RE: Break-Away Pants [DRAFT #1]

From: Rich Clingman

To: DMD Forum Support Mailing List

Date: June 16, 2001

(I am waiting for feedback before writing a finished article, creating drawings, etc.)

To summarize the discussion in the Forum:

* "Cut" the sides (rather than "ripping the seams"--which is a TON of work and would require resewing)

* "Velcro" is more hassle than it's worth.

* Install "snaps" (we'll need snap and "press" makes (probably Dritz), models, price, etc.) [[ See "catalog" link at end of message ]] ... distance between snaps ... other details

* I assume the 'cut' would be to the *rear* of the side seams? That would leave the *seams* visible and the openings a bit less obvious.

* "Fold" the cut edges (toward inside of pants) while installing the snaps so the fabric does not ravel.

* Some sewing hints here... (yeah, I sew)...
1) PREWASH new pants with the usual cycle & detergent
2) MARK where the snaps will go
** TURN THE PANTS INSIDE OUT. If you work from the INSIDE of the pants, you can use a LAUNDRY MARKER (one that will not go through the fabric). Mark straight lines ACROSS where you'll cut. That way you'll have a mark on both the "front" and the "back" so you can get the snaps properly (and easily) aligned.

3) Cut the fabric.
4) PRESS the folds...

** "Ironing" is where we slide the iron over the fabric. DO NOT "iron" the folds, that will stretch the fabric out of alignment--you'll likely end up with the "front" longer or shorter than the "back" and the openings will tend to "puff open".

** "Pressing" is best done by using a DAMP CLOTH (an old T-Shirt works great) over the fabric to be pressed, and then SET THE IRON DOWN on the seam, allow the T-Shirt to "steam in" a good crease. LIFT THE IRON UP and then PRESS another section--again, being careful not to "slide" the iron.

** Believe me, it *is* worth pressing before you try to install snaps or sew the fabric.

* The "front" of the pant leg should snap *on top of* the back so the opening is less obvious. (Right?)

* "Satin" sewn on the bottom of the pants & on the sheets (& on the chair?) to make sliding easier.

** Question: Would "break-away pants" remove the need for the satin? Or will he still need to be transferable with his pants on?

[[ BTW: Why not just use "satin sheets" on the bed? Because of cost? Or am I not grasping the "bed" to which the satin is sewn? -- I know, you'll probably tell me the "bed" is the seat cushion or something...? J ]]

** How large a piece? Just enough for the "buns" to slide? Or should the satin come down the back of the legs (such as to the knees)?

** ??? Some clever non-sew way to put the "satin" on the back of the pants?
(The sewing would be fairly quick and simple--especially since the pants are "ripped open", but some moms may not have a machine.)

And what about this...?
When pre-positioning the snapped-apart pants in the wheelchair, would it be nice to have a 'spot' or 2 of Velcro on the back of the seat and aligning 'spots' of Velcro on the pants? ...so the back of the pants are held up & don't slide under the boy's body as he's positioned into the chair?

Or, rather than gluing/sewing Velcro, what about a couple *clips* that would hold the back in place?

(( Once we get all the info "finalized", is there anyone who can make some decent sketches? I can create 'working drawings'--like my Dad & Son Fishing sketch with the *very* strange "lawn mower"-style wheelchair... J Could someone refine the drawings and scan them for publishing? ))

Also: "Wheelchair pants"... I assume those are the ones with a higher back waistline? So the waist isn't down when seated?

... Ideas on 'converting' standard pants for higher back waist?

... What about a sort of backward 'cummerbund' that would snap around the waist *under* pants & shirt, & help to keep the waistline high? Making one or two should be all that's needed (as long as they don't get soiled). The same 'cummerbund' could be used with any pants.... And if we made it "stylish" incase it showed... ???

It may also be possible to put a 'gusset' in the crotch of the pants (if you're a sewer). But unless materials were very carefully matched, they'd look like toddler's pants.

CHOOSING PANTS to “break away”:

By cutting, folding, and installing snaps, you’ll loose about THREE INCHES in the waist and leg diameter… ( ½” folds x2 + ¼” overlap on snaps x2) x2 sides == 3”. Be sure to purchase pants that will leave room after making the alterations.

Keep the ideas coming! .... But for now (for me), it would be very helpful to stay on the "break-away pants" topic--let's "exhaust" this topic before moving on. (Once we see how we can all share & compile info within this Forum, I'm sure we can handle 2+ simultaneous topics.)

**** Here's a link to help spawn some ideas!
It's a "Family and Consumer Sciences" catalog. It includes sewing supplies and much more, w/ pictures.

Be forewarned, though, it took about 20 seconds (a *long time*) to load on my computer. That means that unless you've got a 1.5mb DSL or Cable modem, it will likely take a minute or two (or three) to load. So be patient.

It is a "PDF" file, so if you click on the link and your browser asks if you should "open or save", just cancel, because you probably don't have a PDF viewer loaded. You can download the (FREE) PDF (link below).

The catalog:
http://www.jseducational.com/media/pdf/js1to70.pdf

"Snaps" are on page 31 (of 70).

The free PDF viewer:
http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html

I'm sure there's more to cover here, and I haven't reviewed it for all the steps, etc., and I have NOT spent my customary 5 hours fretting over the words, but it's 5am & I need to go to bed!

We'll pick this up & refine it as more ideas come through!!! J

Rich Clingman
www.LivingForToday.org

This article is from Living For Today, Preparing For Tomorrow. From Parents. To Parents. A Parent's Guide to Living with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

This book is dedicated to the parents and guardians who battle against their worries, who must prepare for tomorrow and yet grab hold of today, striving to make today the best day for their children and family.

"Do not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will worry about itself.
Each day has enough trouble of its own." MATTHEW 6:34 NIV

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