joan3111

Yesterday I was at my Janome dealer and they had a machine on the floor demonstrating the magnifier attachment Wow....something I Really need - but my machine won't accept this attachment - Drat - has anyone an answer for an alternative? I do a lot of applique and my poor eyes aren't as good as they used to be. This attachment would Really help. My thanks for your suggestions.....
oan3111

Geri B

I thought I saw in one of the catalogs for quilting a small generic magnifier that one can attach to any machine...maybe wishing I saw that!

KalamaQuilts

based on onebyone's recommendation I bought a big look
http://www.thebiglook.co/Big_Look_Models.html
It has a flat sheet that sits under the machine.

The only drawback is it doesn't work on vintage machines that are set in, there isn't anything under the machine when it is in use

Onebyone

I have three of the Big Looks. One on my quilting machine and one on my piecing machine and one packed in my class/workshop bag. If you have a longer machine like some of the new high end ones you can get the extension bar so it will fit either a portable or the newer machine. I think every machine needs this. Doesn't matter if you have perfect or not no perfect eyesight you can see every stitch. I have one under my machine in my Arrow cabinet. If you can lift your machine out of the sit in, then the Big Look will slip underneath it. If the machine is attached to lay down in a cabinet then I don't see how it can fit.

quiltingshorttimer

with the Big Look you can get separate arms to put the magnifier glass on so it fits different size machines. I like how the Big Look helps me to sit up straight--since I'm not squinting at the machine I sit straighter and have less pain.

JustAbitCrazy

That looks awesome. I always just put on magnifier glasses you can buy at the drugstore. I have some that are triple strength, so they're great. But I like that you don't have to lean forward with the Big Look. Are they expensive?

KalamaQuilts

around 100 bucks. cheap at twice the price if you need it.

Onebyone

If you can find the vendor at a quilt show the price is usually much less, no shipping involved and less for the vendor to pack up. I paid $60 for mine a couple of years ago.

JustAbitCrazy

Thanks, might have to put that on my Christmas wish list.

Innov8R

I have the Janome 14000 with the magnifier attached. It is a feature I use EVERY time I use my machine. It has a swivel that allows me to easily slip it out of the way when I am not using it. That swivel feature is key to the success of the magnifier.