My Mom (97) still wants to sew and crochet etc. She has arthritis in her hands and can't. What can I do?

thanks for the idea

If it is arthritis pain that is causing the problem, she might consider having some sessions with an acupuncturist to get pain relief.

thanks, i'm going to see if i can find one

get her a visit with an occupational therapist - they may have lots of joint conservation strategies as well as gadgets and/or alternative activities that will be enjoyable and productive for her.

thanks for the ideas, i'll see what i can find

The only thing I can think of is using pieces of rug canvas and a big blunt needle with thick yarn. you will have to thread the needles but she may be able to manage something like cross stitch or even a tapestry stitch if you can draw a simple pattern on the canvas. maybe she would like to try her hand at painting. she could use a palatte knife and you might have another grandma Moses on your hands. Even finger painting or use those big plastic "rubber: stamps. Our doller store carries those..

There are also available, fingerless elastic gloves that are supposed to be good at alleviating cramps in your hands. You can get them just about anywhere that sells sewing supplies. They are called Handeze Craft Gloves.

My grandmother enjoyed making items on a small loom when she could no longer see to crochet. Have you tried any of the craft kits available at Michaels? Some of the kid's kits are quite nice, not too childish. If she still wants to try to knit or crochet then using extra large hooks/needles would really speed the project along. If she can manipulate them at all it is good therapy to use her hands as long as she doesn't over do. I like the idea of making granny squares, she can just keep putting finished squares in a big bag to make into something "some day", who cares if that day never comes as long as she is happy? And any that are less than perfect can probably be discarded without her noticing.

There are crochet needles made for arthritic hands. They are padded or shaped better or something. I don't crochet so I don't know how much of a difference they'll make, but it might be worth checking out. The source I've seen them at is Herrschners. Once you look at them there, you might find other sources too.

As far as the sewing goes, try larger and self-threading needles. Cross stitch might be easier with the larger holes (smaller count) fabrics. Can she still use a sewing machine?

I had a thought about crocheting. She could make grannie squares. Doing that, you are working with smaller sized pieces that you sew together to make the afghan. Or she could make dishrags. That way it would a more manageable size and weight. Good luck!