...why I have trouble with my left hand, and how that affects my ability to tat split rings. So, here's the story...
Dec. 30, two years ago, I slipped on a patch of ice in my driveway. I broke my wrist in eleven places, and I had surgery on New Year's Eve. I have a t-shaped plate in my arm with eight screws holding it in place. Luckily, with great care from my doctor and several months of occupational therapy, I have the use of my left hand. I can't turn my left hand with the full range of motion that I have with my right, but I can tat, knit, and crochet as long as I don't overdo it. My left hand sometimes goes numb, and sometimes I just can't seem to get it warm. I can't always make my fingers work the way I want them to, and I don't have as much strength in my left hand.
Believe me, I'm not complaining! I am very grateful that I have the ability to do most of my favorite things with ease. I think maybe God was telling me I needed to slow down! So, I'll keep trying to do things like tat split rings, but if it doesn't happen, I'll be satisfied with seeing what all of my wonderful tatting friends are able to accomplish!
Thank you for sharing your story about your left hand! My right had has limited range of motion due to a joint fusing thanks to rheumatoid arthrits. I wish I could tat a split ring, but all my attempts have failed. Has nothing to do with my wrist, it is all in my head.
ReplyDeleteHave a great day!
That is quite a tale. Unlucky to have done the damage, but good luck that you can do so very much with it, after the accident.
ReplyDeleteFox : )
there are other many ways of doing split rings. You'll get it to where it works for yourself I'm sure, you are quite unstoppable when It comes to tatting I think.
ReplyDeleteDiane I knew you were out of commission when I first meet you, I didn't realize it was that bad though. Thank God you can still be an active crafter and haven't let this damper your spirit. I love your positive look on this.
ReplyDeleteWhat a story! I'm glad you've recovered.
ReplyDeleteRegarding split rings, are you using the dead spider method? If you are, you might want to try the other way, where you take the ring off your hand and flip it around. It's a bit more time-consuming, but much easier on the left hand, at least for me.
I remember when you broke your wrist but didn't know you broke it in eleven pieces! Ouch! That sounds smashed instead of broken! With all of the damage your wrist sustained, I wonder if you could be having carpal tunnel? Your symptoms sound very similar to mine, but mine is from typing, which is an occupational hazard for geeks. :)
ReplyDeleteJo :)
Oh My Diane! Broken in 11 places. That must have been a very painful experience, the break all the way through therapy. It's a wonder you can still tat.
ReplyDeleteI've often marveled at your incredible recovery from that accident and operation! Recalling your experience still freaks me out, and I try to be super careful walking on snow and ice! Of course, I gave up ice skating after my little 'mishap', and am grateful I didn't need surgery.
ReplyDeleteIt appeared from your prolific amount of tatting, knitting, cord tying, bobbin lace, etc.(!) not to mention all your other activities, that you weren't having any problems. However, it isn't surprising that you have some limitations.
I have a feeling you'll figure out way to do split rings.
I'm a little amused at the phrase "as long as I don't overdo"! I truly can't keep up with all your activities!!
Hands, wrists, ankles and feet are the worse things to break. The tatting is a great rehab exercise. I remember that you had a cast but didn't realise the extent of the damage.
ReplyDeleteOuch! but what great recovery. I too wondered if you could tat the split rings the other way, should be much the same as normal tatting.
ReplyDeleteTatting is great therapy, but only in moderation like everything else. Crafts are a potential health hazard! but the so is living.
OMG Diane! Thank goodness you've gotten through all that! Your work always amazes me Sweetie! Keep creating your wonderful goodies! Thanks for your visit, and good luck! xo Paulette
ReplyDeleteIn 11 places!! Who'd have thought that a wrist could accommodate for so many breaks.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you have recovered somewhat, and hope that the recovery continues.
Ok, I thought I was the only clutz around but you win. I've broken my left arm 5 times and my doctor said he was just going to cut it off the next time.
ReplyDeleteIt's a wonder you can do anything but I'm sure that tatting, knitting and crocheting are therapeutic to a point. I think if you overdo anything, you risk damage. Add an injury to it and you have a double risk...
I love your tatting and I would never have known you had a problem as much as you put out. It doesn't matter that you can't do the split ring but try doing the Single Shuttle Split ring. I just recently learned it and you can do the same thing with it as the Split Ring but you only need one shuttle. I wish I was there to show you, but try to find someone to teach you this method. It will open up alot more patterns for you.I'm glad you are doing better. hugs, Linda