OK friends I have made such a wonderful discovery that I am even willing to share a picture of myself to show you this. I don’t know about any of you but when I see an actual picture of myself I tend to cringe. I always think I don’t look like that, I look like Julia Roberts, or Jill from Home Improvement at the very least. Then I begin to wonder where I acquired that extra chin etc etc etc. Just so you know, I did a little “chin surgery in PS” before posting this.
OK enough already. Lately I have been having some neck stiffness and I realized it’s because I spend much of my time sewing like this.
Awful isn’t it…makes my neck hurt just to look at this picture. So I decided to prop my very well used travel ironing surface on a plastic box to see if that helped. Well, it did, as long as I didn’t push on it and knock it over…which was every 10 minutes.
Yesterday I was wandering the isles of our local Michaels ( that’s a giant craft store for our international friend) when I saw this.
For 50% off. It turns out this is perfect. You can adjust the angle and height for your perfect sewing position and it doesn’t fall over. It even has a handy drawer for stashing stuff in and packs away neat as a suitcase.
See the improvement.
wow that is a neat product!! I too have neck stiffness and arthritis in it. I do hand quilting and hand applique ect. My doctor long ago told me to quit my craft!! and that the pain would improve. He didn't quite seem to get it that I can't quite something I love doing :) I have tried all sorts of exercises and stretches throughout the day and it does help but this product might help also - I will be on the look out for it.
Karen
http://karensquilting.com/blog/
Posted by: Karen | 07/01/2010 at 06:49 AM
Ive found that yoga is also very helpful.
Posted by: erinrussek | 07/01/2010 at 07:03 AM
It looks and sounds like the perfect solution. I believe we can all relate to that pain.
Posted by: Mary | 07/01/2010 at 07:15 AM
When I applique, I sit in a chair with a sofa pillow on my lamp. My applique projects rests on it.
Posted by: Karen Beigh | 07/01/2010 at 07:29 AM
Reading this made me sit up straighter.
Posted by: Deanna | 07/01/2010 at 07:35 AM
Great find! I am going to have to search for one of those it could be quite handy! Thanks for sharing
Posted by: Ferne | 07/01/2010 at 09:28 AM
This is a great find indeed.
Posted by: Jantine Urban | 07/01/2010 at 09:43 AM
I definitely see more Julia than Jill! This looks like a great tool, I applique with a pillow in my lap, but some times catch myself using poor posture.
Posted by: Sharon | 07/01/2010 at 10:54 AM
Thanks for being so brave to share pictures of yourself at work. You're a beautiful person. Thank you for giving us this great insight.
Posted by: Linda | 07/01/2010 at 12:13 PM
Thank you for the great idea. I'm going to follow your lead. I have a Hobby Lobby close. It's all about ergonomics. We want to keep quilting for another ++ years.
Posted by: Mary | 07/01/2010 at 06:33 PM
The last MRI I had the Doctor told me that I have now 5 bulging disks in my neck. I went thru 4 procedures 2 years ago to inject steriods and finally was told that I have to learn to live with the numbness and pain or take pain killers. I really think that this might help my problem.
Thanks Erin. You are the best.
Linda
Posted by: Linda Arnaout | 07/02/2010 at 05:21 AM
ouch!
Posted by: erinrussek | 07/02/2010 at 07:29 AM
Carrie at "A Passion for Applique" referred me to our blog. I don't know if you have something that shows you how long I've been here, but I've been here for quite a while. I'm new to all this quilting stuff and have never tried applique, but always thought I'd enjoy it. I'm not much on reading books and figuring out what to do. I'm more of a visual person, and that's why I enjoy reading blogs. All the photos and videos are a tremendous help to me. I'm reading backwards from your newest to your oldest posts. I got to this one, and HAD to post a comment. I'm going out immediately and get this do-jiggy easel. I'd also like to know what kind of light that is you have behind it. I saw it in a later post and have been hoping you'd tell me what kind of light it is, but I'm asking now just in case you don't. I don't have the vaguest idea how to applique, I know nothing about the stitches, and don't know what the best thing would be to start on. I am so enjoying reading all of your posts, though. You are awesome - your grasp of colors and designs, and what looks good and what doesn't...I'm hooked. Truly hooked. dmj53(at)hotmail(dot)com
Posted by: Deborah | 12/12/2010 at 08:12 PM