I loved to sew, make things I needed, but now I have to sew everything by hand, which gets a bit tricky when the project is bigger than a simple mending job, especially with tendonitis and ganglion cysts! I would love to be able to use a sewing machine again, but, alas, my feet do not work to control a pedal. Do you think someone has come up with an adapted one yet? A mouth pedal-thing would work. I would love to get back to that hobby, since I need to make clothing guards before winter. I'm dreading the hand pain that will come from sewing those by hand!
''The ByteSwitch Sewing Machine is a sewing machine with hand or mouth controls designed for use by individuals with spinal cord injury or lower extremity amputation or disabilities. This is an adapted version of the Singer school model sewing machine, and comes with standard features such as an easy threading auto-tension system and foot pedal,''
That looks like a great solution Lαrα! Also, if you didn't want to spend any money, you could always try putting the peddle under your armpit and squeeze your arm in to activate it Knight.
I sewed a cushion cover by hand for my Roho cushion, because I need to WASH my Roho cushion cover ever so often. (But, it's not like my gov insurance would cover such a luxury as an extra cushion cover.) I'm wanting to try it out soon. It cost me about $7.00 to make it myself,...mostly for the zippers. Walmart didn't have the 32" zipper that I needed, so I had to buy two zippers and have them "meet" each other, approaching from opposite directions.
Having done this by hand, I am really ready for an electric sewing machine again. I found this one. It's very cheap and will probably break, but I want one. It has two speeds and works either with a foot pedal or with a HAND SWITCH!
About this item Disclaimer: While we aim to provide accurate product information, it is provided by manufacturers, suppliers and others, and has not been verified by us. See our disclaimer. You and your family can get crafty with the Michley Lil' Sew and Sew Mini Sewing Machine. This is an ideal appliance for small sewing projects. Features: * It is equipped with a powerful 6-volt motor to deliver reliable performance. * With two speeds, this portable sewing machine is great for just about any light sewing needs you may have. * It is lightweight and easy to take with you to crafting and quilting clubs or to your child's school for last-minute costume repairs. * It features a two-thread lockstitch and automatic bobbin winding. * The device can be operated with either the included foot pedal or the hand switch. * Its magnetic bobbin system is easy to use. * Accessories are included for your convenience.
I haven't used my sewing machine in a few years now, but I just used a ordinary machine with the foot pedal on the table, and somehow managed to push with one hand.
I would not trust any "sewing machine that cost under $20. Might work once. The ByteSwitch Sewing Machine seems to no longer be available nd there are currently none on ebay. That said, Knight, first try taping the foot pedal to your table and leaning against it while working your hands. Tricky coordination and you might need something a bit more creative but the basic idea is to lean into it.
I'm afraid I'm just lucky and have enough dorsiflex in the right foot to work my pedal on the floor. For now. The hard part for me is my hands work poorly, but hey, life is tough all over.
I step in the water, but the water has moved on...
I just put the foot pedal under my elbow, have made several tops and done mending this way.
I did this for years too untill Brother came out with a push button sewing machine. I just gave that machine to my daughter as a starter for her and I was surprised that she did not connect the foot pedal and instead is using the push button instead. I loved sewing before I became injured and really looked forward to sewing clothes for my children so if there is a will, there is a way. Being ambidextrous also helped me in sewing.
I received my darling little sewing machine in the mail today. Also, separately, I received a sewing kit with lots of extra bobbins that I ordered at the same time. I can't wait to play with the sewing machine. I have materials to make another wheelchair cushion.
What a great link you’ve given us, hadleyblues. When I saw how good it was, I saved the link to my tablet. I don’t know which one is best. I had no idea there were so many options. Thanks.
I haven't used my sewing machine in a few years now, but I just used a ordinary machine with the foot pedal on the table, and somehow managed to push with one hand.
My wife was in the similar situation. I think that there are a lot of manuals which machine to choose and how to use it according to our situation