Hi Jessie Knitting after a stroke is so problematical as it can be a hypertensive activity because of the need to stabilise the work. Knitting is an identity issue for inveterate knitters. They can feel very incomplete with empty hands. Ask her about knitting - what it means to her - how it makes her feel. Is her main individual social role connected with knitting? It may help just to have her knitting materials close at hand - to look, feel, remember and talk about it. Who does she knit for? Many knitters I know knit beautiful articles to raise money for the grandmothers in Africa who are raising their HIV-Aids orphaned grandchildren. The magic of creating fabric of predetermined shapes with a single strand is endlessly fascinating. Is meaning in her life dependent on the occupation of knitting? The European method is easier to manage with one hand as the right hand does more of the movement than in the English method. The left needle and yarn can be placed in a well supported left arm and hand with hand over hand assistance until a workable method is found. It will probably be necessary for someone else to do casting on and off. Medium size needles US 8-10 may be easiest. Wooden needles if they are available may help. I have not dealt with this in a long time bit I used to insist that the patient drop the work into her lap or into a totally supported position at the end of every row and relax with three deep breaths before continuing. For some it was enough that they had the chance to try. It helped to deal with the grief of all the losses and gave them something concrete to relinquish. For one it was the best possible meaningful rehab for the left hand and arm. She was an accomplished European knitter however. http://www.knittinghelp.com This site has very good teaching videos. Although the European style is sometimes called left handed knitting comparison of the videos for the same stitch show that the right hand does most of the movement in European and both hands move together in English. Check out both spool knitting and finger knitting. I just spent far too long exploring on the web. Spool knitting I was familiar with - finger knitting was a revelation. May be a lovely way to play with yarn or may be an insult even to suggest - depends on the person. Thanks for the chance to reminisce. Blessings, Joan 403 652 7928
-----Original Message----- From: otlist-boun...@otnow.com [mailto:otlist-boun...@otnow.com] On Behalf Of Jessie Perkovich Sent: October 28, 2009 6:59 PM To: otlist@otnow.com Subject: [OTlist] Knitting with one hand I have a patient who has had a stroke and only has use of her right hand. She has very little grasp with her left hand, she desperately wants to be able to knit again. Does anyone have any ideas? Thank you, Jessie _________________________________________________________________ Windows 7: Simplify your PC. Learn more. http://www.microsoft.com/Windows/windows-7/default.aspx?ocid=PID24727::T :WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-US:WWL_WIN_evergreen1:102009 -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.423 / Virus Database: 270.14.38/2467 - Release Date: 10/29/09 07:38:00 No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.423 / Virus Database: 270.14.38/2467 - Release Date: 10/29/09 07:38:00 -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com
