I'm 78 and find that variety, pacing myself and exercises keep me pain free. I live alone in a 3 level condo and do my own housework. Every morning I have done my back exercises for the last 40 years - twice I stopped and the pain returned. 2 knitting projects give me variety and put different stress on my hands/arms so I stop/switch when it's uncomfortable. Spinning is relaxing, but 30 minutes is my limit at one sitting. Now my rigid heddle loom has a project, no hurry there. Sewing also calls with multiple projects. Lately I find that leaning my head forward for too long irritates my neck, one more thing to avoid. My only problem is my growing stash of fiber, yarn and fabric.
@@diannefitzmaurice9813 Hi Dianne. It's best to have a Physical Therapist guide you. For me it is a combination of stretching, rotating, sit-ups, girly pushups, knee bends with my back to the wall. The goal is flexibility and strength. If it hurts, don't do it. Start slow and increase gradually. Just walking really helps.
Ten years ago I would get pain and inflammation in my right elbow whenever I knit for more than an hour or so. Then I changed my diet for other health reasons, cleaning it up and cutting out the cheap carbs. Now I can knit or crochet all day without so much as a twinge of pain. So many of the problems we develop in our body are actually the result of a poor diet and high inflammation more than overuse.
Such a timely topic! My career ate up lots of my time, working extra hours and weekends. Now I’ve retired in my 60’s and I dove head first into my hobbies (knitting and sewing). I have the time now, but my body reacts poorly to the long hours doing them. So I’m now learning to adapt. Aging catches up with us at different points in our lives. Learning to adapt and modify is key to deal with those challenges. Thank you to all commenters about yoga, stretching, eating tips. Recently I’ve begun to knit at my dining room table, watching my iPad videos. My posture is better at the table than in my living room “easy chair”. Keeping better posture has helped me knit longer, and its convenient to get up to stretch and make a cup of tea. Thanks for the topic Felicia. 😍
You are smart to think about these things now. I an 67 and I have had back and neck issues for years and surgeries on both so it’s an issue I deal with all the time. I knit, crochet, weave, dye, cross stitch and quilt. And I’m afraid I’m obsessive about it. I will work on something for hours and then regret it the next day when I’m hurting and am forced to rest. I think pacing myself would be so much smarter but the desire to work on my crafts is so strong I keep “overdoing” it until I am seriously hurting. I use an office chair when weaving. The bench does not give any back support. I’ve been trying to switch from one project to another after an hour or two so I’m using different muscles, but I still get caught up in a project and forget to switch!
This was a very sensitive topic for me do to the fact that I was riding my bicycle and was hit by a car and now have spinal damage, can’t more my neck etc. also I’m in my 50’s. I’ve learned in the last couple of years I will Knit no more then an hour I’ll go to cross stitching or quilting or crochet for short times. So I have may things so on at the same time. I’ve find it helps with all the pains and getting muscle spasms.
I too am in my 50's and have spinal damage. We never think when we are young about treating our body with kindness. We eat things that are not in anyway good for us. We often don't exercise the right way or enough. And we push ourselves thinking we can always heal. Well, my body no longer can heal like it should. I have always had health issues but just never though I would be like this at this age. It has been really hard facing that I can no longer do the things I once did. So while we can't always prevent things like accidents/injury we should make sure our bodies are taken care of so we can do the things we love well into our advanced age. TREAT YOUR BODY WITH CARE!!! :-)
Oh no! Don’t wait to do what you enjoy every minute of your current life. It’s mental and physical capital that will help you age better and in better health. I’m 65 but I have to take long-term medication that’s changing my life in lots of small annoying ways. In some ways I feel better than when I was younger, in other ways, no. Don’t give up, don’t worry too much about ageing, and move, change positions, find accommodations, be inventive.
Hi Felicia! I am only 13 years old, but I can still relate to this topic. I have become obsessed with the fiber arts over the last couple years. Last Christmas I was trying to make a lot of gifts for my family. I didn't plan far enough in advance so I found myself very rushed. I got a ton of hand cramps. I now use a hand therapy kit when I am knitting a lot. The one I have is like three balls that I squeeze.
I hear you regarding neck and shoulder pain/tension. I deal with it and feel a lot of it is due to knitting and body/head positioning. Being upright, in neutral alignment is important. So when you are hinging at hips your back, core etc work so very hard to stabilize you! It is important, regardless of your craft to get up, stretch, MOVE every 1.5 hr to 45 mins for health.❤️
Hi! Thank you for speaking about pain, disability, ect... I live with multiple sclerosis and I knit as much as I can. Yes, sometime the pain is bad but I prefer that to not knitting. And do the things that you like to do now, because nobody can now what tomorrow will bring.
At 61 and retired I find for me taking breaks to move and stretch helps. It's easy to loose track of time while I'm knitting, piecing or machine quilting . But sometimes project completion excitement wins. I hand bound 2 quilts in 2 days and am left with hand pain that is requiring ibuprofen.
I set a timer for planned stretching breaks with knitting and crocheting. Keeping any eye out for ergonomically designed hooks as I get older. I use a stool when dressing my loom and stretch out before I start.
I'm a new wheel spinner! I've noticed it takes a lot of toll on my knees I can manage about an hour and I'm only early thirties! I hold a lot of tension and stress with being and anxiety sufferer so that doesn't help either and doing movements with tension can lead to pulls and strains. I pull my neck out once every few months it seems like recently. But I'm thinking it might be time to start some kind of general daily yoga practise. If i can manage to squeeze an hour of spinning in a day I should be able to fit in half an hour of stretching and strengthening techniques to make sure I can do these things now and later. You are not alone in thinking about these troubles it's been on my mind a lot too. :)
I’m so glad you are addressing the ergonomics involved in the crafting and fibre world! It is so important to stay limber and pain free as we get older, by whatever method works. Personally, I really enjoy Classical Stretch with Miranda Esmonde-White.
