What have you added to your sewing room to make your body happier?
 

I have added an ergonomic cutter. Replaced the foot pedal with a hand unit. A slotted ruler for cutting, and a TENS unit for my back.

A recliner!

I'm in the final stages of finishing my sewing room and thanks to hubby's suggestion (I "HAD" to have a love seat so he could join me or I could have friends over) I'd add more room so I could include a cutting table.

I have my Koala table to use to lay out fabric when I spray baste my quilts. But it would be nice to have a larger table.

Does the TENS unit work well for your back pain? I would need something like that for my neck shoulder. That's where I get most of my discomfort while sewing for more than an hour.

I recently treated myself to a better chair with a good lumbar support and my sewing area is set up in almost a square so all I have to do is "wheel" myself around to whatever I need (sewing machine on one side - next ironing table - behind serger - other side work table). I have just enough space to walk out of that work area but it works for me. My cutting table (with my bar stool) and fabric are in the other bedroom. The bar stool has really helped to relieve my back pain when I have a lot to cut. I cut the long cuts standing up, then do the sub-cuts sitting down.....HUGE difference in how my back feels.

Floor mats for my tired feet.

a rolling chair. i'd love to get a rolling stool, saddle type, for my quilting frame, too.

I also have back issues and I have found that sewing on my cutting table (which is propped up with bed risers) using a bar stool helps to keep me from "hunching over" which my therapist says is the worst thing ever for your back. (I do sew on the regular sewing spot if it is just a couple of minutes or so.)

I love my TENS. I get neck/shoulder pain also (which is caused by my bad spine).

My youngest son. He is ONLY 39 hahahah

Bed risers on my cutting table. It is much easier on my back now that it is higher up.

Sorry for asking. What is a TENS?

I just moved my 'studio' again. Had my LA table made bigger and an upgrade. So other than the table and upgrade nothing is new.

I have my cutting table at a comfortable height ... it is a rolling [with locking wheels] kitchen cart with shelves and is just right for me.

Then I have my Swopper ... that is a sorta balance ball seat that isn't inflatable but is adjustable. Look it up on the net. It almost forces me to use good posture. It cut down on the TENS use for me, so it was a good investment. Yes, it cost a bit and has been worth every dollar/penny I spent on it.

I also had Home Depot cut those about 1" think floor mats that are like puzzle pieces into halves. I stand on that when using the quilting machine. I tried Crocs on my feet but they don't fit well enough to be comfortable.

ali

A TENS unit does help me. It supplies electrical stimulation to the pain area. Must be gotten through your doctor. insurance or medicare may pay for it

I bought the mesh back support that goes on your regular chair back. I find that the added curve in the back forces me to sit straighter and not slouch. I also bought the magnifying glass set for my Bernina for FMQ so I don't bend forward to see where I'm sewing. I would love to upgrade to the ergonomic cutter that fits into a rail on the rulers but I can't justify the price or the waste. I would have to buy the new rulers and I have a fairly large collection of regular rulers already.

I got a high backed office chair so I can lean back every 15 mins to rest my neck.I have ruptured discs and have to lean back often or I am in so much pain for a few days that I am in bed .It was about $150.00 but priceless to me.

I made myself new arm cushions, seat, and back for my chair. The seat, back and arms were getting so flat it wasn't comfy anymore.

A quality office chair! I sat on at least 15 in Staples on Saturday, and kept returning to this one. It does have arms, which turns out not to be so great as I can't lower them enough to get under the sewing table, but that does force me to use a better posture anyway.

Cheers, K

Chocolate!!!

I have a tens unit from a previous fall, but now that I am on Medicare, will they pay for the pads?

I splurged on the Accuquilt Studio. That has really eliminated a lot of cutting time for me.

I bring my iPad in and listen to an audio book while I quilt.

I put my cutting table on bed risers. Really makes a difference for me.

I love my tens unit also. I couldn't do anything if I didn't have it!!

Good question what is TENS?

A heater and a new puppy.. # 3 Chihuahua and #5 dog! Yes, I'm crazy.

