Sharon, I've been using those permanent markers for a few years now and they are great. Definitely UV resistant. I use them for all the tags on my winter sowing and they last quite well. Some tags/labels have lasted up to three seasons. :O) FYI, Just don't get the tip wet. It prevents them from writing and it's hard to get them going again so I do all my tags inside or only bring them out on a nice day. My last one kept me going for three years marking well over 500 labels a season.

Lynn - That Bendable Bright Light looks like it will solve my problem getting more focused light at the needle - thank you! The funny thing, when I googled it - a website for Patsy Thompson came up - I had linked to her website on this Forum a few months ago to share her exquisite feather quilting she does on a domestic sewing machine - a Pfaff. She uses the Bendable Bright Light on her Pfaff. I also have a Pfaff and I was so impressed with her work, I didn't notice the light! Thanks all for sharing your opinions.This is such a great group of helpful people! I am also going to look at an OTT Light or cheaper version to help light the cutting area; but I am definitely going to get the Bendable Bright Light. I am taking a BOM class & it will be wonderful to have additional light that will travel w/out having to carry another big piece.

Moonshadow, I've not looked at the C180, but our daughters first digital was in the C series and it was super easy to use. Hers was purchased with one of Kodaks little printers. The first time she sent home prints of photos she'd taken and called to see if we'd gotten them I asked her why she wasn't using her printer. She said she'd used it. I was shocked at how wonderful this little tiny printer printed 4x6 inch photos with the quality of being professionally printed. I'd recommend getting her the printer also. The print paper and ink is very reasonable and if I remember right costs a bit more than taking the photos to Walgreens, but then you add in the gas and time and it's a great deal. Gosh, I just tried to search for them and I can't even find them for sale on their site. I wonder if they quit making them. Maybe they figure their newer combo printer scanner copiers are inexpensive enough and sell more that they didn't need the little printer docks anymore. If I find one somewhere online I'll let you know. But yes, even my camera which is aimed at someone that takes photos and is close to an SLR is extrememly easy to manage all the buttons and controls.

Thanks, everyone! It's nice to hear from people who've had good experiences. Now I'm even more eager to receive that lamp. Hope other people find this thread and get that free shipping, esp w/yayagal's code (not sure how long mine is good for). I think Fortunoff is having a huge sale right now, if I remember right... saw an ad in the NYT.