Yoga for me is a must in sooo many aspects of my life, I’ve missed a week or two in the past but my body will remind me that I need it, it doesn’t take much 10min a day and what a difference!!
What you put into your body is just as important as what you do with your body. Read ingredient labels, always. Learn what those unpronounceable and unnatural ingredients are and what they do to the human body. Carrageenan for example causes inflammation, science knows this, food industry knows this. Don't eat foods that have ingredients that cause inflammation. Try a hot bath for relaxing the muscles. I think we are doing ourselves a great disservice by not treating our bodies to this ancient method of healing and recovery. I've had nerve damage in both arms since my mid 20s. I spent 20 years believing I was a useless lump. My health began declining and I didn't want to become diabetic on top of being useless so, I started by removing inflammatory foods from my diet and ended up removing all processed foods. Now I can cook, do laundry, crochet, sew, use my computer and the many other small things people take for granted. As a bonus, I corrected my insulin resistance and lost weight. As others have mentioned I do need frequent breaks to keep the physical stress to a minimum and yoga really does help. I hope you find health and healing. Age is only a number, it's how we treat our bodies both inside and out that makes a difference in how we feel.
I’m a bit younger, but had to start thinking more about this after a couple of injuries this last year. I highly recommend reading Roar, by Stacy Sims. It goes over sports and women’s physiology (most training and nutrition advice is geared towards men, not women but our physiology is different). It’s not completely related, but I know you also run, so I think you’d appreciate it. I like that it breaks down each stage of a woman’s life, what happens and how to train in each stage of life.
I’ve been having trouble with my shoulder for Years. I’m currently seeing a physio for my low back spasm that had me out of work for 2 weeks! I’d love to buy Carson Demers book on ergonomic knitting but it’s too expensive to post to Ireland. 😭. I wonder would he think of doing a little course for the school of sweet Georgia ?? 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Hi, to avoid mailing costs, I use Book Depository. I live in Spain and order my books from them, they don’t charge postage, the discounts are small but many books are so heavy that it makes up for the lack of discounts!
Im so glad i watched this. Im struggling with the same thing this year. We had a loss in our family in February and im still dealing with it. I havent knitted or crochet as much then all of a sudden jumped back into it. I knitted for 10 hours straight. I couldnt lift my left fore arm today.
Ergonomics. I work for a chiropractor, had neck surgery last year, 60 years old, and you just have to do the things necessary to make you able to keep crafting. For me, it was an adjustable standing desk, alternate knitting with crochet or needle punch. Move and stretch every 30 minutes. Whatever is necessary. You sweater is fantastic!
Sometimes I backtrack to recall when a pain or physical/mental issue started. It has helped quite often. Moving, easy stretches, exercise. Recall Mother retired early for the reason of doing things before to late (she rode her bicycle into 70's, camped, hiked). Wish had a loom could remove the harnesses and thread easier &/or heddles made like bobbie pin, can slip threads in and out (think is a loom like that ). Foods I eat can effect in so many ways. Corn and tomatos increase knee pain, someone told me eggs did that for her and another person oranges, so experiment, takes notice.
My pithy input, don’t wait until you retire to do things, not only do things happen, like arthritis etc., you do not have the time you think will will have. My thoughts on adjusting and self care to any who care to know: Over the years I learned to change many things so I could keep doing the things I love. Somethings, like weaving I had to let go of. It was a wrench, but I like being able to move better. I learned how to crochet left handed, when my right hand and thumb would not work due to arthritis and carpal tunnel, I also learned to knit both my modified English (flick style) with continental style, and to knit flat, with out ever purling, I go back and forth with the right side always facing. Awesome when turning hurts, or purling back is difficult. The single most important thing to learn, is making sure you have good posture when crafting. Otherwise your shoulders and neck will make your and your arms and hands pay big time. Your lower back will ache and your legs start camping. Posture matters! As I age, I can’t sit for hours, and it’s plain fact that the body was made for movement, so even tho you may be young and still flexible, you still need to get up and move and get your blood moving to feed your muscles and joints. So get up and move frequently. Currently, I might get up and move every 15 or 20 minutes on a sore day, and every 1/2 hr to an hour max on good days. I make sure I get my exercise and stretches in everyday, and get a walk in. Not doing this makes for a painful body. Doing it keeps the circulation strong, the joints refreshed, and everything much happier. It’s an excellent habit to begin when you are young, but better late than never. I currently have a terrible time with neck and shoulder trouble, so I found a pillow to support my arm makes knitting pleasant again. Friends on Ravelry recommended this, and I’m grateful! Another reason to love this crafting website. I love hearing how folks deal with various disabilities while crafting. So yes, we do slow down as we age, but much less so if remember to move frequently, practice being flexible, exercising and good posture.
I am about where you are talking about being. My abilities have declined about 20%. I do fewer things now. I have to write everything down. Not everyone declines in health at the same rate, so be positive and don't take the negatives too hard.I still enjoy your videos and enjoy listening to you.
I'm in my 40's, and I've been giving this a lot of thought for some time. I started getting tendonitis several years ago, repetitive stress disorders, a life of power tool usage and sport sparring in my early years. I had a hard time knitting and spinning for that time, thankfully I found turmeric supplements helped greatly. But this is one of the reasons I learned to weave, it seemed like a way to extend my fiber arts crafting by rotating projects over various modes. I have several sized looms, small and large. I'm also considering an espinner when I get a chance, to give my knees and ankles a break. My goal too, is to do a lot more preventative hand and back stretches to keep the muscles/tendons and joints supple. And sometimes... I just rest.