A TENS Unit is an electronic muscle stimulator that sends electric pulses into the muscles and nerves to relax them and help with pain. I used one for years because of lower back pain. Then I got a new mattress! Instant relief. My old mattress was a sleep number bed! Boy did it do a number on my back. But, my husband loves it. Yep, separate beds. Now I sleep more comfortably and I don't have to listen to him snore and he has a quieter time too! LOL Remember, ladies don't snore! They breathe deeply.

A CD player. It makes me happy all over.

This setup is really close to mine I have counter tops with sewing machine at the right height on one side Iron setup on the right side Serger on the left and cutting table on the fourth side set up higher than than my sewing and ironing sides with windows on three sides for light DH also put in shop lights with the sunlight bulbs on all sides

2 vintage Dazor architect lamps with double fluorescent bulbs and a huge amount of adjustability. One is a clamp on style I use on my industrial table, the other is a desk model I use behind my DSM. I spent 5.00 on each of them and will buy another one if I find one. They are the best sewing light I have ever had.

My lovely DH made me a custom cutting table which I absolutely love!

I bought a Perfect Sewing Chair from cottonclub.com a few years ago. It's a rolling chair with extra back support, and it's the best chair I've ever used. I couldn't sew for any length of time without it!~

I would love to know more about the hand unit

A magnifying glass so I can "read" the needles!

Music and a cushion for my chair

I have an obusform gel pad that I take every where it helps take the pressure off the base of the tailbone and evenly distributes your weight so your not putting all the weight on one side or the other. I also have a lower spine brace that I wear it helps me keep my posture correct and it has a lumbar support in it. I may look at getting a TENS as well I've had the treatment enough at the Chiro to operate the machine myself. Next purchase will be a better chair and I need to get hubby to raise my cutting table a little higher too.

My DH cut my sewing table legs off so it is the proper height for me. I also put a foot rest under the table as I have short legs. I have to get up to iron which is good for me.

Gosh, I wish I could say a masseuse!

My chiropractor said not to sew more than about a half hour then get up and do something else, then sew, etc. So I sew, then cut, then press, then whatever, then sew. It is hard to do because I was used to sewing long hours at a time. So I try and keep to what he said to do and it does help. So I keep my ironing board away from my sewing machine and keep my serger further away so I can't just sit and swing from one to the other or I would be sitting in that chair till I hurt so bad!

It is called a GRACE SPEED CONTROL. Universal Foot Pedal Replacement. I just unplug my pedal and replace it with this. My speed is much steadier now, and the pain of reaching for the foot peddle has stopped. My machine is a Bernina but this is compatible with most machines. I got it at my Bernina Dealer for $57.99. I can set the speed and set it on pulse or run it has a button finger control. If you need more info let me know I will PM you.

[QUOTE=AliKat;4686013]I just moved my 'studio' again. Had my LA table made bigger and an upgrade. So other than the table and upgrade nothing is new.

That looks like a really cool seat! A bit pricey for my budget, but then with my back, it just might be something to save up for. Thanks!
Then I have my Swopper ... that is a sorta balance ball seat that isn't inflatable but is adjustable. Look it up on the net. It almost forces me to use good posture. It cut down on the TENS use for me, so it was a good investment. Yes, it cost a bit and has been worth every dollar/penny I spent on it.

TENS Unit and Pads
 

No, Medicare doesn't pay for either the TENS unit or the pads. I had to pay my doctor cash for them as he said they aren't covered. Here is a link to the best deal I have found on the internet for the pads...
http://www.ib3health.com/products/Te...dCMSeries.asps
I haven't ordered from them yet but I will need to in a couple of weeks so I'm going to give them a try. This link is for 1.5x1.5 pads but they have every size under the sun!

I haven't added anything to my sewing room but I desperately need a new rolling chair. Loved this one I have from Walmart but since the cushions became smashed down is horribly uncomfortable! I'll probably get an identical one the next time I buy. I would also benefit from a higher cutting table. The one I have will not work with the bed risers because of the way the wooden feet are cut. Sigh.