Affordance aspects of cross stitching

According to Christiansen and Townsend, 2010, affordance is “the particular arrangement of objects in the environment” (p. 255). It is also the "interaction between an object and a person; the object's design suggests its purpose, function and usability and the user determines the object's affordances” (p. 255). There are several aspects of affordances some of which are communication, connections, and moral properties.

Before I explain the different aspects let me first tell you about the last time I did some work on a cross stitch. It was a few days ago. I collected my stuff from the bedroom and sat in the flat lounge. The flatmate had the TV on which was fine with me. I sat on the three seater couch as the flatmate was lying on the 2 seater, this still gave plenty of room for the other flatmate to sit down on the 3 seater when she came home. I used one of the cushions to spread out the threads, pattern and scissors in the middle of the couch.

Communication 
Communication can be send through doing this activity and interacting with other around me.

Although this activity is one that can only be done individually, its still allows me to communicate with others. Being in the lounge meant I was able to talk to the flatmates about how our days had been. They also asked what I was doing so I was able to share with them what the finish product would look like and what I had done so far. They complimented on how good it looked.

Connections

I chose to do my cross stitching in the lounge so it would enable bonding time with the flatmates as one hasn't long moved in. there are personal rules that I follow when doing my cross stitching in terms of where on the fabric I start and the direction of the crosses. I have make a couple cross stitches for family but this one I'm working on is one for myself. This skill was passed down to me from my grandmother and could be something that I can pass on to my children.

Moral properties

Doing the cross stitching is my way of expression who I am and what I like. It gives me a great sense of satisfaction to see the progress and final products especially when they are framed. This activity is something I can easily follow through to the end no matter how long it takes. Working on the cross stitch doesn't affect others around me in terms of what they want to do – i.e. they can still watch TV and chat to each other in the lounge when I'm there. I also respect the other flatmates by not making a mess in the lounge and cleaning up all my stuff afterwards.

Ergonomics of Cross stitching

Ergonomics is the science of fitting the environment and occupation to the user (Ergonomics, 2011). It is one of the important factors to consider when a client is engaging in meaningful occupation which should include person-occupation-environment aspects.

For the likes of my cross stitching it is important that I love to do it, have time set aside each week which allows me to stitch, having the skills to read a pattern, transfer it to canvas and to have the patience to sit there for hours on end is quite necessary. Cross stitching is a slow paced craft which requires a certain amount of time depending on its complexity. Its more physically demanding in terms of keeping both hands engaged in the activity at all time but not so much cognitively. This means that I am able to take my mind else where, whether its thinking about things, listening to others or watching tv so in that sense this craft to me is quite flexible.

I can do this craft whenever and any where in an inside environment. I have to make sure that a pattern I want to do is within my budget. I then collect any resources I require to complete the pattern from specialised stores. Once all the resources have been gathered then I can proceed. Having enough space to sit down somewhere and be able to place threads, pattern, scissors next to me is the easiest way for me to do this occupation. I may have different ways from how others may do a cross stitch in terms of where to start, the direction the stitches are, marking off the completed areas on the pattern, and the frames I use.

Caulton and Dickson, 2007, describes ergonomics as being able to "constantly make slight invisible adjustments to an activity to adapt to the needs of those taking part and ensure that it continues to work for it's intended purpose" (p. 93). This fits in quite well also with how we as OT's will need to be able to adapt and make adjustments for a client's intervention.  

An OT could adapt this craft to meet the needs to the client by using canvas that has bigger holes, a plastic canvas which is generally larger holes, using a needle with a bigger eye so that the client is able to thread the cotton more easily or using a plastic needle in conjunction with the plastic canvas. This will allow the client to still be able to actively engaged working with materials on a larger scale. Also the types of patterns that are selected for/by the client will depend on skill level, time available, budget, and resources at hand.

The Meaning of Cross Stitching to Me

My experiences of cross stitching goes back to when I was about 10 years old. My grandmother had made some basic Christmas cross stitches to which I was fascinated by. She then proceeded to teach me the craft. Since then I have completed several patterns that have either been for myself or have been made for special occasions in the family. Cross stitching to me means that I can bring out aspects of my personality in terms of the patterns I choose and what I do with the completed product, as well as the time and effort I put in to making sure each stitch is perfect. I do this craft as a way to relax, slow down but also to keep busy with out actually being busy. I love being able to sit down in front of the television and stitch away while still being able to watch a favorite program. Although this is quite a time consuming craft, to me, having a finished product that I am able to frame to hang up or to give to others is a reward in itself.

Some practical considerations of partaking in this craft includes having the time, resources required such as canvas, thread and needles, and the right environment i.e. adequate lighting and temperature. All of these will be explained in later postings.

As an OT, we are concerned with a clients well being and keeping them engaged in meaningful occupation.Cross stitching can be used in many ways by OTs. It could be useful in keeping a client actively engaged in a meaningful occupation which at the end produces a product viewed by the client as their work. Other ways include using the craft to assess fine motor skills, cognitive ability, memory and so forth.

The big question now is can I be actively engaged in this occupation for a minimum of 2 hours a week...quite easily!