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lighting for hand sewing
Can anyone please recommend a good light for hand sewing? I have checked out a few and don't really know which way to go. Is the ott lite the best or is there something better. I don't mind spending the money if I get a good quality product. Thanks.
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I like my Ott light. It (post #34446, reply #1 of 2)
I like my Ott light. It clamps to my sewing table and swings to wherever I need the most illumination. When I want to be in the den, I use a vintage floor lamp with 3 incandescent bulbs, and I use a combination that gives me about 300 watts, regular bulbs and halogen (Halogena). The Reveal "daylight" incandescents give really good illumination but don't last long enough to justify the extra cost. I have a LED headlamp that is quite bright--I use it when walking the dogs at night, but it could also provide good illumination right in your lap. Now as for compact fluorescents, forget it. They are dim, no matter what the box says, and make me feel as if i were underwater, with a headache.. Curse Congress for making incandescents go away in 2012--I'm investing in several cases while they're still available. Good luck with finding the solution that suits you best!
lighting for hand sewing (post #34446, reply #2 of 2)
My eyes are getting so OLD! The rest of me is fine...
My first suggestion is day light from over your shoulder.
Second, the incandescent daylight bulbs. Reveals are too expensive.
I also like the crystal clear chandelier bulbs, you can use them in an
ordinary clamp on desk lamp. They come in low wattage, I use the
60 watts. The clear bulbs are really the best for bright white light.
I sometimes use a generic Ott type light I got from a tool catalog
it might have been Northern something, for $35 standing lamp. It is
just the same as the Ott, $100 cheaper. It helps me see and differentiate
blacks, notoriously hard to sew. I also use a ordinary flourescent desk
lamp with room light to do fine hand stitching when I have to see
very close. The more light I guess, the better. Hope this helps.