Sew Healthy and Happy

A new book has crossed my desk for a May feature, curtesy of C&T Publishing. It's called Sew Healthy and Happy by Rose Parr (affiliate link).

At first glance, I thought this book was about setting up a sewing space with the correct ergonomics. But I found out it's much more than that!

Determined to thoroughly investigate this book, I sat down, opened it up, and ultimately read (and participated with) each page.

As seen in the Table of Contents below, the book starts out with ergonomics, otherwise known as working comfortably and efficiently.

There's how to find the proper height for the cutting table, the ironing board, and the sewing desk or machine. And yes, I did pull out my measuring tape to check to see what height my sewing stations were at and if they needed any adjustments. Suggestions for adjusting are also given in Sew Healthy and Happy, in case I needed them. Fortunately, my stations are just right for me!

At the Sew Healthy and Happy Amazon affiliate link, 'look inside' at a few of book's pages. One of those pages goes over the height for a cutting table, something I did not know. Check it out, plus find a couple more suggestions on ways to sew happy.

After the ergonomics section, the second focus of Sew Healthy and Happy are the stretches. As quilters, we spend a lot of time sitting in front of our machines, which is not good for our overall health. A look at the second page of the Table of Contents shows stretches, healthy habits, and recipes to help us be our best.

It was the stretches section that really had me sold on this book. While I already do some of the stretches as a daily routine, there were several more that I plan to incorporate, especially the ones for the hands and wrists.

As I've gotten older, my wrists have become more susceptible to pain and inflammation. Some of it has to do with muscle loss in my shoulders due to radiation therapy years ago, which causes my arms and hands to be held differently. And some of it has to do with computer over-use. Whatever the cause, I've notice a decrease in wrist flexibility, especially when writing.

I was surprised and delighted to see over eight pages that Sew Healthy and Happy devoted to stretches for the back, shoulders, wrists, and hands, areas that I am very conscious of. My plan is to try and incorporate these not only into a daily routine, but as a stretching break throughout the day.

Of course, I should also incorporate those stretches for the hips, quads, and hamstrings - those areas are getting stiff from standing a lot. My - I have a lot of stretching to do!

As for the smoothie recipes - already doing that! Yes, though a green smoothie made with spinach, kale, greek yogurt, etc, may look and sound unappetizing, it tastes pretty good! Gotta thank my Ninja blender system with Auto IQ for making a great smoothie!  

Bonus info: sprinkled on all the pages of this book are quilting tips and tricks from well-known quilters - what more could one ask for?

So, to wrap up, if you want to be kind to yourself by preventing injuries and improving not only your health but also your quilting enjoyment, I recommend getting your hands on a copy of Sew Healthy and Happy. You're body will thank you!

Happy Quilting!

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