Ask Quilting Questions Here

Re: Quilter's muscles, or lack thereof!!

Lindsey — Thu, 22 Nov 2012 21:48:20 GMT

Thanks Agnes, that is a very useful tip, I will be giving that a go for sure!

I've got the book today and it's looking very good so far! thanks again, happy stitching!

Re: Quilter's muscles, or lack thereof!!

Agnes — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 16:22:14 GMT

Something else that no one has mentioned thus far. I have spent years working on it to the point it is finally somewhat natural. Whether sitting, standing or walking I throw my shoulders back which forces my head to be held high. Amazing how much it helps aligning the lower back for me.

I spell off my quilting activities with knitting dishcloths. Just recently with the bits of yarn left over I have been crocheting small disks to use for various things in the kitchen.I crocheted a bit longer yesterday and I know I best keep that activity down to very short periods at a time. Our bodies speak to us. My big problem has always been that I did not listen. Once I started listening I have helped myself a tremendous amount. With this listening to my body my personal expectations have dropped and I have also learned to stand up for myself and say NO.

Good luck on quilting with enjoyment. Your daughter will love it because it is a gift from the heart.

Another chapter in Rx For Quilters deals with how age brings declining eyesight. Whole another topic but very relevant when we are talking about being kind to our bodies.

Re: Quilter's muscles, or lack thereof!!

Lindsey — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 13:23:43 GMT

Hi Max

Thanks for your reply. I can't wait to give the gloves a go, and yes, at work I get up at least every 20 mins anyway (on orders from the acupuncturist) so I tend to do that at home anyway! But yes, I have to get up after a short while otherwise I start getting headaches' neck ache and back ache!

Happy stitching! Lindsey ;-)

Re: Quilter's muscles, or lack thereof!!

Lindsey — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 13:13:27 GMT

Hehe! You're too right there Barbara!

My daughter is going to have to accept her quilt may have wonky bits and different stitch lenghts, but I'm sure she will appreciate the quilt as she knows I have problems with my body anyway! lol!

I've ordered the book (the Rx book) and have stupidly remembered that I bought a special clear plastic table for quilting when I bought the sewing machine several years ago and it is in a very convenient place..... Yep, you guessed it, in the attic!!! lol!

I will "persuade" my hubby to get it out for me at the weekend!

What was a total shock doing the machine quilting, was how I was huffing and puffing when I'd just done 1 row! I must start doing walking on the treadmill (which ironically is in my sewing room! Lol!) to at least get myself fitter, if nothing else!

Must go, just got 5 mins lunch break left, eeek! Happy stitching, Lindsey, Norfolk, UK

Re: Quilter's muscles, or lack thereof!!

MaxNTopeka — Sun, 18 Nov 2012 19:37:00 GMT

Lindsey,

The gardening gloves with the little gripper bumps work great. I've used a pair for quite some time. Also, I tend to make my quilting sessions much shorter than one hour. I have upper back/neck issues and hand issues that require shorter sessions with longer breaks. Typically, I work for about half an hour, then go do something else for about half an hour. Just find what works best for you.

Others have already covered any other suggestions I would have, so just relax and enjoy the process!

Max

Re: Quilter's muscles, or lack thereof!!

Lindsey — Sun, 18 Nov 2012 19:12:25 GMT

Goodness Agnes, you have been through the wars! I'm glad you have been able to get some help with your pain but I'm sorry to hear that you are still very restricted! I guess we all have to count our blessings where we can!!

I have acupuncture and osteopathy, still, which my Doctor recommended to me. Although it has cost me thousands over the years, it's stopped me from being in a wheelchair and I'm a lot better thanks to those treatments!

I guess I have to stop beating myself up for the things I don't do and don't get done. I'd like to think that I have plenty of time to get all my projects done and be proud of what I have managed to accomplish! I'm very lucky in that I have a very understanding husband and grown up children as they do help where they can, and especially if I ask them to.

No-one is superhuman but little by little I'm sure we can be proud of ourselves!

Take care, Lindsey Norfolk, UK

Re: Quilter's muscles, or lack thereof!!

Barbara — Sun, 18 Nov 2012 19:10:52 GMT

Lindsey we all have been in your shoes,I'm quilting right now and taking my break . these are things we learn as we go,and I to learned some great tips today. So we never quit learning. Have fun and we can't wait to see photos of your work ,One thing you should know that is very important ,your work will not be perfect ,that is again things we learn as we conquer this task. Its okay ,you should never be perfect , that is reserved for the upstairs guy.LOL

Re: Quilter's muscles, or lack thereof!!

Lindsey — Sun, 18 Nov 2012 19:01:14 GMT

I like your tip about putting my arms down. I'm going to spend some time next weekend looking at everything, so I'm sure that'll all help!

I guess I was just so excited about getting the quilting done that I didn't really pay attention to all these important points!

Thanks again! Lindsey, Norfolk, UK

Re: Quilter's muscles, or lack thereof!!

