6 Ways to Take Care of Your Craft Hands

This week is a extreme busy week for me but I wanted to republish one of my favorite blogs I wrote in learning on how to take care of my hands.
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Sometimes, my fingers and hands hurt from long period of crocheting. I am learning now to listen to these pains because if not, it will intensify and get worse with time

1. Change your hooks.  I usually use aluminum hooks. I now have various hooks such as wooden hooks, hooks with wide base even plastic hooks. I normally now use plastic hooks with heavier yarn.

2. Take a break. About every 10 minutes - stop. Stretch your hand out wide. Touch each finger to your thumb and stretch back out. Do it often,

3. Hot water soak for your wrists are extremely helpful. About every hour, stop and soak hands and wrists in hot water for about 5 - 10 minutes.

4. Change how you hold your hook. If you currently hold it like a knife, try more like a pencil or vice-versa. Keep changing off between positions.

5. If all fails, Pain reliever - which is an inflammation reducer may help but you don't want to take too much of either. Toxicity can build from these medications and you can damage your liver.

6. If all fails, take a few days off and let the pain subside.

Just do not ignore the pain.

Enjoy!

Express yourself with handmade! Nnenna Pastor is a crochet designer and instructor. Other places to visit Neki Naturals are http://neki.etsy.com and join Neki Naturals on facebook @ http://www.facebook.com/NekiNaturals

Happy Weekend

Since Blogger was down for most of the week, I was unable to post a blog.

I want to wish you a great and enjoyable weekend. Talk to you next week!


Express yourself with handmade! Nnenna Pastor is a crochet designer and instructor. Other places to visit Neki Naturals are http://neki.etsy.com and join Neki Naturals on facebook @ http://www.facebook.com/NekiNaturals

Happy Mother's Day

From my heart to yours, Happy Mother's Day! In the middle of all the chaos, cleaning,laundry, cooking and playing with the family, may you find moments of peace, indescribable joy, giddy with contentment and abundance of thanksgiving! Enjoy Mother's day and every day of the year!


Hugs!

8 Helpful Ways to Maximize Time and Complete Crochet(Knitting) Projects

Crocheting Projects can be short or long depending on the complexity of the project. I have found myself sometimes so distracted that a 2 hour project becomes a day or two days project.  Time is a finite resource and as the saying goes Time is Money and Money is Time. Precious time wasted inhibits us from accomplishing more than one project and am sure guilty of that.  With a toddler, a full time job and a home to maintain,   need to ensure that I am able to crochet as well spend quality time with my family.

Here are some ways to ensure that I have learned to maximizing my time and complete my projects. These helpful tips can apply to knitting or any craft project.

1. Plan your project - Pick a project and  make sure you have the instructions. If you are designer, ensure that you have all your research done before you begin. Buy all your materials needed for the project. It is more economical if you have everything you need than trying to head back to the store when you run out of a material .

2. Read : Read the instructions thoroughly probably twice or more. Have additional Books to help you understand the stitches and abbreviations if necessary.

3. Schedule Time: On your daily calendar, schedule the time for crocheting and stick to it. This works for me and it ensures me that I am making progress in my project.

4. Pick a location: Pick a location that inspires you to crochet. If you need to look out the window, pick a spot where you can see the windows. If you need to watch television, pick the family room or fun room.

5. Have all Materials Handy: When you start your project, ensure that all your materials are in one place. So you do not have to run around looking for  a material and get distracted.

6. Turn off all noisy distraction: I need some type of music or inspirational program while I am crocheting and I try to turn everything else off. No phone calls, no facebook, no twitter, no unscheduled breaks.

7. Schedule a break- If you plan to crochet for a couple of hours, schedule a break for yourself. It is important to relax your fingers, get up and mover around, grab something to eat and pat yourself on the progress of your project.

8. Have Fun - Always try to remember  the reason for crocheting and have fun with it. For me, I am usually impatient because I want to see the finished product.

Enjoy!

Express yourself with handmade! Nnenna Pastor is a crochet designer and instructor. Other places to visit Neki Naturals are http://neki.etsy.com and join Neki Naturals on facebook @ http://www.facebook.com/NekiNaturals