I have a stupid question
 

I use a sewing machine cabinet. Very handy and I like it - but why oh why do the makers of lighting think that everyone has room on the LEFT side of the machine? No matter what table you use - that's were the fabric goes! With a cabinet, there is really no place to the right to clip anything unless you have cabinets at the side. We can't all have the ideal sewing studio with great lighting. I'll bet a quite a few are making do. I see a lot use the kitchen or dining room table.
This could be a relatively inexpensive update and boon for anyone if the designers would get their acts together.

I finally found the Ecolux which is I hope the first of a sane solution. I've tried a bendable, but I thought it had a lot of glare. This glare might not be apparent depending on the shape of your machine and where you can attach the light. Plus the bendy part gets weak. Mine kind of unbent while using the embroidery module. I can think of a couple of other ways to deal with lighting, and I'll bet you can, too.

BTW - the left side is fine for most garments and heirloom, but for quilters????

I agree we collect and use vintage machines. Seems like the lighting situation hasn't improved much, the exception being LED lighting in some new machines. I'm lucky we have a lot of overhead lighting with natural light fluorescent in my studio for the longarm. But I do a lot of piecing on the vintage machines in the living room at night.

I must agree! I use a lot of black in my quilts and would love a light that would shine in front of the needle.
It is really hard to see the guide lines and sometimes even the thread. Even harder seeing black thread on black fabric when using a seam ripper! LOL Thats when the lighted magnifing glass I uses for beading comes out!

My main complant is the lighting also plus the thoat room , you would think that when they claim it's a
quilting machine that they would know there's not anywhere near the thoat room are lighting for a quilt to be made!!!

That's why Janome put so much light built in the 7700.

yes my horizon (7700) has a lots of light. i wish my other machines did too.

I have a dinky one bulb on my singer and I can see nothing with it. Add to that that I wear glasses it is always a challenge. I have one of those tall floor directional lamps with three lights and I point them where I need them. It is either that on mystery seams since I cannot tell where the heck I am sewing. My new bailey came with 14 LEDs at least now I will see where I am quilting!

To Weezy Rider.. My bendy part of the light lost its bend also so I put a rubber band around it the in the curve I wanted and works great. Just an idea

First of all, the only stupid question is the one that isn't asked! I've always maintained that people who do not know anything about sewing design sewing machines and sewing machine cabinets, and this is doubly true when it comes to home quilting machines and cabinets. They should know by now that we need lots of light and lots of room and a long harp space. And most of us would be happy if these companies would provide all of this at a price that is reasonable. A dedicated home quilting sewing machine doesn't need 100+ different stitches, it needs a decent straight stitch. it really doesn't need to be electronic either. But it really does need to have lots of light and a wide space between the needle and the head. The light on my machine is pathetic. I really love the bendable light I bought that sticks to the machine and allows you to spotlight right in front of the needle. Well, I'll get off my soapbox now! :-) This is a good thread. I love to know others are bummed by the same things that bum me! Do you think we will ever be 'heard'?

I'm confused as to what her question IS. Is it about space on the table or lighting?? I am a quilter and I want most of the space on the left.
And most of the "good" brands of sewing machines, Bernina, Pfaff, Janome, Babylock, Viking, make wider machines for quilters. The problem is that they are expensive, but they did listen.

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.

I have two lights (one standing next to my table) and one Ott light that that I bent around to shine from behind the sewing machine towards the front. Then I put 100 watt bulbs in the ceiling fixture. I find its very hard to get enough light, but those extra lamps helped!

I have a BIG pole lamp with 6 bulbs that I can move wherever I want it.

I haven't got room for a floor lamp or a pole lamp. My big gripe with the cabinets, both Horn and Koala, is no place on the right to even use a clamp on lamp. All the room is to the left of the machine. I can't add any lights, I grabbed the dining room and the only overhead is where the chandelier was. All the plugs are in a place where you would eventually need a cord across the floor. I have one of Michael's storage units on the right. Holds thread, feet, serger accessories, etc. There's a small 3 drawer unit on that which makes it too high and too far away for a lamp. I have clamp on lights I can't use. No place close to put them. The room isn't even square! Open plan type house from the 70s. Architect had his head elsewhere.

