I would never be able to do my hand applique without it. I hunted for one years back and saw the high prices. I was at Big Lots one day, and in the back of the store, where they have furniture, there in a box was a floor style one, exactly like the high priced ones, and I mean exactly. I paid $29.99 for it. They are still selling the lamps for that price, and I have had mine for 5 years and have not had to replace the bulb yet. I don't even think I could find the spare bulb I bought for when it would be needed, and I use the lamp every day, for sewing and for reading. It is a floor lamp with the goose neck, a really sturdy and nice one.