Ladies need your input please.....

[SewCrafty]

I have been thinking about making clothing and wheelchair items for special children or adults. Haven't quite decided on it yet as I can't find any patterns, so this is where you can help me out.

I know that each individual is different, but what do you look for when you buy clothing or lap robes etc. for a wheelchair bound person?

I have to see if I can figure out how to adapt patterns I already have.

Do you think this is a good idea?

TIA

**Edited to add**

If this is in the wrong forum just move it over to the sewing forum or I will. Thanks

[kimmee]

You know I think that carry all types of things that snap on and hold stuff would be awesome for wheel chairs and walkers - I constantly see people struggling with bags of crap just hanging off swinging or sitting in their laps!!

[Sara Noel]

I think it's a great idea. A woman in my city drafts special needs patterns. She does wheelchair caddys, bibs, aprons, caddys for walkers, etc.

I can pm you her site, so you can see what patterns she uses. They are quite basic imo.

[SewCrafty]

Thanks Sara, yes please.

Kimmee, I was thinking the same thing.

Also my post doesn't read quite right. I'm not only thinking about sewing for a wheelchair bound person, but for all special needs people, adults and children.

This is just for instance because I honestly don't know. But what if a child (or adult) had a physical disability where they had limited use of thier hands. Would loops attached to the top of a waistband help them to pull them up, so they could dress themself?

[homesteadmamma]

I think its a wonderful idea. Sara has given such great ideas. Everything has to be very basic because often they can't do buttons or even zippers. I know you'll do a wonderful job.

[bamamomto4]

My mom is in a wheelchair and she likes everything to just slip on.She doesn't have use of her left hand (due to a stroke) so she can't button up or zip anything.

You are a wonderful person for doing this

[dz_blonde_girl]

Clothing that looks normal on the front, but actually closes/fastens in the back is very nice for people who are dependent on others for their care. I've known people who alter a persons wardrobe like this. I wish I could think of the company that makes clothing like this so you could see exactly what I mean, especially the pants. The pants still have the legs in them, but are open in the back so you don't have to stand to get them on and looking "normal".

BTW, I think it's a wonderful idea! Especially with the holidays coming and so many nursing home residents with no family.

[SewCrafty]

So what I am hearing is velcro would be the way to go for fastening? I can always add a button on top so it looks like it is buttoned up.

Karen I understand what you are saying about pants, now to figure out how to do it.

[mylittle4]

I think this would be a wonderful project. You have already gotten some terrific ideas so I just wanted to throw in my support.

[Michelle]

What a thoughtful idea

[SewCrafty]

Thank you ladies, still in the idea stage.

[Darlene]

Good for you Dee!
Here's a site with many links that may give some ideas. http://www.makoa.org/clothing.htm

[Jerseygirl]

There are a few places around here that do it, but it is hugely expensive. Some things we have used and really liked were jeans and pants that velcro down both sides, rather than front or back, giant ponchos that cover from the head then slide over the outside of a wheelchair, mittens that don't have a thumb place, (keeps those who can't use their hands at all extra warm) sweaters and sweat shirts that have a discrete zipper in the shoulder to neck to make the hole larger. It's a wonderful idea, good luck.

[SewCrafty]

Thanks Kellie, those are all easy changes to do to patterns I already have.

[foxxyroxie]

Good luck and bless your heart. I wished God have given me the ability of sewing...I can barely handle threading a needle and hand sewing let alone remembering how to thread a machine and a bobbin...LOL