What a lovely newsletter and a great reminder about knitting health, Jodie! I try to consciously adjust my posture, drink water etc and not keep on knitting until my body starts complaining. I try to, not always easy to remember. My favorite one to do during crafting is to push with open downturned palms against the table.
I've tried out your suggestion Kavitha and I like it! I feel a stretch in the back of my forearms. So good to hear that you adjust your body as necessary, drink water (so important to stay hydrated) and not doing too much. Creating habits as you say isn't easy but I'm determined to do the work required. :)
You tried that already! I am so glad it helps. Just in case you haven't heard about it, Knitting Comfortably by Carson Demers is a great book that has all kinds of advice on knitting ergonomics. Also, the socks turned out so beautiful, Jodie. I forgot to mention that earlier.
Thank you so much Kavitha for your recommendation for Knitting Comfortably and your kindness about the socks. I knitted them a couple of years ago. As intended, Mum wore them as bed socks but the pilling was unbelieveable!! These photos show when they were just finished. It took patience and quite a lot of time to snip off the copious amounts of fluff balls on each sock but they came good in the end! 🤣
Jodie so good of you to remind us about how to stay nimble and able to do our crafts. I had a little luck with being mindful of my posture as a child because I rode horses and posture is important in the saddle! And you see those who do not have good posture and it reminds you to sit up straight and hold your chin level while pulling your shoulders down and back. This pulling the shoulders down was always a bit counter intuitive for me. But in fact, I still use it while knitting for long periods to ease any tension in my shoulders. Dance classes are also a good way to develop good posture at any age. Again, you see other who do or do not have good posture and there are often mirrors that reflect how you are doing. You become aware of how you walk and step and that is all part of getting yourself in alignment. I like the image of my head being suspended from a gold chain above me as a way to stretch the spine and neck. Handwashing dishes, or sweaters can be wonderfully relax for my hands when I have used them heavily for any task. I believe some people find kneading bread to also be good for their hands. Must admit I would have to do more of that regularly to regain the strength to really enjoy it. Good info on the practicing of short rows and all! May your knitting go well today!
Thank you so much Sandy for your excellent suggestions. I like your visualisation of a golden chain above your head. It's key to learn awareness of how you align your body in movement. I'm learning that what feels "uncomfortable" is my body adjusting to a position that it's not used to. When I'm feeling comfortable you can be sure, I'm slouching!! Having my shoulders down like you say and not up near my ears, is also something I'm working on, as I work and as I knit. So lovely to have your input here Sandy. Thanks again :)
Jodie I forgot to mention how much I like the bed socks and that beautiful rose, too! The bed socks could send me off to Dreamville just looking at them!
I saw your conversation with Kavitha about de-pilling knits. My longtime favorite brush is a Fuller Brush denture brush... of all things! But honestly if you try it, you will love it too. They are currently out of stock. But you can get on a list to be notified when they have them again. And you may be able to find similar brushes by different manufacturers. It is the short stiff bristles on the spiral twisted wire that makes them so good at depilling! I like to have two, one for light colored knits and one for dark knits. I work on a few square inches at a time and clean the brush as I go. The work goes surprisingly fast! Happy knitting and de-pilling! 😉
I’ve not had pain crafting until lately, and I had to start wearing a brace at night for my wrist. And my fingers cramp sometimes. So as I age, I need to be mindful. Thank you for this gentle reminder.
I got the Shetland answer right last week! Well, I wasn’t sure and thought it might also be Russian. Half points? This week has to be Miss Marple!! One of my favorite characters.
I don’t know the quote, but I love that knitting is mentioned in diverse writing and times.
Oh Jane I hope that the brace at night is helping you. That's no good to hear you've been experiencing pain. Sending healing.
Yes you were right the wedding ring shawls are from Shetland :) Thanks so much for participating in this week's craft trivia question.
I agree with you in regards to knitting being mentioned in diverse writing and through the ages. I've been listening to a retelling of Great Expectations titled "Estella" by Kathy George. Estella is often depicted knitting and her finding solace when knitting resonates with me.
You've made such a good point about posture and avoiding injury. I've become increasingly aware of the fact that my knitting posture is dreadful and definitely needs work.
At least you are aware of it Louise and know you can work on yourself to make improvements. If we're going to knit for years to come we've got to get "Maker fit" and maintain our bodies :)
What a lovely newsletter and a great reminder about knitting health, Jodie! I try to consciously adjust my posture, drink water etc and not keep on knitting until my body starts complaining. I try to, not always easy to remember. My favorite one to do during crafting is to push with open downturned palms against the table.
