Wheelchair friendly jumpsuit

I’m so far behind with my sewing! Everyone else is busy making lovely, cosy autumn outfits and here I am shivering away while modelling a summer jumpsuit! At least I’ve managed to finish it in time for my cruise in four weeks, so hopefully I’ll actually get some wear out of it soon.

I’m really proud of this make for a number of reasons. Firstly, because I persevered and actually managed to finish it. (It’s taken me weeks to make, due to my limited sewing ability following my falls), and there were definitely times when I wondered if I would ever get it finished. Secondly, I’m really pleased that I managed to create something that looks so much like my inspiration picture. And finally, and probably most importantly, I’ve stepped outside of my comfort zone and made the decision to wear something that I normally wouldn’t have been brave enough to wear. (I’m very self conscious of my arms and I normally would make sure that I had no cleavage on show because I’m viewed from above).

I’d seen a jumpsuit from Reiss that I absolutely fell in love with, particularly because of the neckline. I kept looking at it and thinking how much I would love to wear something similar, so I decided to have a go at recreating the look myself — obviously with a wheelchair-friendly twist!

The Reiss jumpsuit that I used for inspiration

As much as I love the look of a jumpsuit, they just aren’t particularly practical when you’re a wheelchair user. Instead, I decided to create the same overall look using separates. This way I can still achieve the effect of wearing a jumpsuit, but with something that is much more practical and comfortable for me.

For this make, I chose the beautiful Minerva Exclusive Tropical Tiles Modal Challis POD Fabric (kindly gifted by Minerva as part of their Ambassador programme). I have used this print before, but this was my first time sewing with it on the modal challis base and I absolutely love it. It is beautifully soft against the skin, which is something that is really important to me, and it has a very slight sheen that gives it a lovely, luxurious appearance. It also feels lightweight and comfortable to wear whilst still being completely opaque, which is always reassuring!

For the trousers, I used my own trouser block, which I know fits me well and is comfortable when sitting. For the top, I modified Simplicity S3067 to create the shape and neckline that I wanted and changed the bottom hem to sit neatly in my lap. I also added an elasticated back to the top, both for comfort and to make sure that it has a nice, snug fit regardless of how I move or sit in my wheelchair.

I was initially planning to incorporate the tie detail from the original Reiss top, but once I started stitching everything together, I changed my mind. The print already has so much beautiful detail that I felt adding the tie might make the top look a little too busy, so I decided to leave it off. I’m really pleased that I did because I think the simpler shape allows the fabric and neckline to be the stars of the outfit.

The finished outfit is incredibly comfortable and fits me really well. The trousers and top work together to give the impression of a jumpsuit, but I have all the practicality of separates. The fit also means that I feel comfortable and secure wearing it without worrying that I’m going to reveal more than I intended!

I honestly never thought I would get to wear something like this again. Since becoming a wheelchair user, I’ve often found myself automatically ruling out certain styles of clothing because I assumed they just wouldn’t work for me. This make has reminded me that sometimes it’s worth looking at something you love and asking, “How can I make this work for me?” rather than deciding that it isn’t possible.

This outfit feels a little bit celebratory for me. Not just because I’ve created something that I love and that looks so close to my inspiration, but because I’ve finished it despite finding sewing more difficult recently, and because I’ve pushed myself to wear something outside of my usual comfort zone.

I can’t wait to wear it on my cruise — hopefully somewhere considerably warmer than my garden in September!

(Image description: there are six images taken from different angles showing Yvonne sat in her wheelchair in her garden. She is wearing trousers and a top that are made from a white fabric with green tropical leaves and yellow and orange flowers.)