Hi Cuties, my daughter Ashley asked me yesterday, if I could make Avery a new wheelchair harness, as her plastic one cracked and broke. I keep the kids on Mondays, so while I had Avery here, I made her a new one. My daughter also wanted it slightly narrower because the old one would slip off Avery’s shoulders. I flipped her bib up, so you could see her harness on. The old plastic one came too low down too close to her GI tube- I made this one to fall higher up. I had to cut off the old hardware to attach to the new harness, except for the bottom webbing, I had. I also was able to re-use her cushioning for the webbing straps across her shoulders.

Well done Toogie, you are a marvel and yes, it's great to be able to sew something for the family. I love how you've created this harness it looks so very comfortable for Avery now. Love Chris

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by toogie 28 Feb 2024

Thanks Chris, I asked Ashley last night how it worked yesterday and she said fine, then went on to tell me something funny, so all is good.

I love the fact you could duplicate but add your expertise to modifying it also to accommodate her tube. I say time and time again that 'homemade' or 'handmade' is so much better than a purchased one. We are able to see what can be improved upon. Yesterday I saw a seat belt over the shoulder cushion in a woman's car and she asked if I had one for my port in my chest--it sticks out like a button under the skin. She told me she got it at the nurse station basket at the cancer ctr. Next visit I could try to find one but why---I can make that but never thought about that. The belts rub that part of our skin so I hold the belt out. I also agree with your being taught early at home to sew if only a button. I stress that to my daughter in law who just comes back with--but you have all the colored thread. It is easier for some to take up another person's time when they don't want to learn and do it themselves. It is grand to be able to look at something and have the creative sense to try to achieve what we need. Congrats.

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by toogie 27 Feb 2024

Thanks, sewing is so necessary in any household.

Toogie, you are a walking, talking miracle. This new wheelchair harness is amazing.

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by toogie 27 Feb 2024

I drew it out and quilted my pieces, while cooking lunch. After lunch it sewed up quick so Nora and I got to play Rummy, which she loves to play. I had told her earlier, when she asked to play, that I needed to make Avery’s harness first. If there was still time, then we would play. Grayson was getting off at 1 o’clock but takes an hour to get home.

Great work to provide a better fitting harness than Avery could get from a so called professional. God knew what He was doing giving her to you and Ashley. And Avery got the bestest Grandmother and Grampa ever.

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by toogie 27 Feb 2024

Karen a new harness like she had, was over $200 ! Ashley said she didn’t want to pay that much, if I could make a replacement ,because in another year Avery will be getting a new chair. Thanks

by graceandham 27 Feb 2024

Did you draw out your pattern for the next time? Maybe write down the steps you did, too? Sooo smart girl.

by toogie 28 Feb 2024

I kept the old plastic piece and my pattern I had drawn. It's on one of my book shelves, above my Sew Beautiful magazines. Now I can look back at this post and know exactly where it is-lol

You are so very creative. Kudos for a job well done! Hugs. Nan

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by toogie 27 Feb 2024

Not too much creativity since I used the plastic one for the pattern. I did adjust where Ashley needed it a little different though. Thanks

How blessed they are to have you!!!!
I'll bet the new one won't be as hot since it isn't plastic up again her.

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by toogie 27 Feb 2024

Probably right about the plastic holding heat. What we didn’t like was the long plastic strips, that went toward the top, made it impossible to adjust away from her GI-tube. I made the top strips shorter so it would go up higher, away from her GI button.

Congratulations on a great piece of work

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by toogie 27 Feb 2024

Thank you

Great job, Toogie! It is wonderful to be able to sew! You have the ability to use your creative talents to recreate this important harness for Avery. You have a great day too! Hugs, Laura

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by toogie 27 Feb 2024

I am forever thankful to momma, for making us girls sew our own gowns. I learned how to read a pattern, learned the piecing process and I’m sure I was proud to wear my gown-lol -Sewing is needed, at some time or other, in every household, even if it’s just to sew a button back on. ❤️