Like almost everything in life, aging is a spectrum. I'm appreciating many of the comments addressing this in different ways. May we all find what works for us in our individual experiences.
This video showed up on my smart TV you tube recommended listing and I'm glad that it did. You asked for suggestions to adjust to and aging body. I am one of many in the line of owners of a home made floor loom. The last time I changed out the treadles my husband and son put the legs up on plastic egg crates to give me extra height so I could get under the loom. The front and back beams come off so I can fit a small stool inside the loom. My loom is too large to sit on a bench and work the treadles. I have to stand. I have been working on overshot lately and set up the treadles with tabby on the same side. This requires me to alternate my weight from one side to the other. I just bought an air threading serger because it was getting harder and harder to thread the bottom loopers. Hope this helps
Adapt your activities to match your body's needs and abilities or your body will force you to make that adaptation or in the worst case stop altogether. My life changed dramatically because of an accident and I had to make all kinds of adaptations to do what I love. When I knit now, I actually use a breast feeding pillow on my lap to support my left arm, which I cannot lift because of that accident. Where there is a will there is a way but prevention is so much better. Great advice! HUgs
I do sun salutations each morning and have for decades. It is a good gentle stretch to get you going. Also very good posture is important when we get older especially in those funny positions like bending over to thread a loam. Cotton heddles do take a little longer to thread. There used to be a store in Sunnyvale (I think) named Purleecsene. These women were amazing. Along with dyeing their own yarn they also had many spinning wheels and loams. When you wanted one, they would fit you to one that was good for your body. What a concept huh?
I warp front to back on my 46" gilmore. I put the back legs of the loom up on plastic bed risers that I got at Target, which puts things at eye level and saves my neck. I also use a cushioned and adjustable office chair when threading the heddles. And bring in good light as well as a pair of "middle vision" glasses (not reading or distance) to keep things clear.
Unrelated to weaving, this knitter wants to know what the pattern name is for the seemingly basic cardigan you are wearing. I also want to know which of your colors it is knit in, as that color is calling my name, Finished my Eskra shawl last night after a long summer break from it, and then spent several nights playing yarn chicken . So I'm about ready to move on to the next project. Not sure if I want to start a sweater now, but do at some point want to knit something simple in a cardigan for me!!
Oh my Lord, gurl! 50 is young! Just wait until you hit your 70’s... I turned 76 on September 11th... Time is flying by... How did I get here? As long as you stay active...knitting, crocheting, reading,...creating...you will continue to be able to do those things. Use it or lose it🙃. I knit, crochet, read, play favorite games, listen to..and take part in producing music... It’s true that a morning out, or shopping for groceries can wear me out, but the important thing is that I can still do the things that bring me joy. I believe that keeping my mind, my body, and my hands active will help reduce the chance that I will develop dementia, and will prolong my life.
I know the feeling of getting older, darn it! I'm 59 and irritated that things don't work right, but i still weave and crochet and knit and stay defiant. I may move slower, but i still move!
I find what's helpful when knitting is to have cushions under my elbows, just high enough that my shoulders are in their natural position. this way, i don't have to hold my arms up and it's not hanging off my shoulder joint. it's more ergonomic and less strain on my back.
Funny you're talking about this but the last couple of weeks I've hurt myself by getting up too fast from knitting for a couple of hours. When I was working at the computer for 10 or more hours I had to go to the chiropractor and massage therapist. Now that I'm retired it's too long hours knitting. :-(
Im 42 and Ive adapted my knitting to continental as my wrists and fingers have been struggling (carpel tunnel maybe?). Also Ive adapted to doing shorter sessions but more frequently. I thought it was in my 60s Id start to feel sore joints etc...
Well first thing to think about with the onset of the onset of pain that is not 'normal' besides the activity is whether the muscles were held tense. That is usually a key component. And that often means heading into low magnesium. .Taking magnesium and sometimes calcium and vitamin D will prevent a lot of the extra pains and strains. The other thing is not to spend as long at the same activity . So I spin a little ply a little knit a little and then do something else.
I’m an avid knitter and aspiring weaver - rigid heddle. Trained originally as a physiotherapist, I currently practice the Feldenkrais Method, a method of movement education focused on helping individuals discover what is easiest and most efficient and effective for them . I teach a workshop periodically at my local yarn shop called Healthy Handwork Habits. Felicia, if you want to learn more please reply and we can figure out how to continue the conversation.
I recently read the article you're talking about and was discussing it with my husband. We are in our fifties and don't move quite as well as we used to. But we are both active. He restores classic automobiles and has had to find new ways to move over and under the cars. I had to get a new stool for my spinning. I used to sit cross legged every where and have to limit that. Yoga and general stretching make a huge difference and I can tell when I don't do it. And we both try to keep our minds active. I learned how to how to spin and dye yarn over the last couple of years. There are a bunch of little things you learn that make a big difference. But always keep moving. That's the big one.
I have tried many different styles of knitting and Portuguese Knitting is the easiest on the joints and back. I am totally sold and have switched. I am 50 and learning this new style. Yes, you can teach a old dog new tricks. =0]
I’m 52 and also have EHD (excessive hobby disorder) which causes me to twisting and lifting and repetitive motions like the rest of you. I took 2 classes by Carson Demers (ergonomic teacher extraordinaire, who also has a book out) and began to slowly try to switch out habits so that I (hopefully) will be able to do my hobbies for many years to come. I had a stool that I had used for spinning for 20+ years that I can’t use anymore. I bought a spinolution spinning chair that is wonderful. I can now spin for hours with no numbness , back or neck soreness. The loom is tricky. Still working on that one. (^_^)
I am looking for a new loom, it will be one where the beams are removable, it is just to awkward and strains. . I am mid sixties. I learned long ago that breaks are very important.
