Fiddle Quilts : Linda Seward
When dementia or Alzheimer’s disease robs a beloved person of their mind and memories, it’s easy to be overwhelmed with feelings of helplessness. These feelings can be somewhat alleviated by channelling your creativity into making a Fiddle Quilt.
A Fiddle Quilt is made to stimulate and soothe those living with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, who often have restless hands. It’s not uncommon for them to pluck at their sheets, rub their hands together or pull their fingers to pass the time. Also known as a Fidget Quilt or Adult Activity Mat, a lap-sized Fiddle Quilt provides an excellent way to give fretful hands “something to do” while also providing visual and tactile stimulation and establishing an interest in something tangible. A Fiddle Quilt can also give carers a bit of a respite from constant supervision, as well as presenting people with something to talk about when they visit. This Fiddle Quilt measures about 25" wide x 15" high. It was made for Ken who loves golf, cricket and gardening.
He worked in the shipping industry, so I thought a lighthouse was an appropriate image to hide underneath the zipper (it has a tassel pull attached). There are also some strawberries hidden on the side for him to find.
I couldn’t find any printed cricket fabrics, but I did find a cricket keychain online—it features Ken’s initial, his birthstone and a cricket stump and bat. The little handkerchief is made from cricketer Ted Dexter’s tie. I was happy to find some nice golf images for the quilt.
I used a pleat maker to create some texture with blue fabric. Ken also loves wine, so there is a glass here to cheer him up.
I was honoured to be asked to be the patron of a new charity called Fiddle Fingers Quilts, run by Judy Harris and Karen Perry who will be speaking at our Spring Quilters’ Day. Here is a link to the website:
www.fiddlefingersquilts.co.uk
And here is their Facebook page - do “like” it so you can be updated on workshops and ideas for making your own Fiddle Quilts:
www.facebook.com/Fiddlefingersquilts
Linda Seward December 2017
A Fiddle Quilt is made to stimulate and soothe those living with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, who often have restless hands. It’s not uncommon for them to pluck at their sheets, rub their hands together or pull their fingers to pass the time. Also known as a Fidget Quilt or Adult Activity Mat, a lap-sized Fiddle Quilt provides an excellent way to give fretful hands “something to do” while also providing visual and tactile stimulation and establishing an interest in something tangible. A Fiddle Quilt can also give carers a bit of a respite from constant supervision, as well as presenting people with something to talk about when they visit. This Fiddle Quilt measures about 25" wide x 15" high. It was made for Ken who loves golf, cricket and gardening.
He worked in the shipping industry, so I thought a lighthouse was an appropriate image to hide underneath the zipper (it has a tassel pull attached). There are also some strawberries hidden on the side for him to find.
I couldn’t find any printed cricket fabrics, but I did find a cricket keychain online—it features Ken’s initial, his birthstone and a cricket stump and bat. The little handkerchief is made from cricketer Ted Dexter’s tie. I was happy to find some nice golf images for the quilt.
I used a pleat maker to create some texture with blue fabric. Ken also loves wine, so there is a glass here to cheer him up.
I was honoured to be asked to be the patron of a new charity called Fiddle Fingers Quilts, run by Judy Harris and Karen Perry who will be speaking at our Spring Quilters’ Day. Here is a link to the website:
www.fiddlefingersquilts.co.uk
And here is their Facebook page - do “like” it so you can be updated on workshops and ideas for making your own Fiddle Quilts:
www.facebook.com/Fiddlefingersquilts
Linda Seward December 2017
