Making a weighted blanket

Replying to myself. I found that there is a pattern for the weighted
blankets on the Linus yahoo group site. If you would like to have the
pattern let me know and I'll send it to you - it's in pdf format.

Donna in Idaho

"Donna in Idaho" wrote in message
...
I just returned from Project Linus conference where weighted blankets were
discussed. We were told to make them with channels as someone else has
mentioned. Then put tightly rolled up sheets in the channels. The sheets
can be removed for laundering.

Donna in Idaho

"NightMist" wrote in message
...

I have contemplated weighted blankets for a while.
They are usually highly recommended for developmentally disabled children
and adults, or people of any age that engage in what appear to be
restless repetitive behaviors. Look up pressure therapy for more info.

We have been getting by with weighted balls, and manually squishing Ash
with a pillow. He loves it, and it really does calm him. Then on a trip
to the dentist recently he got a bit over the top. He is a self biter
and has pica, so it is easy to see how a trip to the dentist would
overstimulate him. In the course of this frustrating visit, and not
knowing what else to do, I asked the dentist's aide to fetch an adult
size x-ray apron. We laid it over him in the chair and I said
"Squish!". Ash repeated "Squish!", and giggled a bit. It calmed him
down instantly. kiri decided we need to get us one of those aprons, and
I chimed in with "without the lead!".

For us a boughten weighted blanket is prohibitively expensive. They can
easily run over a hundred dollars for a smaller than twin size.
I figured out how to make one easily enough. I have made a feather bed,
I have mass produced sachet size bags, most of what I learned doing those
things will stand me well with this project. Here is a website that does
it pretty much as I figured, notice they also discovered the joys of the
x-ray apron (G):

http://craftnectar.com/2009/09/03/ca...with-weighted-
blankets/

Now here is the tricky bit and the part I need help with. What do I fill
it with?

The blanket absolutely must be washable. That lets out things like corn
bran, buckwheat hulls, rice, or other organics. I fear that things like
fish gravel or sand would be too hard on the fabric. On other websites I
have found suggestions such as make one of plasticized canvas, fill it
with sand, and then make what amounts to a duvet cover for it. Yeah, Ash
cannot stand to leave the dust jacket on a book, I don't think a duvet
cover would last ten minutes with him.

Thus far the idea I have found most intriguing is to use multiple layers
of upholstery vinyl as you would quilt batting. My Pfaff, and maybe my
Imperial could handle the sewing of it. I would have to quilt it fairly
closely to eliminate the play of the fabric, there is no way Ash would be
able to leave slidey fabric alone. I do not know how I could calculate
the weight of the finished project with any accuracy though. Perfect
would be in the realm of ten pounds or so. Yep our lad is _eleven_ now!
and weighs near enough to a hundred pounds. One tenth body weight is the
recommended for such things. Another thing that concerns me about this
method is that while the vinyl would be washable, would it be practical
to do so? Is it going to be flexible and durable enough to go through
the washing machine? would I have to take it to a laundramat and put it
through one of the big machines? would the only truly sensible thing be
to take it to the cleaners? You really do not want anything that sees
common use with an 11 year old boy to be dry clean only! You really
really want kid stuff to be something you can chuck into the washer at
the drop of a hat.

Give me some ideas people!

BTW we just had Ash's fall IEP meeting. He is doing stunningly well.
His vocabulary has literally increased by 1000%, he interacts with his
classmates even to calling them by name. His demonstrated reading
vocabulary and associating what he reads with things and concepts has
really taken off, to the point that when it is something he cannot say
clearly he sometimes is able to write it down and show it to you. He is
willingly participating in classroom activities. He has not attempted a
jailbreak even once. He is way ahead of his class in pool, and enjoys
swimming (yes actually swimming!) laps. The pool instructor says he is
one of those kids that is part fish (G) They still have not been able to
hire a permanent speech therapist, so the local district has to send one
over. The district is not begrudging this as Ash is doing so very well,
and I assume Ash doing well is going to look good on their state
reports. The district rep even openly admitted that sending Ash to BOCES
was indeed the best decision. Considering had he stayed in district that
they were planning on building a time out room in the classroom he would
have gone to just for him, I could not agree more! BTW that just
horrified his current teacher. She cannot imagine Ash being a problem in
the classroom. He is very well liked by both his classmates and his
teachers. braggingOne of the recent class assignments for those who
were able, was to write a couple of paragraphs about someone that you
admire. One of the other boys chose Ash.bragging

NightMist


--
I'm raising a developmentally disabled child. What's your superpower?

