"Sensory" type fabrics

> Forgive the strange subject line bit its 4:30 am here on the east coast
> of the US and my brain isnt quite functioning yet...:)
> I am a nurse and I work with disabled children. Many of the children
> have sensory deficits, ie; blind, deaf, ect. and one in particular that
> I work with has only her left hand that she receives any kind of
> sensory input. She grasps things that she finds interesting. One toy in
> particular she loves to play with is a nylon covered ball suspended
> fron her bed. The other is a bag of balls that the bag is made like
> those you buy onions in.
> What I would like to do is make her a blanket that has many types of
> materials that she can 'feel' .
> First, I would like to find some nylon, the type used in flags. Anyone
> know of a good online store for this?
> Second, any suggestions as to other material to add into this blanket?
> It must be able to withstand multiple washings. I was thinking some
> penne velvet, and fleece but I am at a loss after that. I would like to
> add something like tulle, but I didnt think it would stand up to the
> use.
> Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
>
> Cindy
>

> sin4sure@aol.com wrote:
>> Forgive the strange subject line bit its 4:30 am here on the east coast
>> of the US and my brain isnt quite functioning yet...:)
>> I am a nurse and I work with disabled children. Many of the children
>> have sensory deficits, ie; blind, deaf, ect. and one in particular that
>> I work with has only her left hand that she receives any kind of
>> sensory input. She grasps things that she finds interesting. One toy in
>> particular she loves to play with is a nylon covered ball suspended
>> fron her bed. The other is a bag of balls that the bag is made like
>> those you buy onions in.
>> What I would like to do is make her a blanket that has many types of
>> materials that she can 'feel' .
>> First, I would like to find some nylon, the type used in flags. Anyone
>> know of a good online store for this?
>> Second, any suggestions as to other material to add into this blanket?
>> It must be able to withstand multiple washings. I was thinking some
>> penne velvet, and fleece but I am at a loss after that. I would like to
>> add something like tulle, but I didnt think it would stand up to the
>> use. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
>> Cindy
> That sounds like an interesting project. If I were you, I'd probably
> appliqué the pieces to something like polar fleece (use the good stuff
> from Malden Mills) or Minky (should be available in Joanne's or any good
> quilt shop).
> Penny makes a lot of outdoors stuff, and her list of suppliers will have
> sources for both polar fleece (but it's also worth ringing the mill and
> seeing if they'll send you an off-cut: remnants are usually only available
> to call-in customers) and nylon flag 'silk' or poly taffeta as used in
> waterproof clothing: http://www.specialtyoutdoors.com/tips/sources.asp
> For the tulle, try using dress net: it's very stiff and rather scratchy,
> but zigzagged to a sturdy backing it should last for years and give a good
> sensory input. Again, Joannes should have it.
> Panne velvet is a good one. :) You might also like to try my least
> favourite fabric on the planet: poly lurex knit with sequins bonded on!
> Dire for making up, but great tactile experience (note I say great rather
> than pleasant!), and almost indestructible except by heat: you need to
> wash and tumble dry as cool as you can, otherwise the sequins fall off and
> bond themselves to the thing you really didn't want them to.
> Something furry might be fun. And something crinkly... Ask Penny's
> sources what they have that might fit this one.
> I also got hold of some of those squeakers that they put in kid's clothing
> over here, and in toys... One of those might be a fun addition.
> As you'll only need small pieces of any of the fabrics, ask about and see
> what folk will donate. And pop in to the quilting group
> (rec.crafts.textiles.quilting) as this will appeal to them and they'll
> have more fun ideas for you, and many more sources than I can think of
> from here! :)
> --
> Kate XXXXXX R.C.T.Q Madame Chef des Trolls
> Lady Catherine, Wardrobe Mistress of the Chocolate Buttons
> http://www.katedicey.co.uk
> Click on Kate's Pages and explore!

> Thanks Kate!
> Somehow I knew I could count on your great input :) The quilting group is a
> great idea, one I would have never thought of, as I always come here when I
> am stuck for ideas!

>What I would like to do is make her a blanket that has many types of
>materials that she can 'feel' .
>First, I would like to find some nylon, the type used in flags. Anyone
>know of a good online store for this?

>Second, any suggestions as to other material to add into this blanket?
>It must be able to withstand multiple washings. I was thinking some
>penne velvet, and fleece but I am at a loss after that. I would like to
>add something like tulle, but I didnt think it would stand up to the
>use.