Replies

1. 
   raven99 | Jul 21, 2005 11:45am | #1

   Hi Holly, I use a magnifier lamp for exactly the kind of work you describe. I have a circline magnifier lamp, which means that the light bulb is actually a fluorescent tube in the shape of a circle, with the magnifier glass inside the circular tube. It gives very even light. I've had it for many (20?) years and I couldn't work without it. Its on an extendable arm so you can position it any way you like, and I often have mine right in front of my face, magnifying and lighting the needle area as I sew on my machine. Make sure to get a lamp with a fluorescent tube if you're concerned about heat output. The fluorescents are so cool you can touch the tube when its on, and thats important when you're using it to do very close work. If you're interested, my lamp looks like this one:

   http://www.magnifierlamp.com/luxo_ifm_magnifier.html

   HTH
   Marion

1. 
   HollyT | Jul 21, 2005 01:46pm | #2

   Thanks for the info.  I assume the 3 diopter is the right magnification---I don't need 5 for sewing?

1. 
   raven99 | Jul 21, 2005 11:12pm | #3

   I've had my lamp for so long that I don't have the specifications for it any more, but I would imagine its a 3 diopter. If I recall correctly, I bought it in an art store and it was the only one they had in stock so there was nothing else to compare it to. A lighting store might have more models from which to choose so you "try before you buy".Marion

2. 
   PlanoSmocker | Jul 26, 2005 11:09pm | #4

   I recently purchased a Daylight magnifying lamp with a floor stand.  In my sewing room that worked better than a table clamp.  I wasn't sure which magnification, so I bought both 3 and 5 diopter.  I use 3 most of the time.  Here is a link to the one I bought.

   http://us.daylightcompany.com/product.plm/20/18

3. 
   MSJEN10 | Jul 27, 2005 06:30am | #5

   Hi Holly, in answer in your question, I found Ott lamps to be a wonderful lamp for lighting. I purchased an Ott lamp just a couple of months ago with a magnifer. The lamp is excellent, for doing handwork as well as reading. I hope this information will be helpful to you. Please feel free to visit the website.

   
   

   ---

   Edited 7/26/2005 11:33 pm ET by Jen

4. 
   MSJEN10 | Jul 27, 2005 06:37am | #6

   Hi Holly, I highly recommend Ott lamps. This lamp can be purchased with or without a magnifer. I recently purchased this lamp with the magnifier, which is excellent.This lamp provides wonderful lighting for sewing as well as for doing handwork and reading. Please feel free to visit the website. In the search engine (your personal preferrence) type in Ott lamps.
   Hope you find this information useful.

1. 
   HollyT | Jul 27, 2005 03:17pm | #7

   I bought a $25 magnifying lamp at the local office supply store, but the Daylight version recommended above looked so much better that I ordered it too.  With the $25 lamp I was able to do good-looking corded buttonholes, which solved the immediate problem.  I'm looking forward to having the bigger lens that Daylight offers.

   I've heard Ott has the best color rendition.  Is that your experience?

1. 
   MSJEN10 | Jul 28, 2005 07:51am | #8

   Yes, that is correct. I've been sewing for over 30 years, and believe me I never stop learning. Once I discovered the Ott lamp, sewing on my industrial machine let alone on my
   Viking has been wonderful.