Jul 20, 2017

TURNABOUT IS FAIR PLAY

I've been accused of being an enabler.

(Cue the footage of me clutching my pearls, gasping in horror, fanning myself with my program, and then giggling hysterically.)

Now it's your turn to get me down the stitchy garden path.

For several months now I have contemplated a lap stand.  My poor left arm just ain't what it used to be, and as I get closer and closer to the day when I am going to be in the dialysis chair for hours at a time, I think it's probably wise to narrow down my decision.

But what kind do I get?

My first criteria is that I have to be able to get to the back of my work quickly and easily and possibly with one hand. (My left arm will be immobile, full of needles, and hooked up to a machine.)  Ideally that means something that just holds my piece without clamps, screws, bolts, or fairy wings.

I also have the unfortunate issue of not really having a "lap" per se, and the propensity for getting a little seasick if my project isn't steady when I work on it, i.e., not loosey goosey and flopping all over the place.  This makes me think I might want a "sit on" frame, but...see question above.

Finally...the damn thing needs to be portable enough that I won't require a sherpa to get it in and out if a car, up and down stairs, or in and out of a stylishly made tote bag (that is the next thing I will have to purchase for these adventures).  I'll be toting this thing four days a week, kids.  Probably don't want one that weighs as much as me.  Or a small country.  Whichever is heavier.

So talk amongst yourselves, please, and get back to me.  If you have a magic bullet and wouldn't mind sharing a picture or where you purchased said bullet, my pitiful little heart would be most grateful and forever in your debt.  More than I am already.

36 comments:

  1. Good luck with finding your perfect frame.......in the meantime, you could write up a list of all the things you need to cart about and start designing a personalised tote to sew yourself.....custom made....woo hooo, a Designer (that would be you ) Tote made from the perfect fabric.
    The size can be considered when you have your frame.

    Start a stash dive now if you have fabric or have a lovely browse next time you are in a fabric shop...happy designing !

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  2. Hi Coni - Vonna The Twisted Stitcher has recently-ish switched to a lap stand of the type you may be looking for. Check her blog, perhaps her 25 Days of Christmas? all the info is there. I believe you can put ant type of frame on it. Best wishes with everything.

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    1. I have this stand that gonna uses. However, it is very heavy, and very wide. I like it, but would not try to tote it around.

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  3. https://thetwistedstitcher.blogspot.com/2015/12/day-16.html

    Interesting article!

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  4. https://thetwistedstitcher.blogspot.com/2016/12/day-8.html

    I bet this is the one Colleen meant!

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  5. I bought this stand a few months ago and adore it. I have limited mobility in all my upper body joints and this stand is perfect. Folds flat for travel (with your stitching in it), is not heavy.

    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01BD2HFVK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

    One problem: it only works for linen. I haven't actually tried canvas with it, but I suspect it would be too stiff. I use the Doodler for canvas but it's not as easy to use and isn't as portable:

    https://www.amazon.com/Images-Stitchery-Design-DOOD-Doodler/dp/B002I6XM86/ref=pd_sbs_201_1?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B002I6XM86&pd_rd_r=6RMJVYMKEEK33PFDCJTM&pd_rd_w=2kdU1&pd_rd_wg=6Gd2Y&psc=1&refRID=6RMJVYMKEEK33PFDCJTM

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  6. Coni
    If you get pics of frames please post them. Also if you'll be toting a lot of things you may want a light weight small wheeled tote the type the kids use in school
    Just a thought
    BlessingS
    Baa who is feeling blaa

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  7. Not to throw a wrench into hours and hours of "forced" stitching, but maybe you should think about stitching at dialysis only twice a week, and reading the other times, so as not to injure your right hand? Or maybe even watch a movie once a week?

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  8. And I agree about the wheeled tote. I carry books to sell to the used book store in mind so I don't have to cajole my kids to go with me as sherpas....

