patdesign

My husband has these, he recently visited the VA and they tell him there is a medication that will help, if you e mail me privately, I will give you the name. As for cutting, perhaps the Accuquilt would be a good answer for you although I personally do not like it I can see where it could be a real plus for someone with your condition as I see what my husband struggles with on a daily basis, he has had them for about 10 years.
Pat

Greenheron

beckalu

I do not have ET but may I suggest you investigate patterns that don't require lots of cutting. They may not be your first design choice but would help you stay independent. What comes to mind are quilts for which you RIP the pieces:

First, consider 'strippies' made with multiple full lengths or widths of fabric. By carefully selecting prints/stripes/checks/solids you could compose attractive tops.

Second, Amish Bars or square-in-square made with large pieces; how about a one-block log cabin or giant pineapple.

Third, log cabin or other string patterns. If you feel these are too narrow to 'rip' this is where a helper could quick cut loads of strips.

Fourth, machine crazy quilting utilizing scraps "as is".

I bet lots of quilters can think of patterns that are not so tedious to cut.

While proof-reading I had another thought--if you shop at a LQS, explain your predicament.
They could (IF they're careful and willing) cut your purchases in strips right off the bolt which would save you some cutting.

Marilynsue

I have a friend with the same problem. She has had tremors all of her life, but they definitely are worsening. She does all the things suggested above and sometimes I help her too. She has considered the brain surgery that was suggested, but not terribly excited about the proceedure. She just told me that they have put her on a new medication that is helping and she is doing better. Good luck to you.

sylviak

They need to bring down the cost of the accuquilt and the stuff that goes with it. Perhaps you can save and buy the accuquilt, then make a list of the dies that you want and let your friends and family know so you will get them for Christmas, birthday or anniversary? You might also check Ebay and Craigs list for a used one .

JBeamer

Since you have a tremor that increases with intent maybe somehow you can figure out how to have your cutting hand/arm at rest when cutting. If you have ever seen a painter making letters on a project you might have noticed he rested his painting arm on top of his "resting" arm; he uses the resting arm as a brace decreasing the chance of shaking while trying to make a straight line. Perhaps you could "rest" your cutting arm on the cutting mat and this would lessen the shaking enough for you to continue to cut your own pieces. Good luck. Stay safe.

jeanharville

I've enjoyed this discussion with so much info about tools, meds, and work-arounds. It's amazing the knowledge and willingness to share represented here.

MargaretH

My husband has the same thing. He is on a medication for it but it doesn't control it much. Just this past Monday he went in for acupuncture. They told him it would only last for three days. It is now Thursday evening and he has not taken any medication all week and the tremor is very minor. Hopefully this is a good sign

suzanprincess

No, it is Sew Easy. From the link: The Sew Easy Ruler Cutter is 4 1/2" x 27 1/2". It takes a standard 45mm rotary blade and will cut up to 6 thicknesses of fabric. Unlike the hand rotary cutters, the blade is fully enclosed and spring loaded. When the cutting action is finished the blade retracts automatically into the carriage. $48.95.

amyjo

If I lived near you I would help you out if I could. We are all God's earth to help others (my belief anyway). I know you said you like to do your own cutting. Maybe a grandchild or would there be a 4-H group in your town who would want to do something like that for a community service project or just to help someone out? When my youngest daughter was in high school, she read the weekly newspaper into a tape recorder and then mailed the tapes to the legally blind people in our community. She has been out of school for 13 years and of all those she read for only 1 is left. They all remembered her on her birthday and at Christmas with little homemade things that they made to pass time and she still has them. They are some of her most prized possessions. God Bless. Amy

blueheavenfla

There are medications to help control the tremor (I have it too an have taken a variety until my doctor was able to balance things out.) I have found that pressing my elbows into my sides while I am using my hands certainly helps. I do my cutting when my medications are at a peak controlling the tremor. It is never gone completely but better. I am no longer able to write and use the computer to communicate with family and friends. My signature is terrible but more legible than my doctor's is (LOL) Good luck in working with your doctor to find the best combinations for you. You may PM me if you want more details. Donna