[nagdu] winter coats

[Julie J.]

Yes, the handle does detach.   I don't know how time consuming it would be 
to try to reattach the handle after the coat is on though.  Have to think 
more on that.

The sweater I made just has slits on the sides so it can go overtop with no 
alterations of the harness.    I really like the convenience of the design. 
It just goes over the dog's head and rests in place because the handle keeps 
it from sliding around.     It's really bulky though and sort of sticks out 
on the sides.  Perhaps something made of fabric in that design would work 
better?

I dunno.  Perhaps a trip to the fabric store will inspire me. *smile*

thanks for the ideas.  I will check out the raincoat idea.
Julie

----- Original Message ----- 


From: "Laurie Mehta" <lauriemehta at yahoo.com>
To: "NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users" 
<nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Thursday, December 04, 2008 4:18 PM
Subject: Re: [nagdu] winter coats


> Hi Julie,
> Does the handle for your harness detach?
> I thought that the harness I saw displayed this past July had a detachable 
> handle, anyhow.  (Fine work, btw!)
>
> If the handle comes off, why not sew a lined poncho-style coat that has 
> holes in the top to thread the harness handle through?  If you have access 
> to a GDB dog-raincoat, you could copy that for a pattern, just modifying 
> it to add handle holes.  That raincoat is the velcro-fastened poncho type 
> that would be ideal for what you want.
>
> Or, you could buy a large sized GDB raincoat, if they are still sold-- I 
> bought my most recent one in 2001, and you could sew a lining into it.  I 
> will say, though, that the raincoat itself is a great wind breaker.
>
> Maybe Michael knows the status of GDB raincoats these days?  /smile/
>
> When I bought one, they came in neon green/yellow, or in crimson.  I got 
> the bright colored one for added walking safety on those gloomy days.
>
> Good luck, and if you work this project out, I hope that you'll start 
> offering it among the other things you sell.  I know that a lot of 
> programs are using harnesses with detachable handles nowadays and a coat 
> like you're talking about would be a hit with lots of handlers, imho.
>
> -Laurie
>
> --- On Thu, 12/4/08, Julie J. <jlcrane at alltel.net> wrote:
>
>> From: Julie J. <jlcrane at alltel.net>
>> Subject: [nagdu] winter coats
>> To: "NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users" 
>> <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
>> Date: Thursday, December 4, 2008, 12:12 PM
>> I'm wondering if anyone has any ideas where I can get a
>> winter coat  that will fit over the guide harness?
>>
>> I've got an insulated coat that has to be worn under
>> the harness, but that doesn't work out so well.  the
>> harness doesn't fit as well.  also I have to adjust the
>> size every time I change from coat to no coat. It's
>> going to be a major pain to have to take off the harness,
>> the coat and then back on with the harness after changing
>> the size if we would need to go from outside to inside.
>>
>> I did make a sweater that will fit over the harness, but it
>> is very bulky, catches on my pantleg and isn't very
>> effective when it's windy.
>>
>> I'm thinking of altering the first coat so it can be
>> worn over the harness, but I've never done something
>> like that before.  I'd be interested in any sewing tips
>> anyone might be able to offer.  I don't want to ruin the
>> coat.
>>
>> Or is there some easier solution that I'm missing
>> entirely?  and no one had better say move to a warmer
>> climate! *smile*
>>
>>
>> Thanks much!
>> Julie
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>
>
>
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