|
SOLUTIONS Editor's
Note: We so appreciate your overwhelming response to our first installment of 'Solutions." It was wonderful to hear from so many people, both members and non-members of the guild, who were enlightened by the information given and offered suggestions for future topics in this feature. Newsletter editors from several support groups around the country wrote to ask for permission to reprint this information. We feel that this series is serving its intended purpose in a wonderful way, and are grateful to Marilyn Silver for her hard work. Thank you for your warm response. |
|
|
The ideal situation while stitching is to sit comfortably, have good lighting, have both hands free to stitch, and have your tools and materials at hand. Adaptations may have to be made in order for the physically disabled stitcher to achieve this goal. Let's talk about "leaning" and "reaching." With weak trunk and upper extremities, sitting without support may be tiring or not possible. I must work with my arms on the armrests of my wheelchair for support. I also find that with a large canvas, I may grasp the stretcher bars alot or lean on the canvas in order to reach a particular area. So how can we solve the problem of providing comfortable support and keeping the canvas and fibers clean and undistorted? A frame is frequently a big help. What should we look for when considering a frame for someone using a wheelchair? With regard to floor frames, if it has two legs and a lower bar near the floor, the wheelchair footrests must be able to fit under or above the bar. If it is a single pedestal frame, the leg must be able to fit between the footrests and be close enough to the stitcher to minimize having to stretch to reach the canvas. The height of the floor frame must be considered as well as the angle at which the canvas will be held. The more flexibility, the easier it will be to achieve the best stitching position. I like to have my canvas high and as close to me as possible. I have one floor frame that fits over the wheelchair armrests and I can have my canvas as close to my body as I want. I cannot use a table frame in the usual way because I cannot keep my arms elevated without support. I have a frame that has a base and two sidebars to which the stretcher bars or scroll frame is attached. By lowering the frame's sidebars until they are perpendicular to me and extending them as far as possible, I can achieve a very workable position. If you try this, remember that in this position the frame may have a tendency to fall over and so will need to be anchored to the table by a weight, large clamps, or perhaps a box of rice. The size of the knobs that lock the frame into position may need to be altered. Perhaps exchanging them for wing nuts or drawer pulls may be just Even using a frame, I find that I still have a tendency to lean on my canvas. I therefore work with the stretcher bars attached to the top of the canvas. This helps to keep my arms off the stitched area and keeps the unstitched area untouched. With large canvases, such as Genny Morrow's "Wheels of Color" (see picture), I start my stitching in the middle and work out to the borders. If my arms do touch the canvas, they will not be on the stitched area. An artist's bridge might also be helpful. The one pictured is a transparent 24" x 3" shelf that can fit over the canvas and sits on the stretcher bars. It does not touch the canvas and permits you to see everything. It provides support and may help steady your hand. It also comes in 12" and 18" lengths. I have seen them advertised in art supply catalogues. However, a stick or ruler may do just as well. Remember, simple solutions are frequently the best. Look at your situation and utilize your own creativity in making your stitching environment as comfortable and productive as possible. |
|  |
 |
enough to permit the stitcher to independently use the frame.