Tuesday, May 13, 2008

A Cockatiel Hooded Pillow Monster for Kristina's Mom




Here she is.  I am very happy with her, and I hope Kristina is too.  I love her big orange bird cheeks.  Wouldn't you love to be in Australia and see all those colorful birds just flying about?  

The dog/house-sitting was fun.  My favorite part may have been being able to do all of my laundry in their machines.  Going to the laundromat is my least favorite chore.  I also was able to discover the amazingness of Trader Joes because they have one near their home.  Mmmmmm chocolate peanut butter cups, mmmmmmm orange flavored cranberries, mmmmm pumpkin cereal, and hurray good prices!  

I kept my arms straight as much as I could, but alas the super healing I was hoping for did not take place.  Nerves are just weird I guess.  I still am supposed to see if they heal by rest and ibuprofen and elbow pads for at least another month and if they are not healed by then I am supposed to have a nerve test and then maybe surgery.  Now, for all of you sewers and bloggers and drawers---take care of yourselves!  Here is my advice to you:  

-Take breaks!
-If you are putting in a long day on the sewing machine, take hourly breaks to walk around and stretch.
-Don't rest your elbows on the table while you sew or type.
-Practice good posture. 

Have a great week full of sunshine!  See you next time!

6 comments:

Archie and Melissa said...

hi nichol!
oh she is wonderful! i am so glad you are feeling better. your new doll is amazing!
:) m

Anonymous said...

She is beautiful, Nichol! Sorry to hear the nerves are still giving you problems. The house sitting sounds like a nice change of pace.

Aly- Bliss Monkey Studio said...

Hi Nicol (am I spelling that right?), I've just read through the story backwards, heart thumping. I never went in for a diagnosis, but I know I had tendonitus in my hands and arms. I was sewing for a futon company, doing custom covers and pillows...miles and miles of zipper, piping on industrial machine. THe numbness, weakness, shaking, and burning! I cringe to think of it.

I did my own research too. Did lots of accupuncture, wore posture corrective wrist braces, rearranged the way I worked, cut fabric, sat at the machine, ate well and it went away! I give the accupuncture a lot of the credit. When I'd feel a little tingle come back, I'd have an accupuncture tune up. REally worked for me. I eventually quit that job because it was hard on my body, and went back to costuming and other more creative persuits with more movement variety. And I always watched my posture and wrists!

That was years ago, I sew every day, for my own business, with no troubles. Knock on wood. And this is a good discussion for all of us!

I wish you speedy healing. Do all the things you wrote about wanting to do to care for yourself. Yoga is good stuff!!! I'll try to check backin and see how accupuncture goes for you.

Cheers,
Aly

suze said...

Hey there Nichol!
Yoru new doll is great. Glad you are feeling a little better.
Take care-
suze:)

Susan said...

Hang in there. You know we are here for you. Hugs.

Hello, I'm Sally. said...

That cockatiel is great! Love the detail.

Glad you are taking it easy but still able to do a little creating.

I love the orange flavored cranberries too! One of my must haves.

Thanks for the heart felt advice.