Other Donations
SEWING PROJECTS
Use your sewing skills to help us help Kids
Items needed for Children’s Pediatric Rehabilitation patients:
1) Weighted blankets
2) Weighted vests
3) Weighted pillows
4) Wheelchair bags
Weighted Blankets, Vests and Pillows
In working with small children who have autism or attention deficit disorders, it's known that weight and pressure on their bodies is very calming to their nervous systems. With this 'sensory input' of weight and pressure, they can be more calm, less restless and less anxious or stressed. Without someone being always available to provide this 'sensory support', a heavy pillow, blanket or vest can be given to help them get this support. These items are filled with rice or some other grain etc., as an inexpensive way of making them heavy, and are then quilted to keep the rice spread out. Please email Michelle Suwczinsky at msuwczinsky@mail.cho.org for directions, patterns and specific instructions on sizes.
1) Weighted vests
These vests are worn to add weight to the child as they move around, and are fairly tight to
provide a sense of 'security' and 'groundedness'. The vests are sleeveless and are double-layered
for rice or other weighting material to be filled in afterwards. The material should be fairly heavy, but not rigid such as softer blue jean material for example. Seams should be sewn very heavy to prevent opening and spilling of rice. Leave a hole for addition of rice after sewing. Partial quilting is done later, either by machine or by hand to restrict the movement of rice, but not to form any 'closed channels'.
2) Weighted blankets
These blankets can be made in various child sizes, and should be made out of a heavy material that will resist being bitten through or torn, as this becomes very messy. The dimensions should minimally be 30 by 40 inches, to a maximum size of about 30 by 50 inches. The blankets should be sewn with a heavy seam all the way around, with a gap for filling in the rice later on, to be sewn closed by hand later. Rather than quilting into 'closed pockets, it is better to sew numerous open-ended darts throughout the surface, to limit the movement of the rice.
3) Weighted pillows
Similar to the blankets above, these are used to assist children in staying seated at circle time or at snack time for example. The desired dimensions are between 12 x 6 inches and 24 x 6 inches.
4) Wheelchair Bags
Most kids admitted for rehabilitation due to a head injury or surgery, for example, will use a wheelchair throughout their stay at Children's Hospital. In order to keep their toys and belongings with them when they go to therapy or other places in the hospital, they need specially sized bags that fit over the backs of the wheelchairs. We like to give each child a new bag that becomes his or her own. The kids usually wish to take the bags with them when they leave. In order to have enough bags for everyone, we need help making them.
If you are interested in helping , download the sewing directions. For more information, please contact Donna Minkler, speech therapist, by emailing Dminkler@mail.cho.org or by calling (510) 428-3885 ext. 2139.
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