World Wide Quilting Page

Question of the Week

Question for the week of April 3, 2000:

Our question this week comes from EPSAKLAS

I would like to hear about peoples experiences with the Ott Lite - which size do most people seem to prefer?

Christine Ritchey :
I have the floor model. It was a gift and I love it. It is convient by my sewing machine as well as near my sofa when hand quilting or any other hand project. The table model would not be practical at all for me. The flexibility of the lamp is wonderful.

Reta Heintz :
I have the floor model and I think it is great but I am thinking of buying the table model because I think it would be handy to take to workshops.
H.F. :
Here is the test for those of you who bought your OTT Lite at the office store. Place fabric under it and the True color OTT Lite. There is a considerable difference. OTT makes many different lights. So for quilting and sewing look for the True color.
Carmen :
I have the portable natural light Ott-Lite. I purchased it at Office Depot. It's a great size for traveling and throws a lot of light out. Also can use it under a light table. I also had a True Light Ott-Lite but I returned it because it threw off a weird color light in my dimly light living room.
cindywaldrop@yahoo.com :
I have th OTT Lamp that attaches to a table. I love the flexible arm and the way it does not take up table space. I had a halogen lamp before and it was too hot. I bought my lamp at Office Depot.
quillt49 :
I love the small lite,its easy to use and takes less room up on my work area.It also gives out great natural light.
Valerie :
I have the true-color floor model which I love. I'm currently trying to locate one of those "lazy Susan" turntables made for TV's to see if I can put it on that, then I can swing it around between sewing machine, iron and cutting table (it's rather heavy). I also have the table model from Office Max (not true-color, but by the time I'm hand piecing, appliqueing or quilting the need for the true-color isn't so great. I would steer clear of halogen - they get dangerously hot!
Karen :
I think it depends on what you want to use it for. I do a lot of sewing, and have a floor model, that I love. I keep it by my sewing machine, then move it to my quilting frame when quilting. If you do hand work, like cross stitch, the table model with the magnifier might be best for you.
Sue Martin :
I have the table model. My husband built an oak stand for it to sit in that turns it into a floor lamp. I get both models for the price of one.
Becky Kelher :
The reason the Ott Lights sold at Office Depot are so mych cheaper than the ones sold at Quilt Stores is because they are not the same Ott Light! Every one I have seen at Quilt Stores are TRUE COLOR Ott lights. The Office Depot ones are simply Ott Lights. Both are made by the Ott LIght company. For an explanation of the difference, go to www.lumenlight.com and check on the Q&A section. The TRUE COLOR lights are said to be an improvement over the original lights as far as color matching goes, hence the name, True Color. It's why they are more expensive.

Becky

Linda Rogde :
I have the size that fits on a table and lifts up. Stands on it's own. I can't figure out how I ever sewed at night without it!!! What a great invention!
Laurie Gordon :
I was lucky to receive an ott floor model light for Xmas. It is all they say. Color is accurate, I move it all around. Definately a work light.
Mac3Booth :
I love the table size as you can take it from room to room. The lighting in motels is often poor so I take it with me and always use it. It is compact so easily portable.
stephanie :
I love mine, colors are great and the light is not harsh on the eyes. I have the original table-top model, works great and is very portable for taking to classes where the light is usually marginal. Someday when I hit the mega-bucks, I'll buy the floor model w/ magnifyer 'cause I can "foresee" the need as my eyes get older. You'll enjoy it.
LatteRN@aol.com :
I have two Ott-lites and love them. My
eyes are at bifocal stage and I need all the help I can get. I found the best prices at our Office Depot store. They come only in basic black, but I got mine for about half of what the local fabric store wanted. Also, look for look-alike lamps that will take an Ott-lite bulb. Same light, costs less.
Janet :
Thought I'd add another thought to this discussion on Ott-lites. I have also purchased an Ott-bulb and use it in an old magnifier lamp (not an Ott brand one) that I bought over 12 years ago at a fabric store....I love that too and lots cheaper than an Ott magnifier lamp!
Janet :
I have the portable model and the floor model. I like the portable because it's portable which allows me to use it everywhere. For some reason the light seems better on it too. I would recommend getting one at Office Depot. They have the best prices and the Ott-lites run about half what quilt stores charge.
Ann K :
I received the floor model OTT light for Christmas - and love it! When I turn it off, I can't believe I used to quilt without it! I'm thinking about investing in the portable table top model to take to classes and to give me even MORE well-directed light.
Louise Picard :
To Joan,

You can purchase the Ott-Lite in Canada.
Following is the info I obtained from Ott-Lite:

"Please contact the following Canadian Distributors:

Ontario: toll free number 877-736-8312 (store is called xSTITCH+)
they'll ship anywhere

British Columbia: 250-842-5028 (store is called Fabrics & More)
they also will ship."

I also saw a floor model in a local sewing machine and supply shop in Montreal. If I remember well they were asking something like $350. for it. Incl. magnefying glass but + taxes. Lots of money... I've purchased a floor halogen lamp for $150. and it does a great job.

You can reach Clotilde's web site at: www.clotilde.com. You'll find Ott-Lites there along with asking prices. They do mail orders.

mooringstone@neaccess.net :
I have thhhhe table model with the weighted base and it also has a clamp device which I haven't used yet, I LOVE this light. I can now sew at night and cut green fabric on my green cutting mat! But, we had a difficult time getting the bulb in correctly -- we thought the lamp was faulty. Husband put elec. tester on it and since it was ok we (he) tried repetedly to get bulb in -- finally did. So glad because I love it. I'm mildly worried about eventual replacing of bulb. Am senior citizen so good lighting is becoming more important yearly. Go for it, you will love it.
Nancy N :
I have the floor model OTT Lite and love it!! It is a good investment. I found the best price through the mail order catalogue "Clotilde", not sure if they have a web site.
Joan Wilton :
I own the floor model and love it. I do all my work,piecing and quilting,by hand,and the Ott light sure makes it easier on my 59 year old eyes! I place it behind and to the left(I'm right-handed)of the chair I am sitting in;or at the left side of the table when I am cutting or marking my fabric.

The only thing I don't like is the high price,when you factor in duty and exchange,to have the lamp and/or bulbs shipped here to Canada. Sure wish I could find a Canadian source!

Courtney Daniel :
I use the small Ott Lite. This is sold at any Office Depot, or computer store, and usually cheaper than from a quilt store. I like the small one because when I open it and place it behind my machine, it shines right on the needle.

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