From my studio last week: April 25, 2011

Last week I showed you a slouchy knit shirt that I made myself, and promised photos of two more.

Here’s the first, in a black and white and teal stripe:

And (my favorite) an orange and white. The white stripes have silver threads stitched through it so it shines all pretty and summery. I finished the edges with a pale robin egg blue foldover elastic.

But those were both made in the previous week. Really, the only things that were actually made in my studio this past week were the rhinestone t-shirts I made for the Silhouette Rhinestone Starter Kit review. (Read my review & enter the giveaway.) I’ve already posted them with the review, but I’m going to repeat them here anyway.

Peace sign t-shirt. This was my test run with the rhinestones. It turned out that my first attempt worked perfectly so I used it as a patch on a tank top. I got the knit from an adult-sized t-shirt, rescued from the donate pile. I added the ruffles at the shoulders to give it more interest, and then finished off the edges with a pale yellow foldover elastic.

Pink kitty shirt. The little girl loves kitties. I mean she loves, loves, LOVES kitties! When I saw the kitty rhinestone design in the Silhouette online store, there was no question that it would be put on to a shirt for her. Simple. Easy. Sparkly.

Silver Lining shirt. This is my favorite of the three shirts. I like it so much I gave it a name. It was one of those projects that come together so00 easily, with all of the exact right fabrics bubbling to the top of the scrap bin. The cloud is made from old denim, with rhinestone creating a sparkling outline. I had some fabric in my stash printed with blue glittery raindrops. I cut a patch of it to become the rain. And then hot pink hearts just to make it all cute.

So that’s what I made in my studio last week. My plans for the coming week involve creating a tutorial for the slouchy shirt. I’ve also gotten some requests for the pattern for the American Girl panties. I’d love to oblige, but I don’t have a scanner. I’ll have to sweet-talk someone into turning my hand-drawn pattern into an electronic file.

As a caregiver to an elderly parent navigating the challenges of aging and dementia, I’ve found myself on a mission to create thoughtful, practical items that assist in everyday care while maintaining a sense of dignity and comfort. Over the years, my sewing projects have shifted from creating cute clothes for my children to sewing things that support my parents through their later years. It’s not always easy, and it can be heartbreaking at times, but crafting these items has brought a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

If you’re in a similar situation and looking for sewing patterns and tutorials to support your loved one, whether they are in a wheelchair, dealing with dementia, or simply needing adaptive clothing, this roundup is for you. These patterns offer solutions to daily challenges, from sensory stimulation to maintaining dignity and comfort.

Adult dignity bib

When caring for someone with dementia, eating can often become a messy experience. An adult dignity bib offers a simple but effective way to help prevent spills and ensure that your loved one remains comfortable and clean during mealtime. This pattern provides a great way to create a stylish and practical solution for dignity and comfort.

How to Turn a Plush into a Weighted Toy

Weighted toys can be a calming and comforting tool for seniors, especially those experiencing anxiety or agitation. This tutorial shows you how to transform a soft plush toy into a weighted sensory item, offering soothing pressure and comfort to help relax your loved one. It’s a great way to create a personalized, comforting toy that provides sensory input.

Eye Pillow – Weighted

Tulip Walker Tote Bag

Special Needs Bib Pattern — CraftBits.com

Make a Fidget Quilt with Rob!

Fidget quilts are fantastic tools for dementia patients, offering tactile stimulation and promoting calmness. In this video tutorial, Rob guides you through the process of making a fidget quilt, showing you how to add various textures, buttons, zippers, and other engaging features to keep your loved one’s hands busy and focused

Making Fidget Quilts for Dementia Patients | Madam Sew – MadamSew

How to sew a fidget quilt

How to Make a DIY Lycra Sensory Bed Sheet | And Next Comes L – Hyperlexia Resources

Lycra sensory bed sheets are an excellent choice for providing calming pressure during sleep. This pattern from And Next Comes L explains how to make a DIY Lycra sensory bed sheet that can help your loved one feel secure and relaxed while they sleep, which is especially useful for those with sensory processing issues.

Wheelchair And Walker Carry Bag Sewing Pattern

Tutorial: No-sew adaptive sweatshirt for wheelchair users

Tutorial: Adult-sized bib – Sewing

How to Make a Fidget Blanket

Sewing pattern: How to Make a Fidget Quilt

How to Make an Adult Pocket Diaper

For individuals who need additional care in maintaining hygiene, adult pocket diapers can be a game-changer. This pattern teaches you how to create a comfortable, functional pocket diaper, ensuring your loved one stays dry and comfortable throughout the day.

How to Sew an Adult Front Closure Swim Diaper

How to Sew a Fitted Adult Cloth Diaper

For those looking for an eco-friendly and budget-conscious option, sewing a fitted adult cloth diaper can be a great solution. This pattern offers detailed instructions for creating a well-fitting, reusable cloth diaper for adults who need additional support.

The Linda Pants – Free Adaptive Sewing Pattern

Adapting Creatively: Wheelchair Rain Poncho Tutorial

This wheelchair rain poncho is a practical and thoughtful accessory for wheelchair users. This tutorial shows you how to make a poncho that will keep your loved one dry while they’re out and about, ensuring they stay comfortable in all weather conditions.

Adapting Creatively: Split-back Wheelchair Jacket

Weighted Blanket

Weighted Lap Pad

For those who need a little extra calming weight throughout the day, a weighted lap pad is an ideal choice. This simple but effective pattern helps you create a lap pad that can be placed on your loved one’s lap for a soothing, calming effect that promotes relaxation and comfort.

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