I did it! I used my sewing machine with my left foot today. YEA. I did react sometimes automatically with my right and wondered why it was not stopping--ha ha--lift left foot Franie! I did some stitching around an applique' slow and easy. I also did some string piecing. Feels so good to be able to sew a little. Lizzie will have to wait however.

I am going to an all day retreat too on Monday. Been four weeks since surgery on my ankle. No sewing then but I can run my mouth, help with a class or two, play games, eat, and have fun!

Awesome! That is wonderful that you can attend a retreat!

I can only sew with my left foot. When I got my Bernina, the store owner told me that I would mess up my right ankle if I operated both the foot pedal and the knee lift with my right leg. I forced myself to start using my left on the foot pedal and don't think I could go back now. Congrats on figuring out a new way!

I still have the boot on my right ankle. I recently read where using the foot pedal with the left foot gives you more balance. Hmmm maybe it is a trend too now for me.

Sounds Great! :thumbup: Bet you'll have a fantastic time!

I'm a lefter with my hands. Maybe I need to try sewing with my left foot.

That is so awesome for you. Have Fun, Fun, Fun!!!!!

I know exactly how you feel. I was so depressed being off on disability and not being able to sew because of the spider bite in my right leg. I tried my left foot and I am actually coordinated enough to do it! I'm thinking that I even like it better than using the right foot. I can still keep my right leg elevated and sew with my left. It has taken the boredom and depression away because now I can have fun!!!

Exactly how I feel Kathy.

WOW on the spider bite. That had to be painful.

Have fun at the retreat !! Glad the other foot worked! :) Look at some of the cabinet machines w/the side knee control, and wonder if it builds the muscles to the right leg (LOL single thigh master) Guess it's what you get used to. :)

I have NEVER heard of any Bernina dealers suggesting that you use your left foot on the pedal because of the kneelift on the right! I suppose they might have something, but even so, I don't think I could do it.

I can sew with either foot, but I can also rotary cut with either hand. It changes things when you break bones. When I was young I had 2 fractures in my right arm. About 6 years ago a man pulled out in front of me and I had 3 fractures in my left arm from hitting it on the window. I also hurt my right foot a few years ago. Surprising what you can do when you want to...

I am a retired letter carrier. I had to leave due to my right foot. I had a mounted route and driving was too painfull. 5 years before I left I started to drive with my left foot. It was awkward at first, but after a few days, it felt natural. I also have trouble sewing with the right foot. I usually use the heal to control the peddle. I have tried the left foot, but control is quite different than a vehicle. I do know with a little effort, the left foot will perform as well as the right.

I can sew with both. One of my first machines was in a cabinet with a knee pedal. I loved it and wish the new machines worked like that. I used it for years and it never caused any problems.

I had a back problem about tne years ago that was directly attibuted to sewing in a wooden chair and using only my right foot. The doctor I was seeing suggested trying to sew with my left foot but cautioned that I probably would not be able to since I had sewn with my right foot for so long. I tried it and was able to sew lefty. The doctor was amazed that it was such a smooth transition. I told him it depended on HOW BADLY I wanted to sew. I think the same is with anyone, if you want to sew badly enough, you'll find a way.