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Batt-mart has them. I didn't check the price but Joann's coupon probably a
better deal.


I am just so glad to hear the news about Ash. That is
wonderful! Thanks for sharing and getting my day off to a happy start.
WooHoo for you guys!
Taria

"Polly Esther" wrote in message
...
I was so surprised the first time a dollmaker placed one of her baby dolls
in my arms. It felt so real. The difference? She put about 5 lbs of the
weighted poly pellets inside those exquisite and very expensive little
creations.
NM, I have carefully considered other weights and believe the poly
pellets is going to be your best bet - during construction, use and
maintenance. You would need about 8 lbs. JoAnn's has them for $ 7.99 for
2 pounds and you could unearth some 40% off coupons.
Also - canvas is durable and Heavy. Trust me. We made a canvas cover
for a camping trailer long ago and that stuff would surely give you the
'other' 2 lbs. Your Pfaff won't mind stitching canvas one bit. You'll
need the right needles and a strong fellow to help you guide the channels.
Didn't mean to write a book here - but also consider the strongest
thread your Pfaff can manage. This is no time for sissy thread.
It warms my heart to read of Ash's many successes. NM, I am just so
proud for all of you. Polly

"DiMa" ...
What about the plastic beads used in toy making - I used them to weight
the feet and hands only of a cute teddy bear with long arms and legs.

Nightmist, how about denim. We all know how heavy a denim quilt can
be. And denim is very washable.
You could also add weighted edges to the blanket, perhaps some sort of
removable weights.

Great news about Ash's progress.

Pati, in Phx

On Sep 21, 4:43*am, NightMist wrote:
I have contemplated weighted blankets for a while.
They are usually highly recommended for developmentally disabled children
and adults, or people of any age that engage in what appear to be
restless repetitive behaviors. *Look up pressure therapy for more info.

We have been getting by with weighted balls, and manually squishing Ash
with a pillow. *He loves it, and it really does calm him. *Then on a trip
to the dentist recently he got a bit over the top. *He is a self biter
and has pica, so it is easy to see how a trip to the dentist would
overstimulate him. *In the course of this frustrating visit, and not
knowing what else to do, I asked the dentist's aide to fetch an adult
size x-ray apron. *We laid it over him in the chair and I said
"Squish!". *Ash repeated "Squish!", and giggled a bit. *It calmed him
down instantly. *kiri decided we need to get us one of those aprons, and
I chimed in with "without the lead!". *

For us a boughten weighted blanket is prohibitively expensive. *They can
easily run over a hundred dollars for a smaller than twin size.
I figured out how to make one easily enough. *I have made a feather bed,
I have mass produced sachet size bags, most of what I learned doing those
things will stand me well with this project. *Here is a website that does
it pretty much as I figured, notice they also discovered the joys of the
x-ray apron (G):

http://craftnectar.com/2009/09/03/ca...with-weighted-
blankets/

Now here is the tricky bit and the part I need help with. *What do I fill
it with?


Give me some ideas people!

NightMist

--
I'm raising a developmentally disabled child. *What's your superpower?

Wish I still had the corduroy Log Cabin that was among my early
efforts at quiltmaking, I'd send it right over. It surely weighed more
than 10 pounds, and being double-bed size, one could fold it in half.
Although that might be dangerous: a person could hardly breathe under
just one layer!
Roberta in D, still can't figure out how I ever got it finished

On Tue, 21 Sep 2010 09:51:50 -0400, Allison
wrote:

If you could get hold of some "mill felt" that makes for a very heavy
blanket. My mom had several from her dad who was manager of a paper
mill. The felts are used on the rollers to help dry the paper. When
they were no longer good for that they were cut up, dyed and sold to
employees as heavy-duty and HEAVY blankets. I remember the weight of
lying under just one layer... two or three layers would definitely give
you the weight you want.

I did a quick google search - there are various supplies. If you could
find one near you perhaps they would have an 'end-of-roll- or the like
that they could sell you.

Good luck!
Allison






NightMist wrote:
I have contemplated weighted blankets for a while.
They are usually highly recommended for developmentally disabled children
and adults, or people of any age that engage in what appear to be
restless repetitive behaviors. Look up pressure therapy for more info.

