I am finding as I get older that I need help to see things better. I have talked about this great invention in some of my lectures. The magnifier attachment for my Bernina sewing machine. They do make generic ones also. This is my 820 Bernina machine before the magnifier is attached. The machine has excellent light casting down around the foot area.
But, when I sit in my chair and try to keep my posture correct, back straight and legs at a 90 degree angle, it’s rather hard to see some of the detail work I like to do without bending over. I find that the Bernina magnifier is the perfect solution. I absolutely love this attachment. The Bernina magnifier box offers 3 different magnifiers in one box. Each is a different strength. I go back and forth between two of them depending how tired my eyes are. On this model of Bernina the arm to attach the magnifier swings up and down easily. This is a nice feature because sometimes when I am using the needle threader on the machine I prefer to swing the magnifier up and out of the way.
Thank you to who ever thought of this. This machine accessory really does make my work better. It allows me to be more accurate.
I feel it is my obligation to test things for my students and fellow quilters. (That’s my story and I’m sticking to it!) On the final day of Quilt Odyssey in Hershey, PA a couple of years ago one of the vendors was selling an interesting light. Since it was the final day of the show they had the price slashed. Great news for me. (Like the full price would have stopped me!) Since I drove to this show I had my car so I could get the light home with me. Attached to the main light stand is one bendable arm with a light on the end. On another bendable arm is a magnifier. This is like getting 2 for the price of 1. Light and magnifier. Here is a picture of my 730 Bernina without the new light.
And here is the photo using the light and magnifier.
I forgot to mention that on this machine…just above the needle and to the left I also have a “Bendable Light” attached to my machine. I love my 730 Bernina machine but I find that I need more light. The combination of added lighting really makes it easier for me to achieve the detail work I like to do.
Now, if I am sewing by hand I find this light to be extremely helpful. This light is made by Dazor. On the underside of the light is a round light bulb. The bulb surrounds the magnifier. It is a great asset to me when I hand applique. Again, anything that makes my work better is “a good thing”. When I was traveling in South Carolina years ago a guild member had one of these in her home and I tired it. I really liked it and asked Joe to do an ebay search and he found a used one for me.
If you are younger and don’t need this yet…..just wait. You’ll be glad you know about this when the time comes.