I want to tell you that I am proud of you having the desire to quilt with failing vision. I think that is the best thing to have, desire. My 89 year old mother has faioling vision and has always done quilting, embroidery and others but now refuses to try. One thing the center for the blind did for her was to get her some green glasses which makes it easier to descern colors.

I also hand quilt all the time. I love it an it is relaxing - I have this magnifier that hangs from my neck and it has a small light on it. Well, I use to use it, probably should start again. I have now noticed that I take my glasses off when I am quilting, I can see better - wierd but true - I have a lamp (kind of like the OTT lamp but cheaper) that is a daylight and I love it. I use a portable lap hoop - that has a flat bottom to it so I can use both hands. I use size 9/10 quilting needles mostly John James, but the last ones I bought from the LQS is Mary Arden of England and I just love these. I am self taught and if my stitches are not even not a big deal to me since I am not going to stress over that anymore and the quilts are made for family and friends not for show. Hope all the answers from everyone helps you. We are all here for help and inspiration when needed. Happy New Year... :)

I hand quilt so if you ever need anything hand quilted I would love to help you.

Quilting by hand is a great pleasure. I too use the l/4 inch tape in order to stitch safely and straight. The needles you speak of make it easier to thread. I also use a Ott Light when doing anything with my quilting. It is like sunshine and helps me to see everything I am doing. You will find them less expensive in Office Supply Companies or places like Lowes Hardware. Quilting shops usually charge twice the price. I would also suggest that you use large patterns when quilting. If there is any questions everyone will pitch in to help you.

A friend who taught a quilt class called quilting 1/4" from seamline "echo quilting." It is much easier than SID. I prefer to use a 14" round hoop when hand quilting, size 10 to 12 between needles, my old metal thimble I used when learning to sew many years ago, and a small jewelers pliers to make pulling the full needle through the quilt easier on my fingers. I love hand quilting and once settled down to do so can't find a place to quit. I also use painters tape to help keep my quilting lines straight.

check sashiko quilting --thicker thread longer needle--high contrast thread +fabric

Tell me more.

hand stitching in the ditch doesnt really sew your layers together very well does it, I wouldnt think so.

where are you located? You might be able to get a few women together in your area that could do a quilting bee. That way you would get the company and feel like you contributed to your quilt.

Remember to keep your stitches even in length, I try to put 3 stitches on one needle at a time, so I can tell if they are the same. Sometimes I even draw my lines so they are straight when sewing blocks together.