After about 5 or 6 years of struggling with a repetitive motion disorder (probably carpal tunnel syndrome) in my wrists it has gotten so bad that I'm having a hard time keeping up with my work load, especially over the summer when I work 16+ hours a week doing (mostly hand) sewing for the local musical theater.
It's a real shame and is really incredibly frustrating as well. Telling me not to sew is like saying I can't breathe. It's not just a thing I do or even a thing I love doing. I love archery but I only do it once a year or so. I love camping but I only do it four days in September, you know? Sewing is an absolutely essential part of how I see myself. An integral part of my self image. Not being able to do the dishes is bad, not being able to use a spoon is no fun, but not being able to sew is tortuous.
So right now I'm on all sorts of medications and seeing a physical therapist. After theater season I will probably be having surgery. Until then, expect my productivity to drop somewhat. I won't be posting new items quite as often as I usually do and my custom work is going to have to be cut down as well. I am still open to custom orders, but they will probably take me much longer than my usual half-the-quoted-time turn over. Shipments will still go out in quick time and I will still keep my turn over times posted for custom sized shop items like bras and skirts.
I'm pretty determined to get this over with as soon as possible and return to my life with as little pain (and attendant mental breakdowny-ness) as I can.
Keep tuned for updates!