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  9. The System Four Travel floor stand sounds like something you should look into. It weighs 4-5 pounds and telescopes for travel. However, you need to know if it will fit under or besides your stitching chair and what types of clamps you will need and how easy they allow you to flip your work. I don't have one of these so I cannot answer this. Here are two sites with more information--http://www.stitchers-paradise.com/Stands/NS4s.html plus http://nimbleneedlenj.com/product/needlework-system-4-travel-mate-floor-stand-2/

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    1. This is the system I bought for my mother when she took a bad fall and injured her left arm and hand. She liked it. But I don't think she ever tried to take it to chemo with her. Whether that was by choice or because it wasn't allowed, I don't know.

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  10. Check out K's lap frame. Love mine, sturdy, light weight, potable without taking it apart and only one knob to turn to get to the back. Good luck finding the one that suits you best.

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  11. Coni, the sit-on lap stand by Lacis is very portable and if you would like to see my video of it, this is the post to copy and paste.
    https://samplers-and-santas.blogspot.com/2015/07/grey-roots-video-presents_24.html
    I really like the stability of a sit-on, and it can be ordered in 12" or 14" hoops. Nicely made and very reasonable.

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    1. Marley, the link on your page doesn't work for me - the iPad link.

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    2. I didn't know that! At the time I made it, that was the only setting for iPad. Since the laptop holding the file died last year, I can't even access to possibly change it. I'm sorry!

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  12. Coni, I am an avid user of the System 4 Floor Stand that Jane from Chilly Hollow mentioned above. Depending upon the room I am in and the project, I will sit in either a dining room chair or a recliner. It works very well with either. I can even set it up next to my own big girl sleigh bed so I can stitch in bed. I regularly take it to class. I don't have the travel stand, but the regular floor stand is very portable (unless you want to get through airport security -- hard to carry on a plane without the telescoping travel variety.) You can also use the clamp from the floor stand to attach to the lap stand (lap parts sold separately.) I find the lap portion too heavy for me. I have friends who swear by it. They tend to use it on a table instead of a lap. I can turn my canvas with 1 hand, carefully, to get to the back. It adjusts to hold various sizes of canvases and bars. I have not tried it with q-snaps because I don't use them. The downside is that it is pricey. However, I have tried many other stands -- lap & floor -- in the past and am so happy with this one that I don't think I'll ever go back. I do not work for the company or receive any remuneration for my endorsement. Now, back to your regular programming. Susan

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  13. Coni, I would recommend you wait until you actually go through a couple of treatments first before deciding. I went to my first chemo treatment with a suitcase full of stitching, books, headphones, DVD's, snacks, complete makeup kit, contacts and glasses, the kitchen sink - and never even opened it. Between prep time, visitors, volunteers bearing chocolate and soft drinks, nurses checking every 5 minutes, I barely had time to glance at the tv. The next time, I brought a book in my purse and never looked at it. Although I continued to take one. In other words, don't be too prepared, especially if you'll be limited in your ability to load/unload, setup/breakdown, etc. And your bed/chair will be totally surrounded by large buzzing, beeping, flashing machines. Not to be a downer, but you won't be in your happy chair in your living room. You'll be in a very crowded, busy, noisy, public space. Stitching may not be the best option, because it requires so much baggage and accessories. Naps are always good!
    Have you seen where the treatment will be? That might help you decide how to pass the time. My treatments were 4-5 hrs. And they went by in a flash!
    You have a lot to think about! Best of luck to you.

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    1. You said what I would have said, only yours is from real life experience. I also am leery of the idea of sitting on a stand for the length of a treatment.

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    2. I was thinking checking out what kind of chair and space will be available for stitching and supplies would be wise. How much time would be available never even crossed my mind.

      I don't have a lap stand, and only a cheap wood discount store floor stand, so I have no words of wisdom or recommendation on stands.

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    3. And what about lighting in the treatment area?

