OK, so some of you have methods for dealing with it but most are doing what I am which is the glasses PLUS magnifier. Then I need to roll the needle so the light catches it just so. There really should be a better way. I don't guess the magnet buttons are likely to be produced at this point as all the new machines are plastic. I suppose I will have to go with the note cards too.
I'm getting to where I have enough machines that I really could jot a few notes on each..needle goes flat to the left or right, needle threads left or right, bobbin type, last used needle size.