Two years ago, at my annual eye appointment, I was told I had the start of cataracts. My vision deteriorated quite quickly after that, requiring three prescription changes in under two years. At the last visit I was told that my cataracts were very fast growing – and it was time for surgery. What a blessing that turned out to be! I was able to have my astigmatism corrected via laser, and then have trifocal lenses put in place in both eyes. I can read, work on the computer, and see distance without glasses for the first time since I was nine years old! Amazing!
That being said, nothing is perfect. It’s a small thing, but to read I need to have bright light now. Enter Emma. A month ago I brought home my new Janome. I named her after my great grandmother (click here for that post) and we’ve been getting along famously. I realized right away that she needed to have tattoos like all her friends (decals really). That was an easy fix – and I think she looks stunning.
In the above photo please notice the bar that says “Janome” on the upper left. This is actually a light that slides back flush with the machine, and then slides out to put light right where it’s needed. This is especially helpful since my eyes need more light now to line up blocks for piecing before I put them under the needle.
In the past I’ve used a generic clamp magnifier to see detail work. It was a bit cumbersome. Emma to the rescue again. She has her own easy to attach magnifier:
that swings out of the way when it’s not needed.
And there’s one more feature I didn’t think I’d use much. I was wrong. Attached to the right of the very large foot pedal is a smaller one ~ and it works the automatic cutter on the machine ~ hands free. Brilliant!
I’m finding more things I like about her every day. Today’s stitching adventure was to make the final blocks in the Murder Mystery Quilt. I really love the apricot batik fabric, and these strips of blocks were once again very interesting.
Next month we won’t get any new blocks to make ~ instead we’ll learn how they all fit together. I’m looking forward to it!
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And one more thing! I was cleaning out some drawers and found a “what is it?” item. It’s made of black shiny plastic. One side has a piece of paper covering a thin, gray, spongey adhesive disc. Any ideas???
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FYI ~ the watercolor eyes at the top of this post were painted by my niece, Kaitlin Walsh. She does amazing anatomical art. I did a post about her a few years ago, and you can click here to read that post. If you’d like to read more about her, please visit her website: https://www.lyonroadart.com/. She also has a facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=lyon%20road%20art. Kaitlin has many fascinating items available for sale. If someone on your Christmas list is interested in anatomical art ~ framed prints, mugs, coasters, puzzles, etc. ~ I know you’ll find her site a blessing.
judy raddatz says
So happy for you and you new machine
Patty Mattingly says
Everyone gets nervous when told they need cataract surgery but it was such a blessing. I could drive, read. Sew for the first time in 40 years without glasses. Your new machine is very exciting. Congratulations.
Doris Ast says
I had no problems with my cataract surgery and I don’t need glasses for driving, eating and watching TV and even some sewing-I need them when using the seam ripper.
Jodi Grzeczka says
You struck a chord when you talked about your eye surgery. I was told that same thing this past year. Now I wait! Happy to hear you are doing well. So tickled to read of your new machine! My Elna has that extra light over the needle and I love it!
Eleanor McMurrin says
I became aware of my vision problem when night driving brought iridescence. My surgeon explained what I could expect. MAJOR SURPRISE! His nurse had married one of my students who had seen action in Viet Nam . Vicki brought me up to date. The surgery changed more than my vision.Eleanor McMurrin
Miriam Bolton says
Love those attachments you have! I’m working on a large cross stitch project. I avoided it for a few years because it was hard to see and I was making mistakes. Now I use my mom’s Ott light. It’s a magnifying glass light. I love it. Wish my old Necchi had your attachments!