Dog Bone Pillow

It's been a long time since I've made a dog bone shaped pillow! I use one just about everyday while taking an afternoon (and evening) nap in my recliner! I have no idea where I put the pattern I used. I made several... one each for my elderly parents, and the one for myself.

I'm thinking other seniors, and the homeless, would also love a small little pillow like this.

I went online to find a pattern and happened across Apron Strings and Other Ties that Bind's tutorial straightaway.

I printed out two copies of her pattern design, trimmed the paper (with "paper" scissors) and joined them together at the center with tape as she directed. I then cut out the 4 pieces, snipping a bit at the end marks where she indicated on her pattern.

This is here where I went off her directions a bit. But, I did use the 1/2" seam allowance she recommends. Oh, also, I totally agree ~ I did NOT clip the inside seam allowance anywhere!

I pinned the right sides together of the two sets and stitched from the mark, to the mark, on each "unit". I also ~ according to her directions ~ back stitched when I started and stopped, being careful not to go beyond the mark.  

After pressing the stitches to "meld", I got my iron inside and pressed the seam flat on each unit.

This dog bone pillow will be given to the same homeless person I'll give the messenger bag I created the other day. Remember the latch hook I attached on the outside of the bag?!!! That's why I've pinned a grosgrain ribbon loop on the pillow! When not in use, the pillow can stay with the bag and not get lost!

I'm sorry I failed to take a picture of pinning the two set units together! Oops! My bad!

This is what I did: I opened up the two sets and placed right sides together, matching the marks, pinning all the way around the two set units. Because I have a tendency to start daydreaming while sewing, I wanted to go ahead and get the opening done. I started sewing at the top mark, then around to the narrow bone part and stopped, back stitched, then left about a 4" space, then started sewing again (back stitching when I started up again) and on around to the mark.

The final edge to stitch was then a snap! There wasn't anything I had to remember except using a 1/2" seam allowance rather than the "normal for me" 1/4" seam allowance!

Oh, when I stitched over the ribbon loop, I back stitched and straight stitched over it within the seam allowance several times!!!

I'm ready to stuff!

I'm ready to hand stitch the seam allowance at the opening closed and it's done!

My pitiful dog bone pillow... maybe I ought to make me a new one!

NOTE to SELF: When making this again, extend her pattern about 3" longer. 

Sewing for Seniors

I’ve seen oodles of websites offering suggestions regarding sewing for children. No need to go there, it’s fully covered. The market is saturated. It is my mission to comprise a list of Sewing for Seniors, items for people years older. With Seniors, the elderly, the Age-Wise generation in mind, I asked myself the questions:

What could I create that complements their active lifestyle?
What could I create to make life easier?
What could I make that is more comfortable?
What could I design to provide privacy?
What could I make while Sewing for Seniors?

When I set my mind to this mission, the list grew and grew. With your help, I’m sure it will grow even more!

  

Neck Pillows

“C” (Like a travel pillow) and “Bone" or "Bow-Tie” shaped neck pillows

in a variety of fabrics and colors.

I found this nice Bow-Tie shaped free pattern at Sew4Home.

And, a travel pillow pattern at The Cottage Mama.

Pillowcases

Made using satin polyester for easy maneuvering against bedding,

satin pillowcases are perfect for keeping the hairstyle nice between salon visits!

Lap quilts

45” x 60” minimum size

 

Ready to quilt!

Knee Rug

(I’ll use fleece rather than wool)

38” x 46” average size

Hats

Hats are great for sun protection as well as for warmth.

Any I shared in the Sewing Hats article would work nicely, too!

Phone Pocket Necklace

I’ve noticed telephones have a tendency to fall out of pockets,

they slip down between seat cushions,

then they are not “missed” until one walks into another room

and the phone starts ringing, or worse, a phone is needed.

I need to create something like this very soon!

Shoulder capes

Elegant yet functional, shoulder capes are easy to wear

while sitting underneath drafty vents

watching television, playing Bridge or Uno, or dozing in the easy chair.

A while back, I quickly created one for my mother using fleece.

Shawl

A shawl is similar to a shoulder cape, but a bit more versatile.

Depending on the fabric and style, a shawl would work nicely for a man, too!

No Sew Fleece Neck Wrap

Oh, I hate the drafty draft that comes down the back of my neck.

This is something I “fixed” for my daddy… it was so quick and easy, too!

I cut a long (60”) narrow (12”) piece of dark brown (his favorite color) fleece

and that was it! Fleece is lightweight yet warm!!!

Then I showed him how to wear it without having to tie a knot!

This website calls it a European Loop

Fold in half, matching cut ends together, forming a loop at opposite end.

Place around neck and thread both cut ends through the loop,

tighten as desired.

Arm sleeves

My daddy always complained about his arms – from wrists to elbows –

being cold / chilled so I created “sleeves” out of fleece.

Tapered at the wrist, the seam was on the outside

so not to rub or bother his thinning skin.

I so wish I had a picture of him wearing his sleeves…

Wearable Napkins

Originally designed and created for my mother while spending time in a rehab center,

the wearable napkin functions like an adult bib.

But, for something my lovely momma wears, even at home,

I will never refer to it as a bib!

Walker bags

I have several patterns in my stash for walker bags,

but when I went to make one for my mother,

I didn’t like the way they looked so I created my own style.

She loves it, too!

Shopping bags

(13"H x 12"-17"W x 6"-8"D is the size of a standard grocery bag)

Don’t we all have enough plastic already?

I read somewhere,

over the life of one fabric shopping bag

hundreds of plastic ones will become obsolete!

I hate to think of the loss of marine life

and the tackiness of our beaches

if we don’t put a STOP to using plastic shopping bags!

Personal Accessory Bags

I haven’t yet designed this, but is on the top of my to-do list –

I want to create a flap over bag to keep in the bathroom, next to the toilet.

A discreet storage for daily personal needs, and a great use for those monthly needs, too!

It must be at least 11” long, 6” wide, and 8” tall – I’m working on it! 

Cane covers

 In June, a friend of mine brought her cane to show me at our annual slumber party.

She had thought of me, thinking it would be a cool item for me to create.

It was SO cute covered in fabric up to the handle. I had never seen this before!

(I since have gone on a search and found bunches! Guess I need to "get out" more!)

Wouldn’t this be lovely in a leopard print?!?!

Or, coordinating with the different seasons or holidays?!?!

I will be making this for momma’s cane when I get back to the studio!

She is my beta tester!

NOTE: I’m a “baby boomer” (born between 1946 and 1964). When I began this mission I had in mind my parent’s generation. I realize now many items on my list would also work fabulously for other generations!

What else could I make? Please help me with suggestions!