We have been getting by with weighted balls, and manually squishing Ash
with a pillow. He loves it, and it really does calm him. Then on a trip
to the dentist recently he got a bit over the top. He is a self biter
and has pica, so it is easy to see how a trip to the dentist would
overstimulate him. In the course of this frustrating visit, and not
knowing what else to do, I asked the dentist's aide to fetch an adult
size x-ray apron. We laid it over him in the chair and I said
"Squish!". Ash repeated "Squish!", and giggled a bit. It calmed him
down instantly. kiri decided we need to get us one of those aprons, and
I chimed in with "without the lead!".

For us a boughten weighted blanket is prohibitively expensive. They can
easily run over a hundred dollars for a smaller than twin size.
I figured out how to make one easily enough. I have made a feather bed,
I have mass produced sachet size bags, most of what I learned doing those
things will stand me well with this project. Here is a website that does
it pretty much as I figured, notice they also discovered the joys of the
x-ray apron (G):

http://craftnectar.com/2009/09/03/ca...with-weighted-
blankets/

Now here is the tricky bit and the part I need help with. What do I fill
it with?

The blanket absolutely must be washable. That lets out things like corn
bran, buckwheat hulls, rice, or other organics. I fear that things like
fish gravel or sand would be too hard on the fabric. On other websites I
have found suggestions such as make one of plasticized canvas, fill it
with sand, and then make what amounts to a duvet cover for it. Yeah, Ash
cannot stand to leave the dust jacket on a book, I don't think a duvet
cover would last ten minutes with him.

Thus far the idea I have found most intriguing is to use multiple layers
of upholstery vinyl as you would quilt batting. My Pfaff, and maybe my
Imperial could handle the sewing of it. I would have to quilt it fairly
closely to eliminate the play of the fabric, there is no way Ash would be
able to leave slidey fabric alone. I do not know how I could calculate
the weight of the finished project with any accuracy though. Perfect
would be in the realm of ten pounds or so. Yep our lad is _eleven_ now!
and weighs near enough to a hundred pounds. One tenth body weight is the
recommended for such things. Another thing that concerns me about this
method is that while the vinyl would be washable, would it be practical
to do so? Is it going to be flexible and durable enough to go through
the washing machine? would I have to take it to a laundramat and put it
through one of the big machines? would the only truly sensible thing be
to take it to the cleaners? You really do not want anything that sees
common use with an 11 year old boy to be dry clean only! You really
really want kid stuff to be something you can chuck into the washer at
the drop of a hat.

Give me some ideas people!

BTW we just had Ash's fall IEP meeting. He is doing stunningly well.
His vocabulary has literally increased by 1000%, he interacts with his
classmates even to calling them by name. His demonstrated reading
vocabulary and associating what he reads with things and concepts has
really taken off, to the point that when it is something he cannot say
clearly he sometimes is able to write it down and show it to you. He is
willingly participating in classroom activities. He has not attempted a
jailbreak even once. He is way ahead of his class in pool, and enjoys
swimming (yes actually swimming!) laps. The pool instructor says he is
one of those kids that is part fish (G) They still have not been able to
hire a permanent speech therapist, so the local district has to send one
over. The district is not begrudging this as Ash is doing so very well,
and I assume Ash doing well is going to look good on their state
reports. The district rep even openly admitted that sending Ash to BOCES
was indeed the best decision. Considering had he stayed in district that
they were planning on building a time out room in the classroom he would
have gone to just for him, I could not agree more! BTW that just
horrified his current teacher. She cannot imagine Ash being a problem in
the classroom. He is very well liked by both his classmates and his
teachers. braggingOne of the recent class assignments for those who
were able, was to write a couple of paragraphs about someone that you
admire. One of the other boys chose Ash.bragging

NightMist

OK, DUH!
Why didn't I think of that?

Then I could just cut 2 pieces to the right size, weigh them, and figure
it out from there! Sand is dirt cheap (Oh hah) at the local hardware
store.

I called the local JoAnn's, and they said they do not have the weighted
pellets. The local craft store says they do not have them either. There
are reasons I do a lot of mailorder.
I may well get some pellets and make a snugglier version. I think my
current bolt of canvas is 10 oz., that ought to hold up.

