I just bought the new Baby Lock Crescendo. It has an 11 inch throat, 3 LED lights, a 25 X 18 inch detachable extension on the left side, plus a laser guide that points along the seam line. I have been a Bernina owner ( still have my Bernina 1030 mechanical from 1987) for many years but found the Baby Lock has what I need for quilting and general sewing and is much less pricey.

I use my vintage machines for most of my work (except applique). I purchased a light similar to the bendable light that attaches to the machine with magnets. It couldn't/shouldn't be used on a computerized machine due to the magnets. But I love it for my old black Singers, which I didn't want to stick a bendable light onto. It is LED and battery operated. You can also use the part that attaches to the machine as a base and set it up like a small desk lamp. My DH used it when the power was out and he had to grade papers for school! It was a bit pricey ($24), but less than my bendable. I purchased it at April 1930's.

My sewing machine has rows of light under the throat and one for the needle. I wear #3 cheater glasses (very strong) and have a bendable light that lost its flexing. I'll try the rubberband idea on it. I have a 3 way lamp behind my machine and a standard Ott light behind me directed at my needle.

Still not the correct light. I need something else bright shining in my needle area. Any ideas that aren't crazy expensive? I'm so hot with all these lights as they are right now.

Behind my sewing cabinet I have a Ott floor lamp, it bends out over my cutting mat and gives me light at my sewing area as well. At my embrodiery machine, which I have sitting on my MIL old Singer cabinet, with it open for maximum room, I hve an old floor lamp wiith 2 lights on it. These lights are moveable, I have one on my embroidery area, and the other on my paperwork. works great.

I, too, use old floor lamps. My favorite is an old brass one. The shade (with the light part) moves up and down so I can really aim it where it needs to go. I sure wish I could find about 10 more just like it, so "the girls" wouldn't have to share one lamp!

I have an architect's lamp, also known as a swing arm lamp, the kind with elbows that allow it to swing where you want it. I found that the clamp didn't work very well on my table, but there is a half inch thick projection at the bottom of the lamp that fits into the clamp. I drilled a half inch hole into my (old) sewing table, behind the machine and slightly to the right, and put the base of the lamp into it. It works well for me. If you decide to look for this kind of lamp study the base parts because not all of them would work this way. The post has to go straight down. Keep in mind that if the lamp is too close to the wall it's movements will be impeded. Also, before you drill be mindful of drawers or other moving parts. You don't want the lamp to interfere with those.

No question is stupid. You were probably just the first person with enough courage to ask the question. And yes, light is a big problem for those of us senior citizens.

Wintersewer,
I think its a general rant about the way sewing machine cabinets are designed, poor lighting on the machines and lack of space under the head of the machine.
I do quite a bit of my quilt sewing with a treadle machine. I'm amazed how much space there is between the needle and the pillar of the machine on these old machines.; also the height between the arm of the machine and the bed is taller than a modern machine.
Newer machines are also shorter in height in the harp area. I have modern machines and all but 1 has a mere 6.5" of harp space; they are high end machines. The largest machine is a Viking Sapphire 875 with a 10" throat; this is the one that I do most of my quilting with.
My cabinet doesn't have much room to the right of the machine, but enough to put my pin cushion. I have a Horn Quiltmate II, lovely to use when I'm machine quilting, 4 machines can go in it just by changing out the plexiglass free arm insert.
Sharon

It seems to be the way everything is designed. Looks and the designer's ego take precedence to increase sales. Common sense flies out the door. I've had a Pfaff for years, My Pfaffs have the embroidery unit in the back, and you can sew while it is on. That also means the embroidery arm is centered. There isn't enough light. I need the light under harp of the machine for embroidery as well as sewing and quilting. The CV did put in the lights - but the machine is too big and I like vertical bobbins so I won't buy it.

Now quilting is popular. So machines et al. are getting bigger, and the accessories need more space. Good for those who sell, but a lot of us can't do the latest and greatest for many reasons. I just feel that either the mfg. of the machines or someone in the aftermarket business should have some pity or realize that they could do a very good business supplying to those who are making do.

Yes, the machines are tried out and designed - but under optimum conditions and how many of us have that? I don't think I have ever seen a survey asking how we use our machines or what we would like or could use. Have you?

BTW - those small lights I bought are available small enough for an old Featherweight.

I have a clamp on bendable halogen light. It means I have plenty of light but it MUST be turned off when not in use as they get very hot.