fidget quilt

Lately, there has been much talk about the "Fidget' Spinners that kids

are collecting.  Some schools allow them to be in the classrooms in order

to hold the child's attention.  There are some good things to be said and

there are some bad things, but right now, the topic is "Fidgets"

Fidgets can be a very effective and helpful self-regulation tool! Use fidgets and sensory balls for calming and alerting, to promote focusing and concentration, decrease stress, increase tactile awareness of fingers/hands (through proprioceptive input), and as a way to keep fidgeting fingers busy! Fidget toys can also provide a fun way to strengthen hands and "warm-up" fingers before handwriting activities and fine motor skill tasks. Sensory balls are a favorite OT sensory diet tool, make a fun gift, and are one of many fidget toys that can help relieve stress! We also have silent fidgets for the classroom, quiet fidget toys, and fidgets for feet that can help improve concentration and focus, and lots of great office and desk toys that relieve stress and keep minds alert at work.

And if you thought that "Fidgets" were only for children and teens, think again!

Fidget, Fiddle or Busy quilts 

 or Activity blanket is a lap quilt, mat or blanket that provides sensory and tactile stimulation for restless or fidgety hands of someone with Alzheimer's or related Dementias.

Patchwork Posse Nancy Zieman and Pinterest have some

ideas and suggestions on how to make one of these touchy quilts.

Locally, you might find that your quilt shop has a Fidget group.

Summer Stitch Along!

I'm always happy to find a stitch along that gives me a reason

to enjoy the hot humid days of summer.

Bee In My Bonnet has the perfect solution!

I enjoy these patterns--And the best part--

there will be fabrics to go along with this.

Just take a look at this!  Now, why isn't this the greatest

sew along quilt!--Summer, here I come!

Wooool Work!

I'm ready!  our local quilt shop has wool--lots of wool and

even the floss colors needed for the May pattern.

I've signed up to do Rebekah L Smith's year long project.

This will be fun--something I've not done.

I know the colors are hard to see--and I'm not too sure I like the 

light wool, so I might add some color to it at a later date.

Okay, I looked at this for the longest time and decided I really

did NOT like that light green!  What to do?  Well, dye the wool,

of course!

There are no acid dyes in my pantry but I do have food coloring!

That works brilliantly on wool--just heat the wool in water with

small splash of vinegar, drop in a few drops of blue dye, simmer

and it's done--color has been added!

Now, look at this compared to the other piece--much better!

As the wool absorbs all the food coloring (dye), the water

runs clear--so much happier now!

This is a closed list on Facebook--but, you can go to her website

to purchase the pattern ($35) and then you'll be asked to

join Facebook page.

Weighted Blanket

I'm sorry I didn't find this video about weighted blankets during the month of April--as April is National Autism Month.  We have learned so much about autism in the past few years--Sesame Street has a new character that is Autistic, which will help youngsters in their daily lives.  How weighted blankets help  DIY Weighted Blanket

Sweet! Something For Mother!

Mother's Day is creeping up on me--no gift for mother yet!  Then this little stitching pattern caught my eye.

Lacey! Dainty!  Just Sweet!  I'm thinking that some vintage lace would

make a nice addition to a pillow case.  Mother could use something to

brighten her assisted living room.

Elefantz has the tutorial that makes it easy to stitch.  

May Brings Challenges

May brings a challenge--

Luckily, I have the yarn for this project--

that doesn't happen too often either!

I bought this sock yarn several months ago--really liked the

look of the 'double dip' effect.

And this yarn has been in my stash forever!!

Here is the pattern--designed by Mary-Ann Lammers

It's a rocky start since the cotton is thick and thin,

but this one challenge that I can overcome!

Yesterday i  cast on and knitted several rows while

binge watching 'Supernatural'--still in the first

season--there is plenty to knit to! 

It's Derby Time!

What an Adventure!  Derby time is the fastest 2 minute sport in history!  

The pom and circumstances for days before hand and then it's all over

and you wonder WHAT? happen!

We were at the Kentucky Derby several years ago--a bucket list ticked off!

we reserved our lodging months in advance; even planned our

dinner reservations then as well.

We attended the Oaks the day before the big day; We were ready for the BIG

day--sat through several smaller races and THEN, it was time

we had our big hats and

special dresses, guys in their cool shirts; 

we had seats right at the finish line--Whoa!  could't be any better than

that!

And here they came to the finish line and

everyone stood up!  I couldn't see--

what horse came in first?  I missed it!

Oh, well! I was there!  I experienced the excitement of

the time!  Even if I didn't see the winner cross the finish line!

Here is the post for today's race--

have you picked your favorite?

We are headed to a Derby party and it's for sure

I'll see the finish at this one!

Good luck with your pick!!