Scoopie wrote:
Same here. I look out a bank of windows at a rock we call Chimney Rock. We are at the edge of the high dessert just a mile from the mouth of the canyon that enters the mountains. Our hills are red like Arizona/New Mexico. Shell Creek, a river meanders through the cottonwoods across the highway. I look right into the mouth of another canyon. I can actually work longer knoing I can just peek up every now and then. When I am downstairs I still have windows but not the view. I make excuses to go up stairs. So I often immigrate upstairs.

Thanks for the answers and the photos. I already have the Ott Lite lamp, so that's what I will use .

I use my extension table for a light box as you do, Margo. I went to the hardware store and had a piece of acrylic cut to the overall measurements so that the cut out was covered, giving me a BIG surface to work on. Betty D

I am also one who cannot place a sewing machine in front of a wall. (I wonder what that says about us?) I sew where I can look up and see the lake through the trees, and the Rocky mountains way in the distance. And, the snow. Lots of snow! But, from what I've seen being produced by the wall huggers, the wall must be a great help in keeping you focused. I definitely lack focus! LOL

Dawn
In beautiful Northwest Montana

Margo, do you know I love you! You always have a good answer and even have photos I just use the cheap light from the home improvement store. When I am home, now that I am doing more applique, I leave my table set up as a light box because I have a big sewing table there.

Zarah, I don't know what light source Sherry uses, and I don't have a Sew-Ezi table, but here are two lights that I use with my Sew Steady extension table:
http://www.allbrands.com/products/abp03522.html

The Ott light is brighter, but is pricey!



The under-cabinet light from the home improvement store is less expensive, but the light isn't as bright.

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I don't feel the need for eye protection with either option.

Sherry, what kind of light source do you use, when you turn it to a light box? Do you put something on the surface to protect your eyes, when nothing is on it? I have that feature, too, but have not had time to try it yet.

Zarah, I love how you set up your Sew Ezi with the work areas around it - looks like the perfect arrangement. I, too, have a Sew Ezi. I bought it to use when traveling and have it set up in our RV for the winter. And I love the feature of being able to use it as a light box or even a regular table.

OK, sounds as it works for you. You will love the portability of this table. I made long curtains for a friend and wanted to control the length of them when hung up in her house. So I brought my table and sewing machine to finish them on location. It was really great.

Margo wrote:
It's not what's happening, it's the view. I just place the backs of chairs against my tables I have set up around me. Since I am only quilting on 'a potholder' it's not a problem.

There's nothing brave about me. I agree with Margo. I put my favorite pictures in front of me in case I should look up . But most of the time I'm just absorbed in the creative process. Besides, In this corner I have a window in the roof at my left side, so the light comes in great for sewing. It's indirect, which I find very pleasing.

DirtyAnnie wrote:
Annie, I also sew with my machine in a corner so that the walls keep my quilt from falling off the table and causing the weight of the quilt to pull around the needle area. I find that I'm so focused on sewing that I seldom even look up at the walls!

Maybe you would want to hang a mirror on the wall so you can see what's going on behind you!

This forum has given me a couple of ideas. I also want the sew-ezi for it's portability. I like to sew in different area of my home. But I can't sew facing a wall. You are a brave soul.

Zarah, you are so smart to build up support around your Sew Ezi table to support the weight of your quilt.
With the machine set down, and the table built up, you have a great set-up that should be wonderful to work in!
Thanks for the picture!