Viking also has hand push button machines, Love that feature on mine. Praying you find a way that works for you.

The machine referenced has really good reviews and runs less than $150. I believe you can get free shipping to your door at walmart.com, just in case you might be interested.
Serita

This may be a solution for you https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAb_UdzFQ1w. It would involve installing a lamp dimmer switch. The woman suggests this would work on mechanical machines not electronic ones.

I think you have a great excuse to buy a new sewing machine! Mine has a start / stop button and I rarely ever use a foot pedal.

I'm sitting here thinking, trying to come up with something that would use your chin or chest[if it leaned into your upper body so that you could use your chin]. It would have to be on a stand or something. lThis may sound nutty, but it might work somehow. I sure hope you are able to find something that works. Barny

I have a machine that has the start/stop button and speed control. I use that option so much, I don't even know where my foot control is. This is my go to machine I use for quilting, not piecing. The speed control is consistent giving me better results when FMQ. I don't know if you can consider a new machine right now, but test driving one with this feature would give you an idea if this might be a solution.

I have this machine, great little machine with lots of nice features for the price. There are reviews on the QB if you do a search, and also others online. The start/stop button works great. You can set the speed you want to sew then use then button on the front of the machine...no pedal at all. This machine is great for piecing. It's also lightweight and you would be able to move it easier than some machines. HOWEVER, the harp is small. If you are actually wanting to quilt your projects, you won't be able to manipulate very large pieces. If you need a machine with a bigger harp, I'm sure there are other machines with the start/stop button, but probably also more $$.

http://www.amazon.com/Brother-Featur...rother+cs6000i

Hi, there is something called a Byte or bite switch for machines that can be installed, Im not sure how it works, but it helps to make the machine run without pedal. You might want to also call the manufacturer of your machine, and ask if they have anything available?
XOXO

What about having someone mount the foot pedal to the side of the cabinet if you are sitting the machine on a cabinet. They make some very heavy duty velcro in which i think if a small wooden block about 1inch by 7 inches mounted on the side of the machine at knee height, then put heavy duty (industrial type) velcro on the pedal and attach to the wall sitting on the block you could have a knee control. Just a thought and very easy to do.

Some of the newer computerized machines have a "Stop/Start" button. While this is mainly designed for machine embroidery, it can also be used for regular sewing and quilting. As a matter of fact, when took a machine quilting class, the instructor suggested that using the stop/start gives the user a better stitch than can be achieved with the foot pedal. While this might not be an "inexpensive aid" as you requested, it might be a possible solution.

I, too, commend your determination to keep on quilting. Good for you! Please let us know what works out for you.