mshawii

Great ideas. Also put a couple of door stops under your machine so it is angled so you can see it. It holds the machine stable and allows you to drop your shoulders. If needed sit on a pillow to raise your self up so you are looking down on the quilting. Jan

Happy Treadler

I agree. I read that if you put on some 'snappy' music it will help you to relax (I treadle, and it really helps with my rhythm). Relaxing during fm quilting is difficult, but once you're able to train yourself to do it, maybe it'll help. Also be sure you're taking enough breaks, too. I'm really sorry you're hurting.

Ps 150

Oh, I always have music on when I quilt. Actually, I turn music on each time I enter a room and there's a radio in each room of our house. It's a quirk of mine but it relaxes me and I listen to many types of music.

AliKat

See a rheumatologist ASAP. One who will work with you. He/she can really do best with joint preservation.

I am a retired nurse practitioner and went to the the specialist when I knew the time was right.

Otherwise keep on keeping on. Do smaller amounts at a time as you are able. I had to learn to do things more gently as I found I was using too much force when I was FMQ-ing and thus it hurt more.

I did end up with an older HandiQuilter 16 that I got used, a friend made my table, and when the ProStitcher came out got it on sale! I love it. This and my Pfaff's k
let me keep on quilting.

Oh yeah,I also have the Alto's QuiltCut2 to help with cutting.

Take care,
ali

Happy Treadler

I'm quirky too then! I always have praise & worship on. Changes the mood of the house in a blink.

wolfkitty

I like Biofreeze better than IcyHot. It works well and isn't as strong a smell. (tho' it does smell some at first, but not long)

montanajan

I also have the wax thera tub - love it! The heat really soothes my hands. So do warmed oven mitts on my hands & rice bag on my neck (microwaved to warm) when I take a break or watch TV.
I have osteoarthritis in most joints & my back. Water aerobics keeps me moving and in less pain - I notice the difference if I miss a class. Stretching exercises & frequent breaks from sewing, cutting, etc also seem to help.
I try to avoid OTC drugs, but do like a natural product I found at local Health Food Store - Arnica rub & tablets.
Good luck.

Ps 150

I LOVE praise & worship music. I listen to a lot of the Newsboys because their music keeps me from staying idle too long but my youngest DD loves Chris Tomlin's music...unfortunately it keeps her moving too much. After his Hello Love cd came out she was jumping on her bed, singing along to "Sing, Sing, Sing" when she fell off the bed and hit her head on the nightstand. I told her that Chris Tomlin's music would either be the death of me or her but I love her enthusiasm. She was only a toddler when his version of "Amazing Grace" came out and shortly after, in church, we were singing that hymn when she leaned over and loudly whispered, "I didn't know we sang Chris Tomlin songs here!" :lol: I always have music playing. DH says I'm wierd but I love it.

Ps 150

I keep hearing good things about this wax tub. I'll check them out when I go to the city this weekend.

Happy Treadler

I hear lavender is good for relaxing, and I bought some last year. What can I make with it so I can use it?? I have it in my sewing room closet, and every time I open it up I get greeted with the wonderful smell of lavender. LOVE it.