About five months ago I was diagnosed with “advanced” or “severe” carpal tunnel syndrome. I am doing all sorts of non-invasive therapy and want to conquer this thing, but despite my determination to advance mind over body, it is not working. I have had to give up knitting and most drawing due to the inability to grip for more than 10 or 15 minutes at a time. Cutting with scissors is the worst. Even some cooking that involves much chopping is tough. Depending on the day, I have to call in reinforcements to help.
No embroidery or hand sewing either. Regretfully, I have put those projects down and turned to small, simple sewing projects that rely almost entirely on the machine. This coffee cozy is a perfect project that I can handle in one sitting without succumbing to the numbness and pain. Erin Harris at the House on Hill Road has some lovely work and her pattern is very easy to follow. It is also a wonderful way to use the coveted stash of Purl fabrics that I adore, yet can barely afford and hate to part with. S has inspired me to find new uses for vintage buttons, again, great application here.
I made several cozies for Valentine’s day and they were well received. Having already created a cardboard pattern, it is only a few slices with the rotary cutter to cut several pieces at once. I know at least S carries her’s around in her purse; it made an appearance last week when we were in NYC. This weekend, I’m making a few more to give as parting gifts to colleagues at my job.
The interweb is full of creative ways to pretty up your cup of joe and avoid adding to your local landfill with the disposable sleeves. You can see other coffee cozy options on Etsy at agreensleeve, LauraBucci, DandyFields and CupCozy.
You can also become the proud owner of an official Wonder and the Wooden Post Cozy sewn this weekend by yours truly. Enter a comment here and I will pick a name on Monday. Happy weekend!
4 comments
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May 1, 2009 at 3:03 pm
jessmary
Since I’m already a most fortunate recipient of one such cozy (and carry mine with me as well, always at the ready!), don’t choose my comment. But I just wanted to chime in with how great these are! I love telling the folks at *bucks or similar that I don’t need a sleeve!! xo
May 1, 2009 at 8:18 pm
Stephanie
I am also the fortunate recipient of the cozy… (I am the S in the post!! HAHA). I love my cozy and use it all the time!! The sleeve fits every coffee spot that I have hit up… including Starbucks, Javas, Jitters and even the train station in Albany!!
May 2, 2009 at 12:49 pm
pia
Ohhh! That’s so pretty! I’ve wanted to procure a reusable coffee sleeve! Love the fabric. ~Pia
May 2, 2009 at 8:35 pm
nirav
so, if i win, i make a friend of mine painfully create a cozy in spite of her carpal tunnel syndrome.