Cutting a swell spot down to size

Hi, Coraleliz!

I've cut back an armhole of a custom Solaris vest, which is made and stuffed just like a Swell Spot. I marked the line I wanted on the vest, then used my fingers to push the foam pieces for the most part out of the way of the line. Then I sewed along the line with a serger, with the cutting edge engaged, so it stitched and cut at the same time. Worked great. The seam doesn't bug me at all. Of course, there's no chance I can return it for alterations after I've hacked it up, but I was pretty sure I could manage it myself so I went ahead with it.

A thought: you might want to email Solaris and tell them how/why you're altering the Swell Spot and suggest they consider designing one to better fit your need, as you're surely not the only person dealing with this. They've been known to pay attention to this kind of suggestion, so it might be a help. Worth a try!

If you're making your own from scratch, decide on the shape you want, with some give to it because stuffing it will reduce the outside dimensions. Stitch it right-sides together leaving a space to turn it right-side-in, then stuff it. If you want to stitch directional lines on it work the foam over with your fingers and stitch through both layers. Fabril choice would be important too. Check out your design with your therapist, including the directional lines, to be sure you're trying to move fluid in the right direction.

We have some expert seamstresses here, and I hope they'll chime in soon.

Let us know how it goes! Hugs,
Binney

Hey hugz

In a word ( sort of )  " Idunno"  ,  but your question interested me enough that I decided to pop onto the link above/now also below :

http://www.absolutemedical.net/products/default.aspx?categoryid=59

Yes yes, I know you were talking about making your own, but  soooo much easier if ready made :>)

Anyhoo, I checked out the swell spots and they seemed pretty small.

 I looked for the lymph pads , but I saw none so I called the phone number.  1 888 214 4100

I ened up speaking to a very informative gentleman by the name  John Holland. He  directed me to www.jovipak.com site.  (I'm guessing he thought i was lying when I said I was calling for  a cyberfriend    In any case, he  said he much prefers  the jovipak for these type items.   Once at www.jovipak.com,  I looked under PRODUCTS,  then breast and chest wall pads/.

He directed me to the first item.  Didnt look QUITE as large as what you might want, but seemed  a decent size and of course, he did say , with measurements, they could custom.

Quite fascinating!

I may have too much time on my hands this evening

Thanks Purple and Binney. You two are part of the triplets to Sherlock Holmes aren't you?

I have an axilla swell spot pad that covers my breast and around the back. It slips. Then I have the jovi with the pitpad and it slips. The best one is the  swell spot half moon shape that fits under the axilla. For some reason it stays pretty good with a tightshaper.

I would just love to make a half vest myself even though I hate sewing. I bet I could hire my bridal dress making friend to make me one if I had the right supplies. She handsews bridals gowns without a sewing machine and she has the tiniest stitches. Her dresses are meticulously pretty. Her eyes are going on her though as she is old. She made patterns and handsewed all my wee girls friends barbie outfits. I almost forgot about her. That would be an option if she sews still.