quiltingcandy

Without knowing your age - but knowing you are going thru PT - that is the good news - sometime healing just takes time and the older we get the longer it takes. But you might ask your doctor to refer you to on occupational therapist. They can evaluate what you want to do and help you do it. I used to arrange it when I handled Workers' Compensation cases and sometimes it was life changing for some of my clients. Some even learned to drive again after having severe hand injuries.

SuziSew

AJ, I'm sorry about the break...but still welcome to the Quilt Board!

Cutting: you've already been given advice on how you might hold down the ruler but I second getting someone (spouse, child, friend) to help with some of the cutting. I've helped my step mom as she has arthritis and can't do a lot of cutting. Another suggestion would be a cutting machine if you can fit it into your budget, again stepmom got one of these to help.

Pre-cuts: Go to YouTube and search for Missouri Star Quilt Co (MSQC) tutorials. Jenny is famous for providing simple patterns using pre-cuts.

Donation quilts: It's wonderful that you want to quilt for those less fortunate. You don't mention where you are located but you should see if there are local guilds or local quilt shops that can point you in the right direction. Or you can google to look for organizations that provide and distribute the quilts.

Again, welcome to the QB and I hope you continue to heal quickly to get back doing the things you love!

nativetexan

and connecting threads has clearance on their pre-cuts!!

AJRed

Thanks! I ran a chiroprator's office for 15 yrs! I also have fibro, which usually takes 3 time as long to heal. My mum used to say that I make the "Princess of the Pea" sound like a tough old broad. I could not tolerate my brace, even after I lined it with molefoam. I am supposedly getting OT, but so far am not so sure the difference. Tomorrow will only be my second session, though. I have been thru PT with various other parts of me. Someone is always happy to try to help my pain for money. Never seems to work, though. I really appreciate what OT and PT can do. I am just too grumpy right now. Bored!! Been watching old movies on TV and reading, but that is getting to me as well.

Irishrose2

My massage therapist did more for me last year when I broke my foot than anyone else.
Pattern: MSQC Falling charms - a baby quilt takes a charm pack and part of a plain jelly roll. By the time you get to borders, you'll be cutting. The only cutting in the quilt would be across the 2 1/2" jelly roll strip periodically.
Falling Charms for a baby girl

Prism99

I would use this as an excuse to invest in an Accuquilt Go! Big (electric) die cutting machine and one or two dies. It would allow you to cut pieces for a quilt without pressuring your left hand. I would consider it therapy for my mental health. Plus it provides opportunities for Christmas gift lists for years to come.

QuiltE

The solutions are nearer than you think ....

Teach your beloved to cut your fabrics!
Yes, I know you don't want to ask him to do more, but I bet he would and could!

The second .... Discuss with your PT as to how your ability to sew is critical to your overall mindset.

While this person may not understand quilting etc., knowing where your heart is, will help them address specific concerns. On another visit, you could take in your tools, to show him/her what you need to re-build to be able to do.

Three Dog Night

You could do a charm quilt or jelly roll race quilt where you wouldn't have to cut pieces except for border and bindings as others have mentioned. I would definitely check out MSQC tutorials for patterns.

SillySusan

Hi AJRed, and welcome from North Carolina. I'm sorry that you are in pain and bored. I hope you can use some of the suggestions you received. I don't have any bright ideas for cutting fabric, but you could discover some other quilting chores, like organizing your fabric stash, looking for new patterns, just hanging out with us here. There are several threads that you could check out. We love to chat!

cindyb

Pre cuts was my first thought. How about charms or jelly rolls.