Project 2006
Sensory Table Quilts
This coming year Norfolk Quilters will be sewing small sensory table-top quilts, for adults who have poor memory recall or poor cognitive ability.
The quilts must be washable and a maximum size of 30" square. Fleece backing may probably not stand up to the wear and tear, though it could be used as a filler with a cotton backing fabric. The quilts will be used by adults.
This is an opportunity to use any form of texture and raised designs; possibly different textured blocks in one quilt; an opportunity to try raised appliqué/trapunto, cording, couching; (perhaps some stumpwork, though this must stand up to wear and tear); folded patchwork; 3-d flowers; buttons can be used, perhaps to create a picture; ribbons, knots, bows, various fabrics, including washable fur (for some such fabric it may be best to insert a small piece into a block, to reduce bulk on seam allowance when sewing blocks together), velvets, suede-type, rough weave, knobbly weave; washable felt; perhaps some ragwork; braiding; also photo-imaging, perhaps of a well-known event, or an image from the past; foiling; chenille work; tassels; fringes; bobbles; trapunto and Italian cording.
Blocks containing images of childhood will also be good for many patients often regress to childhood memories: teddy bears, dolls, toys, animals, etc.
Some patients also like to fold and unfold fabric continually, so flaps or envelope-style pockets might be worthwhile experimenting with.
Also, a scented sachet will also be beneficial as a sensory therapy, perhaps in a pocket or attachable in some way.
All techniques used must stand up to wear and tear as the object of these table-top quilts is that they will be handled rigorously by the users. For new members, you may hand your quilts in at any coffee morning or workshop to the Chairman.
These quilts will be distributed to residential homes/day centres; a rehabilitation unit and also to the British Legion residentail home in Norfolk. To know more about the British Legion or Alzheimer's, please click on the highlighted text.