Please, DO touch the quilt ...

We have been making lap quilts for the residents of a local nursing home for some time, and they are very well received.

Some time ago, the staff asked if we could make a quilt that would provide tactile stimulation  for residents with dementia, to be used in diversional therapy.  We gave it a lot of thought, to come up with blocks with a variety of textures and other tactile features, without being too demanding on diminishing fine motor skills.

This quilt, made from our first nine 'tactile' blocks, has been made up to approximately 50 " square with a bright, cheerful sashing - we hope it fulfils the brief!

The blocks are straight, the wonkiness is the photos is an artefact of the hanging conditions. Here are some details about the individual blocks:

Elaine W's corn cob block zips open to reveal the quilted corn niblets, while its silk is actually Perle cotton thread

Is Georgie's cat-on -the-mat asleep?  His fur is very soft and strokeable.

Miriam's felt bird has a soft, furry nest decorated with dangling felt balls.  His tail feathers are not sewn down

Helen's cat is definitely awake! His red ribbon is silky to the touch, and he has a bell around his neck

Robyn L's block is all texture - silky satin, tulle, fine and coarser fleece squares are tied with perl cotton, and buttons of different shapes.

Robin S's block incorporates several textures - the little girl's curls made from doll's hair, the lace ruffles on her hat and skirt, the ribbons and three dimensional embroidered flowers, blanket stitch, the felt dogs.  So much to see and touch.

Elaine W also made this little dress and apron block - it has ric-rac and lace trimming, the gathered apron can be lifted and pleated, and the gathered top edge is highly tactile.

Sue C's flower petals are anchored only by the buttons.  The flannel reverse can be felt when the petals are lifted. The centre circle has a silky texture.

Roslyn's nautical ticking block centre has a coarser texture than its tropical flavoured border, and added tactile elements in the the piped ridges and cord loops.

Thanks to all who contributed blocks, put the blocks and sashing together, quilted and bound our first tactile quilt (and to Brendan for the photos).