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The Sew What’s New Archive

This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was retired in August 2007. It is being provided by “Sew What’s Up,” which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”

Sew What's New Archive > GENERAL SEWING > Free Pattern

From: MaryW

Date: 08-09-2005, 07:59 AM (1 of 11)

for a hospital gown. Along with it is a very touching story.

http://www.lazygirldesigns.com/hospitalgown.php

MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New

User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005
Total posts: 2542

From: AndreaSews

Date: 08-09-2005, 10:12 PM (2 of 11)

I'll tuck that away in my memory in case the need arises. Thanks.
It would be very comforting to someone who is having a hard time with health to have a little dignity restored by personalizing their clothing. And you can get $1 and $2/yd sales on cottons--It's not difficult, and it's not expensive.

Andrea

User: AndreaSews
Member since: 02-18-2005
Total posts: 1007

From: beachgirl

Date: 08-10-2005, 12:15 AM (3 of 11)

Boy, does that story hit home for me. One of my very best friends who was never ever sick became ill. Thought she had the flu but as it turned out she had Leukemia. The cancer Dr. told her she had the quick kind & to get her affairs in order, she only had 6 weeks to live. 6 weeks to the day she was gone. She was my DH'S bible school teacher when he was little so we were close all our lives. We we're like her children. I will forever miss her but the memories are great & I'm friends with her daughter.I'm still mad at her Dr. that was so cold & matter of fact when she told her. A little compassion goes a long way & she had none from her Dr.

User: beachgirl
Member since: 08-31-2004
Total posts: 615

From: paroper

Date: 08-10-2005, 09:06 AM (4 of 11)

A little off topic but Butterick also has a hospital gown hidden in their nightwear/uniform section. It is very nice. It wraps in the front with velcro at the shoulders. I think that we should encourage the pattern companies to develop more of these because they are so helpful not only for the patient, but for the caregiver!

http://store.sewingtoday.com/cgi-bin/butterick/shop.cgi?s.item.B4246=x&TI=10009&page=2

pam

Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch)

User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004
Total posts: 3775

From: MaryW

Date: 08-10-2005, 09:24 AM (5 of 11)

Now that's an excellent idea. Everyone dreads wearing the "johnny" gown. Hmm, I know someone who is going into hospital soon. Maybe she would like something like this. :wink:

MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New

User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005
Total posts: 2542

From: beachgirl

Date: 08-10-2005, 10:19 AM (6 of 11)

I think some nice ones would be great for some invalids at home or in nurseing homes. Great for the person & caregiver. There needs to be a nicer looking style but still easy on & off. Too many are plain , drab looking, & expose too much. Sometimes the neck portion is too tight for sleeping also. Maybe a boat neck style would be better ? Fancy them up for women some too. That would be a good project for a chairty to donate for like maybe cancer patients, adults & children .

User: beachgirl
Member since: 08-31-2004
Total posts: 615

From: AndreaSews

Date: 08-10-2005, 07:11 PM (7 of 11)

What a great sewing club activity. Maybe for breast cancer awareness month... (That's in October, ladies.)

Andrea

User: AndreaSews
Member since: 02-18-2005
Total posts: 1007

From: Sancin

Date: 08-10-2005, 10:31 PM (8 of 11)

If you are going to make hospital gowns for someone with cancer having chemo or someone who is acutely ill ensure that the gowns allow the shoulders to be opened. While it can be done, it is hard and inconvient to weave IV bottles and tubings through a sleeve (and risk dislodging the IV). Many patients won't wear special ones as they don't want the nurses to be bothered with the weaving. Yet it is at this very time that they need the colour and perk up.
Most patterns can be adapted with putting velcro at the shoulders.
That Butterick pattern is nice. It would be good for new mothers who may be breast feeding or people with abdominal dressings that may need to be changed. Be sure if you give gowns to friends that you mark their name somewhere on them and offer to take them home and wash them (leave a bag to put them in) and return them, or ensure someone else in circle of support who will. Once they go to hospital laundry they are boiled and lost forever!

The reason hospital gowns are so drab is that they have to be washed so often. Some patients go through a gown every 2-3 hours. If you see them when they are new they are not so drab! The same with infant sleepers. :sad:

For those in nursing homes -they are usually up and about or in wheelchairs and like regular clothes with adaptions. There are any number of sites on the web describing how to make adaptations - usually to pants and skirts for wheelchairs and comodes. If you know someone in this position ask them what they find inconvenient about dressing or watch them get dressed. Invalids at home often want loose attractive robes, something easy to put on, comfortable to wear, easy to wash and easy getting around in. Some like them long and others don't. Long can be dangerous and lead to falls.

BTW - It is difficult to find extra large gowns in most hospitals

*~*~*~* Nancy*~*~*~* " I try to take one day at a time - but sometimes several days attack me at once."

User: Sancin
Member since: 02-13-2005
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