HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Knitting/Crochet

Support Forums
>
Fibromyalgia
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 6/30/2014 3:53 PM (GMT 0)
Does anyone else knit or crochet? I do both. I was wondering if you thought it helped with the joints in your hands or made them worse? I try to because I like to (obviously lol) but also I figured maybe keeping the joints moving might help with the swelling/stiffness, etc. I can't do it at all sometimes because I can't get my fingers coordinated enough to make the stitches because of the stiffness and stuff though or I'm just straight up to tired, but I still try to most days. I only work a couple of days a week right now and so I'm at home most of the time and I'm one of those that always feels the need to have something to do. I think that's how I end up overdoing it so much.
Posted 6/30/2014 5:10 PM (GMT 0)
I have just started to crochet (about a month ago). My fingers do get stiff after a while, and I have to be careful of my posture while working. At first, my wrists really hurt, but that has faded.

I think being creative and doing fun activities is great for us. Keep on!
Posted 6/30/2014 5:11 PM (GMT 0)
I love to crochet. Only stitch I know now is double crochet. But in August I start crocheting scarfs for the animal shelter to sell on their Christmas Walk. I don't find any discomfort so far...

Hugs, Karen...
Posted 6/30/2014 5:18 PM (GMT 0)
I told my boyfriend that I think my hands would be worse off if I didn't use them like I did. Ravelry.com has tons of great patterns, a lot free, some paid, but for both knitting and crochet. I've done crochet since I was about 8 or 9 and knitting just recently but I love both. I think it helps too because it's almost meditative because of the focus on it and the repetitiveness of the stitches and such. It's a great stress reliever for me too.

Posture is something to definitely keep and eye on and also making sure to stop before you stress your hands too much. I take breaks a lot when I do it, getting up to move around so I don't get too stiff while sitting and stuff.
Posted 6/30/2014 10:49 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the pattern site!

I just finished my first attempt at a pattern, an easy double-stitch scarf. I bought a whole bunch of junk yarn at a store to practice on. It turned out well-ish.

I need to buy a bigger hook, I think.
Posted 6/30/2014 11:33 PM (GMT 0)
No problem! it usually tells you on the label what size hook or needles you need for that weight yarn and all that good stuff. :)
Posted 7/1/2014 12:25 AM (GMT 0)

 I personally think it is a great idea!! I have never mastered the art of crochet, but my DM was wonderful w/ it. She also had FMS, I believe, plus arthritis. She felt it helped her hands so much. She made such beautiful afghans. Each new baby got a gorgeous afghan when they were born. Plus the ones she made for us as we got older. They are my treasures.


 She learned from her favorite aunt, and then turned around and taught her own mother. Then my DM & DGM would 'find' new patterns and share them. lol


 My DM said she felt it helped her keep her mind active when the rest of her couldn't be active. It kept her hands moving for a lot longer than they would have w/o the 'exercise'.


 My DM completed her last afghan when she was 90 yrs old.


 You have a talent & a gift, use it & enjoy it - on ALL levels!!


 God bless.  Alice.


 

Posted 7/1/2014 1:04 AM (GMT 0)
I used to do cross stitch, crochet, and tried my hand at knitting.
I can't handle the needles but the looms work great.

I don't cross stitch anymore because I'm developing cataracts and I can't see the cloth proper anymore.
Posted 7/1/2014 3:19 AM (GMT 0)
I absolutely love doing it, it relaxes me so much mentally.

With knitting, I use circular needles whether it's in the round or back and forth. The circulars help with the weight of the fabric so it doesn't put as much strain on my hands and wrists. If not for those I don't think.k I could do.knitting because it would staring and hurt my hands more. I also carry the yarn in my left hand so I don't have to keep wrapping the yarn, I can just pick it like I do when I crochet.

I do cross stitch here and there but it takes so long lol. I don't have a completed on yet but I have many I've started.
Posted 7/4/2014 3:19 AM (GMT 0)
I used to crochet a lot, sweaters and afghans, hats, booties. My hands usually take it pretty well unless they are swollen. I am back to easy patterns, but there are a lot of cute things that are easy and I do need to keep the pattern right in front of me and not do anything at the same time like I used to crochet and watch tv. I have developed a way for me that I print out the pattern, cross off what I have done as I do it and make sure there is no other noise or people talking around me. It's good for winter that is worse pain-wise and I can sit in bed during the day alone and crochet my work. I don't know if you have seen the site, Hooked On Crochet from AllFreeCrochet. It's a great site of free patterns and I have them email me their latest patterns, very cute stuff.
Posted 7/4/2014 11:35 PM (GMT 0)
I haven't seen that one but I'm addicted to ravelry and they have groups on there too. I wonder if the have fibro groups, didn't think about checking until now. I rarely post on ravelry but it's good for sharing tour finished project too. You can keep what you have on your status, all your projects, future projects, favorite patterns and others projects, etc.
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply