The "The Case For Weighted Blankets" Story

It was an ordinary day.  The phone's ringing off the hook!  Now, for those of you who weren't alive when telephones had to be hung on a hook to disconnect the call, I guess I could say ... the phone won't stop dinging (or whatever tone you have selected for your iPhone).  The reason for the constant barrage of calls today is the article that appeared in the morning newspaper in the city of Lancaster, Pennsylvania.  

Cindy busy at work on her sewing machine.

Story titled "Blanket Benefit" which was written by Jenelle Janci and featured a story about weighted blankets that were made by Cindy Grebinger.  Cindy is the wife of Keith whom I had as a student in photography many years ago and for whom I now work at Grebinger's Gallery in Neffsville, PA.  About a year ago Cindy opened a sewing studio in one of the rooms of the gallery.  At first she did embroidery and children's clothing, but recently added weighted blankets to her list of offerings at the gallery.  

The weighted blanket can be seen here.  The side of it
has a zipper which allows you to place strips of beads
in the pouches that are sewn into the blanket.  You can
place as many of the strips of polypropylene beads as you
care to, depending upon the weight you want the blanket to be.

The weighted blankets are filled with polypro- pylene beads which are the type of beads found in Beanie Babies.  The blankets tend to add the feeling of calmness for those that use them.  The beads add weight to the blanket which makes it feel as if you are wearing a weighted vest.  The blankets are known to aide those with autism, anxiety and restless leg syndrome.  For the blanket to be effective it should conform to the person's size and body weight.  

Cindy also sells embroidered stockings.

It seems to be best if the blanket is about 10% of the person's weight.  Tests have shown that the blankets can increase serotonin which is a neurotransmitter that affects mood and social behavior.  Seems that just that little extra weight in a blanket can create a calming effect for those using them.  When used by children who have a hard time sitting or maintaining attention the blankets seem to cause relaxation and a calming effect for the user.  If a blanket is purchased for a child it is best to alter the weight as the child grows for maximum effect.  One of Cindy's customers told her about her grandson's struggles with night terrors and wondered if she had weighted blankets for sale.  Cindy made a few, but decided she could improve the design of the blankets.  

Cindy's baby clothes with customized
embroidery on them.

She talked with her son who is an engineer and she found that instead of adding weight by sewing it into the blanket, she could make zippered pouches in the blanket that could be used to change the weight as the child grows and needs more weight.  If the blanket needs to be washed, all you need to do is remove the weighted pouches of polypropylene beads and replace them when the blanket dries.  Cindy's blankets can be used from childhood to adulthood if needed.  With Cindy's unique design, a person with restless leg syndrome has the option of only weighting the lower half of the blanket with the weight of their choice.  If you use a weighted blanket, you should make sure it is weighted proportionally to the child's or adult's weight.  Never use them on infants.  If used for a child, the child should be strong enough to remove the blanket from themselve if needed.  If you are a parent and having trouble with your children sleeping, call Cindy and talk to her about what her blankets might do to help your child.  The comfort that is rendered the child, or even adult, may be all that is needed to help them lead a normal life.  You can find Cindy at: 717-569-9335.  Her mailing address is: 2618 Lititz Pike Rear, Lancaster, PA 17601, USA.  She would be more than willing to talk with you or email you about the items she has for sale.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.

Cindy also does custom embroidery that can be framed.

Cindy at work on her Brother sewing machine.