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    sewing ergonomics or how to sew with out back spasms?

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    Old 05-23-2011, 08:39 AM
      #21  
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    That has been a problem. WHen I have the chair at the right height then I have to reach and sew with my tippy toes. I don't have any tables lower, I've tried just about all of them in my house.

    I'm also on the lookout for a child's desk or table at local yard sales and such.

    I was thinking of getting a stool for my foot peddle and somehow anchor so it doens't fall off.

    Oh the joys of being short.
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    Old 05-23-2011, 08:53 AM
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    Originally Posted by charity-crafter
    That has been a problem. WHen I have the chair at the right height then I have to reach and sew with my tippy toes. I don't have any tables lower, I've tried just about all of them in my house.

    I'm also on the lookout for a child's desk or table at local yard sales and such.

    I was thinking of getting a stool for my foot peddle and somehow anchor so it doens't fall off.

    Oh the joys of being short.
    How about a plastic tote/bin. YOu need it large enough for the foot pedal and both of your feet.
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    Old 05-23-2011, 11:01 AM
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    Oh, I didn't think of that. I guess I do need to support both feet. One hanging in the air would probably fall asleep. and I think the bottons of some of the tote bins have little edges/feet thingies that would keep the peddle from sliding off.

    I'll have to check out my stash of tote bins.
    Thanks
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    Old 05-23-2011, 12:34 PM
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    Originally Posted by charity-crafter
    Oh, I didn't think of that. I guess I do need to support both feet. One hanging in the air would probably fall asleep. and I think the bottons of some of the tote bins have little edges/feet thingies that would keep the peddle from sliding off.

    I'll have to check out my stash of tote bins.
    Thanks
    The challenge will be to find something that's the "right" height ... and solid enough that things aren't moving around because of it being squishy. As for a full stash tote, it'd be heavy and solid! :)
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    Old 05-23-2011, 08:10 PM
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    Originally Posted by charity-crafter
    Originally Posted by rushdoggie
    Can you take some pictures of you at your set up? I am an occupational therapist and know some about ergonomics and if you can send me or post some pics I might be able to help you.:)

    Do you want picures of me at the sewing machine? Or just the table and chair?

    I think one of my problems is that I'm only 5' tall and it's difficult to find the right chair/desk height combo for sewing.

    It has helped that I'm very careful about posture, sitting very straight, trying not to lean forward-but honestly that's really hard when you're sewing. If I do lean forward I try to do it from the waist and keep my shoulders down and the rest of the back straight and my abs activated.
    Pictures of you at your set up, from the front and the side would be best.
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    Old 07-09-2011, 04:19 PM
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    Originally Posted by rushdoggie
    Can you take some pictures of you at your set up? I am an occupational therapist and know some about ergonomics and if you can send me or post some pics I might be able to help you.

    :)
    Attached Thumbnails attachment-223774.jpe   attachment-223775.jpe   attachment-223776.jpe   attachment-223788.jpe  
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    Old 07-09-2011, 04:21 PM
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    Don't look at the messy room please. I'm very disorganized, plus my cat likes to get into my scraps and roll around and drag them around.

    here he is helping me:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwAGa_OP714
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    Old 07-09-2011, 05:29 PM
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    You look like you are leaning forward and have your neck flexed forwards, which could be whats causing you to have pain between your shoulder blades. Can you be closer to the table so you don't have to crane forwards to see what you are doing?

    The table is also a little too high for you. Can you make your chair taller and get something to put your feet on?
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    Old 07-10-2011, 03:10 AM
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    Originally Posted by rushdoggie
    The table is also a little too high for you. Can you make your chair taller and get something to put your feet on?
    Thanks, I'll work on that. My main back problem at this moment is my lower back. I try to remember to brace myself, keep the abs tight, straight back and all that, but something tends to sag once I get to sewing.

    I really need to lose alot of weight to get the pressure off my spine...at least that's what the chiropractor and PT said.
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    Old 07-10-2011, 03:27 AM
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    I sew 6-8 hrs per day and got one of the black mesh back supports at the dollar store! It has helped me alot! Cant beat the price either
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