I have two issues I am looking for help on.
The first is lighting. I have two flourescent lights, but it is not enough. I know my machine has good lights, but I find my vision is not what it is used to be. I like to do all kinds of stipples and meanders, and I need better lighting around the needle. What would be good???

The second is that I have a cord issue. The cord at the back of the machine kind of gets caught beside the carriage and then I have yucky spot in the quilting and I can't stand it. Is there some type of gadget that would keep it in the air and not close to the table. Nothing I do seems to help. Any ideas???

I would appreciate any ideas you have...

I got one of those Energizer headband lights and put it around my neck or sometimes on my chin to help focus on threading my needle, so that might work for you as well.

I have the kind that has a headband. I bought it to use when I have to deal with my dogs - sticker in the paw, etc. I find it handy in my quilting room, as well.

I think they are used by those that explore caves and such.

My husband is in the military and had LED head lamps that he's supposed to use to strap on his helmet...I don't have a long arm, but I use his head lamp when I have to do any hand work. :) I've seen clip on LED lamps, just little ones, and I was thinking of getting one to attach to my machine. Maybe something like that would work?

You can get the Bendable bright lights to attach to your regular sewing machine, so they may work with your machine. On the cord issue, I had a similar problem with mine that they would catch on the feet. I taped the cords together and the hang off a hook on the wall with enough slack that they will move back and forth

Regular flourescent lights are not bright enough, but you can buy the commercial, high intensity lights that come on instantly at full brightness. No covers. These are what I use and my studio is amazingly bright.

Someone on one of the quilting machine yahoo groups had suggested using one of those head lamps ON your machine - you just wrap it around the neck.

I have to admit that I have yet to make friends with my quilting frame but I will - very soon. I've gotten closer as I just bought two sheets to practice on. I figured I would make some quilted material then use it for something down the road.... I am hoping to learn it quickly as I chose to skip the hand work and go to robotic quilting. I know, I know.. cheater cheater. Buuut I know me. If it doesn't look perfect from the get go I will get very discouraged I'm sure. I am sure I will try fmq once I get a few projects done though...

Great ideas on the lighting

What kind of set up are we talking about - what machine and frame are you using? Can you post a picture of the back of your machine and what you are talking about with the cord?

As for the light, you'll want more than just a little spot light.

I'm in a former church and lighting is always an issue. The wood on the high ceiling just sucks up whatever light there is. I'm looking at having my husband and son work up some kind of overhead light bar for the machine.

I had the same cord issue but I zip tied it in various places so that it would quit getting in the way.

I am going to be getting a light bar system soon as well..because of lighting issues.