Tuesday, September 23

Wounded & afraid

I've crocheted myself into a serious bout of carpal tunnel in my right hand. I'm totally one handed now. Like, I can't even grip and I shouldn't be typing. But I guess it's worth it because I have this:

dashiki by afya ibomu
It was a fun project, I just need to block it and see how the bottom hangs because it's all weird right now.

My thumb is so swollen. I've been popping naproxen and hoping it will heal in a week or two as usual. I'm afraid that if I go to the doctor, s/he'll recommend surgery, as this is the same arm that was severely broken and surgically fixed when I was a child. I have an ugly centipede looking keloid scar to remind me (no pics please). Not sure if this carpal tunnel is a result of that injury.

My hand looks like a rubber glove full of water. I'd take a pic but as you can see my camera sucks right now! I've tried cleaning the lens to no avail so now I'm wondering if I should go to a camera shop or just break down and get a new one, and guard it with my life from that kid.

I wanted had the day off work yesterday, and I got a chance to hang out at the library with the kid. Looked at some kewl crochet books (**sigh**) and some nice home deco books to get inspired. I want to start decorating a bit to sort of stage my home, and just make it prettier while we are still here. We shall see. I'll share as I come up with things. We are still planning to escape from MD, but hubs made me chill because he wants to finish school and not transfer, he's wack right?

(hello, we be the messy dred crew)

so that means no more crochet for a good while, but I can still sew, or at least think about it. All that inspiration I had earlier this month has simmered and my sewing mojo is starting to evaporate.

I think it's because I'm sick of looking at my same old fabrics. That is the only problem with having a stash. I broke down and stopped by Joann's and picked up few new pieces. I got a jersey remnant to use as a scarf - inspiration here, and some pretty, bright-colored, lightweight sari prints for a cowl and a blouse. (Pics to follow) but I went into the sewing room, dropped the bags and left.

But maybe I need a challenge, like an Advanced Vogue or a BWOF. That just scares me though. Any suggestions?

& Here I am always lurking and swooning over the couture seamstresses (see blogroll ----->), always snoop shopping in magazines and online but I'm too chickenshat to try any of those techniques myself. I even bookmark their trial and errors. Then I pull out my box of BWOFs. and look at all the pretty pictures. Maybe glance over some instructions, by then the fear sets in, then promptly, I pack my box away.

It's like a roller coaster, it looks all fun & exciting, until you start going up those stairs & hearing the screams, and seeing the people get off. Some are happy, some are all jacked up. But you get on anyway, and it's scary, (and you're screaming!!) but it's fun and you feel sooo exhilarating once it's all done. But me so scurred...

10 comments:

Christina said...

Make a BWOF! Maybe choose a pattern you like that others have made, that way you can get help if needed.

Shawnta said...

I had to start holding my hook on top instead of like a knife. That is one of the projects I would love to get up to but right now I'm doing a version of The MC. I wanted to ask up about the ASG. I was thinking of going to a meeting since it is only a mile from my house but I was wondering do you bring your machine or do you just talk shop so to speak?

Unknown said...

Burda WOF still scares me. I have seven magazines and have yet to make one garment. I've finally dipped my toe into Vogue, but they were easy patterns. So believe me, I understand your fears!

I hope your hand gets better in no time.

toy said...

oh snap, go easy on your hands lady,
well, I say, pic a pattern be it vogue or bwof and just do it, just do it.
What you don't relize is that anyone on your blogroll is willing to help you out ask me how I know?
so,,, you have to do it, even if its just a muslin.

Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic) said...

Hope your hand heals up quickly and soon! Ummmm face your fears gurl and just sew something! Its only fabric!!!! :)

patsijean said...

http://physicaltherapy.about.com/od/flexibilityexercises/a/CTSexercise.htm

http://www.will-harris.com/yoga/rsi.html

I am so sorry you are having trouble with your wrist. It is discouraging when you cannot pursue your interests; and besides, IT HURTS! Above are two links to carpal tunnel exercises. The second link has animated illustrations of some different exerises.

Many sites recommend that the wrist joint be treated with ice. I am in physical therapy now for a partially severed tendon in my right index finger: a dumb mistake on my part. The physical therapist always starts with moist heat for 10 minutes and after my stretches and exercises finishes with an ice pack.

I used to crochet a lot but never had trouble with my wrist and I think it was the unusual manner in which I held my hook and yarn. I held my hook the way one would hold a pencil and the yarn was laced through the fingers on my left hand--I never did that raised and extended index finger thing. I would also suggest that once you get back to crocheting again that you set a time limit of about 30 minutes.

Breath of Light said...

You did a GREAT job on that crochet tunic. I'm digging the color combo. Pleae be kind to the wrists! I went into a crochet frenzy two years ago and my wrist hurt so bad I couldn't even type at work. it was horrible! so now I just stop when it gets tired or I feel any pain. If your wrist doesn't feel better after a few days you may need to see the doc since you have a pre-existing condition. but I really hope it gets better! Peace

Breath of Light said...

You did a GREAT job on that crochet tunic. I'm digging the color combo. Pleae be kind to the wrists! I went into a crochet frenzy two years ago and my wrist hurt so bad I couldn't even type at work. it was horrible! so now I just stop when it gets tired or I feel any pain. If your wrist doesn't feel better after a few days you may need to see the doc since you have a pre-existing condition. but I really hope it gets better! Peace

Unknown said...

y'all so cute. :-D

that dashiki is lovely. i like the contrasting yarns used.

hopefully your hand gets to deflating and feeling better soon. i can't imagine my frustration if i were in that predicament. :-/

Jada said...

Girl you better take care of your wrist!!You did a great job!!I haven't been crocheting or just finish up what I started in a while.
I haven't made a BWOF either.