My very first thought was of the seriously heavy utility quilts that
abounded in DH's family. Tops and backs pieced of wool suiting, and
batted with lint from the mattress factory that had been sandwiched
between old sheets. However those materials are not so dead common as
they once were. I could about manage the old sheets. Those quits
inspired serious respect for the Aunties's skills. They had to have
quilted them by stab stitching, yet you could not tell the front from the
back on any of them.

Ash needs a new quilt too, so I am going to be spending some time sewing
for him. He does love his bedding!

NightMist


On Tue, 21 Sep 2010 13:49:48 +0200, Roberta wrote:

Glad Ash is doing so well! Thanks very much to your consistent and
continuous hard work.

Why does it have to be *machine* washable? Wouldn't it work OK if it
were vinyl, and you just sponged it off? After all, the dentist aprons
don't go in the laundry. Then you could probably fill it with sand. Good
luck!
Roberta in D

On Tue, 21 Sep 2010 11:43:34 +0000, NightMist
wrote:


I have contemplated weighted blankets for a while. They are usually
highly recommended for developmentally disabled children and adults, or
people of any age that engage in what appear to be restless repetitive
behaviors. Look up pressure therapy for more info.

We have been getting by with weighted balls, and manually squishing Ash
with a pillow. He loves it, and it really does calm him. Then on a
trip to the dentist recently he got a bit over the top. He is a self
biter and has pica, so it is easy to see how a trip to the dentist would
overstimulate him. In the course of this frustrating visit, and not
knowing what else to do, I asked the dentist's aide to fetch an adult
size x-ray apron. We laid it over him in the chair and I said
"Squish!". Ash repeated "Squish!", and giggled a bit. It calmed him
down instantly. kiri decided we need to get us one of those aprons, and
I chimed in with "without the lead!".

For us a boughten weighted blanket is prohibitively expensive. They can
easily run over a hundred dollars for a smaller than twin size. I
figured out how to make one easily enough. I have made a feather bed, I
have mass produced sachet size bags, most of what I learned doing those
things will stand me well with this project. Here is a website that
does it pretty much as I figured, notice they also discovered the joys
of the x-ray apron (G):

http://craftnectar.com/2009/09/03/ca...with-weighted-
blankets/

Now here is the tricky bit and the part I need help with. What do I
fill it with?

The blanket absolutely must be washable. That lets out things like corn
bran, buckwheat hulls, rice, or other organics. I fear that things like
fish gravel or sand would be too hard on the fabric. On other websites
I have found suggestions such as make one of plasticized canvas, fill
it with sand, and then make what amounts to a duvet cover for it. Yeah,
Ash cannot stand to leave the dust jacket on a book, I don't think a
duvet cover would last ten minutes with him.

Thus far the idea I have found most intriguing is to use multiple layers
of upholstery vinyl as you would quilt batting. My Pfaff, and maybe my
Imperial could handle the sewing of it. I would have to quilt it
fairly closely to eliminate the play of the fabric, there is no way Ash
would be able to leave slidey fabric alone. I do not know how I could
calculate the weight of the finished project with any accuracy though.
Perfect would be in the realm of ten pounds or so. Yep our lad is
_eleven_ now! and weighs near enough to a hundred pounds. One tenth
body weight is the recommended for such things. Another thing that
concerns me about this method is that while the vinyl would be washable,
would it be practical to do so? Is it going to be flexible and durable
enough to go through the washing machine? would I have to take it to a
laundramat and put it through one of the big machines? would the only
truly sensible thing be to take it to the cleaners? You really do not
want anything that sees common use with an 11 year old boy to be dry
clean only! You really really want kid stuff to be something you can
chuck into the washer at the drop of a hat.

--
I'm raising a developmentally disabled child. What's your superpower?

On Tue, 21 Sep 2010 11:43:34 +0000, NightMist
wrote:



Now here is the tricky bit and the part I need help with. What do I fill
it with?


What about foam chips? Not packing foam (like those hard packing
peanuts), but soft washable foam. Like the kind they put in 'memory'
pillows.

-Irene

No help with the blanket, but very impressed with Ash's progress. That's
wonderful news. Has he discovered girls yet, or more likely, have the girls
discovered him? He's one good looking young man.
Gen


"NightMist" wrote in message
...

I have contemplated weighted blankets for a while.
They are usually highly recommended for developmentally disabled children
and adults, or people of any age that engage in what appear to be
restless repetitive behaviors. Look up pressure therapy for more info.

