Quilting tools I wish I could buy!
 

There was a wonderful thread that asked what tool you wished you hadn't purchased. Lately I have lamented to my husband that I wish I could find a few things.
I would love a cutting mat (with simple lines) that is black on one side and white on the other side.
I'd like to be able to find rulers that have only thin, black lines on them. I can't use the rulers with all the yellow lines running thru them or so many lines that my eye can't settle and rest.
A sewing machine with a clear acrylic body. Also move the dang needle closer to the front of the machine so we can see it and be able to change the needle without having to become a contortionist.
And finally......can we get every sewing machine maker to commit to top loading bobbins, please.

I too dislike the yellow marking ruler..I really prefer quilters rule..nice black lines that can be seen clearly......

I have large hands and it's really difficult working on needle change and/ or removing shank if needed to change some attachments..... I bet it was NOT a woman involved in the design of sewing machines.......

I can help with the sewing needle. There is a nifty tool that you can put the needle in to hold it in place while you turn the screw. I use it with my serger.

I only commit to companies that have top loading bobbins.

I love the Olfa frosted rulers -

I wish the company would make a 3 x 18 inch one.

I think I've seen a Bernina in a quilt shop that had a clear body for demonstration's sake. I think it'd be interesting for a while, but then everything moving around inside would be distracting. I see you're in NC too, I think it was in Loving Stitches shop in Fayetteville, but I could be imagining it. It might have simply been a bodyless machine in a plastic box.

As far as the needle position and top loading, my Singer 500 has both. The 400, 403, 500, and 503 are all slant shank machines with top loading bobbins, and the needle is close to the front due to the slight angle at which it comes out of the machine.

Tate

[I checked out the Singer 500 on EBAY and that's what I'm talking about! The body is slim above the needle and I like the need being close. I believe you are right about the distraction of a clear body.]

I think I've seen a Bernina in a quilt shop that had a clear body for demonstration's sake. I think it'd be interesting for a while, but then everything moving around inside would be distracting. I see you're in NC too, I think it was in Loving Stitches shop in Fayetteville, but I could be imagining it. It might have simply been a bodyless machine in a plastic box.

As far as the needle position and top loading, my Singer 500 has both. The 400, 403, 500, and 503 are all slant shank machines with top loading bobbins, and the needle is close to the front due to the slight angle at which it comes out of the machine.

Tate[/QUOTE]

I so agree!!!!

Why don't they at least have a suggested manufacturer's retail price list available? I would like to know if I could afford to put a given machine on my wish list before I make the trek to a store to see one.