Sunday, October 4, 2015

Like An Itch

...I can't scratch!

I just cannot put the needle down, and consequently I have not tatted as many motifs as I had wanted to. They are boring me to distraction; that means Armenian Lace practice instead!

Here's the JS progress:


Here is all I've managed all morning with the needle:

#30 DMC

It is so tiny and though I'm getting the feel for it, those centre petals are a bugger to get consistent; much more difficult than tatting. Spacing is critical and I'm going to have to just keep practicing, but not on the larger thread. No!

Aunt Lydia #10 thread has already been re-homed. Awful stuff! I should have known; use only the best thread you can for satisfactory results. Hrmphhhh.

Lastly, all this thread work has hastened the season of the splitting thumbs. Oh, it does smart! This year I tried to be proactive, as I had heard good things about the "liquid bandage" products.

This brand makes it somewhat easier to bear, but it's not totally effective either.

Anyone got a better idea? 
Hand cream just doesn't cut it. 
So to speak.
: )

13 comments:

  1. I put coconut oil on my sore fingers before I go to bed. It does seem to help.

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  2. Fox, about your hands... have you tried Corn Huskers Lotion? I find it works on my cracked hands and feet and the good thing about it is that it is non greasy which means you can use it while doing your lovely thread work.

    Sarah


    Sarah

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  3. Thanks, Diane and Sarah. I'll check these out but I think Working Hands is stronger than both and I need even more strength in a product than that! The cracks are DEEP!

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  4. Your AL trials are getting better & better ! Love how this one has turned out :-))
    Sorry about the cracks - I remember you asked about it last year.
    You must've already, but just in case - have you tried going 'back to basics' -- petroleum jelly (you can apply at night & wear gloves ... for few days till all heals) OR beeswax mixed with coconut oil. Gently melt to make 'ointment' , store in bottle ; apply deep within the cracks for few days. My mom's heels had developed brutal cracks once & she finally used this wax & oil combo till it healed completely. Never happened again. And she didn't even have beeswax then - used normal white candle wax !
    And take a break from using your fingers for just a few days till healing starts. I know that can be Extremely difficult, but sometimes a short break is better for longevity.
    All the best
    Hugs

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Muskaan. I’ll try the petroleum jelly first. Easier. Coconut oil does nothing for my fingers - great on the hair though!

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  5. Congrats! I don't know where the post went but yay!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Michelle! Just got back from the fair and thought I’d wait till tomorrow, but I can’t! : ))

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  6. Hi Fox
    I confess, I crazy-glue the cracks in my hands together and just keep working until they heal. Maybe the "New Skin" will work better. The only thing that breaks open the cracks is a long time in the dishwater.
    Mama Martin

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    Replies
    1. OMG! Crazy Glue? You are brave.

      I am such a klutz with that stuff, I'd probably glue my fingers together! Thanks for the giggle!

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  7. I have tried this and it stings bad and the glue gets sticky and collects lint and is not good. I use Vaseline at night. and a special band aid Cant remember the name off hand.
    Your work looks great and the needle tatting is going well for you look great!

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  8. Your JS piece is growing more awesome every day!! :)
    Very pretty Armenian lace piece!! :)

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  9. Fox, I struggle with this all the time. get some Calendula oitment for the cracks to expedite healing. Then use vaseline with gloves on at night, every night. It will keep it from happening.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Helen. Thanks! I'm actually finding that New Skin stuff to be working. Gloves don't work for me as I take them off in my sleep! I'll try the Calendula cream... : )

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