get the book "RX for Quilters" It may have some useful information.

Thanks so much!

I have RA diagnosed 5 yrs ago, what my phsyical therapist taught me is ( if you have double kitchen sinks) to fill one sink with as hot a water as you can stand, and the other with cold cold water. Then start with putting your hands in the hot water for 30 sec while wiggling your fingers . Then tranfer to cold water doing the same for 30 sec, go back and forth for total of ten min. It tricks the nerves into thinking theres nothing wrong. I do this three times a day, really helps with the quilting. Good luck to anyone who has any type of arthritis, and don't let it get the best of you. :thumbup:

FABULOUS ADVICE! Thank you so much!

also wear a wrist brace at times. even if only at night while sleeping. they do help.

One thing that helps the arthritis in my hands is my Therabath. I buy the Therabath parafin and put in it, turn it on and after the paraffin melts you can dip your hands into the wax and take your hands out and it warms your hands and makes them more limber. If you want the wax to stay warm longer wrap your hand in Saran Wrap to hold in the warmth. You can find these at Home healthcare stores, and sometimes at stores like Target, etc.

[quote=Janeen]I can't do hand work anymore - just barely can do the handwork for bindings (but somebody on here told me to sew the binding on the back side, bring around and stitch on machine with fancy stitch instead of sew on the front, take to back and hand stitch)

Janeen, what a great idea! I am going to bind a QS quilt next week and was going to stitch the decorative stitch on the front and back of bias tape then sew it to the quilt - this cuts a TON of time out of the process! THANK YOU FOR THE GREAT IDEA!!! BLESS THIS BLOG!!!

As for the arthritis, please don't let it get in the way of whatever your passion is. If you love quilting, go for it. You don't have to spend a lot of money, buy what you need and stay within your budget. Start small to find out if you really like it - it sounds like you're kind of testing the waters right now. Whatever you decide, enjoy the journey!

Thank you!!! Good advice for all of us with these conditions.

Advice we can all use.

You are so kind to share this with me, as are all the wonderful folks giving me this wonderful advice. God bless you all!