Stella and Ott lights
 

I went to a Quilting Retreat recently that did not have good lighting where I was sitting. I borrowed a Stella desk light from someone there and loved it. However, after researching them online, I do not think I want to pay the price they are!! I am looking for a light to use at my sewing machine (on the sewing table) for less than $100, when I go to Quilt Retreats. I have researched the Ott Lights online, and JoAnns has them on sale 50% off in the ad that starts in a couple days. I would like one that has a flexible goose neck and a long light (not just a little square one). Any suggestions? My local Joanns only has a couple choices in stock so I may have to order one from JoAnns online. I would appreciate your advice on Ott light model #s that you have and really like. (Or if anyone knows where a Stella light can be purchased for under $100). I really want to purchase a light within a month because I am going to another Quilt Retreat in March and want to be able to see at my work station!

This is the one I have. Don't know if it's the little square one you mention. It really throws a lot of light and it's portable.

http://www.google.com/shopping/produ...FQmqaQodDrgPFg

I have several Ott Lites and they do give really good light. My husband made fun of the one I bought to put by the place I sit in the evenings and sew or read until he sat there one night, then he wanted his own Ott Lite. The only drawback to them is that if you have them a long time, they don't make replacement bulbs anymore that really fit. I posted a whole thread here on their customer service when I had an issue. They really won't tell you anything in an email and their customer service is open M-F during the day which is hard if you work. Thank God for my mechanical husband to figured out how to make the bulb work. He said that I would never have been able to do it with someone on the phone explaining it to me. Just something to keep in mind.

I have their floor model and a desktop Daylight lamp.

The floor model isn't very tall. When I use it on the floor I have it on top of something to make it taller.

I was never able to bring myself to pay that price. I simply purchased a flexible-arm desk light from an office supply store and use CFL or LED bulbs in it, both of which are easily available at any grocery or big box store. The key to getting good, true light is to pay attention to the "temperature rating" on the packaging. Temperatures range from warm yellow (think traditional incandescent bulbs) to bright, bluish white (think office lighting).

A lot of us use this little lamp from IKEA. Flexible neck and it's only $10. They also have a clip on model.

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/20169658/

I have the clip on version and love it. It is very bright .

Cari

I have a floor ottlight and a desk one I haven't opened yet (just got it and waiting to set up a sewing room). Don't not sure what style you'd like, just wanted to say that if you buy from JoAnne's, you can combine the 20% off coupon with the sale to make them even less expensive.

I actually have this one but am looking for much more light for when I go to Retreats and the room lighting is very poor.

I had an older Ott floor lamp and cashs_mom is right. We threw it out because we couldn't get a lamp replacement for it that fit. For this and other reasons, I wouldn't buy another Ott. You can get similar style lamps at big box hardware stores such as Home Depot. What matters most is the quality of the lamp. The big box stores typically have an array of lights turned on so you can see the differences in temperature (and color) that Peckish mentioned. What you want is something that is neither icy cold (blue) or overly warm (yellow). Something that provides a spectrum close to natural light. If I were in the process of looking for one now, I would do a lot of research online first to find the specifications for the kind of light I would be wanting. Basically, what you are paying for with Ott and other lights is a premium for the research that they have already done for you.