This whole idea of 'you can get this or that done when you get older' is not always a guarantee of us actually being here and 'being older'. Do it all now while we can :)
I’ve decided to live/craft as if there is no “later.” My mom deteriorated quite quickly after a heart attack and didn’t sew or crochet for about 15 years before she passed. I recently had a bad reaction to a medication change that seemed like either a stroke or I had started to manifest MS. I was very lucky and thankful that it turned out to be something resolvable, but during those weeks/months I faced the realization that there will one day come a time when I have to stop doing different crafts. So I am not putting anything off until that “later.” I will work in the creating that I can while I still can, and if I am not enjoying a project, I either donate it or give it away, in the state that it is.
What about raising up the loom on a “stage”? It’s also important to stop and rest stressed tendons. Recently, I sprained and twisted my knee loading really heavy things. I’m In my 50s so I’ve had to stop for 2 weeks to ice a lot. No spinning, climbing or doing heavy cleaning. Don’t miss the cleaning. 😀
For tendinitis it is important to switch things around and give the muscles a rest as you are doing . . But something else that really helps is to make some 100% angora wrist warmers and sleep with them .It will alleviate pain immediate and after 1 month the tendinitis will often no longer be an issue causing pain. The angora helps for more things than tendinitis like neck pain knee pain and even prevent migraines . Angora has incredible thermal properties and increases blood flow which reduces the inflammation causing the pain.
It's funny, being 23 and disabled I guess I have to think about these things right now. But thinking about it, I've avoided doing that and avoided the idea of spending money and time investing in tools that make my practice easier and more fun for me. I have the idea that I should do it like everyone else and use what I have, which really means that I end up not crafting at all, which doesn't make any sense.
Zwaluw Z. It’s a hard mindset to work through! For me, there are plenty of things I feel like I *should* be able to do but medical issues have prevented it. Ideas that help me: technology is awesome and can help us do all kinds of things; everyone one has different needs, different bodies, and the things we think are universal are really a spectrum.
1. Find a Viniyoga therapist in your area. Anyone that has worked with Gary Kraftsow. He is a major teacher of mine, and his methods are safe and effective. 2. Get up and move around when you are crafting, using the tools you learn from the visitors person. It works. I am 54, and my physical problems arising from my knitting and weaving habits are few. Stepping away periodically and stretching for a few minutes is key, in my view.
With having 98% of my body back after a spinal cord injury, i have learned its very important to get up after an hour or two and stretch as well as walk around my house to get my blood pumping. Laugh if you need....i use an egg timer that i place on the other side of the room to insufre i get up. My PT gave me a list of exercises and stretches to do for basically my whole life. Should i keep saying "one more row" i can really tell the difference by the second or third time of skipping my routine. It takes only 5 to 8 minutes to complete, but it makes a world of difference. Pintrest, google, and youtube are great research starts. Here on TH-cam I like to watch "Exercises for Injuries". I have started doing some of the exercises he suggests, from core to finger and toe exercises. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE...check with your doctor or PT before starting any exercise program. I have had to modify some to make it work at its best for my body, so getting your healthcare twam on board is a must.
If I have to undertake a long process like warping, I plan my time with mandatory breaks, work for 10-15 minutes, have a mandatory rest for a few minutes.
So glad you talked about this! I've been trying to switch up how I hold my yarn because I've been noticing some wrist pain in my left wrist (continental knitter here) and I appreciate the comments and the space for others to share! Would also be interested in what your physiotherapist friend has to say too!
Felicia I don’t know if you would find them as inspiring as I do, but Freda Khalo had a spinal injury and had to go through many surgeries, Renoir had serous arthritis in his hands, Monet had to spend the last part of his life in bed. They were hurt but the still created.
Excellent topic! I’m so glad you talked about this. I remember watching a special documentary about Tori Amos’ first two years touring and being struck by her discussion of the same thing. She was 29, and her first year touring she didn’t have any special diet, wasn’t exercising, hadn’t even thought about it. And while she was on tour she realized it was beating her up! The constant travel, late nights, emotionally and physically draining shows...So before heading into her second year, she cleaned up her diet and began exercising, paying close attention to core exercises. And also put herself on a healthier regimen (water, sleep, etc). She said the difference it made was like night and day, and her performance improved because she had the physical stamina to keep up with the demands. I’ve heard other touring musicians say the same thing. And as you mentioned, the fiber arts are a physical craft. I notice a huge improvement in my resilience, flexibility, and especially awareness of my body when I do yoga regularly. As you say, if we want to have decades of HEALTHY, USEFUL time ahead of us (I’m 38) to craft, we have to put in a bit of time now for self care and attention.
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I'm 78 and find that variety, pacing myself and exercises keep me pain free. I live alone in a 3 level condo and do my own housework. Every morning I have done my back exercises for the last 40 years - twice I stopped and the pain returned. 2 knitting projects give me variety and put different stress on my hands/arms so I stop/switch when it's uncomfortable. Spinning is relaxing, but 30 minutes is my limit at one sitting. Now my rigid heddle loom has a project, no hurry there. Sewing also calls with multiple projects. Lately I find that leaning my head forward for too long irritates my neck, one more thing to avoid. My only problem is my growing stash of fiber, yarn and fabric.
I would like to know about your back exercises and what specifically you do .
@@diannefitzmaurice9813 Hi Dianne. It's best to have a Physical Therapist guide you. For me it is a combination of stretching, rotating, sit-ups, girly pushups, knee bends with my back to the wall. The goal is flexibility and strength. If it hurts, don't do it. Start slow and increase gradually. Just walking really helps.
sharon mclain Thank you for the tips. I’m 66 and recently retire. I need to begin a routine for morning and evening stretching.
