Low-Tech AT for Crochet

Transcript

1. Hands-on Learning Experience #2 - Part II: Crocheting Jasmine Gabriel and Tiera Palmisano OTD 8142: Occupational and Contextual Analysis September 15, 2024
2. Pictures
3. Sequencing and Timing 1. Make a slip knot with the yarn using both hands. (use a flat surface to steady the yarn) 2. Pick up the crochet hook with your dominant hand. 3. Hold the hook from the handle, place the hook portion through the loop and tighten the knot. 4. Hold the yarn with your nondominant hand (between index finger and middle to maintain tension). 5. Begin chain by using the hook to pull a piece of the yarn through the loop. 6. Once finished with a single crochet row, begin the chained row.
4. Videos Jasmine: This video is an example of what it was like when I would lose track of the number of stitches/mess up the type of stitch. I found myself getting very frustrated, but I powered through! https://youtu.be/L 8L1IyI5a2Y
5. Use as a therapeutic activity • Fine motor skills ◦ Intrinsic hand muscles ◦ Bilateral coordination • Cognitive skills ◦ Attention ◦ Memory • Stress management and relaxation strategy ◦ Frustration tolerance • Self-esteem and sense of achievement • Social interaction skills ◦ Group activity • Sensory stimulation/sensory processing skills ◦ Various types/textures of yarn • Use of Adaptive Equipment ◦ Built-up crochet hooks DIY built-up crochet hook using makeup sponges!
6. Barriers • Space Demand Barriers: - Barrier would be not enough lighting (inadequate lighting) - Quiet environment to help promote focus • Tool Barriers: - Stiff, difficult to work yarn - Small needle with little to no grip • Body Functions: - Attention, Joint Mobility, Emotional, Visual Function, Muscle Power
8. Reflections/Journal Entries Tiera: Starting a new occupation has been so enriching and provided me with a creative outlet to look forward to at the end of the day. I enjoyed crocheting in the evening after work, while my husband read me Middlemarch by George Eliot. However, I occasionally had to insist that he pause his reading when I became frustrated when I miscounted or made a mistake in a stitch. This was central reason I found emotional regulation to be an important function when beginning crocheting. I decided to knit my friend a scarf, especially since she lives in Michigan and it’ll be getting cold soon. I chose the basic stitch and honestly didn’t pay the closest attention to how many stitches I chained. Which ultimately resulted in a far from perfect scarf. My scarf has varying tensions and number of stitches per row, which truly demonstrates the journey of learning this new occupation. I think that imperfections add character and I think my friend will enjoy it all the same. Jasmine: As I reflect on my second week of crocheting, I am struck by how relaxing the activity becomes once you get into a good rhythm. Although I encountered a few obstacles that initially hindered my confidence, I persisted and continued to improve. My initial struggle was with the amount of tension I was applying with the hook. I tended to have too much slack in my yarn, which made the project feel uneven and floppy. This unevenness made it difficult for me to keep track of the number of stitches. Additionally, I was trying to crochet while watching TV, so I decided to eliminate the visual distractions and listen to instrumental music while crocheting instead. This is when I was able to get into the flow of how many of each type of stitch went where. After about an hour of crocheting, I managed to make about 8 granny squares that will go towards my blanket. While it was gratifying to have tangible proof of my progress, my hands were bearing the cost. My hands and fingers felt numb with fatigue. I realized I didn't take any rest breaks within that hour of crocheting. Also, I found that doing 1-2 minutes of hand stretches helped relieve the cramping sensation I felt in my intrinsic hand muscles. These are both things that I could potentially suggest to a patient if they were engaging in crocheting as an activity or any kind of strenuous occupation. This served as a great reminder that encouraging our patients to take frequent breaks can improve sustained engagement in activities and help manage fatigue.