Handi Quilter Sweet Sixteen Day 7 - visibility

The basement men have each, independently, asked me why on earth I need another machine. This from people who, between them, own four different kinds of power saws. 

However, I do have an answer for them. While I cannot deny that naked lust did play a role, my decision to buy the Sweet Sixteen was also motivated by logic and reason, and the reason comes down to visibility.

My sewing room is in the basement. There is no natural light. I was lucky enough to have lots of input in the way the room is laid out, since we finished the basement ourselves. I have nine different lights with daylight bulbs, which give a very good overall light, but I also need good light right where I am working, especially as my eyes are increasingly behaving like middle aged prima donnas.

When doing FMQ, you are working fast and moving around, so you need to be able to see where you are, where you've been, and where you are going. 

Both pictures below are taken on my phone, in the same light conditions, about 30 seconds apart to try to give an accurate picture of the differences between a regular sewing machine and the Sweet Sixteen. Both are taken seated in the spot where I would be if I were going to use that machine. Both fabric pieces are the same size.

Here is the view from my Bernina. Notice how much the machine itself obstructs the view, and the limited circle of very good light.

Here is the view from the Sweet Sixteen. There is so much more clearance between the needle and the machine that the view is unobstructed. Because the machine is angled away from me, and only the needle shaft is in front of me, visibility is awesome 360 degrees. The area that is really well lit is also so much greater.

I rest my case! Now remind me while you need all those saws??