As I told you all last week, I spent my free time this weekend sorting out my sewing space. That was such a great dialog we had in the comments. It seems a disorganized sewing area is something a lot of you struggle with as well.
My organization included hauling a lot of heavy tubs of fabric around. Somehow I managed to sprain my thumb! I must have stretched or torn a ligament. It hurt right away and has gotten progressively more painful, swollen, and bruised. We went out first thing yesterday morning and bought a thumb brace, which helps matters considerably. I am immobilizing it and taking Aleve.
It turns out there are so many things you just cannot do without a thumb. Brushing your teeth is a real challenge, as is typing. I can't seem to manage the space bar whatsoever. Using scissors is completely impossible. I can use the rotary cutter briefly for small pieces, but cutting out a project, starching fabric, and pinning things just isn't happening.
But look! Here is something I managed to do with my left hand. I could tear the paper off Fat Quartershop's new Square in a Square foundation units without any trouble. That is indeed a testament to how great those papers are and how easy they come off.
I did make some progress on my room organization and will share it with you tomorrow. If any of you were inspired to tackle tidying up your sewing rooms, I hope you managed to do it without injury.
Hope you all had a great Mother's Day!
I hope you feel better soon Nicole, a thumb injury is so debilitating, and every time you try to do something you're reminded of it.
Hopefully you'll be sewing up a storm in no time!
*hugs*
Tazzie
:-)
Posted by: Tara Sniedze | May 10, 2021 at 05:11 AM
So sorry to see that brace. I hope your recovery is quick. I have developed "quilting/laptop/kindle elbow" (just like tennis elbow) and have a series of exercises to do with it, as well as icing. It's my non-dominant arm fortunately but still is a pain to deal with!
Posted by: sue s | May 10, 2021 at 05:58 AM
I thought at first when I saw the picture there was a serious rotary cutting accident, but as I read on your hurt your thumb. I hope it doesn't take too long for you to recover. I have had minor issues with my thumbs and it is hard to navigate life with a sore thumb! I hope your thumb feels better soon!
Posted by: patty | May 10, 2021 at 06:37 AM
Seems like a good time to rip backing papers and work on room organization when it requires a splint to deal with hand strain and discomfort. But, darn you have been on such a run of quilt making. Sorry if it's intruding and hope it heals quickly. I had some amount of nerve entrapment and found resting it completely was the quickest way to recovery. I did medical typing for a business of my own plus knitting and quilting. Sometimes one hobby was a reprieve for another. You just can't keep a creative soul down for long.
Posted by: Stephani in N. TX | May 10, 2021 at 07:04 AM
Sorry about the thumb. I know how painful it can be. Have you tried diclofenac gel. It is now over the counter or still prescription. Ice also helps.
Hugs, Pam
P.S. My Summer in Kansas is coming along. All my little triangles are sewn together and ready to be attached to the center triangle block. Boy there are a lot of hst's!
Posted by: PamO | May 10, 2021 at 07:11 AM
So sorry to hear about your injury. Hope that it heals quickly and that you're back to quilty things soon.
Posted by: Debbie R. | May 10, 2021 at 07:12 AM
Ice, too...I am so sorry. Rest, ice, elevation, compression, anti-inflammatories and time.
Posted by: Julie | May 10, 2021 at 07:25 AM
Watch out for Aleve! One blogger is having ulcer agony due to overuse of those pills. I have a crummy stomach and limit myself to Tylenol. Carol in Texas
Posted by: Carol in Texas | May 10, 2021 at 07:28 AM
Ouch! That has to hurt. Take it easy for a few days and hopefully you will heal fast!
Mary
Posted by: Mary Kastner | May 10, 2021 at 07:56 AM
Ouch!! There is an injury called Gamekeepers Thumb...am not sure if that might be where your injury lies. Hope your thumb recovers soon! Sounds like a great opportunity to read or peruse through quilting books to plan your next projects!! Get Well Soon!
Posted by: Patty Fowl | May 10, 2021 at 08:03 AM
Ouch! Not only do we find out how much we use our thumbs, but we also find out how creative we can be with work arounds. Weeding has giving my thumb a twinge the last couple of days. I'm looking forward to seeing your organization efforts.
Posted by: JustGail | May 10, 2021 at 08:10 AM
Ouch! It hurt just seeing your first photo! It's going to take some time to heal, so maybe try reading OR how about patting Ozzie??? š¶ He'll appreciate the extra time with you! š¶ See there? I've solved your problem! Stay well!
Posted by: Jan | May 10, 2021 at 08:15 AM
oh, fudge! I am sympathetic to your pain and predicament. I hope you feel better soon.
Posted by: Ina | May 10, 2021 at 10:29 AM
I'm sorry to learn you're injured, but relieved I didn't have to read about a rotary cutter incident. (insert shiver here) Managing without a thumb really helps you see how we separated from some of the rest of the creatures, doesn't it? Hope you're better soon.
Posted by: Robby H. | May 10, 2021 at 11:39 AM
Yikes! Hope you are doing better!
Posted by: Anita | May 12, 2021 at 11:39 AM
I too am in a brace due to a fall. What a pain! In my case it is my left hand and I am left handed! I feel you pain regarding the toothbrush, etc. Hope you heal quickly. That opposable thumb is really what does separate us from much of the animal kingdom!
Posted by: LINDA K | May 17, 2021 at 07:02 AM