Ten years ago I would get pain and inflammation in my right elbow whenever I knit for more than an hour or so. Then I changed my diet for other health reasons, cleaning it up and cutting out the cheap carbs. Now I can knit or crochet all day without so much as a twinge of pain. So many of the problems we develop in our body are actually the result of a poor diet and high inflammation more than overuse.
Thank you for this wake up call.
Such a timely topic! My career ate up lots of my time, working extra hours and weekends. Now I’ve retired in my 60’s and I dove head first into my hobbies (knitting and sewing). I have the time now, but my body reacts poorly to the long hours doing them. So I’m now learning to adapt. Aging catches up with us at different points in our lives. Learning to adapt and modify is key to deal with those challenges. Thank you to all commenters about yoga, stretching, eating tips. Recently I’ve begun to knit at my dining room table, watching my iPad videos. My posture is better at the table than in my living room “easy chair”. Keeping better posture has helped me knit longer, and its convenient to get up to stretch and make a cup of tea. Thanks for the topic Felicia. 😍
You are smart to think about these things now. I an 67 and I have had back and neck issues for years and surgeries on both so it’s an issue I deal with all the time. I knit, crochet, weave, dye, cross stitch and quilt. And I’m afraid I’m obsessive about it. I will work on something for hours and then regret it the next day when I’m hurting and am forced to rest. I think pacing myself would be so much smarter but the desire to work on my crafts is so strong I keep “overdoing” it until I am seriously hurting. I use an office chair when weaving. The bench does not give any back support. I’ve been trying to switch from one project to another after an hour or two so I’m using different muscles, but I still get caught up in a project and forget to switch!
This was a very sensitive topic for me do to the fact that I was riding my bicycle and was hit by a car and now have spinal damage, can’t more my neck etc. also I’m in my 50’s. I’ve learned in the last couple of years I will Knit no more then an hour I’ll go to cross stitching or quilting or crochet for short times. So I have may things so on at the same time. I’ve find it helps with all the pains and getting muscle spasms.
I too am in my 50's and have spinal damage. We never think when we are young about treating our body with kindness. We eat things that are not in anyway good for us. We often don't exercise the right way or enough. And we push ourselves thinking we can always heal. Well, my body no longer can heal like it should. I have always had health issues but just never though I would be like this at this age. It has been really hard facing that I can no longer do the things I once did. So while we can't always prevent things like accidents/injury we should make sure our bodies are taken care of so we can do the things we love well into our advanced age. TREAT YOUR BODY WITH CARE!!! :-)
Oh no! Don’t wait to do what you enjoy every minute of your current life. It’s mental and physical capital that will help you age better and in better health. I’m 65 but I have to take long-term medication that’s changing my life in lots of small annoying ways. In some ways I feel better than when I was younger, in other ways, no.
Don’t give up, don’t worry too much about ageing, and move, change positions, find accommodations, be inventive.
Wow this is such an important topic for all crafters! I'd love to hear more about healthy crafting tips!
Hi Felicia! I am only 13 years old, but I can still relate to this topic. I have become obsessed with the fiber arts over the last couple years. Last Christmas I was trying to make a lot of gifts for my family. I didn't plan far enough in advance so I found myself very rushed. I got a ton of hand cramps. I now use a hand therapy kit when I am knitting a lot. The one I have is like three balls that I squeeze.
I hear you regarding neck and shoulder pain/tension. I deal with it and feel a lot of it is due to knitting and body/head positioning. Being upright, in neutral alignment is important. So when you are hinging at hips your back, core etc work so very hard to stabilize you! It is important, regardless of your craft to get up, stretch, MOVE every 1.5 hr to 45 mins for health.❤️
Hi! Thank you for speaking about pain, disability, ect... I live with multiple sclerosis and I knit as much as I can. Yes, sometime the pain is bad but I prefer that to not knitting. And do the things that you like to do now, because nobody can now what tomorrow will bring.
At 61 and retired I find for me taking breaks to move and stretch helps. It's easy to loose track of time while I'm knitting, piecing or machine quilting . But sometimes project completion excitement wins. I hand bound 2 quilts in 2 days and am left with hand pain that is requiring ibuprofen.
I set a timer for planned stretching breaks with knitting and crocheting. Keeping any eye out for ergonomically designed hooks as I get older. I use a stool when dressing my loom and stretch out before I start.
Would love to hear more on healthy ergonomics for fiber arts.
Carson Demers (a physical therapist who knits) has written an excellent book on ergonomics called Knitting Comfortably.
I'm a new wheel spinner! I've noticed it takes a lot of toll on my knees I can manage about an hour and I'm only early thirties! I hold a lot of tension and stress with being and anxiety sufferer so that doesn't help either and doing movements with tension can lead to pulls and strains. I pull my neck out once every few months it seems like recently. But I'm thinking it might be time to start some kind of general daily yoga practise. If i can manage to squeeze an hour of spinning in a day I should be able to fit in half an hour of stretching and strengthening techniques to make sure I can do these things now and later. You are not alone in thinking about these troubles it's been on my mind a lot too. :)
Thanks for your vignette SweetG your inner person comes though i could not stop listening - mesmerising ciao paul
I’m so glad you are addressing the ergonomics involved in the crafting and fibre world! It is so important to stay limber and pain free as we get older, by whatever method works. Personally, I really enjoy Classical Stretch with Miranda Esmonde-White.
Don’t wait do things now, learn the things now, so you are experienced and you know the easiest way to do stuff.
Yes! Just watching the video of you hovering over the back beam made my back hurt! I always try to remember to take 2 ibuprofin before I go to weave.
