Tutorial: Happy Kitty Ribbon Wands

I have been a crazy crafting lady lately, thanks to Michaels Craft it Forward promotion celebrating Random Acts of Kindness Week. They sent me a gift card to use to make a Random Act of Kindness. Thank you, Michaels!!

Tuesday I showed you the kennel mats that I made from brightly colored t-shirts. They’ll go to Little Rock Animal Village so the kittens who are staying there will have a warm, soft place in their kennels. But that’s not all I’ve made for the kitties at the Animal Village.

In addition to a soft place to sleep, kittens needs toys to play with. And Michaels had everything I needed to whip up a batch of ribbon wand toys.

Each one has a different combination of ribbons, yarns, and embellishment.

We made 30 in all. Here they are all together. (There’s actually a glass pitcher underneath that big jumble of ribbons and yarn!)

They were so much fun to make!!

And easy, too. I was going to photo a step-by-step tutorial, but really I can just tell you how with a couple of short paragraphs.

I made the handles from 5/16″ wooden dowels. Each dowel gets cut in half, making two wands from one dowel. My husband drilled a small hole near the end of each one. Then, I added a large jump ring (1/2″ diameter, used for making chain mail) through the hole.

Now for the fun part, adding the ribbons and yarns. Michaels has so many to choose from! I made a palette of colorful and sparkly ribbons and yarns with a good mix of color, texture, and size. We grouped them together in fun combinations, cut them to length, and tied them to the rings.

But don’t stop there. Thread some bells and pom poms through some of the ribbons. (Tie a knot above and below the embellishment to keep it in place.)

Or my favorite – a sequined styrofoam ball with a couple of feathers sticking out of the top. We found the sequined balls in the wedding section.

Guaranteed fun for the kitties! I’m hoping they get lots of play at the Animal Village, where they work hard to keep their animals socialized and ready to be placed into loving homes.

You should have seen me trying to get pictures of the wand in action!! I had the camera in one hand, the wand in the other.

This would be a great project to do with scouts or school/church groups! You could have the wands all ready to go. All the kids would need to do is pick ribbons and tie them on.

Have you entered my giveaway for a $5 gift card to Michaels? If not, click here and leave a comment to get entered. (Giveaway ends Wednesday, February 20, 2013.)

And be sure to check out Michaels’ Random Acts of Kindness Pinterest board showing with other bloggers have done with their Craft it Forward gift cards.

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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