I use a chair purchased from my LQS. It is large, cushy, and on rollars. It does not have arms. I know it was pricey, but I inherited it from my late MIL, along with a beautiful Horn cabinet and a nice sewing machine. I do love the chair...much more comfortable than the straight desk chair I had been using. I do, however, wish I had the stool from my mother's sewing machine cabinet (my brother and his wife have it)...like a previous poster mentioned, it is backless and I remember having much better posture when I was sewing as I grew up as compared to now. My advice would be to check out the office supply places first and sit in several. You want one that will give your back good support and will allow you to adjust for height.

I purchased a Casdin office chair from Staples #709054. It has support on both sides and seat, adjustable height, and nice wheels. Being armless gives me elbow freedom, and the wheels allow me to move from lower ironing table back to sewing machine easily.

Hubby recently bought me a new "office" chair from Office Depot. It can go up and down and has wheels--I didn't want arms. You might want to get a "chair mat" from the office supply store also. The mats are clear and you can roll around on them with ease. The mat is also easier to clean than carpet :D

I agree about getting up every once in a while. It's hard to break away from my project, but my eyes and body need the break.

I found a chair that is totally adjustable, including that the seat can be tipped forward just very slightly and locked. That sounds a but strange, but what it does is take pressure off the upper leg area, improving circulation. I learned about this from a doctor-quilter guest on Simply Quilts. When I went looking for a new chair, I looked for one that could be adjusted in every way. I also wanted a leather chair because they are so easy to keep clean. My office chair, which is very comfy, is fabric and everything sticks to it especially pet hair, and it doesn't give up that stuff to the vacuum either!

To add: don't just scooch in and out. Plant yourself firmly for a bit to see how your back handles getting up.

thanks everyone for your suggestions. there is a lot to consider. i will keep it all in mind when i go shopping. i new i could count on all you dedicated quilters as i know you spend many hours at your machines.

Hi! While attending a machine-quilting class, I fell in love with the sewing chair I used there. I just ordered a #258 Dynamic Series, with adjustable Lumbar Support. It moves up/down and the back rest is movable also. You can choose your fabric. It has no arms. I opted for the wider seat (22", I believe). I am 67 and have back problems and lots of arthritis everywhere. I can't wait for this chair to arrive. The order form states: Ergonomic Advantage, Omaha, NE. Website: [email protected]. Hope it works for you!

i use a good-quality office chair from staples. not too dear, but not cheap either. good back support and with arms, which i love. also, the upholstery is leather because i'm tired of pins getting stuck in the fabric seat and then getting stuck in my tush.

edit: and wheels.

Ouchie!