Just talked w/a gal that has the same thing..she's going in for carp. tunnel surgery over hers. Here's an interesting thought...that Jenny Beyer that hand quilts ( think that is the who) she alternates her hands...for her hands wear out on her too since she quilts so much. She said she taught herself to use her other hand and anyone can get the hang of it if they try and work on it too. I too love hand stitching/quilting...but, my hands wear out on me too much...so have opted for a momma machine here that will allow me to piece and quilt w/it!! So, I say go for it...if you can rest your hand to recovery by wearing braces for awhile and learn to quilt by machine...Go go for it!!:))My 2 threads of thought here;))Skeat