Wednesday, December 9, 2015

On weaving with a broken arm

Here's how to weave:
Step on a treadle, open a shed.
Throw the shuttle, catch it on the other side.
Use the hand that threw the shuttle to pull the beater into the weft.
Repeat with the other hand.

Here's how to weave with my broken arm:
Step on a treadle, open a shed.
Throw the shuttle left to right, with broken arm.


Put the shuttle in left hand, in order to use right hand to beat warp.


Put shuttle back in right hand, throw to left, catch in left hand,while beating warp with right hand.


Anyone who had done a job that requires a rhythm will see the broken beat here.
I can throw the shuttle left to right and catch it coming back if I do not lift my wrist or forearm from the breast beam.
I cannot raise my left arm high enough and far enough to reach the beater.

My left hand caught the shuttle in the picture below, but cannot rise and move left to make the return throw properly.

I have spent three days trying to weave, and can keep at it a little longer each day.
I have made half a ninety inch scarf.


Emily bailed on me. Teenagers!
Back at it tomorrow, after physical therapy.



On a happier note,
I put on a bra today, for the first time in six weeks.

26 comments:

  1. Six weeks! That's good; that means only 2 more weeks incapacitated??? Then I'm sure there will be some therapy to get everything "loosened" up again. That is persistence on your part to try to at least make an attempt at it!

    betty

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  2. I think you should rest until your arm has healed. I'm a little disappointed in Emily.

    Love,
    Janie

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    1. Thanks, Janie; you're a sweetheart. The orthodo thinks I should be able to lift my arm much higher. He's much younger than I; he's clueless. The PT is pleased with my mobility, so we just call it loom therapy.
      I think I'm through raising teenagers after this lot!

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    2. Your orthodo sounds a bit like one of my eye hospital staff who thinks I would be able to read better if I concentrated. She doesn't even wear glasses!

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  3. Beautiful scarf for a broken arm. I think your ability to do what you do is really incredible. I have never known anyone who does what you do.

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  4. The scarf is looking lovely, I can't quite believe you're doing this with a broken arm! If I hadn't seen the pictures, I'd be sceptical.
    Hooray for managing a bra.

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  5. Why? You have to heal and take care of YOURSELF in order to take care of others. Please, Joanne, in this case, time will dictate when you are completely well, and you can't rush that. You are such a good woman, but you must take care of yourself first.

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  6. Weaving sounds like excellent P/T. The colors are beautiful; be patient with yourself.
    My gr-daughter is entering that scary puberty stage. Teen years to follow.

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  7. Sounds like a strong woman adjusting to what's been handed to her to me. Amazing how we resettle, isn't it?

    I'm very sorry about your broken bone. Cheers to a quick healing.

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  8. I am happy that you are healing. You'll be back to your normal weaving in no time.

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  9. Awe and wonder. And your determination and your work.

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  10. Amazing lady. If the PT feels weaving is a good thing, then it's a good thing. You are probably a PT's dream patient, with your persistence and ability to push yourself to do more.

    Three cheers for wearing a bra! That right there must make you feel better. (At least, it would for me.)

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  11. I don't have any experience with the pros and cons of bra wearing but if it is a good thing then congrats. You are an artist for sure. One handed or two. I am impressed with your abilities. Heal fast and strong!

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  12. You are one persistent woman! Congratulations on your undergarments! -Jenn

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  13. 6-8 weeks for a break? Don't overdo it! Believe me! I know what I am talking about. But the scarf looks beautiful! And I know how you feel about getting on with it! Linda@Wetcreek Blog

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  14. Referring to the last line.....that must have been a relief.

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  15. I'm amazed you can do all that you do! Maybe Emily will come around... I think your young doctor isn't being realistic. (I love it that the audiologist who fits my hearing aids wears hearing aids himself... he KNOWS what it's all about!)

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  16. We use quite a lot without thinking how extraordinary that is - and how difficult when it doesn't work, as your arm right now. Heal well! (I sometimes use my left hand - being a both hander - just to train my brain - as it does; they researched that topic).

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  17. well, I wouldn't consider wearing a bra a happy note but then I don't have much to fill one. glad you are weaving again even if only just.

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  18. Pleased about the bra Joanne - that will have made you feel a bit better.
    I admire your perseverance with that weaving and I must say it looks lovely.

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  19. I couldn't do it with 2 good arms, I'm in awe. Congrats on getting a bra on again.

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  20. I don't wear a bra at all. No point in giving a reason why. Lol.

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  21. Six weeks without a bra! How liberating!! The weaving looks good!

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  22. Wow, I'm impressed with what you've done. xx

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  23. oh you are an inspiration, beautiful weaving

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  24. Oh no, you broke your arm? I'm so sorry. I hope it heals very quickly.

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