What would be something to use
 

I have a problem, and I think someone here may have a solution

Whenever I go to sew a the quilt shop my back gets to hurting really bad. At home I never have this problem

I am thinking that maybe I am hunching down - like the table height is too low

I was thinking about a table riser - like what people use for computer monitors

Do you guys think that would work? Or do you guys have any suggestion

Thanks

At home I have cut PVC pipes the slip the legs of table into to raise my cutting table. If the legs on the shop table are straight, you could try that. Mine are 9" tall, but I would think much smaller would be for a machine table.

I think the risers would make it too high, I think Granny's suggestion of cutting pvc pieces would be a better way.

You may need to take a cushion to the shop to change the angle that you're sitting. If they have a chair that rises and falls, perhaps you can find a perfect height to sit that way? Good luck!

I have a set of bed risers that I put under a table that I wanted to raise to make a cutting table of convenient height. It works perfectly and is stable and sturdy. I am so happy with this arrangement. If you need about six inches this might solve your problem.

what kind of chairs are used at the LQS? If they are adjustable you could raise it so your elbows are at right angles when you are in a sewing position. And if your feet don't rest flat on the floor you can take a box (maybe plastic that you can keep supplies in) to set your feet on. I find that to get the right angle on the arms I almost have to have a lower table.

Exactly ....... and your chair too.

Several of us had that problem when sewing at a town quilting class - solved it by stacking two chairs together. Worked well but depends on type of chairs and whether or not there are enough chairs.

Is the problem the table/chair ratio or do you tense up while sewing at the shop and at home you are relaxed. You may not be aware that you are doing this and after awhile it hits you. All of the ladies ideas would be helpful. I know those 6 ft. long tables sometimes are just not great for long sewing sessions.

Yes, that happens to me also. It's the ratio of chair height to table height. Measure it at home and then with a chair and table at normal height. I often take a firm cushion so that I sit higher than the standard chair height.

Usually quilt shop classes are folding tables set up. They are too high for me so I bring a bean bag type cushion to put in the chair. It doesn't get squashed and forms to my bottom. I bought the 'beans' at Walmart and made one to suit me.

Thanks everyone for your thoughts. I have some good ideas now. The chairs are not adjustable they seem to be standard chairs

I've pretty much decided that I'm not comfortable sewing anywhere but at home, so for the most part I don't. It's not worth the back ache. If there's a class I really want to take, I bring a pillow to sit on, and that helps with the chair height. Some ladies bring their own chairs.

One interesting thing many in our guild have figured out after doing a Zoom class, is that it's nice to be taking a class from home so you don't have to drag a machine and supplies and your set up is one you are used to--down side is the social interaction is little bit reduced. And the teacher must be well organized!

I've found that a lot of chairs at shops and retreats make my back hurt because they don't slope down slightly in the thigh area, and I always end up sitting hunched over. I just bought a new office "task" chair with this feature and it is SO comfy. I don't feel like I'm sliding off at all, but I do find it much easier to sit straight.

I got risers for one of my tables at Bed, Bath and Beyond that were adjustable. I got just the right height with them.

I agree that for me the back ache problem sewing away from home at quilt shops, guild workshops, or retreats was the chair. I solved it buy bringing my own rolling adjustable task chair with no arms with me whenever I sew away from home. It fits perfectly in the back seat of my van, seat of chair to seat of van with rolling legs in the air. I would like to take credit for this great idea but alas, a dear quilty friend brought her chair to one of our retreats and a light bulb simply went off in my head. One of those "Now why didn't I think of that" moments. Now quite a few of us bring our own chairs.