Arthritic Collectors

Mine is getting worse everywhere; my typing should show that! See below from about.com:

Arthritis and Doll Collecting
Changes, Products and Strategies for Collectors Affected by Arthritis
By Denise Van Patten, About.com Guide
.See More About:arthritissewing for dollscleaning for dollsbuying and selling dolls online
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Recently, I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. If you are a fellow sufferer of any form of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthrits, or any of the other over one hundred forms of arthritis) , you know how arthritis can affect nearly all of your activities, especially if your hands or any joints in your arms are affected.

If you are a doll collector, simple tasks that you used to accomplish without thought become more difficult due to the arthritis. For instance, sewing costuming for your dolls, either by hand or machine can be affected, as can repair of doll clothing. Cleaning and maintaining your doll collection also may require special strategies; even going on the computer to research, buy and sell dolls. Lifting and managing heavier dolls can be a nightmare, which affects the ability to display and manage a collection. This article will provide some strategies and product ideas that can help you if this is your situation or the situation of a fellow collector, family member, or doll club member. This article does not provide medical strategies or help, for that, please visit Carol Eustice's wonderful and comprehensive site on Arthritis and Joint Conditions.


Doll Research, Buying and Selling on the Computer


Typing on a computer can be painful if you have arthritis, and it can also aggravate your arthritis symptoms in your hands arms, and even legs if you are not sitting right. The number one thing you need to do when doll surfing on your computer is be sure that you have an ergonomic setup at your keyboard, with particular attention paid to the position of your hands and wrists. Additionally, I have found Imak Arthritis Gloves to be wonderful to wear while on my computer, especially during a flare-up. These gloves offer mild, soothing compression and warmth, while leaving the fingertips open to type freely. Another simple thing you can do is to take frequent breaks to prevent stiffness from setting into your joints (you can use the breaks to get up and enjoy your dolls!).


Sewing for Dolls and Arthritis


One of the most frustrating things I've had to deal with from my Rheumatoid Arthrisis has been difficulty in sewing for my dolls and also doing needlework, such as Victorian Ribbonwork, which is one of my specialities. Formerly simple actions like threading a needle are more complicated now. Luckily, there are tools and products that can help with many sewing problems as well. For instance, I now use a Clover Needle Threader. There are many other needle threading devices available; if you are lucky enough to have a fabric store near you, you can visit the store and try several out to see which one works best for you; if not, many are available online.


Scissors Recommended by the Arthritis Foundation


Another difficulty in doing sewing and needlework for dolls may come from operating scissors for cutting of fabrics, trims, and threads. There are several specialty scissors available, but my favorite one is a Fiskars Scissor that is recommended by the Arhtritis Foundation. This scissor cuts with very little pressure and is easy on the hands.


Cleaning and Maintaining Your Doll Collection if you Have Arthritis


Cleaning and Maintaining your doll collection requires dexterity and strength--which can sometimes be in short supply if you are struggling with Arthritis on a day to day basis. Again, there are tools and strategies that can help with this. For instance, dust is the nemesis of most doll collectors, but gripping cloths and dusters can be difficult for arthritis patients. If so, I recommend dusting gloves! You slip them on your hands, and you can dust with no gripping needed at all. For moving heavy dolls, plan to have a family member or friend help.


Do You Have Other Solutions and Strategies You Use?


If you have other solutions or strategies you use to cope with arthritis or other mobility or medical issues that affect your collecting, please let us know in the comments to this article blog!

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