Ideas: To Help Quilter's With Arthritis,Muscle,Nerve,et. Disorders?
06-26-2012, 08:25 PM
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Southern California
Posts: 333
I have trouble with my hands and wrist and a friend of mine cannot stand for long. So, we trade work. I have a long arm, so I quilt her quilts for her and she does all my binding. We are both very happy with this arrangement. I also have an ergonomic rotary cutter and a cutting table set high. I wear a wrist/hand brace when cutting or doing any type of hand work. I also stop and do hand and wrist exercises so my hands don't cramp up. When working on the long arm, I wear good shoes with good support to protect my spine/back. I am considering getting anti-fatigue mats as well even though the machine is on carpet on the second floor (so no cement). When working on the long arm I don't grab the handles tight, just guide them lightly - otherwise my hands cramp and hurt. After each pass I stop and stretch and my fingers and wrist. This helps a lot. It is amazing what we remedies we can find to be able to continue our beloved quilting!
06-26-2012, 08:40 PM
#12
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Michigan. . .FINALLY!!!!
Posts: 6,726
I also have Lupus along with Psoriatic Arthritis....I know how frustrating it is when you really want to quilt, but your body is not co-operating.
To keep continuity/sanity (idle hands and all that
I have a few things on the go at the same time....If handwork is out of the question...I work on designs, cut templates or sort fabric. I am trying to use my machine as much as possible, remembering to hop up every so often and do another task. I use a tall step stool to sit on when I iron and again, break the task into chunks rather than do "marathons". Spring loaded snips are a treasure and where would we be without wheat bags and sheepskin slippers. As long as I can do a quilt related activity for at least one hour a day I am a happy bunny.
Project boxes are useful....the pattern, notes, fabrics, thread, everything you need for that quilt all in a big decorative box (I get mine from Red Dot (a dollar store)). That way you are not rummaging around trying to find stuff, you can take it to the bedroom or sofa (wherever you can work comfortably) and if visitors call, or when you are done for the day everything can pile into the box without too much trouble and mess is kept to the minimum.
I label everything and keep most the most used items in the more accessible areas of my workspace. I have also found fingerless gloves (my kids call them hobo gloves) to be very handy...they keep most of your hand/wrist warm yet allow you to use the fingertips without impediment. I have quite a few pairs as they can get a bit grotty if you wear them a lot.
To keep continuity/sanity (idle hands and all that
I have a few things on the go at the same time....If handwork is out of the question...I work on designs, cut templates or sort fabric. I am trying to use my machine as much as possible, remembering to hop up every so often and do another task. I use a tall step stool to sit on when I iron and again, break the task into chunks rather than do "marathons". Spring loaded snips are a treasure and where would we be without wheat bags and sheepskin slippers. As long as I can do a quilt related activity for at least one hour a day I am a happy bunny.Project boxes are useful....the pattern, notes, fabrics, thread, everything you need for that quilt all in a big decorative box (I get mine from Red Dot (a dollar store)). That way you are not rummaging around trying to find stuff, you can take it to the bedroom or sofa (wherever you can work comfortably) and if visitors call, or when you are done for the day everything can pile into the box without too much trouble and mess is kept to the minimum.
I label everything and keep most the most used items in the more accessible areas of my workspace. I have also found fingerless gloves (my kids call them hobo gloves) to be very handy...they keep most of your hand/wrist warm yet allow you to use the fingertips without impediment. I have quite a few pairs as they can get a bit grotty if you wear them a lot.
06-26-2012, 09:37 PM
#13
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Mechanicsville, IA
Posts: 1,497
I found the TrueCut Rulers and their bent rotary cutter to be beneficial. There is a ridge on the cutter thar rides on the ruler. I don't have to stress my wrist to keep the blade in line with the ruler. It just happens naturally because of the ridge. I also use their electric blade sharpener to keep my blades sharp so I don't have to apply so much pressure.
06-27-2012, 04:07 AM
#16
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Grants Pass, Oregon
Posts: 2,179
I have degenerative arthritis in my lower back and bursitits in my left hip; both conditions work together to make everything painful. The one thing that has helped me the most, aside from what others have already mentioned...is to mentally change my thinking. I know I can no longer create a quilt in a few days. Little messages about time not being an issue, not setting deadlines and just totally focusing on the joy of being able to quilt has become my new focus.
06-27-2012, 04:35 AM
#17
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Central Indiana
Posts: 1,112
Since my chemo I have numb hands and feet but I just keep quilting. I use most of the items already listed. I have come to realize I will do what I can as I enjoy it. My hand applique is not what it used to be but it is satisfying so I just do it. We may be slower and maybe not as good as before but keep up the habit! Our mental hapiness counts for lots.
06-27-2012, 05:48 AM
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Crosby,Texas
Posts: 849
I iron sitting down. You can adjust the ironing board any height why stand when you can sit.
http://help4neckpain.com/h4np.php this was a helpful site that I got from the quilting school. Hope it goes through
http://help4neckpain.com/h4np.php this was a helpful site that I got from the quilting school. Hope it goes through
06-27-2012, 06:45 AM
#20
Super Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Southeast Wisconsin
Posts: 1,070
I found the TrueCut Rulers and their bent rotary cutter to be beneficial. There is a ridge on the cutter thar rides on the ruler. I don't have to stress my wrist to keep the blade in line with the ruler. It just happens naturally because of the ridge. I also use their electric blade sharpener to keep my blades sharp so I don't have to apply so much pressure.
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