What to do with upholstery samples

Hey there...our Ladies Ministry Craft group was given a box of upholstery samples...can any of you give us ideas what to make out of them...would also appreciate free patterns to follow if possisble.

My mother used to work for a company that made curtains, slip covers and more. She used to bring home the sample books for me and all the left overs. Depending on the fabric and size I would make quilted pillow tops, little doll blankets, and even two full size quilts using up every little piece. My quilt is heavy but takes a beating and doesn't show any wear. I use it mostly in the winter on the couch for cuddling. Just some ideas.

You could also make MP3 holders with smaller ones. Pin cushions, coin purses, pot holders

Smiles n hugs
Leah

i can tell you what to do with them i work in a nursing home and we have a group of ladies that make the bags that hang on the sides of the wheel chairs for the residents to keep stuff in or the make bags to hide the catherter bags under the chairs it is wonderful i bet if you talk to some nursing homes around you they would love the donation they are really just a simple bag with straps and they put buttons or velcro to hold them on.... the buttoms are better they also make some for the walkers too
i can see if i can measure som to let you know some different sizes for wheelchairs and walkers if you want ..i have made a few my mom is in a chair so i used her for my test for the bag

debbie j

glad i could help we have a resident whos dil brings in samples for her to sew in her room she makes scissor holders (like you do out of hot pads )
that hang on the wall pretty good seeing she is in her 80's

debbie j

Walker or Wheelchair Caddies are a great idea and there are several free patterns available on-line. I have made some for my husbands grandmother, she loved being able to keep her things in handmade totes.
Things to keep in mind are size and therefore weight, even a few pounds can make the front of a walker quite unstable. Men have glasses and such so a few, more masculine totes would be a good idea. Choose a pattern with appropriate attachments to the wheelchair or walker, velcro or snaps are great versus buttons or ties, they allow those with decrease grasping or gripping function to remove the bags, which generally needs to happen for folding close the walker, to fit in a car or taxi for example.
I am not an expert but these were things that came up when making them for Grandma Anderson. Hers were very simple, but reversable. Each had a seasonal applique, she never got to use the Spring and Summer version but she held her head high and had lots to talk about after Christmas with the Fall and Winter one. Have fun making what ever you choose, service to others is such a rewarding use of our time.