Now That is helpful!! Thanks to all for replying on all this. Why didn't I think of numbering!!!?? -----Original Message----- From: visionrehabtherapist-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:visionrehabtherapist-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Kay Townsend Sent: Thursday, January 08, 2009 3:45 PM To: svan@xxxxxxxxxxx; 'Pfeiffer, Moira'; Robin.Illers@xxxxxxxxxxx; visionrehabtherapist@xxxxxxxxxxxxx; guidinggolden@xxxxxxxxx; dasmot@xxxxxxx Subject: [visionrehabtherapist] Re: Threadinga sewing machine and sewing machine suggestions I also had a blind seamstress teach me that when she needed to change thread color she broke the old thread off at the spool, leaving it all threaded in the machine, knotted the new thread to it and slowly pulled the old thread out through the needle guiding the new thread through the machine. When it reached the needle she broke it off and threaded the needle. She had a threader on the machine. It is not as easy as it sounds, needing to make the knot small but it can be done. I have also numbered the places to thread on a machine in either Braille or large print for independent reviews if not sewing for awhile. Kay Townsend, CVRT CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This e-mail message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipients(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply e-mail and destroy all copies of the original message. -----Original Message----- From: visionrehabtherapist-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:visionrehabtherapist-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Van, Stephanie Sent: Thursday, January 08, 2009 3:31 PM To: Pfeiffer, Moira; 'Robin.Illers@xxxxxxxxxxx'; visionrehabtherapist@xxxxxxxxxxxxx; guidinggolden@xxxxxxxxx; dasmot@xxxxxxx Subject: [visionrehabtherapist] Re: Threadinga sewing machine and sewing machine suggestions Having read all the fine suggestions made, ( I have used each and every one of these at one time or another). Consider the machine type and the amount of space one has at the presser foot area when choosing a threader option. The EZ in does not fit all machines or needle eyes. The floss threader has been the one most sewers I have instructed prefer because it is flexible and can be used for multiple types of threading. Which brings me to another factor. Remember the threading processes of the upper parts of the machine and the bobbin. Needle threading is not the only consideration here. Holding the thread taut with about an inch between hands allows "looping" and "sliding" of the thread into hooks and crannies in the upper parts of the machine. (My technical terminology is lacking here, but I think you have the idea.) The floss threader works well on the part of the machine where the thread is pulled up and down. This is the metal hook directly in front of the machine approximately head height. It sits within a vertical groove and moves up and down with the needle. (I do not have the proper name for this part) Familiarity with the machine is a plus. Orientation to all parts and the direction the thread must go helps the novice. Feel for the slits and loops and hooks with the fingers before you begin. Get acquainted with the machine characteristics. The machine is very tactile and can be threaded successfully when patience and familiarity abound. Maxi Aids and Clothilde also have a hook needle threader that has a long handle in which a "dog legged" metal hook in screwed into the end of the handle. The length and rigidity of the hook have made this popular among many seamstreses who don't like the ease that the floss threader bends. ________________________________ From: visionrehabtherapist-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [visionrehabtherapist-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Pfeiffer, Moira [mpfeiffer@xxxxxxxxxxx] Sent: Thursday, January 08, 2009 1:41 PM To: 'Robin.Illers@xxxxxxxxxxx'; visionrehabtherapist@xxxxxxxxxxxxx; guidinggolden@xxxxxxxxx; dasmot@xxxxxxx Subject: [visionrehabtherapist] Re: Threadinga sewing machine and sewing machine suggestions I've seen that LoRan threader in ACMoore or Michaels (or both). Moira