Try taking some magnesium instead
Yoga for me is a must in sooo many aspects of my life, I’ve missed a week or two in the past but my body will remind me that I need it, it doesn’t take much 10min a day and what a difference!!
Nadia Doucet i keep saying i need to start yoga!!
What you put into your body is just as important as what you do with your body. Read ingredient labels, always. Learn what those unpronounceable and unnatural ingredients are and what they do to the human body. Carrageenan for example causes inflammation, science knows this, food industry knows this. Don't eat foods that have ingredients that cause inflammation.
Try a hot bath for relaxing the muscles. I think we are doing ourselves a great disservice by not treating our bodies to this ancient method of healing and recovery.
I've had nerve damage in both arms since my mid 20s. I spent 20 years believing I was a useless lump. My health began declining and I didn't want to become diabetic on top of being useless so, I started by removing inflammatory foods from my diet and ended up removing all processed foods. Now I can cook, do laundry, crochet, sew, use my computer and the many other small things people take for granted. As a bonus, I corrected my insulin resistance and lost weight. As others have mentioned I do need frequent breaks to keep the physical stress to a minimum and yoga really does help.
I hope you find health and healing. Age is only a number, it's how we treat our bodies both inside and out that makes a difference in how we feel.
I’m a bit younger, but had to start thinking more about this after a couple of injuries this last year. I highly recommend reading Roar, by Stacy Sims. It goes over sports and women’s physiology (most training and nutrition advice is geared towards men, not women but our physiology is different). It’s not completely related, but I know you also run, so I think you’d appreciate it. I like that it breaks down each stage of a woman’s life, what happens and how to train in each stage of life.
I’ve been having trouble with my shoulder for Years. I’m currently seeing a physio for my low back spasm that had me out of work for 2 weeks! I’d love to buy Carson Demers book on ergonomic knitting but it’s too expensive to post to Ireland. 😭. I wonder would he think of doing a little course for the school of sweet Georgia ?? 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Hi, to avoid mailing costs, I use Book Depository. I live in Spain and order my books from them, they don’t charge postage, the discounts are small but many books are so heavy that it makes up for the lack of discounts!
Im so glad i watched this. Im struggling with the same thing this year. We had a loss in our family in February and im still dealing with it. I havent knitted or crochet as much then all of a sudden jumped back into it. I knitted for 10 hours straight. I couldnt lift my left fore arm today.
Ergonomics. I work for a chiropractor, had neck surgery last year, 60 years old, and you just have to do the things necessary to make you able to keep crafting. For me, it was an adjustable standing desk, alternate knitting with crochet or needle punch. Move and stretch every 30 minutes. Whatever is necessary. You sweater is fantastic!
I get chiropractic care weekly and massage/cupping help a lot if my posture has been poor.
Sometimes I backtrack to recall when a pain or physical/mental issue started. It has helped quite often. Moving, easy stretches, exercise. Recall Mother retired early for the reason of doing things before to late (she rode her bicycle into 70's, camped, hiked). Wish had a loom could remove the harnesses and thread easier &/or heddles made like bobbie pin, can slip threads in and out (think is a loom like that ). Foods I eat can effect in so many ways. Corn and tomatos increase knee pain, someone told me eggs did that for her and another person oranges, so experiment, takes notice.
My pithy input, don’t wait until you retire to do things, not only do things happen, like arthritis etc., you do not have the time you think will will have.
My thoughts on adjusting and self care to any who care to know:
Over the years I learned to change many things so I could keep doing the things I love. Somethings, like weaving I had to let go of. It was a wrench, but I like being able to move better. I learned how to crochet left handed, when my right hand and thumb would not work due to arthritis and carpal tunnel, I also learned to knit both my modified English (flick style) with continental style, and to knit flat, with out ever purling, I go back and forth with the right side always facing. Awesome when turning hurts, or purling back is difficult.
The single most important thing to learn, is making sure you have good posture when crafting. Otherwise your shoulders and neck will make your and your arms and hands pay big time. Your lower back will ache and your legs start camping. Posture matters!
As I age, I can’t sit for hours, and it’s plain fact that the body was made for movement, so even tho you may be young and still flexible, you still need to get up and move and get your blood moving to feed your muscles and joints. So get up and move frequently.
Currently, I might get up and move every 15 or 20 minutes on a sore day, and every 1/2 hr to an hour max on good days. I make sure I get my exercise and stretches in everyday, and get a walk in. Not doing this makes for a painful body. Doing it keeps the circulation strong, the joints refreshed, and everything much happier. It’s an excellent habit to begin when you are young, but better late than never.
I currently have a terrible time with neck and shoulder trouble, so I found a pillow to support my arm makes knitting pleasant again. Friends on Ravelry recommended this, and I’m grateful! Another reason to love this crafting website. I love hearing how folks deal with various disabilities while crafting.
So yes, we do slow down as we age, but much less so if remember to move frequently, practice being flexible, exercising and good posture.
I am about where you are talking about being. My abilities have declined about 20%. I do fewer things now. I have to write everything down. Not everyone declines in health at the same rate, so be positive and don't take the negatives too hard.I still enjoy your videos and enjoy listening to you.
I'm in my 40's, and I've been giving this a lot of thought for some time. I started getting tendonitis several years ago, repetitive stress disorders, a life of power tool usage and sport sparring in my early years. I had a hard time knitting and spinning for that time, thankfully I found turmeric supplements helped greatly. But this is one of the reasons I learned to weave, it seemed like a way to extend my fiber arts crafting by rotating projects over various modes. I have several sized looms, small and large. I'm also considering an espinner when I get a chance, to give my knees and ankles a break. My goal too, is to do a lot more preventative hand and back stretches to keep the muscles/tendons and joints supple. And sometimes... I just rest.
