Detail from "Rain Dance," an original quilt by Sherrie Spangler

Monday, August 19, 2019

Making do with a new machine project


I've been getting restless because the arthritis in my thumb has made it unbearably painful to do hand stitching, which is what I've most loved doing for several years.

So I went down into the sewing room ...


... and heeded the advice on this decorative tin. "Keep calm and craft on."


I found a pattern that I haven't made yet, this whimsical starry winter neighborhood by Wendy Williams, and cut out the pieces for the stars.


Now I can get my sewing and color fix at the machine without further damaging my thumb.


The top strips are for the stars and the bottom white and purple pieces are for the backgrounds.


And here is a little flower star that I noticed by the mail box last week. Nature is the most fabulous artist!


Have a colorful day


4 comments:

Carol- Beads and Birds said...

I'm headed for that same thumb issue. But I may have carpal tunnel surgery after consulting surgeon tomorrow. That thumb causes me to loose my grip. 67 has not been kind to me, lol.

Keep calm and stitch on.
xx, Carol

Judy Sall Fiber Art said...

Ouch! Sorry to hear about your thumb, but hopefully rest will help. Maybe some tumeric? Meanwhile, what a lovely project you have picked to work on! And that flower is amazing! No matter how we try, we can't beat nature, but we can certainly be inspired by her wonderful creations.

Robbie said...

I was getting injections in my wrist for thumb/wrist issues. I found a link online (go figure!) for exercises and I wear a splint, which really helps. The rest will help you...check these out:
https://www.summitmedicalgroup.com/library/adult_health/sma_de_quervains_exercises/

Good luck!

The Idaho Beauty said...

What a lovely quotation at the top - something to remember in the hard times for sure.

I too have developed pain in my thumbs, one more so than the other but am not sure it is arthritis. Doesn't really matter what is causing it when it hurts to do the things you enjoy. I had my own antsiness about socks I was knitting - one finished quite awhile ago, the second started and set aside. So determined to tie up loose ends these days so decided the sock MUST get done, hoping it wouldn't bother my thumb. Well, it did some but not enough to quit powering through. I'm also having trouble with cramps in my hands, usually after I've done something where I've been gripping - like chopping with a knife. A few of those set off in the middle of knitting too. Think it's about time to get back to the machine myself. Options - we creative types have options! This will be a delightful quilt.

And that is an amazing flower in a stupendous close-up!