Ballyfermot Ladies Quilting

Description

Through Bettys personal tragedy of having to watch her best friend in a hospice something beautiful was born. Betty noticed while visiting her friend that she often got too cold when out of bed reading. She wanted to help in any manner possible and began to make a lap quilt for her. The joy and comfort this small act brought is cemented in the fact that Bettys best friend Viv later chose to be buried with the quilt.
However, it was not only Betty who noted the impact this gesture had and soon the staff in Our Lady’s Hospice asked Betty if she would be so obliged to make some more quilts. Betty did not disappoint them and it did not take long for organizations to hear about these cheerful products and reach out to Betty. The ladies adapted their original design for their quilts creating lap blankets that were the correct measurements for wheelchair users. Their care and compassion for others meant that designs were consistently changing and improving making them inclusive to all.
Through a partnership with Laura Linn children’s hospice a new product was formed. Speaking with the hospice professionals the women created their own dignity bibs for children. While bibs are not a new concept in healthcare this design broke the mold. The ladies consulted with the professions and created a unique pattern in the sowing world. Considering the advice they received they created a protective towel backing for the bibs. They use specific measurements for each child to ensure that each bib is comfortable and fit for purpose. The final part of the process is centred around the children themselves. To ensure that the children will use the bibs they are shown different patterns and fabrics to gauge their reaction to each. This ensures that each dignity bib produced is special for the child who owns it making them cherished items. The staff have reported that previously many bibs would leave the children frustrated and result in them ripping them off but thanks to the ladies hard work much off this stress has been elevated.
These unique products have helped to provide some light and warmth at the darkest of times. Driven solely by compassion and empathy for others the women have helped families through some the most difficult time for almost a decade.
Consistently evolving to the growing demands in their community the group have thrown their eyes to a new project. As D10 is in the process of being classified as an Autism Friendly Village the ladies have partnered with local community group “Neurovibetribe”. They have spent the last month working on a sensory quilt that the group can use. It includes buttons, string, zips, and various textures to meet the sensory needs of all children in the group. The level of detail, effort and thought placed into this project speaks to the ethos at the core of the group.

Aim of Initiative

To bring joy and warmth to people in dire health situations, ensuring that everyone feels loved, special and can retain their dignity. To add to our circular economy and repropose unwanted household items giving them a new lease of life and purpose. To bring people together and introduce new skills to the community while fostering a sense of purpose and belonging.

Who is it aimed at

Those in hospice services (both children and adults) and children with special needs or the neurodiverse. Also community members who may feel isolated or have time to learn a new skill and want to develop a sense of purpose and give back to those in need.

3 Steps critical to success

1. Consulting the residents, children and staff of hospices who receive the products to insure they are fit for purpose and made to measure.
2. Procuring the materials from donations from local community members and groups.
   Applying for community grant to fund wadding, sewing materials and sewing machine repair. Advertising the group to attract more community volunteers.
3. Meeting biweekly and upskilling group members while creating bespoke garments and delivering to various Hospices such as Suzanne House and Laura Lynn.

3 Challenges in Planning / Delivery

1. Getting the materials in a cost effective fashion
2. An aging volunteer base that struggles to find new members at times.
3. Keeping up with demand in relation to such unique and sought after products.

3 Outcomes / Benefits

1. Over 250 made to measure quilts and lap blankets delivered to various hospice throughout Dublin. 40 Personalised dignity bibs of different sizes delivered to Laura Linn. Sensory blanket completed for neurodiverse children in the community.
2. Children receive unique dignity bibs produced specially for the child who owns it making them cherished items. The staff have reported that previously many bibs would leave the children frustrated and result in them ripping them off but thanks to the ladies hard work much off this stress has been elevated.
   Hospice residence feel unique and cared for and can now choose patterns that appeal to them and brighter their rooms and make their stay more comfortable.
3. 18 group members upskilled in the area of quilting and sewing and contributing to their communities in a sustainable and unique way. Each member building confidence and being given a sense of purpose and belonging.