Funny you should ask that...went to Goodwill today and picked up two lamps. One is an ott lite on a floor stand - $10, and the bulb works. The other is a desk stand halogen, for $5.

When my husband saw them in the cart he said,"Don't you have enough lamps?"

Of course, the answer was a firm "NO!"

Old floor lamps work great and now that you can get LED lights that work in them - we have the best of both worlds.

I agree. the lighting has a lot to be desired. Just try to purchase a bulb to fit the machine. You have to buy a whole kit just to get a bulb to fit my machine. I've thought about getting one of those little LED lights that uses a battery and attach it to my machine.

The only lighting in my room is from a ceiling fan with a 100 watt bulb. It is supposed to use a 60 watt bulb - you have to do what you have to do. What works best for me is one of the headlamps they sell in the flashlight section of Walmart, Lowe's, or Home Depot, etc. It has an adjustable elastic strap for a good fit and they are surprisingly comfortable. I have one with 6 LED's and one with 3 LED's and a spot light. The lamp is adjustable up or down so you can position it to shine right where you need it. I think that is the feature that makes it so comfortable - the light follows me, instead of me following and working around the light. They are also very easy on batteries. They run 15.00 to 20.00 but it is money well spent. Just a word of caution though - hide it from your husband - mine gets "borrowed" at least once a week.

I have the Viking Diamond Deluxe and it has lots of lights on it. I also have a great ceiling fan with 5 lights on it and I centered my sewing desk in the middle of the room right under the light. This gives me lots of light, no matter if I'm there sewing or at the cutting table. I like having my desk in the middle of the room but since it's a small room it is up against one wall and then I have the cutting table across from it on one side, my bookshelves w/fabric, TV etc in front of me and my thread drawers, printer, ironning board hanging off of closet door all behind me. It works out really nice.

I will just get another Ecolux strip for the 1500. I have the plug, so it's just the lights.

My Sapphire has good lighting but I also have a cheap pole lamp with adjustable lights on it. Dont use it much but it comes in handy once in a while.
My cabinet has room on both sides and both are always full of stuff. Its a Bertha as I have a bigger machine and had to buy a cabinet to fit. It fits all my needs and even has storage in the doors. It was difficult to put togather.

Like Rose_P, I use a swing arm lamp. It mounts on the Hinterberg floor frame (predrilled hole) above and behind my right shoulder. It shines perfectly on my sewing area and, when swung around, on my ironing board or cutting area...plus the quilting frame of course. Cost me less than $14 for a lot of light and versatility. :)

Oh thank heavens, I'm not the only one with this problem!!
I have a ceiling light with five bulbs, but since it's a fan type attachment, it can only use 40 watt bulbs. An Ott light on the left and another on the right between my sewing machine and the serger. I can't complain about room. My hubby and son designed a sewing cabinet to fit my needs. They call it my sewing control center, I just love it. Lots of room on the right and left of both machines. I have an ironing pad on the left of my Viking and a medium cutting mat on the right next to my serger. It's a "U" shape. I have three drawers to the right and storage shelfes in the dead space underneath and shelfs on the front for patterns and books.
But I want more LIGHT!!! :o

OMG! What a brilliant idea! I took my bendable light off because it just started hanging! I will try the rubber band. I almost bought another one, but they cost so darn much. I have lots of standing lights and some pointing straight at my needle, but I miss my bendable.

I was given this floor lamp many years ago. It was originaly used by a woman who did cross stitch. I also used it that way. Then when I started quilting It moved to its' current home next to my machine. The lamp has to be close to fifty years old. It has a magnifier which is great for unsewing! When PPing it is wonderful to see throught the paper for alinging fabric. If only cabinet makers would catch on to this idea.

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I gave up on the bendy light as I have 2 Pfaff 2170s. I alternate the machines and changing the light from one to the other is a pain. You also have to take everything off to get a machine serviced. I don't do well with sticky stuff. It never seems to stick where you want it, only where you don't.