Tactile/Touch Quilt Project
As seen on Sewing with Nancy Episode #2209, Trace 'N Create Bags, airing available October 2008, check with your local PBS station for exact airing dates.
- How to make a tactile quilt (pdf)
- Hand Towel Bib Directions & Pattern(pdf)
- Tie Bib Directions & Pattern (pdf)
- Small Pillowcase Directions (pdf)
- Sleeping Mat Cover Directions (pdf)
- Large Beanbag Directions / Small Beanbag Directions (pdfs)
About the Project
"The Tactile/Touch Quilt Project came into being about 7 years ago when Sue Outland's granddaughter, Michaela, was born blind. Encouraged by the FBC, Sue was challenged to find a way entice Michaela to crawl, and she created the idea for a floor quilt of many textures. After making a large one for Michaela, the FBC asked Sue to make more of these quilts, to share with other families of new babies.
Sue was also the co-leader of a teenage Girl Scout Troop, and decided to 
combine sewing lessons and a service project. Twice a year since then, Girl Scout Troop 1713 and later, most of the North Scottsdale Girl Scout Troops, got together for a sewing project day, making quilts, bibs, C pillows, beanbags, small pillowcases and mat covers to deliver to the FBC.
Nancy Zieman (Sewing with Nancy) heard about these wonderful Scouts, and featured them on an episode of Sewing with Nancy first aired in October 2008."
How you can help
The FBC is able to distribute tactile/touch quilts and other much needed items to infants and toddlers because individuals just like you have generously donated quilting materials, money, and have volunteered their time. Thank you!
You can help by donating materials...
- Textured fabric —i.e. terry cloth, fleece, velour, fake fur (for tactile/touch quilts)
- Heavier weight washable fabric in large pieces to be used for quilt backs
- Pieced blocks, “works in progress,” quilt tops
- Quilt batting — any size — cotton or polyester, no more than 4 oz.
- Terrycloth and hand towels - for large bibs, strong cotton fabric (myriad uses)
- Ribbing – for large bibs
- Pillow stuffing – any size – for C pillows
- Rice – to stuff large beanbags
- Monetary donations to purchase supplies such as batting, thread, and fabric
You can help by donating money...
The FBC is a nonprofit organization so donations are tax deductible, and 100% of the identified donations go to support this project. We appreciate contributions of any size — even a few dollars will help us get our materials.
You can help by volunteering...
We always need people to:
Piece quilt tops with many different textures and colors of fabrics- Machine quilt or tie a quilt
- Sew on bindings or labels
- Cut quilt pieces – 9x9” blocks
- Download any of the patterns and make items, then mail to us for finishing
- Give us encouragement
To learn more about how you can help, please contact Sue Outland at 480-330-4779 or suejoutland@yahoo.com
Please drop off or mail donations to:
Attention: Sue Outland - Tactile/Touch Quilt Project
Foundation for Blind Children
1235 East Harmont Drive
Phoenix, AZ 85020
Phone: 602-331-1470
Fax: 602-678-5803