What is more important the quilt or the quilter?
When I was little I once pulled and pushed my arm around my neck and back as far as it would go and then, as I showed my mother what I could do, I told her it hurt when I did it. Her advice was, of course, “then don’t do it!”. It has been a family joke ever since.
I learnt a lesson that day but people don’t always learn by experience or listen to what the body is saying. For example, over recent years I have often heard friends groan as they stand up after long periods of time sitting because they have become ‘stiff’. It’s the same complaint every time I see them. The simple action of standing at regular intervals would stop that happening but I can only presume the cure is worse than the consequences e.g.standing regularly is worse than stiffening joints. I am guilty of this as well, particularly when I get into something on the computer or engrossed in a sewing project (does that sound familiar?) but now I have my trusty watch reminding me when to stand up (sad isn’t it!).
Last week I was working away on a piece of quilting when I became aware that my neck was starting to hurt. I ignored what my body was saying and carried on with the job in hand. Big mistake! When I stopped for a breather and sat back it hit me that ignoring the pain wasn’t a good thing as experience tells me it aches all night once it starts.
There ain’t no gain if there ain’t no pain
In a previous life as an Occupational Therapist (OT) I was used to telling people to work through the pain but that was in relation to increasing range of movement, dexterity, tolerance and strength etc. following or preventing illness or injury. The pain I was getting from sitting in a bad position is something entirely different and needed to be listened to.
Ergonimically the best working position when sitting is with ankles, knees, hips and elbows at 90 degrees, and a straight back and neck. The machine can be slightly titled towards you so you don’t need to bend over too much to view the work. However, how many of us have the perfect work station in our homes? I am working on a makeshift table over two filing cabinets and sitting on a comfy swivel chair which is too big to slide under the desk. The heights are clearly all wrong as my feet aren’t flat on the floor (I could put a box under my feet) although my hands and elbows are correctly placed. So on that day my neck ached; I checked my posture and positioning and realised the sewing machine was too far to the right, causing me to twist, and it was pushed back on the table, causing me to stretch as I guided the quilt through. How dumb was I not to check the positioning of the equipment!
Nearly finished – now I just have to check the best position for hand sewing.
Other things you might think about when stitching that might just prevent a repetitive strain include:
- Stop regularly and walk around. The average concentration span for an adult is 20 mins so why not get up and move around every 20 minutes. You will be able to easily re-focus when you start again.
- Change tasks regularly. If you have been sewing for some time change to another project that needs cutting or tacking. I often sit back and check FaceBook and emails just so I can rest some muscle groups and use others.
- Place your ironing board away from your sewing/cutting station so you have to stand and walk to it.
- Lie down for 10 mins after a sewing session, if you can, so you completely relax those muscles that have been keeping you upright.
Just remember. You are more important than the quilts you are working on and you wont get the best results if you work in pain. So listen to your body and obey!!
PS. If you have any other healthy habits or tips to share please leave me a note in the comments below. Thank you. 🙂
I totally agree with your comments Ruth, and one thing I would add is to have a drink. It only needs to be a glass of water, or G & T if that is what you would like. I frequently get so engrossed that I forget to have a drink – could go 3 or 4 hours….. It also makes you get up and walk around – so two plusses!!! x
Oh gosh I forgot that one Sue! I have to go down two flights for a drink so it is a really good break when I go for one (unless my husband is kind enough to bring me one up.
Very good advise Ruth.
Thank you Lyn. It is all back to basics which we do all forget about don’t we.
Good piece of advice! My hubby works in H&S and I do try and position myself ‘properly’ before sewing but it’s so easy to get hunched up, especially with FMQ. But I find it goes better if you ‘shake it out’ and relax!
Thanks Helen. Shaking out and relaxing is definitely good for the creativity.