August 28, 2015 (Denver, NC) ─ A belt buckle, zippers, a bag of rice with a toy hidden in it – these are not items you would typically associate with quilting, but local crafters Andrea Shipley and PJ Howard are finding creative ways to make blankets that do more than just provide warmth.

The two women have been creating “busy quilts” for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia living at area senior living communities such as Wexford House in Denver.

Members of the Charlotte Crafters Guild, Howard and Shipley have made and donated about 10 “busy blankets” to Wexford House, a DePaul Senior Living Community.

“The blankets are all made with recycled items and that are safe for our residents,” she said. “PJ and Andrea’s handiwork is multi-functional!”

The tactile blankets are useful for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients because they tend to enjoy having something to do with their hands, said Shipley.

“If you’re a quilter or crafter, it’s a good way to use up your scraps, do-dads and trinkets,” said Shipley. “You can look around the house and all of a sudden you see the caps of milk jugs and you put them on a string. It’s just a fun thing for us to do.”

And for residents at Wexford House, Activities Director Leslie Spinner said the blankets are a welcome donation!

Pictured here, Wexford House residents Valerie Rogers and Florene Hicks enjoy “busy blankets” donated by area quilters Andrea Shipley and PJ Howard.

For more information about Wexford House, please contact Administrator Pam Morrell at (704) 489-2633 or visit us on Facebook.