At the April 27, 2022, program meeting, I will be introducing you to fidget mats. A fidget mat  is used to provide Alzheimer’s patients with an activity mat which provides tactile and  sensory experiences, and it incorporates many of the basic activities, i.e., zippers, buttons,  and lacing, found in a toddler learning mat.  We will make our mats somewhat larger than place mats, but smaller than a lap quilt, using  upholstery or décor fabrics, corduroys, flannels, etc., for the base. You can use batting  scraps, flannel, old sheets, and/or ugly fabrics as your batting. (12”x18” - 15”x24”)  For things to add, please collect all that random stuff in your sewing room that you want to  get rid of, such as: larger beads and buttons, lace, empty spools (thread, ribbon, serger),  ribbons, zippers, rattles or baby toys, small stuffed animals, pockets (from cast off jeans or  shirts), lace ups, shirt fronts (buttons and buttonholes), rope or tie backs, elastics, curtain  rings, belt closures and belt loops, D rings, fuzzy or furry things, bias tapes, snaps, magnets,  etc.  I have stuff to share and will bring that to the meeting. If you have stuff you would like to  share, please bring that as well. I have many zippers, laces, bias tapes, and beads that I can  share.  Please visit Pinterest and search on “fidget mats”. You will get many cute ideas. Bring your  sewing machine, needles, threads, and usual sewing notions.  Marie Desiano will be contacting nursing homes to identify the recipient needs. This is a fun  charity project which can challenge your creativity while helping our dementia community. I  hope to see you there.