Personally, I don't think it makes any difference how one quilts -- it's how it looks when finished! I quilt like I sew also and I think mine look pretty darn good :oops: :oops:

AFter reading all of the "torture" we quilters go through to make these lovely quilts, I realize how much they are truly treasures.

you bet my hands get stiff!! I am 55, same as lots of you. I very seldom do hand quilting, and then when I do, I allow lots and lots of time for the project to be in the works. No rush for me. I wore out my Right thumb joint and had a replacement a year ago. I have pretty good strength back, but don't want to put pressure on it. So I'm just making the tops now, and will decide about the quilting another time.

I am about to schedule replacement surgery on my thumbjoint. May I ask how yours was done?

Sorry for the late reply. This message got lost in a bunch Halloween emails.

About the thumb joint. The doc took tendon from the wrist to part way up the arm. Then opened up the joint, cleaned it out. Wrapped the tendon for a cushion. I was in a cast for 4 weeks. Then was weak as a kitten, but have excellent strength a year later, and NO PAIN! I would tell anyone to not hesitate to get 'er done! Hope yours goes well.

Thanks, Sarasewing. I figured it might be a while to get my strength back, so thanks for the heads up on a year!!! I need to have the left one done as well, so maybe I should get my head set to minimal anything for the next couple of years!!! :?

Pzazz, it seems you'll be having time to catch up on dreaming through the magazines and quilt books. Also time to read a few good books.

Well after 30 years in the floral business I can't hand quilt. Had carpal tunnel surgery on both hands 17 years ago & while I don't have the carpal T anymore I do have fingers that lock. Had surgery on one to cut that band that all the nerves run thru so that it took pressure off. Pain was awful. Have had shots too & that really helps. Don't really know what to tell you but that hot wax feels so good. Sister tried using the crock pot but it got too hot even on low setting. I am gonna tell DC to get me one for xmas. My hands look like I haul wood for a living.

Debra....my step-daughter got me a hot wax bath for C'mas a couple of yrs ago...I love it!!!! it really does help. AND it leaves your skin feeling wonderful!!! I have a gf that loves doing massage for friends. She sometimes comes and has me put both my hands and my feet in the wax, then massages them. Heaven!!!! The heat really does help ease the arthritis.

I also am glad that there seem to be other handquilters on this board. I trained myself a long time ago to use both hands. When I am working on a frame, even my large floor hoops I quilt with both hands depending on which direction I am going. It does save doing that very awkard twisting of the wrist that is so bad for our hands. Being a touch typer and having taken piano lessons as a child helps me be more comfortable with both hands. It took some practice originally but now is second nature. I am 59 and ironically I have had a lot less trouble with my hands since I developed a rare autoimmune disease that causes muscle and nerve problems. I have more trouble with my hands sleeping at night. My whole arm tends to go to sleep no matter which side I lay on. I also have an air bed. I can't imagine how bad it would be with a regular mattress.