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  14. I have a K's creations Z lap stand. It holds stretcher bars, or hoop. It is good for smaller projects, with one knob to loosen and flip the work over. K's creations also makes a larger Original lap stand for larger projects. Keeping you in prayers.

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  15. I have the system floor stand as well as the K creation lap stand love them both. The K stand come in different sizes and I had the medium as well as the large.

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  16. I just had another thought, if you use the plastic clamp bars the System 4 has an attachment for that, there are several attachments you add, I have the scroll frame and the light holder.

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  17. Coni, I just started a needlepoint pillow. My very first attempt at needlepoint and I have it on stretcher bars. After 2 days of horrible pain in my back and shoulders and lots of cussing, it is not on my K's. My arms are not long enough and my hands HATED me from holding it. I love and live with my K's for stitching, so why not needlepoint. PERFECT! You can get the largest lap frame they make. Not only will all your project fit, it will rest on the arms of your happy chair or any chair, hence, no lap is required. And if you learn the PIN STITCH you will never have to flip your piece to start or end a thread.

    Regardless of whether you use this for your trip for treatment, the K's is fabulous. Folds flat, easy to lug around and store and it will give your arm a rest.

    Only the best, my dear. Thinking of you constantly.

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  18. I have the Needlework System 4 floor stand that I use at home, and this http://www.123stitch.com/item/Ks-Creations-Z-Lap-Frame/KC-ZFCL which I use when traveling. I don't put it in my lap--I set it on a table. Perhaps the dialysis room could provide you with a hospital bed table to set it on? It's a great stand and I've been very happy with it.

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  19. My experience from visiting a friend from college when she did her dialysis was that she was in a recliner an had a hospital table beside her. There was an overhead light just for her little area but overall the lights were kept dim. Lots of folks napped, some read. She usually listened to music with headphones until I got there. She went 3 times a week but I could only come once a week. SOmeone else mentioned waiting until he did a few and I would agree. Maybe just a book and portable music for the first few. Get yourself adjusted first. Make friends with the various nurses - see who would let you bring the "kitchen sink" and who is more strict. See how tired it makes you. Best of luck.

    JHM

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  20. I also use the system 4, and I love it, though I have never taken it with me anywhere...it folds up pretty small, but to be honest I can't see you carrying it down stairs or into somewhere, as it is made of metal and can be heavy if you are feeling weak. I do like the fact that I can use it whether sitting in a recliner or on the couch.
    Good luck

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  21. This floor stand is for sale on ebay--it's hinged in several places, making it at least appear that it can be folded and transported in a fashionable tote bag. Here's the link: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Embroidery-Hoop-Craft-Stand-Needlework-Lap-Frame-Stitch-Adj-Wooden-Sewing-NEW-/131902815285
    If someone already mentioned this one in their comment, my apologies. Thinking of you and praying for you.

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    1. Actually, what others have been saying about getting the lay of the land first sounds like the best idea--and I re read your post about the need for there not to be nuts/screws/bolts, all of which this has. So never mind, except still thinking of and praying for you.

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  22. Judy O'Dell sells a terrific lap stand and also a floor stand. She has videos on her site showing her using them. http://www.justathought.net/bl/?cat=15
    http://www.justathought.net/bl/?cat=14

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  23. I hope you are able to find one that works for you to make dialysis as comfortable as possible for you. Hugs!

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  24. I LOVE my Lowery stands. Needle needs "Necessaire" might be easier but pricey or the Stitchmaster...

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  25. Get a JAT stand. (Just a Thought). She has a Facebook page and you can send her a email.

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  26. judyodell@comcast.net. (JAT stand)

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  27. Just a thought.... I would check with the dialysis folks and see if bringing stitching is physically possible. I think it would depend on the space around each chair. Would they allow a floor stand? They probably want the area as uncluttered as possible in case of emergency. Perhaps dialysis could be your reading time? Your stitching is fantastic! Have you checked to see if you can order on line and get delivery from your grocery store? Take care!

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