I thought I could keep myself busy by  happily sewing and quilting during this long lockdown but my shoulder thought differently . It froze up and with it so did all my sewing projects that required a sewing machine.  I had to resort to other methods of creation! 

I began by knitting the famous oversized  JW Anderson "Harry Styles sweater" but  I quicky understood ( by the pain in my arm) that any future projects had to be  smaller. So with some online help I started crocheting up a few bucket hats from my stash of left over yarn and gifted them to loved ones for Christmas.
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All the recipients were very polite and did not comment on my beginner mistakes which made me very happy indeed!                                                                                                                 

Fidget quilts are made for people with Dementia/Alzheimers...they are also called sensory quilts and can also be used to help autism. I made two experimental lap size fidget quilts for two beautiful and special ladies in Australia a couple or so years ago. They can be made specifically for someone by incorporating activities they enjoyed in the past or movements and sounds that they seem to enjoy in their new world. Pockets to put important items, zips, napkins, a place for special photographs, different textures even textiles or additions that make different sounds when scrunched or shaken, key ring holders and loops to tie things to or just fidget with and ease anxiety. Anything with any meaning can be added...any fabrics can be used even fabrics if possible with meaning, to jolt a special memory. What is important is that these brought pleasure and smiles to both.
Maro.