Help! I'm getting old and so is my sewing machine!
01-13-2018, 06:56 AM
#72
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Hartford, Mo
Posts: 5,783
If you have had cataract surgery, a film can form on the back of the artificial retina, causing an almost blind feeling to thread needles or to sew. I know because it happened to me. When I got my courage up, I visited my eye doctor who assured me I was not going blind, just needed a quick laser surgery to 'fix' the sight again... and he was right. Less than five minutes in laser surgery and I can thread a needle again!
01-13-2018, 07:07 AM
#73
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: SW, MI
Posts: 827
Originally Posted by GrammieJan
I learned how to thread a front to back needle this way. I put my left thumbnail behind the needle tip and gently press it slightly forward. Then I can see thru the needle eye (I never use nail polish) and with a fresh cut of the thread so that it is not fraying, I can just push it thru. Very seldom have to try it twice. When I bought another sewing machine, I was shocked to see that the needle gets threaded left to right! All of my other machines are front to back.
01-13-2018, 08:16 AM
#74
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Vermont
Posts: 2,316
i use a torn piece of envelope behind the needle and it makes my eyes see better, too.
Originally Posted by maniacquilter2
i have the needle threader that came with my bernina. I would think that any gadget made for threading hand sewing needles would work on your sewing machine needle. I am referring to the gadget with the thin wire that you pull the thread thru the needle eye.
01-13-2018, 03:18 PM
#75
Junior Member
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Maumee, OH
Posts: 289
I use a white index card behind the needle eye which helps a great deal. Another thing I have resorted to is to remove the needle, thread it, then reinsert with the threading already done. We do what we have to do!
01-14-2018, 10:03 AM
#77
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Rocky Mountains of Idaho
Posts: 1,454
Originally Posted by Weezy Rider
A Viking machine I had (1+) came with a white mark embedded on the ankle behind the needle. Don't know if it was tape, but you can use a small white piece of tape in that spot.
Even with that white strip on the shank, I'm finding I need the wire needle threader that often times comes with hand needle sewing packages.
Getting old is the pits but the alternative is not great. I often use this quote to remind myself when the knees ache and things I used to do with ease take much more effort. "Do not regret growing older, old age is a privilege denied to many."
Last edited by onaemtnest; 01-14-2018 at 10:05 AM.
01-16-2018, 04:44 PM
#78
Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 106
I recently learned and have tried it several times that you can spray the end of the thread with hair spray. I keep a travel size can next to the sewing machine. I spray away from the machine and in my hand. It really works. I have mature eyes and have problems threading the machine needles or hand needles.
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