Pilot International DO MORE CARE MORE BE MORE

Pilot International DO MORE. CARE MORE. BE MORE.

FIDGET BLANKET Susan Kahl 2019 -2020 Pilot International Projects Coordinator

WHAT IS A FIDGET BLANKET? A fidget blanket, or activity quilt, is a lap blanket that provides sensory and tactile stimulation for the restless hands of someone who has Alzheimer’s and/or other forms of dementia. People with dementia often pace, feel anxiety, have difficulty communicating and need a vehicle to help them focus. The fidget blanket can provide this focus. The fidget blanket is also very beneficial for people on the autism spectrum or have attention deficit disorder.

HOW CAN ALL MEMBERS BE INVOLVED? 1. Can be a purchaser, a cutter, turner of material, ironer, pinner and/or sewer. 2. Can be creator of a notion pattern. WHAT ARE BENEFITS TO MEMBERS? 1. Provides an opportunity for bonding and comradery not possible at a business meeting. 2. Promotes a shared sense of pride in completing a project that will enhance the quality of life for another.

WHAT IS ON THE FIDGET BLANKET? The blanket should have items that can be fiddled with. This could be zippers, ties, cords, ribbon, rick-rack, Velcro or lace. Velcro is very popular as you can manipulate it as well as hear it. The most important part of the blanket is a variety of textures. Use assorted fabrics, such as: knits, corduroy, seersucker and/or fleece. The back can be one piece; the front can have four squares stitched together to make different patterns and textures. Make sure the items are securely attached and can survive numerous washings and dryings.

How to make a fidget blanket: 1. Purchase fabric and batting. Suggested size is 18” X 18”. Select material that will not slip off lap, i. e. corduroy, twill, flannel or fleece. 2. Cut two pieces of fabric in to 18” X 18” size (this will be the top and bottom of the blanket). Cut one piece of batting in to the same size. 3. Layer the fabric with batting on bottom, backing fabric face up and top fabric face down.

4. Stitch around the border a ½ inch from the edge. Leave a two inch opening. 5. Turn the material inside out through the opening. The batting should be in the middle with right side of the material on the outside. 6. Tuck opening under. Stitch a ½ inch seam on all four sides, including closing the opening. 7. Iron flat.

8. Pin notions in desired pattern. Suggestions: Key on a string Soft ball on a shoelace Pockets from old jeans with a toy tethered to inside Rick-rack, large buttons, zippers, lace Embroideries from old stained linens Plastic coils, Mardi Gras beads, jingle bells on a string Dollar store doilies, yoyos, ribbon, yarn Fabrics with pictures of familiar animals Plastic curtain rings on yarn or string Velcro, Velcro!

9. Stitch notions to blanket making sure they are securely attached. 10. Attach a label to the back, i. e. Created by the Pilot Club of _____ Deliver to the recipient with Pilot love and pride.

Twenty-six fidget blankets were presented to Nassau Suffolk Services for the Autistic at the Martin C. Barrell School by the Pilot Club of Patchogue.