This is a prototype "Fiddle Purse". A friend told me about Fiddle Mats which are given to dementia sufferers to occupy their hands so I wondered if I could come up with an ITH version.

This is fantastic. I would make some (in the hoop) to donate to the local nursing homes. I also fiddle at meetings and any idle time and would want one for me. I also agree with the others about the use for ADHD children in school. Please post when you make the in the hoop version.

Well done!!!Stunning idea..Beautiful

I can't offer any suggestions to you, I think the girls below have just about covered it all.. But I can give you flowers.. Marian

I think you are on to something here! And I agree; Alzheimer's is special that way; it causes folks to do things that are odd, and "fiddling" is one of those. My mother in law constantly fiddled with something, and it was usually Kleenex (tissues). She would fold and unfold them, stuff them in her shirt sleeve and then pull them back out again, and shred them to confetti. So if you could come up with something soft (like organza perhaps), and fold it ruffle-style to put on one side, so that it could stick out enough to be folded and unfolded, I suspect that would hit home with a lot of Alzheimer's sufferers.
I would be careful with buttons or anything that you wouldn't put on a toddler toy. They could get pulled off and eaten. I know. We had to replace my mother-in-law's hearing aids painfully often because she would manage to pull them out, and eat them. Same with the buttons on her shirt.
Keep going with your idea!!

2 comments

by spendlove 28 Dec 2014

I had been thinking along the safety route - thanks for your first hand experience!

by suelyn7 28 Dec 2014

That is amazing my mum has Alzheimer's and she does just that with the tissues, it's so good to know that it's not just her . I worry a lot about her and it would be good to have something like that for her. Don't think I could make it but would be really happy to buy her one. Perhaps someone could make a few and sell them with the proceeds going to the alzhiemers society. Suelynxx

Wow, that is such a clever idea. Well done.

Sue, this is a wonderful, clever idea :)

This is truly magnificent Sue. I remember Dad always fidgeting with his hands. He had very large hands and wouldn't have been able to put his fingers through the loops - he used to get tangled poor dear. Anyway these are an awesome design. Thanks for the great idea. Love Chris

my only suggestion would be to find out which are the "proper" colours recommended for dementia sufferers. Our small nursing home has just been painted in god-awful colours like lime, lipstick-pink and violet. Apparently they are appropriate, but will probably send the nursing staff around the bend!

1 comment

by spendlove 28 Dec 2014

Thanks - I used brown for this one because I like it but was planning bright colours the next time.

I had no idea.

VERY NICE PROJECT;

Very nice project Sue! I work with elderly with dementia, and many of them have toys and dolls to play with. This purse is perfect, I will make some for them! Hugs, Yoriko

Terrific idea. What about a ring or something on the zip slider. That would help anyone with arthritis or shaky hands.

It is great Sue, how about a little loop of fabric and a popper on it and on the purse, like a fastener. to close and open.
Hugs Pam.

1 comment

by spendlove 27 Dec 2014

I'd though of that, but there isn't room for another pocket!

Great idea as I read I also thought of the ADHD kids.

That's a good idea, Sue!
Hugs, Lidia

Way to go Sue you did it hugs

A good idea!

These are a wonderful idea! Thank you for thinking of these poor souls.

A lovely idea Sue and it reminds me of things for ADHD children. Are you going to pass the idea on to one of the associations for dementia sufferers in the UK?

1 comment

by spendlove 27 Dec 2014

I'll definitely show them the finished product.

This is a wonderful and thoughtful item. Great idea.

This is a great idea, you could put some buttons on it too to close with the loop.

1 comment

by spendlove 27 Dec 2014

Good idea, thanks.

I don't have any suggestions but I do have a flower for you and my thanks for doing things for those in need.

2 comments

by spendlove 27 Dec 2014

I think there are many people who could benefit from one of these and I hope to make the design freely available.

by Leaha 27 Dec 2014

I wish I'd had something like this for my Mom, bless you for thinking of these poor souls.

beautiful art work on it