Wednesday, February 17, 2016

From Here to Infinity...scarf tie and a "frozen" shoulder.

I have received a few emails asking about how I wear my scarves...
it sounds like some of you are feeling like you want to embrace the habit and others are just plain frustrated.
All scarves are not created equal...there are stiff ones, soft silky ones, woolly bulky ones and then there are those easy infinity scarves.

Infinity scarves put simply are the easiest scarves to wear.
They require very little fuss are a quick way to add a splash of colour to your basic outfit.

They also make great gifts, and as a scarf lover I welcome them into my wardrobe.

Here is a quick and easy way to tie a longer infinity scarf...it is the way that I wear mine.


Place the scarf around your neck.
I am using the bed as it is easier to show the technique.
Pull at the ends so the bulk of the scarf drapes a bit.


Cross over in front of neck


Cross over again


loop the lower circular opening back over the head 


shift the scarf around 
(until you have achieved the desired effect)


the feature twist could be off to one side


or centre it in the middle

You may even prefer it to rest atop the shoulder...
it is a simple tie that you can adapt to other scarves too.

If you have a large silk square you can tie two ends together to form an infinity scarf and proceed as above.

I hope that this answers your questions and that you'll have fun wearing your Infinity scarves and perhaps you'll have fun wearing some of the other options and learning new techniques on how to tie them.

Hermes has scarf tying cards and there are many many great tutorials on You Tube.
You can spend hours learning new ways to tie this simple accessory.
The important thing is to have fun.
Throw one on and forget it.
Be confident...

Before you know it
you will be giving lessons to your friends!


The view of Cedar Hill Golf Course yesterday afternoon...
so blue and no filter was used...just my IPhone camera!

I have been sidelined with a shoulder issue.
"Frozen shoulder" is the diagnosis and I am in a lot of pain and my range of motion is not great.
Physiotherapy, massage therapy and a series of X-Ray guided cortisone shots sound like they are in my future.
I am waiting for referrals to go between the medical specialists and am trying to be "patient!"
I am not good with pain and am not used to being "a patient."
So if my posts are sporadic you will know why...
You can see snippets of my days on my Instagram page...
click on the hydrangeas on the sidebar for the link.


I am currently reading The Luminaries by Eleanor Catton.

It is an engaging story...full of layers and lots of detail.
Many people had difficulty trying to get through the book and from what I gather it is not to every one's taste.
I am on page 150 and so far have not felt like it is a slog.
Will let you know what I think when I finish the book...it is 822 pages so it might take me awhile!


Be Well and Be Kind.

31 comments:

La Vie Quotidienne said...

Ouch! I have heard that a frozen shoulder is very painful. I am so sorry. I hope that you get relief soon and can start feeling better.

La Vie Quotidienne said...

Ouch! I have heard that a frozen shoulder is very painful. I am so sorry. I hope that you get relief soon and can start feeling better.

Anonymous said...

From a daily reader who rarely comments: so sorry about your shoulder! That condition is really painful. Take good care of yourself and put yourself first! You have such an interesting life and are fun to read.

Jean S said...

I got about 2/3 of the way through that novel and then hit the wall.

Sorry to hear about the shoulder. I too have had issues. Do you have a good Iyengar yoga studio nearby? A certified Iyengar teacher can be as good as a physical therapist, IMHO. But...whatever works for you is what's best for you!

Juhli said...

Sorry to hear you have a frozen shoulder. I've had it in both shoulders and regained full range of motion pain free. Be diligent with doing your physical therapy exercises and you will see progress although it can be a long road.

Unknown said...

Sorry about your painful shoulder. Chronic pain is so debilitating, here's hoping they are able to fix you up quickly. I found The Luminaries to be quite the slog, until I was about 1/3 into it, then all the stories started to click into place and I was absolutely hooked! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Tomato Thymes said...

I too have had it in both shoulders and agree with being diligent with PT and patient. I did exercises for at least 4 months and have full range of motion.

Anonymous said...

Do not wait for referrals.
Try physiotherapy IMS ASAP.
I see someone in Cobble Hill,
South Cowichan Physio, Patrick Jadan.
Hurts less thsn a C. shot !
Good Luck
barb

Jeannine said...

Thanks for the scarf tying tutorial - very helpful. Thinking if you and sending good thoughts for a speedy recovery.

applepie said...

I have also had FS in both shoulders. Awful.my advice comes from one of theropod orthopedic doctors in the world., doctor for the Canucks and multiple Olympic teams. Sadly FS has to run its course. I imagine you know about the different stages. Studies have shown that all the therapy in the world does not cure it. It can provide some temp relief but cortisone, surgery you name it do very little. Anything that gives you relief from the pain for awhile is good but In the end it comes on mysteriously ( mostly middle age women) and it runs it's course. My doctor friend said he has seen thousands of cases and in the end it just is what it is. It will go away although when you have it you don't believe it. I am still grateful to be able to sleep on my side again and do simple movements. Hang in. In6-9 months it will be fading away no matter whT you do to try and cure it.

BeachGypsy said...

