A textile enthusiast going to a Model Engineering Show? Well, the models and engines are amazing to see - lots of texture there, in the metals, woods and other materials used. It was a really interesting day. As well as the exbibiton, there was also a large number of stands with items for sale. I bought a surprising number of things, which I shall use for future textile-based projects.
My favourite purchases were three lights. The first is a large angle-poise, which I have bought for a friend. It has a good-sized magnifying section. The lamp attaches to the desk with a clamp. I have two of these of my own. Each is large enough to stand over a sewing machine and shine onto the working area. So useful to be able to use the magnifier when stitching some Free Machine Embroidery. This cost just £39.
This is one of my own lamps sitting over the top of my sewing machine.
The next two lamps are for my own use. The first of these, a smaller angle-poise, now stands beside a chair in the livingroom ready for me to continue sewing and stitching there. It will be so nice to have good light to stitch and sew by so I continue working at night. It only cost £19.
The last lamp is rather an indulgence. This is a small lamp to take with me when going to the Knitting group or to some stitch and chat sessions. It has a small magnifier surrounded by a circle of eleven LEDs. It can use mains electricity or batteries and has its own little carrybag. It did cost £30, but I shall use this a lot.
All three lamps have daylight bulbs.
Can I suggest that if any of you have a friend interested in model engineering who goes to a show, ask them to look out for useful equipment for you. I cannot get this type of lamp easily and have found these shows invaluable in stocking up. My first two lamps came from this same show in previous years.
