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CAP
Publications
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Accessible Sewing
As long as I can
remember, one of my favorite ways to relax has been to sew.
Previous projects include Barbie doll clothes and Ninja
Turtle Costumes. My biggest project was sewing all dresses
in my sister’s wedding, including the bridal dress. I have
Multiple Sclerosis (MS). As my disability slowly progresses,
I’m finding difficulties operating my 1975 Montgomery Ward
machine. The machine operates by using a foot pedal. My leg
often spasms and falls off the foot pedal. I tried to find a
way to hold my foot on the pedal, but had no luck. I knew
there had to be other seamstresses in the same boat, so I
went to “surf” my trusty internet.
Singer has a sewing
machine, the Quantum XL-6000 that is “totally controlled by
the touch of your finger.” The machine combines sewing with
embroidery. For more information on this beautiful machine,
please visit Singer’s website at
http://www.singer.com,
and click on “Singer Product”. Another website had
information on front and top mount hand controls, offering
one hand on/off switches and finger tip thread cutters.
Please visit
http://www.quiltingstylus.com/HandControlforJukieorBrother.html
for more information.
A sewing machine is
only the beginning of a project. I also have some difficulty
with my hands. I knew some of the notions I would need were
scissors, needle threaders and stitch guides. Following are
websites I found that offered such products. Visit
http://www.disabilityproducts.com for information on
“rolling style” and “Fiskars softouch scissors.” See
information on
http://www.maxiaids.com about an adjustable top stitch
and guide, precision needle threader, and a self-threading
needle. The website
http://www.activeforever.com also has information on
needle threaders and good grip swivel scissors. All three of
these websites have information on a wide variety of
products in many areas as kitchen aids, recreation, bath
aids, etc., and offer valuable links. A visit to each
website would be well worth your time.
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