Some products that may help the challenged....

[Paula D.]

I have a few hopefully helpful suggestions. First, use SERRATED scissors. They grip the fabric and really take the strain off the wrist/hand. Olfa has two sizes. You won't believe the difference. Next, I would recommend the "Halo" marketed by Sharon Schambers (who wins repeatedly in quilt competitions despite hand tremors). It helps immensely to move the quilt while machine quilting. Thirdly, look into the Dazor magnifying lamp. It has a bright flourescent bulb behind a large (@8 inches) circular magnifying lens. You can position it right in front of the sewing machine and look through it to sew. Throws terrific light on your magnified field. In addition, use a "Bendable bright light". It's a small intense light that you affix to the machine and can bend to pinpoint the beam of light. Really great for illuminating the presser foot, especially on the "dark" right side. And of course, always play music while you sew. I'm into soundtracks - check out "Cider House Rules"

[Annette R.]

Paula thanks so much for posting these wonderful suggestions. Especially the lights -- I have been realizing more and more that I cannot sew intricate things at night without lots of frustration.

I am sure others will appreciate these suggestions too. But I would like to suggest that we add this line to the quilting with disabilities topic as we may reach more people who can used the information. So since I have no clue how to copy a thread from one topic area to another I am just going to open a new thread there and reference this entry. Hope that is ok with you, Paula and with others.

Ann

[Lynn K.]

They are currently OUT of the Halo, but are forming a waiting list for when they come in.
Lynn

[Lynn K.]

They are currently OUT of the Halo, but are forming a waiting list for when they come in.
Lynn

I picked up a halo at the show in paducah...been playing with it for a couple of days...I must say, it does exactly as advertised. my hands and shoulders are much more relaxed. the control of the stitches is awesome..you can remove all the basting pins within the halo, it is heavy enough to keep your layers stable.
I love it...
lori in springy w. ky..

[Lynn K.]

Great endorsement! Thanks for letting us know. Now we wait...............
Lynn