What device can I use...

I have lost the ability to make a pincher of my left thumb and the
rest of my left hand. I can't grasp and hold anything, and thus I
can't do hand embroidery or stitching of any kind. Anybody know of
devices that would let me still stitch without using my left hand to
hold the fabric or maneuver the hoop or fabric? I'm sort of at a loss.
Went to a hand therapist today and she really couldn't find anything
that would help me beyond an electric can opener.

Sunny

Well, Sunny. Golly! so Sorry. I'm sure with all the fine specialists
available that you're on the hunt for a solution . . . think I'd begin with
an old chiropractor. (Not the ones with all the fancy new equipment they
need to pay for.) Our precious old guy has easily restored some snarls
we've had in one muscle/nerve/something or another. Meanwhile, there's an
embroidery hoop on a stand that you sit on. ( You sit on the stand's base,
not the hoop.) You just might be able to embroider with one hand. Of
course you can - we've seen people who can fasten diaper pins with their
toes so I reckon it's possible. Might even be easier since the cloth
wouldn't wiggle and kick like a baby. Polly

"Sunny" ...
I have lost the ability to make a pincher of my left thumb and the
rest of my left hand. I can't grasp and hold anything, and thus I
can't do hand embroidery or stitching of any kind. Anybody know of
devices that would let me still stitch without using my left hand to
hold the fabric or maneuver the hoop or fabric? I'm sort of at a loss.
Went to a hand therapist today and she really couldn't find anything
that would help me beyond an electric can opener.

Sunny

"Sunny" wrote in message
...
I have lost the ability to make a pincher of my left thumb and the
rest of my left hand. I can't grasp and hold anything, and thus I
can't do hand embroidery or stitching of any kind. Anybody know of
devices that would let me still stitch without using my left hand to
hold the fabric or maneuver the hoop or fabric? I'm sort of at a loss.
Went to a hand therapist today and she really couldn't find anything
that would help me beyond an electric can opener.

Sunny,
If this came on fairly suddenly it sounds like what happened to me last
November. Within a few days I went from mildly sore wrist to not being able
to grasp or pinch anything without agonizing pain. Does that sound like what
you've experienced? Here's what I had.......
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/de-...ovitis/DS00692
My doctor prescribed prescription strength naproxen to reduce the swelling
and a special brace worn 24 hours a day to immobilize my wrist and thumb for
a week, then at night for an additional 2 weeks. After that stretching
exercises to help prevent a recurrence.

If that's what you think it is I strongly suggest seeing a doctor.
--
Jeri

Oh Sunny I'm so sorry this has happened to you!

How about a scroll frame on a stand?

Claudia

I popped 'arthritis aids' into Google and got back some excellent
gadgets for lifting, grabbing, holding and so on. I am sure there are
things on the market that will help you.

If you have some strength but no grip, try putting on a potholder and
using that. The friction will keep things still enough and the extra
fabric will mean you don't need to grip so hard.

Otherwise look surgical stuff. They have loads of thingies and gismos
for grabbing and pinching. Needle holders, forceps. 'third hands'
whatevever. And talk to your medics, they may have some other ideas,
and things to try before buying, too.

However, I hope this is only a temporary inconvenience, but whichever
which way, I hope things soon improve.
Nel
(Gadget Queen)

Sunny wrote:
I have lost the ability to make a pincher of my left thumb and the
rest of my left hand. I can't grasp and hold anything, and thus I
can't do hand embroidery or stitching of any kind. Anybody know of
devices that would let me still stitch without using my left hand to
hold the fabric or maneuver the hoop or fabric? I'm sort of at a loss.
Went to a hand therapist today and she really couldn't find anything
that would help me beyond an electric can opener.

Sunny

There are a number of needlework stands that are made specifically
for holding a frame, hoop or Q-snap. Most are VERY expensive so be
prepared when you start looking. I have a Grip-It "Sit on It" (cost was
about $75.00 12 years ago) and love it but I don't think they are in
business any longer. I can't for the life of me remember the name of
any others but I do know that inexpensive needlework stands have been
available at Michael's, Joann & even Wally World in the past. Check out
those places if there are any near you. You can also ask over at RCTN
-- the Needlework newsgroup. You will get all sorts of info from the
folks over there. Don't forget to check with your LNS if there is one
near you. Don't forget to check Google -- search for the words
needlework stand.

PAX, Tia Mary

On 11/03/2011 6:42 PM, Sunny wrote:
I have lost the ability to make a pincher of my left thumb and the
rest of my left hand. I can't grasp and hold anything, and thus I
can't do hand embroidery or stitching of any kind. Anybody know of
devices that would let me still stitch without using my left hand to
hold the fabric or maneuver the hoop or fabric? I'm sort of at a loss.
Went to a hand therapist today and she really couldn't find anything
that would help me beyond an electric can opener.

Sunny

Can you use your fingers to grip? Could you use something like a small
vice grip to hold the hoop and then hold the handle of the vice grip
with your fingers? There are lots of cool gizmos in a hardware store -
perhaps you could find an even better sort of clamp.

Good luck!
Allison

Originally Posted by Sunny[_2_]

I have lost the ability to make a pincher of my left thumb and the
rest of my left hand. I can't grasp and hold anything, and thus I
can't do hand embroidery or stitching of any kind. Anybody know of
devices that would let me still stitch without using my left hand to
hold the fabric or maneuver the hoop or fabric? I'm sort of at a loss.
Went to a hand therapist today and she really couldn't find anything
that would help me beyond an electric can opener.

Sunny

Dear Sunny,
First of all, you have to be commended for not letting a medical issue hold you back from doing what you enjoy. Bravo!

I agree with the others on the forum who have suggested that you work with your needlework on a floor or lap stand so you do not have to hold the hoop or frame. When you have finished an area, a family member or friend can readjust the fabric or canvas.

With the issue of threading needles, again, have a family member or friend thread up a batch of needles beforehand. Have them placed together based on color of thread and at the ready for you to pick up.

Although some stitches are difficult to do with limitations in one hand such as French knots, there are a lot of other stitches that can take their place. In a pinch, if French knots or another type of stitch is needed, see whether a friend or family member can stitch that part for you. You did not mention what type of needlework you enjoy.

You also did not mention what is causing your left hand problems, whether you have some "pinching" strength in your left hand and whether your problem is temporary or permanent. Again, the type of stitching you want to do would also make a difference. Although you might enjoy embroidery, perhaps cross stitch or needlepoint might be easier right now.

Happy stitching,
Marlene from California