Kilts for the disabled?

[Colin]

good idea Blu, here is a link to that company http://www.mountainhardwear.com/www/...layStyle?id=39

[bubba]

Yeah, I was considering the pleat thing. The mountain kilt design might be a better solution, with neccesary modifications. It's pretty much of a niche market and I doubt the regular kilt makers would really care to take it on, there isn't likely to be enough volume. I see this as a possibly practical alternative to hospital gowns that will allow some dignity for the patient. I don't know if it'll go anywhere but it'll take some research.

[richardljohnson]

Bubba, I've been thinking on this. To keep a kilt look the PolyV would the best fabrice for wash and wear. Velcro is in several forms so this would not be a big problem. What about something I did on some of my earlier kilts that I made. You start from the Over apron and under apron with a fold under and tack. You could do this for 3 or 4 so you would have the pleat look but then you could have the back as a single piece of non-pleated fabric. This would give a flat front and back and pleated sides. This would give a 'kilt look' but not the pleat problem someone sitting for a long time would have.

It would also be easy to make and would also be less fabric. By having a 'knife sewn edge' and sewn top pleat this would also give a kilt look. The front to back fold on both sides could also keep the look.

Just an idea...

RLJ-

[Cthulhu]

It's posts like these that make me proud to be a part of this community. It shows caring, thoughfulness, and a sense of dignity.

Cheers Fellows

[CanisLatrans469]

I, too, agree about the pleats on the backside. I think the flat back for a seated person is ideal.
From a wound care person, it is always a danger to have a fold or crease under skin that does not get a preassure release every 20-45 minutes. The healthy human body shifts at that rate.
This is a stellar idea.
Run with that ball....


Chris

[bubba]

Thank you for the input gentlemen. I'm taking this up with an RN I know as well regarding medical accomodations. One factor that I have to find out is what fabrics are allowed by law under these circumstances. There are strict regulations on flamability and ability to be sterilized if needed. I like the idea of the side pleats and flat back. I hope I can get this going but I know it'll be a long job. I knew bringing it up here was a good thing to do, and if any of our kiltmakers find an opportunity, well, the idea isn't copyrighted or patented.

[Jimmy Carbomb]

If you know what Viscose is made of, you'll see that it's not exactly what they're looking for. In this case, for comfort and safety, any cotton blend would be excellant.

As for the back, it's VERY easy to sew-up "false pleats"... which is the fold, but the seams are sewn-down inside and out. Line the kilt with ANY preferred fabric, and there's no discomfort.

Instead of using velcro for the closure, it's possible to make a false front, and put the hospital gown snaps on the side. Easy to hide, and can be colored like the tartan.

It's all a pretty cool idea, I must admit. The design is very simple, but still traditional in appearance. Somebody needs to give it a go, and have it sent "pro bono" to this person for testing!

[seamus]

wow, yeah, this is a really cool idea. i cant be of any help with construction ideas, but i thought i'd just say that this kilt thing is a wonderful way to preserve the man's dignity, and probably allow him look damn good at the same time! if this is a relatively common situation, i really think the market could take off. if it was me, i wouldnt want to live out my days in a hospital gown...and certainly not in a bloody sk*rt! good on ya, bubba, and good luck!

[bubba]

seamus, to start off I'm trying to advise a lady who's trying this for her father in law. His legs are pretty much useless as are his hands. He has MS and is not doing well. It might grow into something if this works out. I'm continuing my research on the possibility. Hospital gowns leave little room for basic human dignity and this lady's idea might be a good alternative. Maybe we could grow this into something like Project Linus.

[Vince]

Bubba -

Over at Tom's there was a wheelchair bound member who went by the name of Pleats. If he still posts over there, he might be worth contacting as I am sure that he could provide some good first-hand advice.