" x 36" is a Good size- enough to tuck in and drape over the legs... Wheel Chair arm Bags that are on the inside of the chair are good as well as bags for Walkers. There is at least 10+ nursing and Rehab facilities near where I live....

http://www.sewingsupport.com/sewing-...lker-bags.html

Don't forget the men: they like the Flannel Shirt plaids, hunting and Fishing Themed or Farm Themed or Old Car or Tractor Themed fabrics... make sure the lap Blankets are sewn all around the Edges about 1 inch in and either Tied or quilted... Remember at these Nursing Homes ( I have worked there) all the laundry is mostly done in HOT water and HOT dryers... so fancy stitches and lace wont' last... basic sturdy stitching is what is needed... Because I know that Aides get in a hurry and just toss every thing in the Barrels to go to laundry... One of my ladies had a beautiful Irish Wool Throw that was about 60 inches wide by 60 inches long and even though it was labeled DO NOT WASH it got sent to laundry and it came back about 30 inches x30 inches and was hard and scratchy... A sign was posted on the Ladies Closet for the Throw NOT To go to Laundry... so Sad... Another good idea is to put a Pocket on the lap robe so they can tuck a tissue or a book or snack and it won't fall off the lap that way...
Many local businesses and factories adopt the residents in nursing Homes during the holidays... the ones on State Aid got new winter coats, socks, slippers or shoes, shirts and sweatpants ( these are easy to get off and on when aides have to change Briefs)

Kaye 09-16-2012 03:31 PM

In recognition of National Sewing Month our chapter of the American Sewing Guild made lap robes for Disabled Veterans in a near by Veterans Hospital. We used knit type fabric, doubled the fabric and serged the two pieces together. They go together super quick!

Nanaquilts44 09-16-2012 04:50 PM

This is a wonderful thread and I love that it is kick-starting us into making some things for seniors to keep them warm and make them feel special. Love all of the hints too especially about using prewashed flannel on the back of the quilt.

shelrox 09-16-2012 05:00 PM

If you go to the Quilts For Kids website they have some nice patterns that are simple to wipe up. They are a nice size for anyone that might be in a wheel chair as well to keep their laps warm. I have to admit this is an idea I have tossed around lately to make some up for our local nursing home. Kudos to you!

deedum 09-16-2012 06:03 PM

I made 2 cozy shoulder fleece covers yesterday, while easy to make, I thought they were a bit boring to make out of plain fleece, which is what I had in my stash. So I added a pretty flower and scalloped the edge (both are pink). Stopping by tomoorrow to get some fleece material for men. My goal is to have at least 3 for women and 3 for men for Christmas. Also, several lapquilts to take at the same time. If I can get more done, that will be extra bonus. I will be looking for clearance items like slippers, socks,lotion to deliver at the same time. That is my Christmas gift this year to myself, to do this!

quiltingbea 09-16-2012 06:54 PM

I also make small quilts and donate them. I use 5" checkerboard squares, (6 across and 6 down, 36 in all). Then add a 5" border all around. You can add a second narrow border if you want it a little bigger. Very easy to make. They come out about 36".


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