We have been getting by with weighted balls, and manually squishing Ash
with a pillow. He loves it, and it really does calm him. Then on a trip
to the dentist recently he got a bit over the top. He is a self biter
and has pica, so it is easy to see how a trip to the dentist would
overstimulate him. In the course of this frustrating visit, and not
knowing what else to do, I asked the dentist's aide to fetch an adult
size x-ray apron. We laid it over him in the chair and I said
"Squish!". Ash repeated "Squish!", and giggled a bit. It calmed him
down instantly. kiri decided we need to get us one of those aprons, and
I chimed in with "without the lead!".

For us a boughten weighted blanket is prohibitively expensive. They can
easily run over a hundred dollars for a smaller than twin size.
I figured out how to make one easily enough. I have made a feather bed,
I have mass produced sachet size bags, most of what I learned doing those
things will stand me well with this project. Here is a website that does
it pretty much as I figured, notice they also discovered the joys of the
x-ray apron (G):

http://craftnectar.com/2009/09/03/ca...with-weighted-
blankets/

Now here is the tricky bit and the part I need help with. What do I fill
it with?

The blanket absolutely must be washable. That lets out things like corn
bran, buckwheat hulls, rice, or other organics. I fear that things like
fish gravel or sand would be too hard on the fabric. On other websites I
have found suggestions such as make one of plasticized canvas, fill it
with sand, and then make what amounts to a duvet cover for it. Yeah, Ash
cannot stand to leave the dust jacket on a book, I don't think a duvet
cover would last ten minutes with him.

Thus far the idea I have found most intriguing is to use multiple layers
of upholstery vinyl as you would quilt batting. My Pfaff, and maybe my
Imperial could handle the sewing of it. I would have to quilt it fairly
closely to eliminate the play of the fabric, there is no way Ash would be
able to leave slidey fabric alone. I do not know how I could calculate
the weight of the finished project with any accuracy though. Perfect
would be in the realm of ten pounds or so. Yep our lad is _eleven_ now!
and weighs near enough to a hundred pounds. One tenth body weight is the
recommended for such things. Another thing that concerns me about this
method is that while the vinyl would be washable, would it be practical
to do so? Is it going to be flexible and durable enough to go through
the washing machine? would I have to take it to a laundramat and put it
through one of the big machines? would the only truly sensible thing be
to take it to the cleaners? You really do not want anything that sees
common use with an 11 year old boy to be dry clean only! You really
really want kid stuff to be something you can chuck into the washer at
the drop of a hat.

Give me some ideas people!

BTW we just had Ash's fall IEP meeting. He is doing stunningly well.
His vocabulary has literally increased by 1000%, he interacts with his
classmates even to calling them by name. His demonstrated reading
vocabulary and associating what he reads with things and concepts has
really taken off, to the point that when it is something he cannot say
clearly he sometimes is able to write it down and show it to you. He is
willingly participating in classroom activities. He has not attempted a
jailbreak even once. He is way ahead of his class in pool, and enjoys
swimming (yes actually swimming!) laps. The pool instructor says he is
one of those kids that is part fish (G) They still have not been able to
hire a permanent speech therapist, so the local district has to send one
over. The district is not begrudging this as Ash is doing so very well,
and I assume Ash doing well is going to look good on their state
reports. The district rep even openly admitted that sending Ash to BOCES
was indeed the best decision. Considering had he stayed in district that
they were planning on building a time out room in the classroom he would
have gone to just for him, I could not agree more! BTW that just
horrified his current teacher. She cannot imagine Ash being a problem in
the classroom. He is very well liked by both his classmates and his
teachers. braggingOne of the recent class assignments for those who
were able, was to write a couple of paragraphs about someone that you
admire. One of the other boys chose Ash.bragging

NightMist


--
I'm raising a developmentally disabled child. What's your superpower?

I have no ideas on how to make the weighted blanket, but having recently
watched Temple Grandin, I surely understand why you would want to make such
a blanket.

I'm also soooo glad that you have hung in there with all the crap that the
school district was putting you through. Amazing what results they can get
when they only provide the resources. Duh!

Steven
Alaska


"NightMist" wrote in message
...

I have contemplated weighted blankets for a while.
They are usually highly recommended for developmentally disabled children
and adults, or people of any age that engage in what appear to be
restless repetitive behaviors. Look up pressure therapy for more info.