Pfeiffer, MS, CVRT Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Bureau of Blindness & Visual Services 444 North 3rd Street, 5th Floor Philadelphia, PA. 19123 Phone: (215) 965-4872 Fax: (215) 965-4873 mpfeiffer@xxxxxxxxxxx www.dli.state.pa.us -----Original Message----- From: visionrehabtherapist-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:visionrehabtherapist-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]On Behalf Of Robin Illers Sent: Thursday, January 08, 2009 1:39 PM To: visionrehabtherapist@xxxxxxxxxxxxx; guidinggolden@xxxxxxxxx; dasmot@xxxxxxx Subject: [visionrehabtherapist] Re: Threadinga sewing machine and sewing machine suggestions The flat needle threader with hooks on each end is called LoRan. This website has them for purchase. They may also be available elsewhere. http://www.nordicneedle.com/PROD/6817.html Robin Illers CVRT, Rehabilitation Instructor Oregon Commission for the Blind 444 NE Winchester, PMB 13B Roseburg, OR 97470 robin.illers@xxxxxxxxxxx phone: (541) 492-1171 >>> Debra Sokol-McKay <dasmot@xxxxxxx> 1/8/2009 8:44 AM >>> Hi Robin, Can you give us the name and manufacturer of the product? Hopefully it is not just "made in china." Debbie ---- Original message ---- >Date: Thu, 08 Jan 2009 07:52:52 -0800 >From: "Robin Illers" <Robin.Illers@xxxxxxxxxxx> >Subject: [visionrehabtherapist] Re: Threading a sewing machine and sewing machine suggestions >To: <visionrehabtherapist@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>,<guidinggolden@xxxxxxxxx> > > There are "handicapped" sewing machine needles that > have a slit down one side. They work best for > straight stitching, but not well for zigzagging or > other patterns. > > I recently found a flat metal needle threader that > is about 1.5 long and has different sized flat hooks > on each end. I am looking forward to trying this > one, since the hook is open on one side and is not > threaded like other needle threaders. I purchased it > at a local fabric store last month and am hoping it > stays on the market. > > > > Robin Illers > CVRT, Rehabilitation Instructor > Oregon Commission for the Blind > 444 NE Winchester, PMB 13B > Roseburg, OR 97470 > > robin.illers@xxxxxxxxxxx > phone: (541) 492-1171 > > >>> "Shelley L. Rhodes" <guidinggolden@xxxxxxxxx> > 1/8/2009 6:35 AM >>> > I am curious if any of you, have suggestions on how > to make threading a > sewing machine easier? I have a customer who loves > to quilt, and has two > sewing machines, and has recently lost some vision. > I don't have a sewing > machine myself, I want one, smile, so I was > wondering if anyone has come up > with some easy or creative ways to get that thread > into the needle. We > tried the floss threader, wire needle threader (best > so far), self threading > needles (she loves), but wondering if there are > other methods that work out > well? > > Also, smile, does anyone have a favorite brand or > type of sewing machine > that is good for a blind beginner sewer? > > thanks. > > Shelley L. Rhodes, M.A., VRT > And Guinevere: Golden Lady Guide Dog > guidinggolden@xxxxxxxxx > Guide Dogs for the Blind > Alumni Association > www.guidedogs.com > > The people who burned witches at the stake never for > one moment thought of > their act as violence; > rather they thought of it as an act of divinely > mandated righteousness. > The same can be said of most of the violence we > humans have ever > committed. -Gil Bailie, author and lecturer (b. > 1944) > > *********************************** > To view archives, edit list settings, subscribe or > unsubscribe from list: > www.freelists.org/list/visionrehabtherapist > > Administrator e-mail: dietz1112@xxxxxxxxx *********************************** To view archives, edit list settings, subscribe or unsubscribe from list: www.freelists.org/list/visionrehabtherapist Administrator e-mail: dietz1112@xxxxxxxxx *********************************** To view archives, edit list settings, subscribe or unsubscribe from list: www.freelists.org/list/visionrehabtherapist Administrator e-mail: dietz1112@xxxxxxxxx *********************************** To view archives, edit list settings, subscribe or unsubscribe from list: www.freelists.org/list/visionrehabtherapist Administrator e-mail: dietz1112@xxxxxxxxx