Like almost everything in life, aging is a spectrum. I'm appreciating many of the comments addressing this in different ways. May we all find what works for us in our individual experiences.
This video showed up on my smart TV you tube recommended listing and I'm glad that it did. You asked for suggestions to adjust to and aging body.
I am one of many in the line of owners of a home made floor loom. The last time I changed out the treadles my husband and son put the legs up on plastic egg crates to give me extra height so I could get under the loom.
The front and back beams come off so I can fit a small stool inside the loom.
My loom is too large to sit on a bench and work the treadles. I have to stand. I have been working on overshot lately and set up the treadles with tabby on the same side. This requires me to alternate my weight from one side to the other.
I just bought an air threading serger because it was getting harder and harder to thread the bottom loopers.
Hope this helps
Adapt your activities to match your body's needs and abilities or your body will force you to make that adaptation or in the worst case stop altogether. My life changed dramatically because of an accident and I had to make all kinds of adaptations to do what I love. When I knit now, I actually use a breast feeding pillow on my lap to support my left arm, which I cannot lift because of that accident. Where there is a will there is a way but prevention is so much better. Great advice! HUgs
I do sun salutations each morning and have for decades. It is a good gentle stretch to get you going. Also very good posture is important when we get older especially in those funny positions like bending over to thread a loam. Cotton heddles do take a little longer to thread.
There used to be a store in Sunnyvale (I think) named Purleecsene. These women were amazing. Along with dyeing their own yarn they also had many spinning wheels and loams. When you wanted one, they would fit you to one that was good for your body. What a concept huh?
I warp front to back on my 46" gilmore. I put the back legs of the loom up on plastic bed risers that I got at Target, which puts things at eye level and saves my neck. I also use a cushioned and adjustable office chair when threading the heddles. And bring in good light as well as a pair of "middle vision" glasses (not reading or distance) to keep things clear.
Unrelated to weaving, this knitter wants to know what the pattern name is for the seemingly basic cardigan you are wearing. I also want to know which of your colors it is knit in, as that color is calling my name, Finished my Eskra shawl last night after a long summer break from it, and then spent several nights playing yarn chicken . So I'm about ready to move on to the next project. Not sure if I want to start a sweater now, but do at some point want to knit something simple in a cardigan for me!!
Oh my Lord, gurl! 50 is young! Just wait until you hit your 70’s... I turned 76 on September 11th... Time is flying by... How did I get here?
As long as you stay active...knitting, crocheting, reading,...creating...you will continue to be able to do those things. Use it or lose it🙃.
I knit, crochet, read, play favorite games, listen to..and take part in producing music...
It’s true that a morning out, or shopping for groceries can wear me out, but the important thing is that I can still do the things that bring me joy. I believe that keeping my mind, my body, and my hands active will help reduce the chance that I will develop dementia, and will prolong my life.
I know the feeling of getting older, darn it! I'm 59 and irritated that things don't work right, but i still weave and crochet and knit and stay defiant. I may move slower, but i still move!
I find what's helpful when knitting is to have cushions under my elbows, just high enough that my shoulders are in their natural position. this way, i don't have to hold my arms up and it's not hanging off my shoulder joint. it's more ergonomic and less strain on my back.
What color is this cardigan? I have a friend who would look amazing in that color so now I'm inspired to knit something for her
Funny you're talking about this but the last couple of weeks I've hurt myself by getting up too fast from knitting for a couple of hours. When I was working at the computer for 10 or more hours I had to go to the chiropractor and massage therapist. Now that I'm retired it's too long hours knitting. :-(
Im 42 and Ive adapted my knitting to continental as my wrists and fingers have been struggling (carpel tunnel maybe?). Also Ive adapted to doing shorter sessions but more frequently. I thought it was in my 60s Id start to feel sore joints etc...
Well first thing to think about with the onset of the onset of pain that is not 'normal' besides the activity is whether the muscles were held tense. That is usually a key component. And that often means heading into low magnesium. .Taking magnesium and sometimes calcium and vitamin D will prevent a lot of the extra pains and strains. The other thing is not to spend as long at the same activity . So I spin a little ply a little knit a little and then do something else.
I’m an avid knitter and aspiring weaver - rigid heddle. Trained originally as a physiotherapist, I currently practice the Feldenkrais Method, a method of movement education focused on helping individuals discover what is easiest and most efficient and effective for them . I teach a workshop periodically at my local yarn shop called Healthy Handwork Habits. Felicia, if you want to learn more please reply and we can figure out how to continue the conversation.
I recently read the article you're talking about and was discussing it with my husband. We are in our fifties and don't move quite as well as we used to. But we are both active. He restores classic automobiles and has had to find new ways to move over and under the cars. I had to get a new stool for my spinning. I used to sit cross legged every where and have to limit that. Yoga and general stretching make a huge difference and I can tell when I don't do it. And we both try to keep our minds active. I learned how to how to spin and dye yarn over the last couple of years. There are a bunch of little things you learn that make a big difference. But always keep moving. That's the big one.
Yes, I’m mid 40’s and if I don’t do yoga often I feel it. And when I do yoga, I feel much more like I used to.
I have tried many different styles of knitting and Portuguese Knitting is the easiest on the joints and back. I am totally sold and have switched. I am 50 and learning this new style. Yes, you can teach a old dog new tricks. =0]
I’m 52 and also have EHD (excessive hobby disorder) which causes me to twisting and lifting and repetitive motions like the rest of you. I took 2 classes by Carson Demers (ergonomic teacher extraordinaire, who also has a book out) and began to slowly try to switch out habits so that I (hopefully) will be able to do my hobbies for many years to come. I had a stool that I had used for spinning for 20+ years that I can’t use anymore. I bought a spinolution spinning chair that is wonderful. I can now spin for hours with no numbness , back or neck soreness. The loom is tricky. Still working on that one. (^_^)
I am looking for a new loom, it will be one where the beams are removable, it is just to awkward and strains. . I am mid sixties. I learned long ago that breaks are very important.
