My girls and I are going to make some "blind blankets" this weekend. They will be sent to orphanages in China and given to children who are blind to help stimulate them. The woman who "created" these blankets says she uses anything that would be fun or interesting to touch and that can be sewn on and withstand machine washing. So I need some suggestions for what to sew on these blankets. The blankets don't have to look beautiful as that isn't their function (and a good thing as I'm not very good at sewing). Any suggestions?

By Mommyathome on Thursday, March 4, 2004 - 06:27 pm:

Buttons. They come in every shape and size you could ever imagine! I've seen everything from cars to animals...everything!
Also maybe some different styles of lace. Just sew down the side of it so the "pretty part" sticks up and can be felt easily.
Different types of fabrics such as velvet, sherpa, fleece.
Beads would be fun too.
Sounds like a great project!

By Kate on Thursday, March 4, 2004 - 06:27 pm:

Well, buttons of all shapes and sizes come to mind, as well as zippers. Silky ribbons...ribbons with those fabric rosettes on them....different fabrics like corduroy, velvet, fuzzy fur, rough fabrics, leather....bells (you see these all the time on holiday sweaters)....loops of ribbon.....beads....maybe sew a pocket on them so they can put their hands in and explore (maybe have buttons or something inside the pocket)...pom poms...

What a great project!!

By Kate on Thursday, March 4, 2004 - 06:28 pm:

Okay Robin...stop reading my mind!!!! That's scary!!

By Vicki on Thursday, March 4, 2004 - 07:45 pm:

Great ideas and I don't have any better to offer, but buttons are making me nervous. I would think that could be a huge choking factor. Sew them on really really tight if you put them on!! Sounds like a great project for a very nice cause!!!

By Dana on Thursday, March 4, 2004 - 09:18 pm:

Vicki, I was thinking the very same about the buttons. I would feel safer with things that are part of the blanket and not attached.