Help for a handicap Quilter wans suggestions
 

Hi, I have AMD which is Age-Related Macular Degeneration that has caused me to quit driving so I can't go to my quilt group meetings now. I purchased an Accuilt cutter a while back which it helping me cut. However, I am still running into some issues. For instance, I cut some blocks for the QOV block drive, no problem with that but now when I start to piece I am finding it hard to line up the edges of my fabric of like color (one on top of the other) and see clearly that everything is lined-up straight and even. This was quickly apparent with the Navy pieces. Any ideas or tips for solving this problem anyone? I hope to get some idea that might apply to most any color because I imagine this will be a problem with most any like color. Joy

I have no experience with AMD, but I wonder if you might be able to find a quilting buddy who might come to your house (maybe in exchange for a nice lunch?) and help you by pinning a bunch of those problem pieces for you. Then you could sew them later. Or maybe in exchange for using your Acuquilt to cut some of her own pieces.

Just a thought. How about laying your blocks on the top two sides of a square template ruler. If stacked on top of each other at the corner, you should have them lined up every time.

I also have AMD, but not to the extent of yours...I'm going to keep following this for needed suggestions.

based on OneByOne's recommendation some years ago I got a BigLook. I can't find the site now, but here is a thread on it
https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f...t272710-2.html
There might be something similar out there or maybe someone here has one they will sell you?

I have MacTel2 like Bonnie Hunter and face a lot of the adaptability issues you have or will have eventually.
RE: dark fabrics, I put them on the bottom. I have 4 or 5 different small cutting mats of different colors and constantly change them out when I'm having trouble seeing.
I have led light bars everywhere I work
I have put neon stick on letters on my keyboard, that actually came with a little USB light to lean over the keyboard. I don't use it because I have lights on both sides of my computer :)
I ordered a big dry erase whiteboard to hang in the kitchen to put appointments on.
I use the control key plus the + sign on my keyboard to enlarge webpages to 150%.

And a real significant shift...I used to make complicated quilts with small pieces. Now I use small pieces to make quilts that look complicated :)
I sold my featherweight and bought a little Eversewn Sparrow for my traveling machine because threading needles on the vintage ones was just impossible.
I bought a good quality monocular so I can read the isle signs in the grocery store and carry a small magnifier so I can read labels.
Sold and donated 6 bookcases full of books and invested in an Ipad and use the kindle app to read, set at 150% size font.
I spent 2 years making my own precuts from my fabrics and board members scraps against the day I won't be able to cut. I've already decided I have no desire to invest in a cutter machine. I'm now dipping into those lovely personal precuts and am very thankful for them.
I hope at least something here helps, seems I adapt to being able to do something still each day. Hugs, Sharyn

Hello DebJ ... So sorry about your AMD. I don't have AMD and don't fully understand it. But I have had vision issues for over 20 years now, including having been deemed blind twice, and have had to learn coping strategies. I kind of come and go as to how good/bad my vision is.

This neck light has helped me when the lighting just does not work for me!
Not sure if it will make any difference for you?
https://catlights.com/product/ct7105...ed-neck-light/
The nice thing is that you can have one or both lights on at the same time. Also, have the directional adjustments for each. Helps when I am working with darks. Sometimes I have it around my neck and aim at the machine needle. Or when doing hand stitching, I can zone right in! Or if reading or doing paperwork in not-so-good light.

There is a battery version or rechargeable one. I bought the battery one first but soon discovered it ate the batteries up in no time. Was able to return and get the rechargeable one. You should be able to get it at Home Depot or any hardware type store. Amazon too. I hear that plumbers/electricians like them, as it gives them both hands available and don't have to hold a flashlight/phone with one hand.

Good Luck to you, DebJ as you find ways to work around that AMD.

I have nothing to add other than to note that if you do get a magnifier of some kind, make sure it does not sit in the sun. Onebyone made this point in the other thread but didn't explain why - sunlight on a magnifier can quickly and easily start a fire.

Love seeing everyone jump in to help!

I would encourage you to allow your vision challenges to open up a new world of quilt options. Perhaps improv quilting or even improv curves. maybe applique that you can glue or iron in place first. start playing with different colors to see what works best for you. black and yellow tend to give higher contrast than black and white for folks with low vision. or you may find that a something else is easier to see. whole cloth quilting with contrasting thread could bypass piecing altogether.

I know everyone mentioned lighting, which of course is very very true. However, you may go a step further and determine what kind of light is best for you. One of my otto lights (or a knock off brand of otto, anyway), has the ability to change the warm/cool level.

most of all, find a way to continue enjoying your hobby!

Yes, indeed! Totally forgot to mention this. I guess because it is just "normal" for me now, having gradually changed over all the bulbs throughout my home.

Look for "daylight" bulbs, minimum of 5000K (for me) and you will get a clearer white, pure light.

As quilters, those bulbs are really wonderful, as they let us truly "see" the "real colours" of our fabrics. Especially when pulling fabrics and wondering if they really go together, or not.