FARMINGTON – Strips of cloth in various colors, sizes and textures were sewn together to create “Blankies from the Heart” during an Extension workshop Monday at the town office.

Some members from 10 Franklin County Extension Homemaker groups brought their sewing machines, material and batting to the town office to work together to sew a finished 14- by 18-inch quilt-type piece for Alzheimer patients living at local care facilities or at home.

People with Alzheimer’s and dementia can become easily frustrated, said Lois King of the Wilton Day Extension, who organized the group workshop. The varying textures found by sewing a variety of cloth such as cotton, corduroy and silk together gives them a little peace of mind as they finger the blankie. With more than 700 cases of Alzheimer’s and dementia in Franklin County, this seemed like a good community project, she said.

King said she hoped the group would be able to make 100 blankies during the four-hour workshop. She can stitch a top together in 15 minutes, she said, then the batting is added and a bottom sheet of cloth is sewn to the top.

To add a little extra texture to the top piece, Anne Moody of Strong was sewing pieces of lace and edgings to the already sewn top.

Last year, extension members met and created small rounded pillows for chemotherapy patients. A group of four women were working on these pillows at Monday’s workshop after hearing that the hospital was down to just four left.

Patients undergoing chemotherapy, said Claudina Bechtel of Weld, find the three-quarters of a circle shaped pillows wrapped around their necks helps support and comfort the neck while they undergo treatments that limit their ability to move.

The pillows require stitching then are turned inside out, stuffed with batting and the opening is stitched closed.

The Maine Extension Homemakers group, affiliated with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, center their meetings on community service, nutrition and geographical studies, King said. While some groups have dwindled in membership, there are still 10 groups in Franklin County with more than 160 members.

Anyone interested in more information or becoming involved in an Extension group may contact Donna Boucher from the Franklin County Cooperative Extension at 778-4650.