Did battle with rag yarn -- not sure if I won...

[Mrs. Awesome_Pants]

Last night I finally sat down and ripped up old granny floral cotton I had (the kind used to make sheets) into strips so I could start crocheting a rag rug.  I made the strips about 1/2" wide or so because the largest hook I have on hand is an I.  The crocheting went well, even though I had to take frequent breaks toward the end of my roll because my hands were starting to ache, a lot like when you hand write too much.

This morning I woke up and BOTH arms ached like I'd pitched a season of baseball with them.  Some extra-strength Tylenol helped a bit, but my right arm (the one I hold the hook with) is still especially sore at the elbow and shoulder.  Great timing, since I need to finish some crocheted bridal gifts for a shower tomorrow morning. 

Any advice?  Anyone had this happen with rag/t-shirt yarn?

[Confuzzle]

It's just sore muscles from the exaggerated movement of using a larger hook. Bigger hook = bigger motions = sore muscles

Those would be the ones in the forearm, pulling on the connective tissue in the wrist and elbow. Some linament and a good rubdown of your forearms should do the trick.

[Mrs. Awesome_Pants]

Massaging my shoulder did help some.  I think I'll rest it tonight with a rice pack and some more Tylenol, and do my best to finish the gifts in the morning.

Thanks for the advice   Guess I gotta get used to the bigger hook, haha.

[ahtchristina]

Wow!  Who knew crocheting was a full contact sport!!!  Be sure to post some pics of the final project so we can appreciate all your HARD work!

[Mrs. Awesome_Pants]

Haha, really.  I'm making the rug as a gift for my mother.  She had her eye on some from the vendor next to me at a craft show I did this summer but couldn't buy, so she'll be getting mine for Christmas.

Good thing, too; if I were trying to sell this rug I might be tempted to add in the cost of the Tylenol 

[measure-once-cut-twice]

I have noticed that I get sore when I change from my "regular" needle size. I usually use a sizeG up to K. I recently started crocheting a lace edge on a nightgown and have had wrist cramps... and I have only done 2 rows! I had to consciously loosen my grip in the hook. Not too much though... 'cause I have to keep the tension tight.

[Mrs. Awesome_Pants]

The tiny stuff can be hard to work with, too, when you aren't used to it or haven't worked with it in a while.  The first time I tackled embroidery floss with a D hook my fingers cramped.

Between the constant writing and the constant crocheting, and repeatedly stabbing myself with my sewing needles (I hate thimbles), I put my poor hands through a lot.  It's a wonder they haven't given up on me