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Member since 6/11/18
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Posted on: 8/21/19 4:54 PM ET
I want to make a quilt for my 2 year old nephew. He is visually impaired. It’s possible he may see very high contrasts or bright lights as he is attracted to those, however, he is considered blind.
Any suggestions for a creative quilt for him? I’m thinking super tactile, super high contrast. What else?
I know PR folks will have some great ideas!
  
Member since 3/24/04
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Posted on: 8/21/19 5:00 PM ET
In reply to CleoPlatz
How are your hand embroidery skills? There are many stitches that produce a very tactile surface, everything from French knots and boullion stitches to chainstitch to feather to satin stitches to stumpwork to... And all the various textures of fabrics...
  
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Posted on: 8/21/19 5:13 PM ET
make it so there are lots of sound interaction...jingle bells**. beads that bang against each other, pet squeakers. and agree, use lots of different textures in the fabrics and construction techniques. do some 3-D applique, like animal shapes, or alphabet letters. (even if child is still too young.) the physical therapist (or similar) should be able to advise on the kinds of patterns that are the best visual stimulus for the particular child's needs.

**just to add, you need to be super careful that anything that could cause choking is solidly and safely attached. I'd make little enclosed pockets and put the noise makers inside them.
-- Edited on 8/21/19 at 5:21 PM --
  
Member since 1/26/12
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Posted on: 8/21/19 9:04 PM ET
I have a (now adult) son who has always been severely visually impaired. He always appreciated textural variety and high visual contrast. Though his visual acuity was very poor, his color vision was fine. So vivid colors in fairly large patches are attractive. Muted colors or pastels tend to run together and all look the same. Narrow stripes or small patches of color appear indistinct.

Interesting textures in fabric include corduroy, velveteen, satin, suede types, seersucker, dotted swiss, crinkle cloth. Rickrack and soutache braid make good tactile and color contrast too. Of course, for a two year old, everything needs to be washable and sturdy.

When he was older, I made a simple tied quilt for him in bright yellow, light blue, medium blue, and dark blue ("Streak of Lightning"). The fabrics are a mix of corduroy, sturdy crinkle cloth, fine twill, and plain sheeting. It's very satisfying both visually and for touch.
  
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Posted on: 8/21/19 10:06 PM ET
In reply to CleoPlatz
For a small person in my life with similar sounding visual impairment, we stick with a very bold, high contrast pattern, limited color palette. We tend to use black, white, and red. Big motifs are best.

Sound is always a hit, but even more so, storytelling or song. She loves being read/sang to. So maybe you could have fun incorporating a narrative, maybe one that has a tactile element (like different furs/textures for different animals), or something like that could let you get really creative.

Sounds like a very sweet project.
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*Martha*
Back in New York!

BERNINA B735 & 153QE
Blog: www.BuriedDiamond.com
  
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Posted on: 8/21/19 10:30 PM ET
Maybe a pocket big enough for a stuffed toy ? Or one thats 'hidden' like just overlapping fabric on the diagonal for little treasures?
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Ana, the ripper
  
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Posted on: 8/22/19 11:24 PM ET
In reply to kayl
embroidery is good idea.
  
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Posted on: 8/22/19 11:27 PM ET
In reply to bcch
I like the 3-d applique idea. I want to try some sort of raised applique for his name, both in letters and braille. I like the idea of sound makers, but will definitely be careful of the choking hazard.
  
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Posted on: 8/22/19 11:41 PM ET
In reply to Lindy Ann
Quote:
Interesting textures in fabric include corduroy, velveteen, satin, suede types, seersucker, dotted swiss, crinkle cloth. Rickrack and soutache braid make good tactile and color contrast too.


Really appreciate your list of fabrics! As well as your description of the quilt you made for your son. Thank you.

Quote:
When he was older, I made a simple tied quilt for him in bright yellow, light blue, medium blue, and dark blue ("Streak of Lightning"). The fabrics are a mix of corduroy, sturdy crinkle cloth, fine twill, and plain sheeting. It's very satisfying both visually and for touch.
  
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Posted on: 8/22/19 11:43 PM ET
In reply to miss diana
Good ideas! His mom told me black, white, red are good as well as big patches.
  
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