Stitches for Hospice
Calling all sewists and knitters—to make clothing protectors or catheter bag covers for hospice patients in the Portland-metro area!
Hospice adds that extra layer of love for our beloveds in the final months or weeks of their lives, taking away pain and anxiety while preserving dignity and peace. We can add to the dignity by providing area hospices with clothing protectors they give to their clients for when they're eating and catheter covers they can use when they have company.
As Nelson Mandela said, "It is in YOUR hands to create a better world." Let's do this together!
How can I help?
Sew Adult Clothing Protectors
At home, create clothing protectors (bibs), then drop them off in a Positive Charge! PDX collection bin between March 1 - April 5. Great project for using surplus fabric and for sewists of all levels, including beginners!​
FABRIC AVAILABLE: Thanks to generous donor and recently retired hospice social worker Maggie Alberton LCSW, we have beautiful fabric for this project. If you'd like to pick up free fabric, let us know by emailing info@PositiveChargePDX.org; a PC! PDX Angel will contact you to arrange pick-up in SW. First come, first served with quantity available.​​
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Below are two free pattern options, one using bias tape for the edging and one without. Simplicity also has a great pattern you can purchase online or at a sewing store. At least check out the link for the package photos!
Good Deed A
Good Deed B
Knit or Sew Catheter Bag Covers
At home, create catheter bag covers, then drop them off in a Positive Charge! PDX collection bin between March 1 - April 5. Great project for using surplus yarn or fabric and for sewists and knitters of all levels, including beginners!
NOTE: Here's a great video about what makes a good catheter bag cover. For ease, we offer below one free pattern for sewing a catheter bag cover and two options for knitting them. With much thanks to Jan Striemer and Ravelry.com as well as Northwest Wings of Love. Any option would work.​​​
Drop-off Locations
March 1 - April 5
7829 SW Capitol Hwy., Multnomah Village
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6344 SW Capitol Hwy., Hillsdale
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1525 SW Sunset Blvd.
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Other locations TBD
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Note: Please place your clothing protectors and/or catheter bag covers in a plastic bag before dropping them in a PC! PDX / Two Can Tuesday bin.
FAQs
Who's receiving the items?
We're working with hospice programs and nursing facilities in the area. They ask you to remember you are sewing and knitting for ADULTS, and there’s an EVEN SPLIT ON GENDER NEEDS for these items; there are both women and men in hospice care. That means, please mindfully consider the colors and patterns of the fabric and yarn you choose.
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What type of fabric should I use?
For the clothing protector, use 44" wide heavyweight home decorator OR quilt weight 100% cotton. Terry cloth and flannel are fine, too. If you have "fat quarters" or can pick those up at a fabric store, that would work as well. For the sewn catheter bag cover, a sturdy fabric is best. For both projects, the fabric should wear well after many washes.​
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What about the fabric design?
For the clothing protector, think a colorful, busy print in a darker color to hide food spills. Consider a theme to the fabric such as flowers, food motifs, or a sports print, but please steer away from "cutesy." Remember, these are for adult women and men. Note: You might use a solid, complementary color for the back panel.
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For the sewn catheter bag cover, please choose fabric or yarn that is “adult” and understated. The hospice patient doesn't want people commenting on the catheter bag cover, asking about it.
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What should I use to secure the clothing protector?
Please do not use snaps or other fasteners that require dexterity or expect the hospice patients to lift their arms to pull the clothing protector over their heads. Instead, secure the clothing protector with a hook and loop fastener (such as the VELCRO® brand). Please sew the fastener in place (rather than relying on a sticky back), because the clothing protector needs to be able to hold up in the laundry over many washes.
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What type of yarn should I use for the knit catheter bag cover?
You'll need 1 skein of 100% acrylic #4 worsted weight (approx. 200-250 yards). Think machine washable and dryable. The pattern instructions provide details about the needles you will use.
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How long will it take me to complete one of these items?
After making your first one, additional clothing protectors and catheter bag covers will take you no more than one hour. Please, make as many as you can!
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