Lap Quilt: Quilt-as-you-go (E)

Last year, the Santa4Seniors project was for 47 residents. There was a group of six people and scores of contributors who worked together to pull off that magical Christmas. This year, many of the elves are re-focused on other projects and our family member has moved to a smaller group home with only five residents. Santa4Seniors is only making a few lap quilts this year.

Upscale a Bear

Looking for a cute personalized gift? Personalize a stuffed animal. Young and old, stuffed animals provide a great cuddle buddy and a source of comfort. We give several stuffed animals to seniors at Christmas time.

Christmas Stockings

When making 46 Christmas stockings, a good process helps make fun, attractive stockings without taking a massive amount of time, or expense.

The expense was reasonable (about $.65/stocking) for burlap and flannel, plus using Christmas material in my stash for the heal and toe appliqué. The body of the stocking is burlap, on sale, and the lining and cuff are different colors (red, green, blue, white) flannel, also on sale PLUS the additional 25% off coupon. Love coupons!

Dinner Scarf (Adult Bib)

A box was delivered. You grab a scissors and cut through the tape, open the box and pull out the stuffing and enjoy your new toy. Don't overlook the extra "gifts" you received. As a child, I was reminded frequently, "Waste not, want not." That waded up paper stuffing is a big example (we'll talk about boxes in a future post).

I Spy Packets

These packets are pretty quick to make and can be inexpensive. No I can't bring myself to using a pencil case, loading it up with the "inners" and then glueing it shut. That's the quickest, but I want sturdy. I do it the old-fashioned way.

Since I'm making these for seniors with dementia and my grandchildren, I like to be over-cautious. Every seam has at least one back-up or additional seam, like top-stitching. The inside seams are serged and then stitched. Told ya, overkill. I don't want these small pieces inside to get out and cause any problems.

Broomstick Lace (M)

Sometimes craft projects are more than just making something. Whether it's a special gift, a challenging project, or a comforting stitch to release some stress, emotions pour into each item.

Hot/cold Rice Packs (E)

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These rice packs are practical, quick, and inexpensive, yet make thoughtful gifts especially for young families (ice packs) or people who experience pain (hot packs). There are many different ways to make these packs. Check out other video tutorials (multiple-section pack) and web sites (single pack option) to find what works the best for you.

Knit Prayer Shawl (E)

Knitting is one craft I am interested in and where I have the biggest opportunity to improve. There is a difference between knitting and crocheting. Although I am not highly skilled in crocheting, I have a little more confidence in the quality of my basic stitches. Knitting, well, I will benefit from practice.

Prayer Shawl 3 (E)

Prayer shawl #3. I was so reluctant to make any of these because I wasn't very confident in my skills, but here I am on #3 because they're fun and easy to make. The crochet shawls all lean towards the female side with a more open, lacey appearance. This one (click the image for a larger view with better contrast) is the second one I did without a pattern.

Prayer Shawl 2 (E)

Crocheting is something I do primarily in easy, flat projects, like blankets. I'm trying to do prayer shawls as Christmas gifts for our local senior residential facility. This is the first time I can remember following a pattern. Well, ok, I did modify the pattern slightly. I didn't add the button hole, and skipped one row for two reasons:

Prayer Shawl (E)

I was first introduced to a prayer shawl when a family member received one. It was during a terminal illness and the shawl, a present from a close friend who lived a long distance away, was a big comfort. The shawl represented the hugs and comfort the friend would have physically given if the miles didn't separate them.

Papa and I frequently visit a local senior residential facility and it seemed like prayer shawls might bring some hugs and comfort to some of the residents. In talking with the staff, I learned they are also useful in providing warmth without the encumbrances of bulky sweaters or jackets.