June is Scoliosis Awareness Month. And scoliosis has presented challenges both in my sewing journey and in getting dressed. Oh, the stories I can tell!
What is scoliosis?
Simply put scoliosis is a three dimensional spinal deformity. A spinal curve (C or S shaped) will only qualify as scoliosis if it measures ten degrees or greater on an X-ray. It involves not only a curve but also a rotation of the spine. It is estimated that 2% of the global population have scoliosis. And there are different types of scoliosis. Feel free to read more if you're interested.
Detection
Once upon a time, many decades ago, Canada screened school aged children for scoliosis. Sadly, that stopped in the 1980s. But there is an easy detection and it doesn't require the Adams Forward Bend test.
Clothes don't fit. They just don't hang evenly. Of course, RTW clothes don't fit, a curved spine, an uneven shoulder, uneven hips, uneven waist create changes in posture, movement and walking gait. RTW clothes are designed for the other 98% of the global population. Our curvy shapes are one of a kind. Luckily, for there is a company that can create a dress form for our unique curvy shapes.
What to Wear?
First, wear a green ribbon this month for support and to help spread awareness.
Second, wear what is comfortable. Period. Scoliosis sucks when it comes to finding clothes that fit in the ready-to-wear environment. Although, I do have a few suggestions. I've said it before and I'll say it again, Brace Buddies is a wonderful company that makes comfortable t-shirts for wearing under a brace. My other suggestion is wear natural fibre fabrics.
Sewing has been a blessing and a challenge. But let's face it, sewing pattern companies cater to the same 98% of the global population that the RTW market does.
I have a great deal of gratitude for the designs created by Marcy and kAtheRine Tilton over the years. They are my most cherished patterns in the stash. Many of their patterns had an asymmetric design that made me feel comfortable when I wear them. It is sad that Vogue and Butterick no longer carry their designs. I'm not sure what is happening over at the Simplicity patterns other than the patterns I used to source at my local fabric outlet is disappearing.
There are some sewing resources that address adapting sewing patterns for some fitting issues caused by scoliosis. Most commonly addressed is the uneven shoulder issue but I haven't found any suggestions for fixing patterns to account for uneven hips. Like I said, sewing for someone with scoliosis is both a blessing and a challenge. And 100% worth the effort.
Stand strong, elbows up and keep sewing.
