None of us are getting any younger so thinking about tools and techniques to keep us doing our preferred type of needlework is important. Some of us struggle with chronic illnesses or vision problems; others just overdo it. The repetitive motions involved in needlework can cause issues on their own. (If you tend to stitch for long stretches, make sure you get up periodically and stretch.) There is a section in Blog's right hand column under the koi pool with links to exercises for hands and tips on ergonomic chairs, etc.
I found a charming article written by someone with arthritis that talks about the things that help them with their needlework. It will start you thinking about how to make needlepoint easier on your body.
http://www.incolororder.com/2012/08/safe-sewing-crafting-with-arthritis.html
123Stitch.com has a great product list, many of which you will find helpful.
http://www.123stitch.com/Stitching_Aids.html
Personally, my favorite adaptive tool for needlepoint is the Handeze fingerless craft glove.
http://www.123stitch.com/item/Handeze-Craft-Glove-Medium-1-Per-Package/EDM-HA13
Just make sure you pick the right size. I wear small but my hands are so tiny that I can buy my winter gloves in the kids' clothing section. These keep your hands warm and the circulation going.
So what's your favorite tool to help you stitch easier?
UPDATE: Sara Leigh highly recommends this brand of gloves. She says they are more expensive than the Handeze fingerless gloves but she finds them better for her own stiff hands and sold them in her shop.
http://www.theraglove.com/products.html
Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright September 27, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.
Thursday, November 10, 2016
Stitching with Disabilities--or Just Aches and Pains UPDATED
Labels:
disabilities,
gloves,
tips,
tools
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4 comments:
When it comes to the therapeutic gloves, I've found some I like better than Handeze, which I sold in my brick-and-mortar needlework shop. They're more expensive, but they also seem to work better to me. They also come in a variety of styles, including some with partial fingers that I find especially helpful for my arthritic fingers. The company is Thera-Glove, http://www.theraglove.com/products.html . I reviewed them in the September issue of Needle Pointers and use them when my fingers are especially stiff and achy.
Thanks, SL! I'll look into these. Beloved, cursed with three types of arthritis, will certainly be interested. It's not just stitchers who have aches and pains.
Great post. Especially with winter coming on!
Thanks! Stay warm!
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