Action Quilt (aka Fidget Quilt)

Several weeks ago, a friend called my attention to a newspaper article about a lady creating Fidget Quilts. La Mon knows me well. She knew it would interest me. I went on a Facebook search, and found Fidget Quilts, by the same lady the article featured!

I then did a Pinterest search… oh my goodness, lots of folks are making them! What a great idea ~ to help those with dementia and/or Alzheimer’s keep their hands busy, things to fiddle with while they still can.

Even “Sewing with Nancy” has a blog entry “Sew an Alzheimer’s Activity Mat”. I like the clear plastic pocket where a photo could go. I understand zippers are important, and I like the way Nancy used different machine embroidery stitches to attach the zipper.

As long as the felt is washable, and doesn’t fade, I like the different textures this provides:

Several folks on Etsy are creating “fidget” something or the other quilts… and they are charging outrageous prices. I’m sorry. I just can’t see doing this, charging anything other than minimal shipping and handling to get it to the caregiver.

I did an Internet search and found a blog article called Nancy’s Beginnings from a couple of years ago on a quilt guild creating the Fidget Quilts for community service! Yes! She’s also provided lots of fabulous ideas.

And, I found other articles going back to 2009. So, I’m late to the party… again!

However, I personally don’t like calling it “fidget quilt”.

I believe it sounds more positive for an adult to call it an “Action Quilt” … and is what I’m calling those I create! Lord knows I have the supplies. I’m thrilled to discover productive ways to use the materials I readily have available.

January has been a weird month…

I wrote it all out, then deleted… just trust me!

Suffice it to say, time spent in Dallas so far this month I couldn’t sew, so I did the next best thing – I planned! I created a Pinterest board, Action Quilts, where I’ve been pinning different ideas to incorporate. I’ve also learned about adding different tactile attributes to the quilts. Sometimes it’s a simple embellishment like ribbon folding or weaving, or using ruffles or scallops, in a variety of fabric textures. So many ideas! It keeps me going when I can’t sew…

I know I have several quilts to quilt for our Veterans (and a few tops under construction to finish), but I so want to make at least one Action Quilt very soon. Maybe, once my energy level returns to normal after also experiencing the flu over the past couple of weeks, I can gather supplies together and make a “kit” for the next time I’m off to Dallas to be with my mother! I can weave ribbon without sewing. I’m sure there are a lot of things I can do without having a sewing machine… all in preparation of creating Action Quilts!

She's Home!

I am working my way back to the sewing machine. I’m also able to do a bit of handwork again after spending lots of time out on the Keyhole Garden. It wasn’t that I spent hours upon hours each day collecting and stacking (and re-stacking) rock, it’s what I did to my hands while doing it. Then long naps in the afternoons to restore my energy really got me off schedule. With that said, I’d do it again in a heartbeat! That’s what Ibuprofen and naps are for, correct?!?

It felt good doing something physcial and being outside during our cool Texas spring mornings. I’m afraid the coolness won’t last much longer. What’s left to do on the Keyhole is simply (hahahaha) filling it with compostable stuff – readying it for a fall garden. That’s doable and still have hand use and energy left to sew!

Marianne Gotz arrived on Tuesday! She’s adorable!

Her "traveling" clothes - now boxed up in with original packaging

I’m thrilled the outfits I’ve created for Amercian Girl dolls also fit her nicely! They even wear the same size shoes!

Cute bench found at Estate Sale - perfect for photo shoots!

Marianne is getting a special outfit designed especially for her. I have the perfect “Big and Bright” fabric, it’s the actual design I’m still pondering. It will all come together in time!

P. S. In between sewing, what do you do to keep physically active?

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