Oh how horrible. I feel your pain.

Bad, bad can opener! (Probably a very poor attempt at humor but I can't think of anything better at this point.) It better be in the trash at this point. Do not keep it. It might happen again. I am so glad to hear that the muscle was not involved. You are very lucky.

Several others have given good ideas about the can opener to buy. The idea of threading needles is a very good idea and something that you can do even if you need to do it very slowly with your non-dominant hand. At least you will still be working on the quilt.

I agree that you should try to enlist others you trust to help. I can't imagine someone not sympathic in your situation. Bribe if necessary (cookies, cakes, coffee...you get the idea). Just remember, someday others that help you may need your help as well.

Worst case scenario: DH will understand.

Best of luck and hoping for a quick recovery for you.

Of my group, I'm the only one that quilts by hand. I bought spray and pins cause I don't really trust any spray to last the many months it will take me to finish it. Hubby still has no idea it's for him. I'm sure my club will help me baste...but the quilting will have to wait. I type really fast, but already I'm using other fingers for typing. Perhaps I can learn to quilt with my index finger. I'm no good at all with my left hand. Eating was a fun experience.

Thank you all for your sympathies.

The world won't end if you don't finish the quilt on time and there will always be other anniversaries, God willing, so please let your sore finger heal in it's own time, it must be throbbing like mad even though it is seemingly numb at the moment and you should be wearing a sling!! Being a secretary myself, I know what it is like trying to type with sore fingers, so the index finger will take a few knocks and your livelihood comes first - in that sense you're lucky it wasn't the left hand because it is the left hand which uses most letters!!

Take care and try not to worry; you can always catch up on sewing with a few late nights if necessary.

i sure hope it heals fast for you, just be careful and not over do it rememder what doc said ,about 1 yr ago i cut my finger with a glass coffee pot in the middle of nite ,i had to wake dh to take me to emergency ,i had 8 stitches on the tip across my index finger.and today it,s healed and i can,t find any sign of sitich,s but i also listen to doc and put my stuff to do on hold.

I really don't think you should do anything with that finger except to let it heal. You sure don't want to end up with a finger that doesn't heal the way it should.
I pray the best for you.

Hope you heal quickly! I am sure DH will understand if it is not quite done.

Ouch, that sounds horrible. Let the poor finger rest and get better.

I'm so sorry that happened to you - but you still have ten toes to quilt with don't you? ha ha

Sweetie - I promise that If I was near Omaha, I would come help), unfortunately I'm just too far.

I feel so bad for you - but I'll bet you can get some help from that group and still make your deadline - we quilters jump in and do that. They know when you need to be finished right?

Sorry about your boo boo. Throw that can opener away! Tupperware has a very nice one, lifetime warranty as long as you do not put it in the dishwasher.It cuts the rim & has a little beak to take the lid off, it's R or L handed, very easy to use. Before I purchased this one , I was buying one every year sometimes more and had so many nicks and cuts. This one solved that issue.I have had this one 3 or 4 years. love it, comes in black or white i think. Just think positive thoughts and wishing you a speedy recovery. :-D

Sorry this happened to you . I know how you feel as I have had my finger sliced open from a razor blade a few years ago. after my stiches came out I got a sofe ball and exercised my finger. It was hard and hurt more than I could say. I did do a little hand quilting at that time but it was really hard. So good luck and keep on quilting don't let it get you down.