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As I've been making the minis here lately, I'm noticing a problem with neck and shoulder strain from working at the counter in my studio. The work counter space is a perfect working height for larger bears, but for these little ones, I'm either having to contort myself down to their level or else hold them up in the air, which doesn't always work. Did that make sense? 
Anyway, I'm wracking my brain trying to think of something to use that I can place on my counter for a raised working area. Being able to rest my elbows on the counter and still reach the top of this work 'station' would be ideal. So......any ideas anyone? :pray:
Posts: 1,836A physical therapist cringed when she saw my mini sewing posture :crackup:
She suggested holding the items up higher too. When I said it was more strain to do it that way she suggested putting 1-2 pillows across my lap and resting my elbows there. It's worked pretty well and the pillows don't negatively affect your elbows like a hard surface would (ever get that numbness or stinging in your elbow/forearm after typing for a while while resting on a hard surface?). One word of caution while sewing this way...cats think you're inviting them to sit on fluffy lap pillows and play with string, it's their world of course 
For work station height during assembly maybe one of those folding breakfast (in bed) trays, or a short child's stool, or something like that would work for you. (??) You might even just get away with a simple plastic storage container flipped upside down. I have an adjustable office chair in the studio, so I raise the chair up and down as I need to. It was on super sale at Staples a few years ago.
Hope something there helps you out!
:hug:
~Chrissi
Ah! Chrissi, you're brilliant!! :hug: :hug: Thank you!!! Try as I might, I was coming up blank with this one!
The breakfast tray sounds like it might be perfect.......a heavy duty one with folding legs would be awesome. I'll be hunting for one of those now! 
And if it doesn't have a non-slip type stuff on the legs, I can put something on it. My studio is rather small, so a folding work station that's easily stored is a plus as well.
The major problem I'm having is during the shading of the bears (I use oils and a tiny brush, so it takes me awhile), during some costuming, and also placing the eyes and eyelids. It's hard to hold up the bear during any of these.......I really need a surface I can hold the bear steady on instead. Come to think of it, I could use the raised work area when shading the feet on the bigger bears as well. For the majority of the sewing, I do tend to sit in my spot on the couch with a pillow on my lap and my work light over my shoulder. This was a natural progression as it's just comfy. Plus I can watch TV while I work!
When I planned my studio, I had the counter placed at the right height for sewing with the machine and working on the bigger bears. So, my adjustable chair is already set very low.......it doesn't go low enough to help the mini situation. Ah well......it's hard to plan for everything :doh: ......hmm, don't think I was even doing minis then. Anyway, I will just have to adapt!
Posts: 280This may sound a bit loopy, but I have one of those small, portable ironing boards. I can put that on my work table and it raises the height about 4 inches. When you are done, you can fold down the legs and it can be put away just about anywhere as it so flat and compact. It has rubber tips on the legs, so it doesn't slide around.
Hugs,
Luann
Not loopy at all Luann......ingenius really!! And I even have one of those :doh: That's another great idea that just might work. I'll have to give it a test drive!! Thanks!!! :hug: :hug:
MerBear OriginalsI have a lap board that I couldn't do without. I only hand sew and sit in an easy chair with my legs up. The lap board has a pellet filled cushion under it so it fits nicely on my lap and has a wooden lip which keeps items from rolling off. I've glued some magnet strips along one side of the lip and they hold my needles when I put them down. I got it at Bentleys and it was only about $10. I've seen them at other shops at $30!
Marion
For years I used a board across two adjustable trestles - you can buy them really cheaply in Ikea. Now I have treated myself to a (second-hand) Hermann Miller Aeron chair, which is as good as all the hype says and has reduced my bouts of migraine to a couple a month instead of at least one a week!! They are pricey, but there are also cheaper versions on the market - so you might want to check out chairs as well as adjusting your work station. I honestly can't praise this chair enough - I wish I had bought it years ago!!
Best wishes,
Christine
Tried the ironing board, but it wasn't quite tall enough........great idea though Luann! I did find something yesterday which I think will work wonderfully.........it adjusts to many different uses and the legs can be shortened as well if it is too tall. And if it doesn't work, we will definitely use it lots anyway. Here's a link to this awesome product : http://www.thebeddesk.com/
Have a quick look at the video and you'll see what all it can do! I have a bid in on one on ebay that ends this morning..........fingers crossed I get it!
Christine, I will definitely check out this chair you are speaking of...........can't afford a new chair right now, but possibly later on! Thanks!!
