The Anti-Ouch Pouch

August 4th, 2008 in sewing, patterns & designs, quilting

Mary Ray, contributor

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At the American Sewing Guild Conference a few weeks ago, I saw first hand how ASG members lend their support to a service project designed to ease the recovery of mastectomy patients as well as those who have suffered broken arms and other chest surgeries.

The Anti-Ouch Pouch was designed by Deon Maas of the Peoria, IL Chapter. As is the case with so many great inventions, the Pouch came about because of a need. Deon had a mastectomy in 2006 and found that using a traditional pillow to provide some comfort between the arm and chest area left something to be desired. She designed a wedge-shaped hanging pillow that fits snuggly and softly under the arm. The adjustable strap allows for freedom of movement, which, according to Deon, “gets you off the couch and back to a normal routine.”
Deon enlisted the help of ASG to make the pillows available to patients and they have responded big time, making and donating thousands of pouches. In fact, her chapter alone has sewn over 800 of them so far.

The pattern is free from the American Sewing Guild. (Keep in mind, if you’re interested in becoming a part of this service project, you can accept donations to defray the cost of materials and you can give the pouches away, but you can’t sell the pouches – this is a not-for-profit project).

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posted in: sewing, patterns & designs, quilting

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Comments (1)

TinasPugs writes: Thank you for posting this great project! As a member of a quilting group- made up primarily of nurses of a rehabilitation center, no less!- I just know that this pattern is going to be our next group effort! What a story, from Deon. We have a strong and caring cancer center near-by; I'll bet that there are many women who would be grateful to receive these pouches. Again, thank you. Posted: 5:46 pm on September 2nd

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