lbosma

We do a ton of charity quilting and our beloved Ms. Judy can sew anyone of us around the block and then some. She too has macular degeneration and pre existing sight issues. I think the posts have covered most of what she has hit on to keep quilting. She did visit a specialist that suggested the automatic needle threader that is pretty cool. Additionally, it is my absolute pleasure to cut for her. I wish she would let me cut out more of her projects as it really makes a difference too. So my additional suggestion is to find a quilting buddy who can cutout your projects.

Infila Auto Needle Threader
Automatically threads large or thin needles. www.independentliving.com

goldendog55

I have some sight problems, and have worked with teaching other people who do. One of the biggest helpers for me is buying a 1/4" sewing foot with a groove on it. It makes a very straight line, without having to see it. It kind of does it automatically.
Another idea for cutting fabrics with a ruler: Get some of that lightly colored flourescent tape that you or someone else can put on the measuring line that you will need to cut. Very helpful!

gensquilts

There are many things like magnifying devices out there. I am legally blind in left eye and have limited side vision in rt eye but I still keep goiing. The proper light and sewing machine foot can help. the hint about threading the needle with white paper behind the needle works for me. Don't give up. Don't sit too long at the sewing. Best advice I can give s pray before you start during and after.Genny

QuiltingQueen

My dad had macular degeneration and his eye glass lenses were tinted yellow. They really helped him.

Connie811

I've had cataract surgery on both eyes 6 months ago and today my Dr tells me I have Macular Degeneration in my right eye.. It's so blury that I can't hardly tell what's what and my left eye is blury also.. I feel for each of you, but I must say that all these helpful hints from all of you gives me courage to keep on quilting! Quilting is the Third love of my life, God's first, Family's Second, and Quilting is Third. Oh, Please forgive my typing mistakes :)
Connie

renee765

Reading this thread leads me to think about the beautiful spirits so many of our quilters have. Although they may have challenges, they don't let those challenges take away from their love of quilting. Kudos to all of you.

Cheshirecatquilter

My mom had macular degeneration and laser surgery which destroyed the central part of her vision for seeing fine detail. We were able to get her a device called a Video Eye, expensive, but what a lifesaver. It helped her to do some reading, thread a needle, see her meds, etc. When the central vision is gone, peripheral vision, which can sense motion is still useful for many. To take advantage of it try not to focus on the thing you want to see, but scan from side to side as if it was "moving". As for sewing, I would suggest sticking to designs that made up of squares and strips rather than triangles and complex shapes. Your fingertips will become sensitive to sensing 1/4" seam allowances if you hand sew. If someone can bond applique pieces on to fabric for you, you might be able to overcast or buttonhole stitch around the edges by feel. Keep trying. Even if someone has to do some minor adjustments after you are done, they will treasure the time and effort you have put into your quilts. Don't hesitate to accept help from friends or relatives or a quilt group who can help you with some preparation work so you can continue with your sewing. Love, and good luck.

GrammaNan

There is a store in our area that states, in part, that they are "the largest retail store of blind and low-vision products in the country." My DH has vision problems so we have been there and they are great. They have a good web site. It is http://www.beyondsight.com/

pookie ookie

Lots of great advice here. I'll skip my magnifier advice as that's been well covered.

Clover Fork Pins. I would never match up seams without them.

I have a very hard time with dark fabrics. I can't see anything well if a dark fabric is involved. Contrasting thread and pencil-thick markings vanish.

I use a pounce pad for outlining templates and stencils on dark fabrics.

I haven't found a decent marker for dark fabrics and white/silver pencils don't work for me at all. Need a thick marker.

Mumzbear

My friend has your problem She used to do all my hand work on things. She has a light that goes somehow on her head that is like a miner's light. She got it from the society for the blind and says it really helps.