I have arthritis in my hands & quilting became my "therapy" when I retired from teaching in 1996. I machine quilt & my machine sits down in the cabinet so that I have a large flat surface. The holding with fingers spread out flat & moving the quilt as it stitches with the walking foot is a great exercise for stretching the fingers.
Originally Posted by MomtoBostonTerriers
I have recently been diagnosed with osteoarthritis in my right hand (it's my dominant hand). Over the past year, I've been rather depressed about this and wondering what the future holds for my hobby. I'm a new quilter, so I hate to think that I might have to quit before I even become good at making quilts.
I still work full-time, surrounded by folks 20-30 years younger than I am, and they simply do not understand what it is like to have this condition. So, I've learned not to talk about it.
I searched this the Quilting Board and found tons of wonderful advice in past threads about this very topic. It's all so encouraging and contains many practical tips. I am going to continue studying all of the information you quilters have posted previously.
Thank-you, thank-you, thank-you for taking the time in the past -- you've created a legacy that is helping me today.