I’ve often felt so happy cross stitching that time has passed by without my being aware of it. That is one of the pleasures of cross stitch, as we all know.
Have ever felt as if your eyes were burning or aching after a stitching session? Perhaps you have a stitching deadline to meet and needed to finish a project by the end of the evening - or maybe you just got so carried away that you continued stitching into the night?
We know that looking after our eyes is very important. Eyestrain can produce painful headaches and stress. There are some tips, however, that can help us to look after that most precious stitching tool – eyesight – and save us from pain and tired eyes.
1. Eye Tests. Yes – you guessed this one! But just because it is obvious, that doesn’t mean that you can disregard it. As adults, our eyesight is likely to deteriorate over time, and we need to keep aware of other eye conditions that may affect out ability to see. Go for regular tests, and take advice from your eye specialist. A new eye-glasses prescription can work wonders for your stitching pleasure.
2. Light up your work. Either work in good daylight where that is possible, or invest in a daylight lamp. This is so much better than traditional home lighting. Daylight lamps are designed to reduce eyestrain and allow you to see the colours clearly, which is perfect for stitchers who need to see subtle differences between colours.
Now for two great exercises to soothe your eyes:
1. Far Distance Focus. Every few minutes, get up and move away from your stitching. Do some stretches, and make yourself a drink. Sit quietly, and look at four points in the farthest part of the room, or out of a window. Gaze softly, shifting from one point to the next. Avoid jerking your focus from one point to the next one; move your focus slowly and gently for a few minutes. Relax and enjoy these moments.
2. Palming. This is very relaxing. Sit at a table and prop up your elbows on cushions to relax your shoulders. Rub your hands together to warm them. Then place your palms on your cheekbones and put your hands over your eye orbits, placing the pressure on your elbows. This prevents the light from entering your eyes. Open your eyes into the darkness made by your cupped palms over them, and relax. Breathe deeply, and feel the tension go from your eyes.
These exercises are easy to incorporate into stitching sessions – and also for computer use, reading and other close craft work too. I hope you’ll find them helpful.
Happy Stitching!
Iona
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