Question about the Big Look Sewing Platform
 

I read about this in another post about magnification ideas. This looks like a possibility for me. I need to know the dimensions of the platform part of it. The site doesn't show specifications. If any of you have this item (for the regular sized unit) would you let me know the size of the platform part. My sewing machine table has a hole at the top rear of the table (just behind my machine). If the platform would obstruct that hold, it won't work for me. Any input here would be appreciated. My fingers are crossed that this might just work for me.

Thanks, Alice

I looked at this and assumed it attached to the machine similiar to the bernina magnifiers which are smaller. Will keep looking as I could do with something.

WOW, I had never seen one before. It looks like it would not be in the way and is large enough to make a difference. Didn't find anyone selling it on Google.

I have two of the Big Looks. Nothing is behind the machine. I use it on my older Bernina, Brother 1500, Janome Jem, Featheweight, and Singer Quantum. There is an extension arm made for the longer machines. http://www.thebiglook.co/Big_Look_Models.html There is a video on the website. http://www.thebiglook.co/

I'll measure in a few minutes and post the size.

The base is 8" wide and 17" long.

The base is 8" wide and 17" long. It would still work just fine if a notch or corner was cut off the back. Any body shop could cut it for you.

Onebyone, Thank YOU! That size works great for me. I'm off to order one. I am so glad you all posted about this item. I had never seen it before. Good bye aching neck.

Thanks, Alice

Alice, did you get your Big Look? I can make it work with my set in 8900, but no way for my Singer Treadle or Singer 404. It does work fine with my freestanding hand crank I take when Rob is fishing.

Both are in cabinets and the site says it will fit in any cabinet...has anyone got one to work with a Singer cabinet. Am showing images of mine, you can see it won't work as manufactured.. Would love some ideas how to do so from our big brains members :) I have also written to the seller of course, asking for ideas.

The Singer machines set flush all around, and the platform under the machines is 11" below the machine

Thanks for any input

I don't have a machine in a cabinet, but have to say that I have the Big Look and have both arms since my home machine needs the longer one. I love being able to see the needle hole when threading and yes, Alice, it does help me avoid that neck pain from doing the "bobble head" leaning in to see better.

Those of you who have the Big Look, does the magnifier swing up and out of the way when you aren't using it, or does it only stay in one position?

Thanks!

Solomae

No problem with moving it out of your way either by flipping it up or taking it off or sliding it back. It is very easy to adjust to your preference when using it.
My vintage Singer is attached to the cabinet so it swings down out of the way. I don't know if the Big Look will work in that one.

Okay I raised the machine then put the platform under it so it rests on the sides of the cabinet. It seems to work fine.

Thanks Onebyone! I think I'm going to give this a try and get one!

Solomae

If you can go to a show where the Big Look is being vended the price is much better. At least at the shows I've seen them at. My guild had a big enough order, we got a big discount on each one. But I bought my first one at retail price and it has been worth it, no regrets at all.

In response to you question Kalama Quilts: My cabinet is a Koala. The machine raises and lowers into the cabinet with an electric motor. Then I have a plastic insert which creates a flat surface for sewing. The Big Look sits under the machine, then the arm goes up past the plastic insert (which has an open space toward the far right of the machine). Your setup looks like you would need to modify your cabinet. I bet you could do it, but it would be tricky.

In response to your question Solomae: The magnifier can easily be moved (slid) right to left, and it swings up and down easily too. At first I was having trouble when it came to threading my machine (not the needle, just the machine) I actually had to think about it.....It had become so routine that I was used to not having to think about it. Anyway, what I have to do differently (because the magnifier is in front of where the thread goes when you thread the machine) is that I pivot the magnifier up, then thread the machine, then pivot the magnifier back into place. It is very easy to do.

I appreciate the Big Look sooooooo much. I am a perfectionist and this has made perfect points easier, FMQ easier, and straight 1/4" sewing easier. No more tension in my neck and shoulders, as well as the added reduced eye strain benefit. It took a day or two to get used to. I kept bumping it at first and it would kind of vibrate when I knocked it, but now I don't even notice it. I guess, just like the threading process, it has become routine.
Pictures are attached in this message.

OnebyOne, can you attach a photo of how yours works in the Singer Cabinet? My dim bulb brain can't envision it.

thanks for the response Alice, mine fits like yours in the hole for my 8900 but the hole is oversize to accommodate any machine.

I too think this is a good product, although if you sew at top speed I think there would be some vibration, distorting the magnified view. I sew pretty slow so no problem.

This is an old post but I found out the Big Look is not being made any longer. If you do have one take good care of it. When I go to guild retreats my machine is the center of attention with my Big Look. Everyone wants one. One safety tip: cover it it if not in use if sunlight will shine on it. I use a machine cover when I'm through sewing so no problem for me.

I did find this attachment for Brother machines...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SddNYe9Kn40