Quilting With Ease

by: Laurie Currie  |  date: 02.26.2016

 

 

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Human beings are designed to move easily, freely and comfortably, and we have a built-in capacity for balance and poise in our posture. Yet how many of us really feel balanced, light and free in our bodies? Instead, here are some examples of what a lot of us experience as quilters. Do you identify with any of the following situations?

 

• You slouch or slump at you sewing machine (or computer or desk), even though you try not to.
• You become uncomfortable standing over your work table or ironing board, or while waiting in line at the fabric shop.
• You feel stiff bending down to the floor (Picking up dropped pins? Basting a quilt?) and then groan as you haul yourself back up to standing.
• Your sewing time is increasingly limited due to stiffness, pain or discomfort; perhaps from back, shoulder or neck pain, tension headache, pinched nerves, repetitive strain problems or other symptoms.
• You react to situations with excessive tension (I’ve got to finish this quilt/project by tomorrow!)
• You reach a creative standstill that you cannot seem to break through.
• You have a vague sense that you could be feeling and functioning better, but you’re not quite sure how to get there.

 

Many people believe there is little we can do short of medication, surgery or exercises to change the way we feel in our bodies. That is simply not true. Those approaches can be helpful, but there is another option available. If you identify with any of the situations above, you may want to consider having some lessons in the Alexander Technique.

 

Poor body use has a negative impact on how comfortable you are as you sit at your machine, maneuver the fabric with your shoulders, arms, and hands, stand over your ironing board, use your rotary cutter, and perform many other sewing tasks. Alexander lessons will give you the practical tools you need for improving your body use so you can quilt and sew with ease.

 

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You'll learn to identify harmful tension habits that are taking your body out of balance and undermining your ability to pursue your sewing passion without pain or discomfort. You'll learn how to stop doing those things, so your built-in capacity for natural, pain-free balance and poise can restore itself.

 

When I became a teacher of the Alexander Technique over 20 years ago I was not yet a quilter. Now that I've discovered quilting I want to be able to keep making quilts for the rest of my life. The Alexander Technique is helping me to do just that. It can do the same for you.

 

You can't hold the tools of the Alexander Technique in your hands, but you'll learn how to use what's perhaps the most important sewing tool – yourself – in the best possible way for sewing. You'll need the guidance of an Alexander teacher for a little while in order to acquire the tools. Once you get the hang of it, though, (and you will), you'll have those tools for the rest of your life. I wouldn't be surprised if they turn out to be your most favorite sewing tools of all!

Quilting With Ease

 

 

 

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