In the WAE Center sewing class, members created a tactile sensory blanket. Each member who participated in this group project made a three-part strip of colorful fabrics and then added touchable objects like beads, buttons, and bells. These strips were joined together into a blanket that encourages you to touch, feel and “fidget.” These blankets are often used for young children so they can explore objects and textures and for people with dementia or sensory needs. The class has donated the blanket to our sensory room for all members and staff to enjoy.
“This blanket project, undertaken by the WAE sewing group became a way to learn about empathy though art. Each square created required the maker to get in “touch” with the needs of someone with limited vision, or someone who needed to calm themselves with a bit of fidgeting. The members were encouraged to think beyond the visual in art and consider texture and 3D form.”
Faye Gray, Art Studio Manager