This whole idea of 'you can get this or that done when you get older' is not always a guarantee of us actually being here and 'being older'.
Do it all now while we can :)
I’ve decided to live/craft as if there is no “later.” My mom deteriorated quite quickly after a heart attack and didn’t sew or crochet for about 15 years before she passed. I recently had a bad reaction to a medication change that seemed like either a stroke or I had started to manifest MS. I was very lucky and thankful that it turned out to be something resolvable, but during those weeks/months I faced the realization that there will one day come a time when I have to stop doing different crafts. So I am not putting anything off until that “later.” I will work in the creating that I can while I still can, and if I am not enjoying a project, I either donate it or give it away, in the state that it is.
Oh Felicia, I was struggling with my chair, so I changing so many chairs till I found the one.
What about raising up the loom on a “stage”? It’s also important to stop and rest stressed tendons.
Recently, I sprained and twisted my knee loading really heavy things. I’m In my 50s so I’ve had to stop for 2 weeks to ice a lot. No spinning, climbing or doing heavy cleaning. Don’t miss the cleaning. 😀
I got tendinitis in my thumb so I switched to Portuguese knitting which is easier on my fingers!
For tendinitis it is important to switch things around and give the muscles a rest as you are doing . . But something else that really helps is to make some 100% angora wrist warmers and sleep with them .It will alleviate pain immediate and after 1 month the tendinitis will often no longer be an issue causing pain. The angora helps for more things than tendinitis like neck pain knee pain and even prevent migraines . Angora has incredible thermal properties and increases blood flow which reduces the inflammation causing the pain.
It's funny, being 23 and disabled I guess I have to think about these things right now. But thinking about it, I've avoided doing that and avoided the idea of spending money and time investing in tools that make my practice easier and more fun for me. I have the idea that I should do it like everyone else and use what I have, which really means that I end up not crafting at all, which doesn't make any sense.
Zwaluw Z. It’s a hard mindset to work through! For me, there are plenty of things I feel like I *should* be able to do but medical issues have prevented it. Ideas that help me: technology is awesome and can help us do all kinds of things; everyone one has different needs, different bodies, and the things we think are universal are really a spectrum.
The things to help you craft are there to help you, you don’t need to do it like everyone else.
Invest in you and your joy, you deserve it!
1. Find a Viniyoga therapist in your area. Anyone that has worked with Gary Kraftsow. He is a major teacher of mine, and his methods are safe and effective.
2. Get up and move around when you are crafting, using the tools you learn from the visitors person.
It works. I am 54, and my physical problems arising from my knitting and weaving habits are few. Stepping away periodically and stretching for a few minutes is key, in my view.
With having 98% of my body back after a spinal cord injury, i have learned its very important to get up after an hour or two and stretch as well as walk around my house to get my blood pumping. Laugh if you need....i use an egg timer that i place on the other side of the room to insufre i get up. My PT gave me a list of exercises and stretches to do for basically my whole life. Should i keep saying "one more row" i can really tell the difference by the second or third time of skipping my routine. It takes only 5 to 8 minutes to complete, but it makes a world of difference. Pintrest, google, and youtube are great research starts. Here on TH-cam I like to watch "Exercises for Injuries". I have started doing some of the exercises he suggests, from core to finger and toe exercises. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE...check with your doctor or PT before starting any exercise program. I have had to modify some to make it work at its best for my body, so getting your healthcare twam on board is a must.
If I have to undertake a long process like warping, I plan my time with mandatory breaks, work for 10-15 minutes, have a mandatory rest for a few minutes.
So glad you talked about this! I've been trying to switch up how I hold my yarn because I've been noticing some wrist pain in my left wrist (continental knitter here) and I appreciate the comments and the space for others to share! Would also be interested in what your physiotherapist friend has to say too!
Felicia I don’t know if you would find them as inspiring as I do, but Freda Khalo had a spinal injury and had to go through many surgeries, Renoir had serous arthritis in his hands, Monet had to spend the last part of his life in bed. They were hurt but the still created.
Excellent topic! I’m so glad you talked about this. I remember watching a special documentary about Tori Amos’ first two years touring and being struck by her discussion of the same thing. She was 29, and her first year touring she didn’t have any special diet, wasn’t exercising, hadn’t even thought about it. And while she was on tour she realized it was beating her up! The constant travel, late nights, emotionally and physically draining shows...So before heading into her second year, she cleaned up her diet and began exercising, paying close attention to core exercises. And also put herself on a healthier regimen (water, sleep, etc). She said the difference it made was like night and day, and her performance improved because she had the physical stamina to keep up with the demands. I’ve heard other touring musicians say the same thing. And as you mentioned, the fiber arts are a physical craft. I notice a huge improvement in my resilience, flexibility, and especially awareness of my body when I do yoga regularly. As you say, if we want to have decades of HEALTHY, USEFUL time ahead of us (I’m 38) to craft, we have to put in a bit of time now for self care and attention.
Relax...if you are under 50, enjoy those years.
Well, my ostheopath told me that if i want to continue to do all the things that i love, i have to slow down. Believe me it’s work.
app “yoga 15” in itunes. i can always fit in 15 min of yoga every night before bed..always....and she is a really good instructor.
Get therapist to watch how you sit at your loom, give you ideas to improve your body holding..
Eat a plant based diet, lift weights, and stretch.