Heartsense was started all because of a request from my aunt. She asked if I would make a weighted blanket for my cousin and of course I agreed because I love to sew and this sounded like a fun new project.
The blanket turned out beautifully and it has already helped add some comfort and calm to a busy kid.
After I made the first blanket I decided to try one out for my son. I was amazed how much easier it was for him to sit still and pay attention during schoolwork, reading, or building legos.
Before having my third child I worked as a pediatric physical therapist assistant for two years. I have seen such a variety of tools and equipment to assist children with special needs but during that time I never heard of a weighted blanket. It's probably because OTs deal more with sensory issues, but I am amazed by the impact a simple blanket can have on a child.
Our blankets are made with high quality cotton prints on top and soft flannel on the bottom. Pockets are sewn throughout the entire blanket to distribute weight evenly and are filled with non-toxic polypellets.
Blankets can be machine washed. It is preferable to lay them flat to dry but they are able to go in a dryer on low. You may iron the fabric border but do not iron over the polypellets.
To ensure durability we sew an additional layer of fabric inside your blanket and sew extra lines of reinforcement to withstand normal wear and tear.
WHAT DOES THE HEART ON YOUR BLANKET SYMBOLIZE?
When we decided to build this business we wanted it to be used for a purpose. Obviously those of you who are buying a blanket will be gaining much needed comfort and calm for yourself or others around you. But we didn't just want to profit ourselves. There are so many important causes around the world, but our heart is burdened by the water crisis.
Clean water is a basic need and everyone around the world has the right to have it. But that is not the case. According to charity: water nearly 1 billion people are without clean drinking water. Women and children walk up to three hours a day to collect disease filled water because they have no other choice.
We can't ignore this so we have decided that for each blanket sold we will donate $5.00 to charity: water.
Please go to their website to learn more about the water crisis and how they are implementing solutions around the world.
http://www.charitywater.org/
We will keep a current tally of donations on our website as they come in.
http://heartsenseblankets.blogspot.com/
Please contact me with any questions at heartsenseblankets [!at] gmail.com.