We have been getting by with weighted balls, and manually squishing Ash
with a pillow. He loves it, and it really does calm him. Then on a trip
to the dentist recently he got a bit over the top. He is a self biter
and has pica, so it is easy to see how a trip to the dentist would
overstimulate him. In the course of this frustrating visit, and not
knowing what else to do, I asked the dentist's aide to fetch an adult
size x-ray apron. We laid it over him in the chair and I said
"Squish!". Ash repeated "Squish!", and giggled a bit. It calmed him
down instantly. kiri decided we need to get us one of those aprons, and
I chimed in with "without the lead!".

For us a boughten weighted blanket is prohibitively expensive. They can
easily run over a hundred dollars for a smaller than twin size.
I figured out how to make one easily enough. I have made a feather bed,
I have mass produced sachet size bags, most of what I learned doing those
things will stand me well with this project. Here is a website that does
it pretty much as I figured, notice they also discovered the joys of the
x-ray apron (G):

http://craftnectar.com/2009/09/03/ca...with-weighted-
blankets/

Now here is the tricky bit and the part I need help with. What do I fill
it with?

The blanket absolutely must be washable. That lets out things like corn
bran, buckwheat hulls, rice, or other organics. I fear that things like
fish gravel or sand would be too hard on the fabric. On other websites I
have found suggestions such as make one of plasticized canvas, fill it
with sand, and then make what amounts to a duvet cover for it. Yeah, Ash
cannot stand to leave the dust jacket on a book, I don't think a duvet
cover would last ten minutes with him.

Thus far the idea I have found most intriguing is to use multiple layers
of upholstery vinyl as you would quilt batting. My Pfaff, and maybe my
Imperial could handle the sewing of it. I would have to quilt it fairly
closely to eliminate the play of the fabric, there is no way Ash would be
able to leave slidey fabric alone. I do not know how I could calculate
the weight of the finished project with any accuracy though. Perfect
would be in the realm of ten pounds or so. Yep our lad is _eleven_ now!
and weighs near enough to a hundred pounds. One tenth body weight is the
recommended for such things. Another thing that concerns me about this
method is that while the vinyl would be washable, would it be practical
to do so? Is it going to be flexible and durable enough to go through
the washing machine? would I have to take it to a laundramat and put it
through one of the big machines? would the only truly sensible thing be
to take it to the cleaners? You really do not want anything that sees
common use with an 11 year old boy to be dry clean only! You really
really want kid stuff to be something you can chuck into the washer at
the drop of a hat.

Give me some ideas people!

BTW we just had Ash's fall IEP meeting. He is doing stunningly well.
His vocabulary has literally increased by 1000%, he interacts with his
classmates even to calling them by name. His demonstrated reading
vocabulary and associating what he reads with things and concepts has
really taken off, to the point that when it is something he cannot say
clearly he sometimes is able to write it down and show it to you. He is
willingly participating in classroom activities. He has not attempted a
jailbreak even once. He is way ahead of his class in pool, and enjoys
swimming (yes actually swimming!) laps. The pool instructor says he is
one of those kids that is part fish (G) They still have not been able to
hire a permanent speech therapist, so the local district has to send one
over. The district is not begrudging this as Ash is doing so very well,
and I assume Ash doing well is going to look good on their state
reports. The district rep even openly admitted that sending Ash to BOCES
was indeed the best decision. Considering had he stayed in district that
they were planning on building a time out room in the classroom he would
have gone to just for him, I could not agree more! BTW that just
horrified his current teacher. She cannot imagine Ash being a problem in
the classroom. He is very well liked by both his classmates and his
teachers. braggingOne of the recent class assignments for those who
were able, was to write a couple of paragraphs about someone that you
admire. One of the other boys chose Ash.bragging

NightMist


--
I'm raising a developmentally disabled child. What's your superpower?

On 21/09/2010 12:43, NightMist wrote:

I have contemplated weighted blankets for a while.
They are usually highly recommended for developmentally disabled children
and adults, or people of any age that engage in what appear to be
restless repetitive behaviors. Look up pressure therapy for more info.

