93 / 100
DEC 2017/JAN 2018
THE BERNARDS-RIDGE CONNECTION
PAGE 93
DEMENTIA PATIENTS GET BUSY WITH TWIDDLEMUFF By: Carolyn Hanson Carolyn Hanson is a local knitting and crochet designer, teacher and fiber artist. She can be contacted at cchanson3@gmail.com . Have you ever heard of a Twiddlemuff? Also known at twiddle mitt or hand mitt, a Twiddlemuff is a textural activity muff found to be beneficial to dementia patients. It’s used as a distraction from pulling on bandages and tubes by giving the patient something to do with their hands. It’s covered both inside and out with different interesting objects that can be manipulated. Not sur- prisingly, a twiddlemuff also provides warmth to cold hands, and can be easily knitted, crocheted or sewn from materials you already have in your stash. Design is not critical; it’s all about texture and keeping busy. Start by making a flat textural rectangle 12” x 24”. [Note: This rectan- gle is later folded in half to form a 12” x 12” square that is sewn together.] Use different stitches and different yarns or fabric. For yarn, try chenille, wool, fun fur, cotton, mohair, and boucle. Mix them up. Any stitch size will do. Use a gauge that matches the yarn. If using fabric, try, chenille, brocade, satin, taffeta, faux fur, wool, corduroy and cotton. Next, make it fun. Add patches or appliques, buttons, pockets, bobbles, large beads, pom-poms, tassels, ribbons, knots, fringe, and embellish- ments that will provide interest. Free your imagination. Think of it as an activity muff; similar to a toy used by a toddler. [Note: Leave the mid- section unembellished for an inch or so. This is where the muff will be folded in half and stitched to the loose ends.] Last step is to fold in half so that the unembellished sides are facing each other and the embellished sides are on the outside.Sew up the 3 open ends and then fold in half again and sew the bottom seam to the fold line. No need to weave in ends. [When was the last time you heard that! ] These small strings add to the texture. Another option is to create a lap quilt with different activities in each block. If your group is looking to do chari- ty work, contact your local senior living facility with dementia units. Most are happy to accept donations into their program. For simple knit and crochet patterns go to Pinterest or Ravelry and search for Twiddlemuff. The pattern referenced here is by Knit for Peace. www.knitforpeace.org.uk. Clinton Guitars Repairs • Custom Installations • Lessons Instruments New & Used • Consignments 6 East Main Street, (Dickens Lane) Clinton, NJ 08809 908-894-5332 clintonguitars.com Roger Steinberg roger@clintonguitars.com & % $ ## & % $ !$% "! E lite T axi & Limousine of B ernardsville 908.953.9999 www.EliteTaxiAndLimo.com Airports - NYC- Local Service 24/7 Locally Owned & Operated Thank You for Supporting our Local Business Professional - Dependable - Courteous Fully Licensed & Insured All drivers are Bernardsville & Basking Ridge residents. Bernardsville/Basking Ridge to Newark Airport $ 69 99 * *For Sedan between 6am & 11pm Plus gratuity. Cannot be combined with other offers. Expires 1/31/18. Sedans, SUVs, Limos Celebrating Our 6 Year Anniversary ONLY www.theconnectionsnj.com • ON-LINE Magazines • New ON-LINE Recipe Book • Visit The Connectory • Read Our Blog • See New ON-LINE Ads • And MORE!!! Visit Our Interactive Website www.theconnectionsnj.com