Amazing Helpers
I have shared many projects on this blog. Some have been quite the challenge and some have been downright hair pulling. It’s 
no secret that arthritis is my arch enemy. New knees and new shoulders are not the usual and customary prizes at the bottom of the Cracker Jack box. Hands and fingers are not immune, but have no easy solutions. I do know the secret is to keep the hands and fingers moving to keep as much flexibility as possible.
Tools to allow projects to remain enjoyable.
I did take a class at The Old Alley Quilt Shop in the recent past on mitered corners for binding of quilts. After a time the shop owner, Sharon, disappeared and came back with a pair of gloves. I watched in awe as she owned the package and said, “Here, slip these on.” She had watched me struggle to manipulate the bulk of fabric under the sewing machine needle to attach the binding. With the gloves on the gripper fingers amazed me as to the reaction of my actions. I could actually move the layered fabric easily with slight pressure of my gloved hand on the fabric. The rather stiff fingers were getting a huge break.
In early days of quilting the worst part was contending with the weary hands of cutting yards and yards of fabric into pattern pieces with the Fiskars scissors. The motion needed for the scissors over a long period of time warranted a break with ice packs. When I discovered the Fiskars Rotary Cutter, I could go on for hours and not suffer hand cramps. New blades periodically is so worth it.
I have previously posted I was working on a fall wall hanging and the work is progressing nicely. With no preconceived end result, the project just keeps going. A few buttons here and a few beads there and the challenge keeps the project fresh. In time when I run out of buttons, beads or thread, I will deem it done.
As long as I continue visiting my sewing room there is no chance for the fingers to let me down. The amount of items that will be cranked out of that sewing room . . . it’s anyone’s guess.