I need help from quilters who have overcome vision problems
#13
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,061
I have cataracts also and until I recover sufficiently from 2 other surgeries I have to make do in the sewing room. I use a swing arm lamp for general sewing. When I need to thread a needle I use a strip of white paper behind the needle and a flashlight to see with. Guide my quilt blocks along the 1/4 inch edge of my machines sewing foot. Use a large lamp by my easy chair where I do hand sewing and pressing. Stitch in the ditch by directing the seam exactly in the center of a marked foot. So far, so good! Takes extra time and care but it works for me.
#14
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: North Texas
Posts: 8,710
Hello. I am totally blind in my right eye except for just a tiny bit of light that gets thru. Over the last two years My left eye has strengthened but sill has vision like yours so I Tend to close my right eye when quilting or lining things up. Makes it so much better. Funny how just a little is too much. Hope this helps.
#15
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 15,639
I remember reading an article about a blind quilter. Googling, I came across a link to a newsletter where a blind quilter is supposed to have given some ideas:
[You’ll find these tips in the Oct. 31 issue of Kaye Wood’s Quilting Newsletter at http://www.kayewood.com/newsletter.pdf ]
Don't feel like signing up myself, but you may want to.
I know the the Society for the Blind has many aids to assist a visually challended person INCLUDING sewing supplies. Do you have a chapter in your neighborhood?
[You’ll find these tips in the Oct. 31 issue of Kaye Wood’s Quilting Newsletter at http://www.kayewood.com/newsletter.pdf ]
Don't feel like signing up myself, but you may want to.
I know the the Society for the Blind has many aids to assist a visually challended person INCLUDING sewing supplies. Do you have a chapter in your neighborhood?
#16
I have eye muscle paralysis so can not focus with both eyes. My right eye is for readying a close up work in quilting etc. I use a bright light and a magnifying glass to thread a needle. For me it is important to have a bright light. Also you might want to trust your sense of feel. You can do anything you want to do, it takes practice.
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Rice Lake, WI
Posts: 489
Originally Posted by martha jo
Check with your dr there is a new treatment and you are young enough you might be eligible. I think it is in the experimental stage but you still might qualify.
Good luck with your quilting. I'm sure you're quilts will be cherished by those that get them.
#18
I was lucky enough to save the sight in one eye with a cornea transplant. I use two industrial machines one set up for satin stitch the other for straight stitch. Both have very bright hallogen lights and magnifiers and I have no problems. Black on black can be tough but with the white markers I can mark the edges before stitching.
I tie into the previous color and put through so I only have to rethread.
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#20
I , too, am legally blind, and struggle with lining up seams, and such.. I decided when I began to quilt a few years ago, that just because my eyesight might be extremely poor, that I could see beauty in what I create, because everything in my old line of sight ( before becoming legally blind ) was beautiful.. I might not see other things clearly, or have perfect or even semi perfect looks to my quilts, but I do see perfection in the joy I have creating them.. Usually, and I say Usually, noone makes rude comments about why a seam isn't lining up , or why color matches don't always go.. just because they don't like it, doesnt mean I don't love making them..
So just hang in there, and be VERY proud of your accomplishments, because I know how hard it is sometimes when our vision doesn't line up with our abilities to create..
So just hang in there, and be VERY proud of your accomplishments, because I know how hard it is sometimes when our vision doesn't line up with our abilities to create..
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