Unique Body Shapes and Sewing - Stoma Clothing Drafting

[@outsideoftimeandspace]

Thank you for making these videos, Nora. After I had suffered a miscarriage, I went through 8 months of depression, but the comment you made about your appearance (hair, makeup, clothing, etc...) and being able to 'do the day' has been THE thing to get me to realize that I am still neglecting myself. I've been sewing for 25 years but your videos give me renewed inspiration for making my own clothing and feeling like myself again. Thank you for waking me up.

[@NoraMurrell]

You made me cry. Be gentle with yourself and you go do whatever you want to in order to feel like you today. HUG

[@karinjcollstrup7360]

A tip for people with litle or no defined waistline is to use princesseams. Works wonders for my globebelly that really only have an enpirewaist at the front - but I can still show my very nice waistcurves at the back. I am still on a jorney to find witch designlines and feathers suits my body. It does take a few tryes, but do give it a go. I have been surprized by some things that worked very well and others that just dont work. But I only find out by trying...

[@NoraMurrell]

Excellent suggestions. Thank you!

[@Matrinka69]

Fabulous approaches to the issue of asymmetry. I am asymmetric. Scoliosis, h-EDS and age worked to make my body less than symmetrical and I have been gradually making clothes that either disguise the situation (full skirts, empire waistlines, etc) or artistically feature my asymmetry.

[@NoraMurrell]

I appreciate you sharing your story. It's inspiring to see how you've adapted and found ways to express yourself through your fashion choices.

[@lesleyharris525]

Hi Nora, thank you for making this video answering my question, my stoma is at the waist, I'm petite with a larger bust so dropped waist is just sack like on me but a peplum sounds like a good idea with a little padding to smooth out the bump, it's about 3 inches out and 6 inches long but it's going to be reduced to a better size in late January, i will admit that i cried at this video as you and your followers have given me some great ideas to look more normal and yes people have said it's fine or it's vanity but I just want to be pretty again. ❤

[@NoraMurrell]

There is nothing wrong with wanting to be pretty. We are art. We wear art. All the time. Of course we have an opinion of how we want to look! January is coming soon, and I hope everything goes super easy and kind.

[@NoraMurrell]

I have a breathtakingly kind audience. I have cried more than once reading comments.

[@staylor3390]

Out of all your posts, this is my favorite. You put a lot of time and thought into this subject, and it was apparent you really cared! Thanks.

[@NoraMurrell]

Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm glad you enjoyed this post and felt the effort I put into it. Your support means a lot to me!

[@laurensternenberg7635]

The brown dress with the peplum top you wore would work, too. A peplum can disguise unevenness. If it were me, I would pad my other side a bit to smooth the skirt and then concentrate on tops and jackets, color and jewelry nearer the face. Pull the eye to where I want you to look.

[@NoraMurrell]

Excellent ideas!

[@katybradley5143]

Thank you for such a respectful, thoughtful, useful video!

[@NoraMurrell]

Thank you so much for your kind words! I've got an great audience and I hope I can continue to do right by all of you.

[@carolinamendezhernandez7225]

Wonderful explanation! Love it! Wear what fits you is clue to be comfortable and confident

[@NoraMurrell]

Yes! Thank you!

[@susanpilling8849]

Thanks so much for this, it's helped me a lot. I've had a stoma for 10 years and as I've got older it has become more prominent. I've been struggling with what to do about it and you've given me lots of food for thought. I'm almost 70 by the way but then you never stop wanting to look your best. 💙

[@NoraMurrell]

I hope your thoughts come to a doable conclusion. I'm glad to have helped.

[@wendyreynolds2261]

Historically, people built up with undergarments to achieve a desired silhouette. Now people wear uncomfortable undergarments to force the BODY into a desired shape. I like your 'prosthetic' suggestion. Depending on the location of the stoma/medical device, symmetry could be achieved with a modified hip pad or false rump. Shaping could also be build into the skirt. I think Dior was doing this with jacket peplums in the Fifties. I also saw instructions for hip pads in my grandmother's 1950's Singer Dressmaking Couse book.

[@NoraMurrell]

All of this. 100%

[@bohemiansusan2897]

When I had a stoma it was at my waist line. Pants and skirts had to a lot bigger to accommodate the appliances. I often wore baggy knit vests or sweaters. Luckily that nightmare was reversed four months later. Perhaps a one piece bag eet up would work but beware of leaking. That was eight months ago and my skin is still recovering from the glues used to hold the ring to my skin and then the snap on bag.

[@NoraMurrell]

I hope you heal well and soon.

[@bohemiansusan2897]

@@NoraMurrell healing is very slow. I don't heal as I should fom abdominal surgery. In time all will be good.

[@GrandmaJoy1]

Thank you, Nora. You have given me something to think about. I have lost 190 lbs. and have a lot of excess skin to deal with. It would take way too much surgery to tighten up my body. So, I am looking for ways to dress around it. Your point about the 20s dressing helps me a great deal. My measurements are pretty much the same for bust, waist, and hips. I love the look of the 1930s dresses; however, my body might look a little odd in them because of no waist. Thank you for sharing your knowledge of the Haslam system and sewing. You brighten my day.

[@NoraMurrell]

I am so happy to brighten your day and hope that your clothing journey is working well for you!

[@kimt2au]

Hi Nora, yet another brilliant video. I do like your idea of asymmetry, I know I have to accept asymmetry as I have one twisted knee which gives me a twisted lower leg. However, I do think you highlighted a very good point you commented that we have been padding bras for years. For my two pennies worth, I think you were right on the money when you said about building a prosthetic - I would be tempted down the road of making my own knickers (panties) and adding bra padding on the non-stoma side to reflect the shape of the stoma on the other side and perhaps add a bit of padding in the middle to smooth the lines. Yes, this would make the wearer look a bit plumper but it would look more symmetrical. As I said before, yet another brilliant video and you have clearly spent a lot of time thinking about this issue. Thank you for sharing. Kim

[@NoraMurrell]

Everyone's comments here have been so real. I am so glad I made this video. I hope you all sewing success.

[@croitoriafaraformule]

I love your pleated pants!

[@kimt2au]

Me too, I think they look brilliant.

[@NoraMurrell]

Thank You! I love these!

[@rivergalen4020]

Well said

[@NoraMurrell]

Thank you!

[@reneebonnell5010]

Exactly; padding is what Victorian seamstresses did to smooth the silhouette. That's why women's chests looks so smooth in their pictures but not in modern's.

[@NoraMurrell]

You're absolutely right! The art of padding was crucial in achieving every single silhouette for so long.

[@Avotts]

Why not try a peplum. They can be attached to a nice blouse or a slirt or slacks. or make the skirt with a decorative outside pocket that opens inside for the stoma. put a large bling piece or brooch or or feathers or flowers over the stoma. I personally have opted for extra long tunic type tops, or consider exquisit scarves .... maybe draped trom your opposite shoulder and across the chest an both sides be secured with a fastener of some sort. I really like Noras sentimect of waiste to hem ruffles just infront and behind the stoma site . . . . it will look quite sassy.

[@johnettehaines6291]

My eldest daughter has a stoma