Such wonderful ideas here. We can find something that will work without going to a store to buy something.

I like the dining table open with glass over the opening and a light underneath. But where would you find a piece of glass to do that. How about a picture frame. Take the picture out, but leave the glass in the frame. That's because that glass is probably not too strong and might break easily under pressure if not supported. Find your largest picture to get more area. Hope it works for you.

I have an aftermarket plexiglass bed extender for my DSM. I stick a small flashlight underneath it for small projects. It is very useful when I am trying to line up fabric for paper piecing since it is right next to the machine.
I have also used large windows for tracing.

I also use a clear plastic craft box with lights from Harbor Freight that are brighter and always ready vs the tap light I originally tried. My box is not deep but plenty wide - a big square like 14" maybe, probably for storing craft papers. I watched for one for awhile to find one without an imprinted spot where it wasn't flat. Since I figured this out I'm always set and a big bonus is it can hold pretty large blocks when not in use as a light box. Inexpensive (I think the lights were even free with a coupon). I'm sure you'll figure out something that will work if you look around.

When I need one I use the long shallow plastic storage box flipped upside down with a short fluorescent light fixture ( with a plug on the end )inside. Works great!

I have "LightTracer" by autograph #225-365. It's electric and light weight. I'd buy it again if necessary.

My favorite always go to book is "1001 full-size patterns,projects & ideas" from Better Homes & Gardens,
copyright 2003 - nice, big pieces of everything you can imagine just right for appliqué.

Autograph is one of the best. I have two sizes....

so many great ideas here!

That's the one I got, with the coupon. I find, now that I have one, I use it a lot for many different projects and crafts.

My daughter also bought my light box at Walmart but also check kids department for a light box that operates on batteries it is a crayola product I believe.

i use the extended table for my machine and place one of those lights you just tap. I like the idea of the ott light...thanks. I also have an old X-ray view box that my husband bought that I use if I have a lot to do.