We have been getting by with weighted balls, and manually squishing Ash
with a pillow. He loves it, and it really does calm him. Then on a trip
to the dentist recently he got a bit over the top. He is a self biter
and has pica, so it is easy to see how a trip to the dentist would
overstimulate him. In the course of this frustrating visit, and not
knowing what else to do, I asked the dentist's aide to fetch an adult
size x-ray apron. We laid it over him in the chair and I said
"Squish!". Ash repeated "Squish!", and giggled a bit. It calmed him
down instantly. kiri decided we need to get us one of those aprons, and
I chimed in with "without the lead!".

For us a boughten weighted blanket is prohibitively expensive. They can
easily run over a hundred dollars for a smaller than twin size.
I figured out how to make one easily enough. I have made a feather bed,
I have mass produced sachet size bags, most of what I learned doing those
things will stand me well with this project. Here is a website that does
it pretty much as I figured, notice they also discovered the joys of the
x-ray apron (G):

http://craftnectar.com/2009/09/03/ca...with-weighted-
blankets/

Now here is the tricky bit and the part I need help with. What do I fill
it with?

The blanket absolutely must be washable. That lets out things like corn
bran, buckwheat hulls, rice, or other organics. I fear that things like
fish gravel or sand would be too hard on the fabric. On other websites I
have found suggestions such as make one of plasticized canvas, fill it
with sand, and then make what amounts to a duvet cover for it. Yeah, Ash
cannot stand to leave the dust jacket on a book, I don't think a duvet
cover would last ten minutes with him.

Thus far the idea I have found most intriguing is to use multiple layers
of upholstery vinyl as you would quilt batting. My Pfaff, and maybe my
Imperial could handle the sewing of it. I would have to quilt it fairly
closely to eliminate the play of the fabric, there is no way Ash would be
able to leave slidey fabric alone. I do not know how I could calculate
the weight of the finished project with any accuracy though. Perfect
would be in the realm of ten pounds or so. Yep our lad is _eleven_ now!
and weighs near enough to a hundred pounds. One tenth body weight is the
recommended for such things. Another thing that concerns me about this
method is that while the vinyl would be washable, would it be practical
to do so? Is it going to be flexible and durable enough to go through
the washing machine? would I have to take it to a laundramat and put it
through one of the big machines? would the only truly sensible thing be
to take it to the cleaners? You really do not want anything that sees
common use with an 11 year old boy to be dry clean only! You really
really want kid stuff to be something you can chuck into the washer at
the drop of a hat.

Give me some ideas people!

BTW we just had Ash's fall IEP meeting. He is doing stunningly well.
His vocabulary has literally increased by 1000%, he interacts with his
classmates even to calling them by name. His demonstrated reading
vocabulary and associating what he reads with things and concepts has
really taken off, to the point that when it is something he cannot say
clearly he sometimes is able to write it down and show it to you. He is
willingly participating in classroom activities. He has not attempted a
jailbreak even once. He is way ahead of his class in pool, and enjoys
swimming (yes actually swimming!) laps. The pool instructor says he is
one of those kids that is part fish (G) They still have not been able to
hire a permanent speech therapist, so the local district has to send one
over. The district is not begrudging this as Ash is doing so very well,
and I assume Ash doing well is going to look good on their state
reports. The district rep even openly admitted that sending Ash to BOCES
was indeed the best decision. Considering had he stayed in district that
they were planning on building a time out room in the classroom he would
have gone to just for him, I could not agree more! BTW that just
horrified his current teacher. She cannot imagine Ash being a problem in
the classroom. He is very well liked by both his classmates and his
teachers.braggingOne of the recent class assignments for those who
were able, was to write a couple of paragraphs about someone that you
admire. One of the other boys chose Ash.bragging

NightMist


What about pockets of artificial lead pellets, as used for fishing
weights? Can you still get those? Look like lead, weigh like lead,
cheap as chips (or rhey were when my dad was alive and fishing!), and
made of some other substance. Worked well for fly and coarse fishing...
You could buy them by the pound from the fishing shops and the pellets
came in different sizes.

I am so pleased that Ash is making such lovely progress. He sounds like
a right charmer! Got any recent pix to share?

Sorry it took so long to get to this. I'm up to me oxters in wedding
stuff. Am I allowed to say I can really see why folk HATE making net
petticoats?
--
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!

NM, I'm so pleased to hear the good report on Ash. You've worked
miracles with the schools, getting (and giving) him what he's needed
to shine. Regardless of how you make Ash's 'hug' I think you should do
it with one hand constantly patting yourself on the back. '

Hugs (lightweight and heavy both)
Sunny