If you're anything like me, you might tend to get a wee bit frantic when you're on a deadline. I have just under three weeks til Christmas and I'm very far behind. (I do have back up plans so it's not that big of a deal, but still).
My current project is on very tiny needles. Size US 2/2.75 mm to be exact. That's small. It's about the size of a fat toothpick. It is the only project I have been working on for 2 weeks now. And last night I noticed that my fingers were starting to hurt really bad. So in light of that, here a few tips to avoid seriously hurting yourself while you knit for the holidays - or any time!
- Take frequent breaks. I usually knit while we're watching shows on Hulu so I try to put my knitting down and take a break for a few minutes about half way through the show if I can. Also if you have been sitting for a long period of time, get up and walk around. You'll feel better.
- Switch between projects with different size yarn and needles frequently. This is one I need to do myself. By having a change of size every once in a while you will be less likely to cramp up because your fingers won't be stuck the same positions for so long.
- Sit comfortably. Many people think that any problems will involve just your hands, but you can also find problems in your back and legs as well. Try to sit comfortably, with good support.
- Try a different method. I'm finding that, for me, small needles and the English method are not going well together. I have been trying out the Lever, or Cottage style knitting and my hands are much happier that way. Or try continental. Switch it up. You don't always have to use the same style of knitting. Practice tension on swatches. Plus knowing different techniques will only make you a better knitter.
- If you are starting to feel pain: STOP. Don't keep going. You could risk seriously injuring yourself. Put down the knitting and leave it alone for a day. If you come back tomorrow and are still hurting, leave it for longer and give your limbs time to heal. No Christmas present is worth the possibility of never being able to knit again because you were just too stubborn. Avoid taking pain medication - you'll still be doing damage, you just won't feel it.
With these tips in mind, I'm going to work on some other projects for awhile. With big fat needles. My plan for one project a week didn't work. But that's ok. I think my hands will be happier this way.
Merry Knitting!
