Magnifying lamp for English Paper Piecing
I've started English Paper Piecing again and need some magnification to see to piece without eyestrain. I've been using my husband's magnifying light, but it's a desk light and I have to hunch over it, which tires me quickly.
I'm looking for a good magnifying floor lamp. I saw the Ott Lite version, but the reviews say that the rigid part of it is too high, so the bendable part doesn't reach down far enough when sitting in a recliner like I wanted to do. I saw that the rigid part of it is about 3 feet high, which I'm pretty sure would be too high. I've looked online and found several lights with mixed recommendations. I'd like to hear specifically from quilters here if they've found anything that works well. Does anyone have a recommendation for a magnifying floor lamp that they've had good luck with, one where the bendable part reaches down far enough to be functional when sitting in a recliner? Thank you. |
Can you use a higher strength 'cheater' eyeglasses to get the magnification you need? That's what was recommended to me - years ago, now - by my eye doctor.
Otherwise, try checking architectural-type magnifying lights. That is what I had purchased for my grandmother ages ago for her to be able to continue needlework while lying in bed. Worked a charm for her. |
I have used the magnifying light you wear around your neck. It worked great. It's big but not heavy. Buy the best one, they aren't expensive.
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Originally Posted by Onebyone
(Post 8168985)
I have used the magnifying light you wear around your neck. It worked great. It's big but not heavy. Buy the best one, they aren't expensive.
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Those are good ideas. Thank you.
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The magnified eyeglasses which goes over your own glasses is from Harbor Freight and works very well. I used them to do my EPP of 3/4" hexagons and the small 24" quilt was very nice. I keep them in an eyeglass case. They are much better then the magnifiers that you put around your neck. Hope you find something your like.
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I have an Ott floor lamp that is bendable and works great. I've had it a long time though. Not sure what they make now.
Edit- sorry, mine isn't magnified. |
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where are you located in Washington? I have a wonderful floor stand magnifier light, I'd be glad to swap it for fabric, we could meet up somewhere. Super heavy and stable.
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Originally Posted by KalamaQuilts
(Post 8169929)
where are you located in Washington? I have a wonderful floor stand magnifier light, I'd be glad to swap it for fabric, we could meet up somewhere. Super heavy and stable.
I am clear up in the Redmond, WA area, and not much time to travel. I do appreciate your offer, though! Thank you! |
Originally Posted by ragamuffin
(Post 8169379)
The magnified eyeglasses which goes over your own glasses is from Harbor Freight and works very well. I used them to do my EPP of 3/4" hexagons and the small 24" quilt was very nice. I keep them in an eyeglass case. They are much better then the magnifiers that you put around your neck. Hope you find something your like.
If only I could only find a magnifying floor lamp to settle on. I may just have to go through many permutations before finding the right one. |
I have an Ott Floor lamp with a magnifier that is on it's own bendy thing. The model I have is no longer available but this is the closest model they have now. I love it and I often sit in my recliner fully reclined and have the bendy magnifier close to me while the lamp illuminates above me. It works great for me.
https://www.amazon.com/OttLite-K94CP...with+magnifier Edited to add I also wear glasses. Oh, and I don't use the clip thing ever. I use mine for all hand work, applique, EPP, embroidery, hand quilting, sashiko, etc. |
UPDATE from me, the OP.
Today I picked up a nice clamping magnifying desk lamp at everyone's favorite craft shop -- Harbor Freight. It's not a floor-stander, but it has a much longer arm than the little desk lamp I already have. It has fluorescent, rather than LED lighting, which is a bit of a shame. The light is daylight quality, though, and the color rendition is awesome. The bright side of the fluorescent light is that it's replaceable, which is seldom true with the LED magnifying lamps I've seen. It also has a cover, so I don't have to worry about sunbeams coming through the window then shining through the lamp and creating a fire. Yes that's a problem people have talked about and shown pictures in reviews. Oh the fond memories of starting little fires with tiny magnifying glasses as a child, ha-ha. Anyway, thanks everyone for the ideas. They were all very helpful. |
Sharyn, can I take you up on that offer? I'm in Vancouver and work in Woodland, would be willing to meet you where ever. I have plenty of fabric I'd be happy to give you!
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Originally Posted by Peckish
(Post 8172600)
Sharyn, can I take you up on that offer? I'm in Vancouver and work in Woodland, would be willing to meet you where ever. I have plenty of fabric I'd be happy to give you!
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