Thank you to the lady who wrote about using doorstops to lift the back of the sewing machine. I went right out and bought some. It took several days outside in the cold and the wind to outgas the chemical smell which was so totally worth it. I can now sew for hours without as much eye strain from my progressive bifocals. I love all of the very helpful information I am getting from this site. Thanks again all of you for your sewing tips.