the pain and joy of being a quilter
#1
Most of my work - mainly needleturn applique, is done by hand as I get very bored sitting at a sewing machine, but why oh why does my neck protest soooo much, it crunches when I turn my head and my hands are usually aching most of the time I sit in a very good chair and try to maintain a good posture - so why continue with it my friends ask - simple answer, the pleasure it gives me to produce a useful item and then give it to someone as a gift outways all of the above, but if anyone has suggestions on how to stop this happening would be most appreciated.
#2
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Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Maine-ly Florida
Posts: 3,927
I went to an ergonomic talk at the Maine Quilt show. The speaker said to keep your ears over your shoulders - you can even slouch that way and be ergonomically correct. She also said to use a recliner for handwork. You want to keep yourself from hunching over/leaning over your work and bring it up closer to you to prevent this. Oh, and drink lots of water so you have to get up and take a break now and then.
Hope this helps.
Hope this helps.
#4
I have a similar problem, but it involves when I use the sewing machine or when I'm cutting and measuring. I always bend over the table (and/or the sewing machine), and end up with a really sore back right in the middle. So I usually end up cutting, measuring or sewing for awhile, and then taking a break to let my back rest. Not sure how you can fix this stuff.
#5
thank you must admit I do tend to lean over my work so will try to rearrange my posture - I do take regular breaks and only sew for about an hour in one go
Originally Posted by lots2do
I went to an ergonomic talk at the Maine Quilt show. The speaker said to keep your ears over your shoulders - you can even slouch that way and be ergonomically correct. She also said to use a recliner for handwork. You want to keep yourself from hunching over/leaning over your work and bring it up closer to you to prevent this. Oh, and drink lots of water so you have to get up and take a break now and then.
Hope this helps.
Hope this helps.
#8
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Maine-ly Florida
Posts: 3,927
Oh,another tip she gave us was to try a 3 ring binder under the back of your machine to tilt it. A lot cheaper to try than a fancier gadget and I know I have a few lying around my house. She said to try different sizes (thicknesses). And you know why they have that rail at bars? (Not that I frequent them, mind you). To rest one leg on, to take the pressure off your back. (And then you'd stay longer, I guess). You can put a little box under your cutting table and put one foot up on it once in a while to do the same.
#10
Originally Posted by bearisgray
Originally Posted by lots2do
. . . Oh, and drink lots of water so you have to get up and take a break now and then. . . .
It worked when potty training the kids - salty pretzels, chips - made them thirsty for more koolaid which made them pee more often. Had them trained in a day!
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