LisaInOhio

I've only posted once or twice before but I stay up to date reading and I know you all are a very helpful group, so I'm coming to you again for suggestions.What are some patterns that can just be sewn (if all pieces are pre-cut before surgery) without the need for trimming or cutting during the actual assembly process? I am having right/dominant hand carpal tunnel surgery (with possible tendon issues) along with a glomus tumor removal that involves removing the thumbnail on that hand as well. I know I will not be able to do much in the way of quilting for a period of time. I also realize (from the pain I'm having now) that cutting is the hardest part of the process on my thumb and wrist, followed by ironing, then sewing. Sewing itself does not take much effort from the thumb or the wrist. So my hope is that after a short period of total abstinence, that I can get into my sewing room and just SEW at least.

In spite of pain and soreness now, I've been told no restrictions on activity before surgery so I am plowing thru and feverishly trying to get lots of quilt pieces cut now and "kitted" so that whenever I do feel I can sew, I can do it and keep moving without needing to cut, slice, etc. I can use my left hand to iron when needed even though it is also numb and sore and is next in line for surgery once the right one heals a bit. Thanks in advance for any ideas you may have! The thought of weeks without my hobby is distressing me, lol.

Iceblossom

Lisa, I'm dealing with a different set of issues which for me is vision related but I think can help maybe some for you. There are many things we can do that are fun and cool and beautiful that isn't dependent on tiny little pieces. Unfortunately, most of my techniques are based around cutting large and trimming down so I haven't been thinking in your direction.

So maybe pick something that doesn't require much accuracy like string quilt projects. Can be a good way to get rid of some things! You can still sew the strings/foundation piece/however you want to do it, and then trim them down when cutting is easier.

I find straight lines easiest. Maybe kit out a log cabin while you are cutting?

What about pressing, that position/motion may prove slightly problematic to you, but if you don't usually press it shouldn't be much of an issue.

fayzer

Missouri Quilt Co. Has a lot of minimal cut patterns using pre cuts. Check out their videos on YouTube.

QuiltE

How about ????
?? Jelly Roll Race type of quilts
?? Postage stamp type
?? Nine Patch quilt variations, including Irish Chains
?? Four Patch making Irish Chains, Double Four Patch, etc.

While you have not been given any restrictions right now, make sure that you do get clearance before you get back into the sewing-saddle post-surgery.

Good Luck with your surgery and healing!

Terry in the ADK

I feel your pain as I have had 4 similar surgeries , 2 on each hand , over a few years. My advice is don 't rush it . When you do start sewing, stop as soon as you feel any discomfort and remember ice is your friend.
all the suggestions given so far are great . In the meantime, watch lots of you tubes and visit here often!
Good luck and it will be worth it!

KalamaQuilts

I kit up ahead for traveling, and it is a perfect way to avoid cutting later. That said, IceBlossoms suggestion to do strings is brilliant, providing you have been saving strings...I spent about 6 months doing nothing but strings during a hard time in my life. now it’s like having a full pantry of goodies, I’ve got ‘em when I want ‘em! Do a google search for string quilts if you haven’t thought about them, they can be as as scrappy or as elegant as desired.

best wishes with successful outcomes!

GEMRM

You could also layer/baste table runners or placemats pre op and then quilt them post op - no trimming (until binding) and then you could still be sewing, stitch in the ditch type stuff....
I think it's really important to limit your time as you resume sewing - start with a few minutes and then a break... etc. Set a timer so you can't get too involved and then realize you over did it. Good luck!

quiltingshorttimer

Not Your Grandmother's Flower Garden, if you had the strips sewn together and then did the triangular cuts would allow you to do the sewing after your surgery--there would be no squaring up needed. Biggest challenge is figuring out the layout with the hexie blocks, which are put together as columns.

QuiltE

Another that you could cut, kit up and then just sit and sew .... OBW!

It's fun to see what surprise, each stack of six has in store for you!

northerncreations

Had carpal tunnel syndrome relief surgery in right dominant hand mid December and was sewing 2 days later. Had carpal tunnel syndrome surgery left hand yesterday...thinking this will be more recovery time. Agree with GEMRM...don't overdo it at first. Good luck and remember, projects will wait until you're ready. Suggest precuts like charm packs, layer cuts to limit needed cutting to maybe 1/2 square triangles, etc.