I've tried out your suggestion Kavitha and I like it! I feel a stretch in the back of my forearms. So good to hear that you adjust your body as necessary, drink water (so important to stay hydrated) and not doing too much. Creating habits as you say isn't easy but I'm determined to do the work required. :)
You tried that already! I am so glad it helps. Just in case you haven't heard about it, Knitting Comfortably by Carson Demers is a great book that has all kinds of advice on knitting ergonomics. Also, the socks turned out so beautiful, Jodie. I forgot to mention that earlier.
Thank you so much Kavitha for your recommendation for Knitting Comfortably and your kindness about the socks. I knitted them a couple of years ago. As intended, Mum wore them as bed socks but the pilling was unbelieveable!! These photos show when they were just finished. It took patience and quite a lot of time to snip off the copious amounts of fluff balls on each sock but they came good in the end! 🤣
I hear you. I have a sweater that demands to be de-pilled every now and then. But it is so soft and comfy I don't mind the maintenance bit so far. :))
Jodie so good of you to remind us about how to stay nimble and able to do our crafts. I had a little luck with being mindful of my posture as a child because I rode horses and posture is important in the saddle! And you see those who do not have good posture and it reminds you to sit up straight and hold your chin level while pulling your shoulders down and back. This pulling the shoulders down was always a bit counter intuitive for me. But in fact, I still use it while knitting for long periods to ease any tension in my shoulders. Dance classes are also a good way to develop good posture at any age. Again, you see other who do or do not have good posture and there are often mirrors that reflect how you are doing. You become aware of how you walk and step and that is all part of getting yourself in alignment. I like the image of my head being suspended from a gold chain above me as a way to stretch the spine and neck. Handwashing dishes, or sweaters can be wonderfully relax for my hands when I have used them heavily for any task. I believe some people find kneading bread to also be good for their hands. Must admit I would have to do more of that regularly to regain the strength to really enjoy it. Good info on the practicing of short rows and all! May your knitting go well today!
Thank you so much Sandy for your excellent suggestions. I like your visualisation of a golden chain above your head. It's key to learn awareness of how you align your body in movement. I'm learning that what feels "uncomfortable" is my body adjusting to a position that it's not used to. When I'm feeling comfortable you can be sure, I'm slouching!! Having my shoulders down like you say and not up near my ears, is also something I'm working on, as I work and as I knit. So lovely to have your input here Sandy. Thanks again :)
Jodie I forgot to mention how much I like the bed socks and that beautiful rose, too! The bed socks could send me off to Dreamville just looking at them!
I saw your conversation with Kavitha about de-pilling knits. My longtime favorite brush is a Fuller Brush denture brush... of all things! But honestly if you try it, you will love it too. They are currently out of stock. But you can get on a list to be notified when they have them again. And you may be able to find similar brushes by different manufacturers. It is the short stiff bristles on the spiral twisted wire that makes them so good at depilling! I like to have two, one for light colored knits and one for dark knits. I work on a few square inches at a time and clean the brush as I go. The work goes surprisingly fast! Happy knitting and de-pilling! 😉
I’ve not had pain crafting until lately, and I had to start wearing a brace at night for my wrist. And my fingers cramp sometimes. So as I age, I need to be mindful. Thank you for this gentle reminder.
I got the Shetland answer right last week! Well, I wasn’t sure and thought it might also be Russian. Half points? This week has to be Miss Marple!! One of my favorite characters.
I don’t know the quote, but I love that knitting is mentioned in diverse writing and times.
Oh Jane I hope that the brace at night is helping you. That's no good to hear you've been experiencing pain. Sending healing.
Yes you were right the wedding ring shawls are from Shetland :) Thanks so much for participating in this week's craft trivia question.
I agree with you in regards to knitting being mentioned in diverse writing and through the ages. I've been listening to a retelling of Great Expectations titled "Estella" by Kathy George. Estella is often depicted knitting and her finding solace when knitting resonates with me.
Thank you, Jodie, for your words of concern. Yes, the brace helps immensely.
I will check into the book “Estella.” I love the classics and enjoy other’s retelling, especially when they include knitting (even Madame DeFarge!).
Dear Miss Marple was always knitting in Agatha Christie's novels.
Thanks so much Lois for joining in this week's craft trivia question. Find out next week to see if you're right :)
You've made such a good point about posture and avoiding injury. I've become increasingly aware of the fact that my knitting posture is dreadful and definitely needs work.
At least you are aware of it Louise and know you can work on yourself to make improvements. If we're going to knit for years to come we've got to get "Maker fit" and maintain our bodies :)
Absolutely. I want to still be crafting pain-free for many more years to come