Product Review: Arthritis Compression Gloves

Two challengers enter the ring: Imak arthritis gloves in gray, Isotoner compression gloves in beige.  As our opponents go head to head they reveal their strengths and weaknesses.  Let's get ready to rumble!

Imak:

Imak's compression gloves, which they call arthritis gloves, are made from a cotton/spandex blend that's comfortable even in summer.  The dark gray color allows them to be worn somewhat incognito.  They have more of a tendency to stretch out between washes than the Isotoner.  My first two pair were size S but recently I tried the XS and prefer them.

My main quibble with the Imak is the shortness of the fingers: I don't pull them completely onto my palm in order for the fingers reach to my second PIP joint.  I also had the seaming on one glove's finger start to unravel, but I quickly resewed it with needle and thread.

Isotoner:

These are definitely the ugly support hose of compression gloves.  However, these nylon/spandex gloves work very well and are practically indestructible.  They are worn with the seams on the outside, something I now do with all my compression gloves.  I started with a size M but will next try the S.

Isotoner are my glove of choice in winter since they keep my hands warm even on cold nights.  The fingers are a bit longer than the Imak, a big plus.  They are easier to remove, nice when pinching the fingertips off is difficult of a morning.  They also dry quickly, I can wash them mid day and still have them dry to wear that night.


*I hand wash and hang dry all my compression gloves: it's quick, especially if I throw them on the floor of the shower with me.  And they last much longer.

Sizing:
I started out wearing the size recommended by the manufacturer.  As my joint swelling and pain has progressed, however, I prefer one size smaller.  I found that fitting has more to do with the circumference of the fingers and less to do with palm width.  It can be harder to find the smaller sizes but worth a look.

I hope some people find this helpful.  Do you have any experiences with compression gloves you'd like to share?  Please leave a comment :)

Pfaff Presser Foot Review

Stitch-in-Ditch foot, source

One of my birthday presents was an Edge Stitching presser foot for my Pfaff, what they call a Stitch-in-Ditch foot.  I was excited at the thought of almost effortless straight line in-the-ditch quilting--with IDT! (built-in walking foot)

I attached the new presser foot, checked settings, and started sewing.  Sadly, the guide causes a 1/8" gap between the seam and your stitching.  So disappointing!  I played with it some more and always had the same problem.  The foot is being returned. 

Blindhem foot, source

Then I remembered that I'd had good results with the Blind Hem (aka Overcast) foot that came with my machine.  The wire that runs under the foot sits in the ditch very well.  Depending to which side the seam allowances are pressed, I steer with the seam centered on the red adjustable guide or approx. 1/8" to the right, centered on the guide's "blade."

The edge stitching foot I'd originally seen was an older version (L), the new version (R) is the one I tried.

New style, source

Old style, source

I wonder whether the old version stitches closer to the ditch: the blade appears thinner.  It allows for adjustment of needle placement and use of decorative stitches.  The new version has many handy 1/4" markings.  Both are IDT compatible.

I haven't been able to try the old version, though, and am doing fine with the blind hem foot.

Me, Only Foamier

Here's my dress form, her cover newly adjusted to be my size :)  Dressform striptease here

This Uniquely You form is foam, which you squish to your size and shape with a custom fitted cover.  This was a great choice for me since I have a long torso, sway back and my weight fluctuates.  

She's not a perfect match to me but close enough for fitting and a huge help with tissue fitting!  Fitting the cover skewed most of the vertical seams.  I'm considering sewing another cover, to go over this one, from slippery stretch knit with key lines marked.

Waist stay closure

For some reason everywhere except the bust pushes the cover out.  Her breasts needed some help, hence an old bra stuck on top.  It also helps with bust point location and strap placement.  I added a grosgrain waist stay, since that's been the area of greatest strain.  

Wonky breasts :/

The finishing touches were a jacket (for modesty) and a self-esteem boosting Sexy mask.  Anyone stuck wearing khaki 24/7 needs a little pick me up ;)

I'd love some help naming her!  Comments in general are a highlight of my day.  Thanks to everyone who reads this!

New Toy!

It was my birthday recently and I bought myself this:

I'd been wanting a larger rotary cutting mat and this seems perfect for me.  I can use one or two sections on my sewing table.  I can also stick them all together and cut on the floor or a large table in my building's community room.

I have a knit dress to cut, as soon as my neck pain subsides.  Imagine cutting an entire garment at once!

Only issue: they stink.  The cure is soaking them in a tub in vinegar water.  Except I don't have a tub, only a shower.  Hmmm...

1930s Blouse Part 2

We continue the saga of my lovely but ravely blouse.  I bought and received the Singer Buttonholer supplementary templates:

The 3/8" size was just right :)  The buttonholes are slightly out of  line though I took out and redid the worst offender.  The buttonholer makes wonderful buttonholes but is very hard to repeatedly line up straight.  I had the same problem with a skirt.  Maybe the interwebs will yield advice before my next attempt.

The whole shebang, so far

I finished the back pieces and sewed the side seams.  So glad I'm using closed seams in this horrible fabric.  I gently hand washed the backs to make sure the washable marker I used for markings washes out and my entire seam allowance raveled in places!  Yes, I should have checked on a scrap.  At least it did wash out.

Side seam: doesn't match at underarm

Back pieces ready for sleeves

Not a pattern issue, but the side seams don't match up at the underarm.  The fabric must have stretched after cutting.  I tried to be accurate with cutting and used a rotary cutter, theoretically to avoid this problem.









I also sewed the sleeve darts, seamed the sleeves and started hemming them.

I can't get the rolled hem foot to work (can anyone?) so am rolling it by hand.  Maybe I'll play with the serger's rolled hem. Otherwise I'll baste the rolled hem then sew it by machine.  The fabric likes to wiggle around under the presser foot--perhaps the Singer will perform better as it has adjustable foot pressure.

Remaining to do:
Resew part of a side french seam as I didn't trim close enough the first time
Hem: the sleeves, bodice front top edge, blouse body.
Finish gathering cowl to fit sleeves, insert sleeves front and back
I made belt pieces but am leaving them off since the blouse is nicely fitted without them

Wow, I'm really almost done!  And excited to remake this in an appropriate, and manageable, fabric.

Also, the camisole was finished a few days ago:

It fits!