Beautiful picture of the sky and its such a pretty color!! So sorry to hear bout your shoulder and sure hope they get coordinatated quickly and to decide on your treatments so you feel better soon! Did they say what caused it? Get well soon!

Anonymous said...

I too suffered from a frozen shoulder and went through the PT,remember you have to do your home exercises I found it easiest when I set up a routine... I also had monthly therapeutic massage for about 6 months after the PT, prior to the massage I had 85-90% range of motion but still had pain with simple tasks like fastening ones bra...ugh :) I continued my home exercises but I think that the massage actually helped to break up the last adhesions and I now have 100% ROM and the monthly massages were a nice treat I had never induldged in prior to the injury.

Kristien62 said...

So sorry you are suffering with frozen shoulder. I had something similar years ago, bursitis, and have occasional flare-ups. Swimming in warm water helped me. I could barely doggy paddle, but the repetetive motion and warm water helped me increase range of motion.

I have been reading the Inspector Gamache series and love it. Thank you for introducing it in your blog. Be well!

KSL said...

I had it in my right shoulder years ago - side benefit, I had a hard time lifting a fork to my mouth, so lost weight! The cortisone shot did work for me, and I never have had a problem again. Hope it works well for you.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I do have a good Yoga studio close by...I am immersed in physiotherapy, exercises focused on my shoulder and massage therapy...I probably will return to Yoga after I get the pain under control.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Encouraging words! Thank you...am doing my exercises!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I have been reading the book while waiting in the offices for my appointments...It is quite a heavy book so I am being very careful not to use my right arm too much!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I had to wait to get referred to the physiotherapist ad then the specialists at In Balance Sports Medicine Clinic. If I wanted to pay cash and not use the medical plan and extended benefits I suppose I could have just walked in...as a retiree on a pension I must consider the big picture! The physio is the one who wants me to have the cortisone shot! He thinks if I have it while in am in the freezing stage I will retain more motion and speed up the healing process otherwise the relief can take up to 3 years!!!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Thank you apple pie!
I read about this condition on The Mayo Clinic Website...it can take up to 3 years before it goes away! Trying not to think that will be my journey...am remaining optimistic.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

No idea what brought it on...no obvious trauma. Weird.
Women over 50 and those with thyroid issues...there are some thoughts that it is hormonal...

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Oh I had to modify how I put on my bra!!! My arm cannot go behind me at all!
I am having massage weekly...with an RMT.
Might be my new regime...if that helps keep pain manageable.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Ah! I have not had too much trouble with the fork but I have to keep my arm close to my side...any motions out to the side mean intense stabbing pains...the kind where you have to use your lamaze breathing training!

Jennifer said...

I'm so very sorry to hear about your shoulder. My brother suffered with it for months. It is indeed painful. Sending healing thoughts your way!

Anonymous said...

IMS worked for me. I cannot stop recommending it to every one to try. My PT said no it wasn t for me. She went on holidays and her partner said lets try it. I thank Patrick every day!
Walk in any where....pay for it , it will change your life. It did for me.
Good Luck
barb

LPC said...

I'm just really wishing you find your way out of the shoulder issues. I can't say mine are fully resolved, but at least I'm OK for yoga and general living:).

Anonymous said...

Frozen shoulder is no fun. Unfortunately I know from experience, however, the cortisone shot did work eventually (and wasn’t too scary either). Until you’ve had one you can’t imagine the pain or how it affect sleep as you can’t get comfortable. I found a sling helped support my arm and was only really comfortable in a chair with armrests. I’m very careful with shoulder bags now as I find they can make the shoulder feel ‘uncomfortable’ in the same manner as when the frozen shoulder first began. I was doing a lot of walking at the time (several house at a time) and my shoulder began to ‘click’ as I walked and swung my arm - just a natural swing. It will eventually go without you realising but it takes time. Keep up the pin relief too. Take care, Tonkath

Lorrie said...

I'm sorry to read about your frozen shoulder, L. I hope the treatment will be effective. Scarves are so versatile, and I always enjoy reading about how they can be worn. Have a good weekend.

Pondside said...

Frozen shoulder is NO fun. I had one about 7 years ago and underwent massage therapy for nearly a year. I still do exercises designed to avoid a recurrence.
At this time of year a splash of colour near one's face is necessary, and a scarf is just the thing!

Anonymous said...

I know all too well about FS...both shoulders about 10 months apart. Worse 2 years ever. It falls in the category of "those who know, know". My doc gave me the best advice -- just rest. Stop trying to force it, stop trying to move it....stop trying. He said I can take the drugs, do the exercises, have surgery, etc or I can do nothing. Either way it will unfreeze on its own (abt 6 months) and you will have full range of motion. I opted for waiting it out and the doc was right. Full range of motion with no pain. I know it's so difficult to believe when you are in the middle of it, but keep the faith. It will return to normal. I was told it is hereditary. My grandmother had it as did several cousins. Just know it will get better.

Linda Pakravan said...

So sorry to hear about your shoulder. I'm just catching up on my blog reading. Hope you are on the path by now.

Linda Pakravan said...

So sorry to hear about your shoulder. I'm just catching up on my blog reading. Hope you are on the path by now.