Replies

1. 
   paddyscar | Mar 13, 2003 04:22am | #1

   I have found that I don't like the structure of the foot pedal on my newest machine either. 

   When doing a lot of sewing, I have sometimes placed a book in front of the foot pedal.  The book serves as a foot rest and using the ball of the foot, I press down on the top of the pedal. 

   This is probably a poor description, but if you think of your toes when standing on a ladder rung, or at the edge of a curb, you can flex your toes downward while the rest of your foot remains stationary and flat on the side walk.

   Frances Ryan

1. 
   rjf | Mar 13, 2003 02:41pm | #2

   That's what I would have said if you hadn't gotten there first.   rjf

1. 
   Nancylee | Mar 13, 2003 11:07pm | #3

   Thanks both of you for replying - I'll try the book support idea; the description was very informative and clear. 

1. 
   joress | Mar 14, 2003 11:05pm | #4

   Also make sure that the knee pedal is aligned with your hip properly. If you're angled either direction, you may have problems. On the other hand, if you're used to angling slightly outwards, that's what your knee is used to and you should try to imitate that old position--or experiment to find a better position since your foot is now angled differently. Originally I got orthotics in my shoes for a minor foot problem. When I don't wear my orthotics often enough, my knees hurt. The doctor said it's because I've taught my feet and legs to align properly and without the orthotic my legs are not aligned properly and my knees get slightly turned. My feet are much better, but now I wear the orthotics often to protect my knees. My knees didn't used to be a problem.

1. 
   Nancylee | Mar 20, 2003 03:44am | #5

   Thank you for that hint.  I've been doing better with the book support combined with the softer tensioned spring; however it will pay to check my alignment as well.  It sounds like a kind of unfortunate tradeoff you've had to make there  - to correct a minor foot problem you've ended up with more tricky to deal with knees!

2. 
   joress | Mar 20, 2003 05:45pm | #6

   You're so right. The orthotics made my feet better, but I never realized that my knees could be affected. It's so nice when minor aches and pains improve! Wearing the orthotics in my sports shoes is no sacrifice--they keep me so much more comfortable. Since I don't have to wear them all the time, I can still wear fancy-dancy shoes whenever I want to--in moderation. When all is said and done, our bodies are so mechanical!