I agree that Machingers gloves are a must! As for the neck and shoulder pain, try the "Yes, No, Maybe So" technique (it was on "Simply Quilts" years ago). Every 15 minutes or so, stop the machine; move your head up and down as though you were nodding "Yes"; then move your head side to side as though you were saying "No"; then "shrug" your shoulders as though you were indicating "Maybe So" (or "I Don't Know"). That really helps!