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I Need More Light to Quilt by... Lamp Recommendations?

I Need More Light to Quilt by... Lamp Recommendations?

Old 10-09-2012, 09:16 AM
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Default I Need More Light to Quilt by... Lamp Recommendations?

I've been sewing in my quilting room/spare bedroom for about 2 weeks now. Granted, we've had a lot of cloudy weather lately but I am finding that I need a LOT more light. In addition to a main overhead light, this room has recessed lighting over my cutting table (perfect!) and an extra overhead fixture where my sewing table is. I find myself using my flip up (probably the original model) OTT-lite next to my sewing machine while I'm piecing. The area where I press is not well lit.

I used to sew in a large closet next to my laundry room which was all fluorescent lighting. Not beautiful, but great for sewing!

I'm going to try upgrading the bulbs in the fixtures, but I'm thinking I need some type of floor lamp that I could use when I'm machine quilting next to my table and move elsewhere as needed. My last OTT brand floor lamp quit working all of a sudden and the reviews I've read at joann.com aren't that positive about the current models. I'm looking for recommendations as to what has worked for you. Thanks!
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Old 10-09-2012, 09:20 AM
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I just got a cheap pole lamp at Walmart for $5...It takes a 3 way bulb and works G REAT for sewing...Other times I have found I had trouble seeing to thread my needle (old age sucks)..I use a book light, with white paper under it to help me see the eye of the needle.
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Old 10-09-2012, 09:24 AM
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http://www.walmart.com/ip/71-Floor-Lamp-Black/12173437

This is the lamp I got.When I was in the store a few weeks ago it was on sale for $5..
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Old 10-09-2012, 09:26 AM
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I have a cheap floor lamp with three moveable lights. Put in daylight bulbs (expensive but long lasting). Cheaper than the fancy daylight lamps!
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Old 10-09-2012, 09:44 AM
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Have you switched to the energy saving lightbulbs in your regular lights? They are expensive but they last longer, use less energy and give off less heat. Walmart has some lights in my store that have a magnifying glass attached. Maybe you need something like that and have you had an eye check up lately?
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Old 10-09-2012, 10:28 AM
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I love my Ott Lite.
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Old 10-09-2012, 10:41 AM
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Ikea has some affordable floor lamps.
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Old 10-09-2012, 11:06 AM
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I use a large size clamp on lamp from JoAnn's. It is wonderful. You can also buy the small ones at sewing places. They have a good sized clamp to attach to your machine.
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Old 10-09-2012, 11:32 AM
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Personally I don't like overhead lighting at all in the sewing room. You get glare and shadows both. I much prefer task lighting. For any kind of hand work I like having a light I can adjust to be over my right shoulder so it shines on my work, not in my face.
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Old 10-09-2012, 12:04 PM
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I have one inexpensive WalMart floor lamp that pretty much lights up my entire sewing room. By my ironing board, I have a floor Ott lamp that I turn to light up my cutting table when needed. I also have an Ott floor lamp by my sewing machine and serger. My sewing room has lots of natural light and a large overhead light. One of my Ott lamps is over 15 years old, the other about 1 year old. I have never had any trouble with them. I think they are wonderful!
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