Agnes — Sun, 18 Nov 2012 18:51:11 GMT

You have received very good helps. A super excellent book is Rx for Quilters by Susan Delaney Mech, MD. One of her many helps that I came away with and adopted is that I never stay in the same position for more than an hour. It could be less if I start feeling tension or something in my body changing. At that hour break I follow her advise: She advises that 6 minute walks are as valuable as longer so I take that quick walk and do some stretches, drink a glass of water, go to the bathroom and often I go onto something else where I use my body differently. I learned the hard way that not listening to my body meant a lot of manipulation. As a result I have dealt with, and always will, sciatic pain in both sides, carpal tunnel and DeQuerrvine's Syndrome (thumb tendon problem similar to Carpal) in both hands. Despite all that with the help of super excellent physiotherapist and massage therapist I did not have any surgery but it took a few years of changing my work habits, giving up all type of hand activity except making meals. In the hobby world I could machine piece for short periods and had to find innovative ways to use the keyboard. Fortunately I was retired from active workforce though I did have a few minimal part time jobs that required the computer for book keeping.

Re: Quilter's muscles, or lack thereof!!

Lindsey — Sun, 18 Nov 2012 18:42:04 GMT

Thea

Sorry to hear that you've been in pain! I hope you manage to make things better for yourself! Having hobbies is so important after all, especially if our bodies are not up to everyday tasks.

Thanks again for your help! I hope you take it easy too!

Happy stitching, Lindsey Norfolk, UK

Re: Quilter's muscles, or lack thereof!!

Lindsey — Sun, 18 Nov 2012 18:26:00 GMT

Thanks so much for all your help! What amazing answers you've given me! I'm going to print them all off and spend some time going through all your tips.

I do have a pair of gardening gloves which I've never used but they have little balls on them, so I'm going to give them a try! They are cotton and were only 99pence!

And you're right, I want quilting to be an enjoyable experience, not one that I remember of being in pain and frustrated!!

I'm also going to unroll my quilt as this does seem to make my arms ache waaaay too much!

Thanks very much again, your advice has been invaluable! I wouldn't have got it out of a book! You should write one together!

I do still have neck and back pain, so I have to be careful otherwise if I don't go into the office I don't get paid!

Happy stitching, Lindsey Norfolk, UK

Re: Quilter's muscles, or lack thereof!!

Thea — Sun, 18 Nov 2012 17:52:54 GMT

Yes, stitching in the ditch - stitch length can be increase to 3.5 or 4... you are not worrying about the seams anymore - you are just holding the 3 pieces in place...

Re: Quilter's muscles, or lack thereof!!

Vivian — Sun, 18 Nov 2012 17:51:29 GMT

Also, don't forget to use gloves that will help you grip so the tension on your hands is less.

Re: Quilter's muscles, or lack thereof!!

Thea — Sun, 18 Nov 2012 17:50:21 GMT

Linsey, I know exactly what you are talking about - we do build muscles that aren't used by others. I would say to get a belt that protects your back - I am in the process of buying one now...teehee... You have to have a good chair too - one that is ready for the need that you have - make sure you have it set up so it isn't too high nor too low cuz both will cause problems... Have the muscle release gel ready to apply when you are done...

Don't sit at your machine for hours without taking a break - just a small walk around the room and some stretching do wonders.

As someone else mentioned make sure the tension for your pressure foot is reduced some so it is easier to move the quilt through and as much as possible make sure that the weight of the quilt is supported somewhere else and not on you! Take the time for each row to set it up - fluffing and stuffing will build those arm muscles and is exercise and you do use up calories...

That is why quilters like chocolate...teehee...

I know you will persevere and as time goes by it will become easier and easier...

I am quilting a quilt right now on my domestic as I do not have a long arm and woke this morning in horrific pain - good thing I have pain meds - but I knew what caused the pain and knew I had worked too long on this quilt yesterday and because of the size and weight I need to better prepare my area - had most of the weight on me which is Wrong Wrong Wrong...

Sending prayers and warm fuzzy quilty hugz your way! You will build those muscles before you know it and it will be easier - till you let 6 - 12 months go before you do another one and then you will build them again...

Re: Quilter's muscles, or lack thereof!!

Donna B — Sun, 18 Nov 2012 17:36:43 GMT

Sue and Barbara have given you some great tips! There are only a few things I would add: 1) Only travel (stitching) about 4-5 inches at a time...sew a few inches, reposition and then sew the next few inches. 2) I do the "shoulders up and back" routine at least every 5 minutes if not more often. Sometimes, if I find I am tense, I do it with every repositioning of the quilt! 3) Until your muscles are used to the task, I wouldn't quilt for more than 1 hour at a time. Give yourself at least a 30 minute break after each hour of quilting. Maybe go for a short walk, but at least get up and move around to get the blood flowing again!

This can be tense, strenous work if your body is not use to it, so don't over-task yourself or you will regret it for weeks to come...LOL! We want it to be fun and for you to love it like we do, so take it slow and easy and you will learn to enjoy the process!!!