A tip from applique artist Jenna Kimball when she was in Fargo teaching a workshop: you can save yourself some eye strain when you need to thread a needle. Instead of pushing the thread through the needle’s eye, push the needle’s eye onto the thread. How do you that? Pinch the end of the thread between your thumb and forefinger with just a nub showing. Put the needle’s eye on the little nub and then roll your fingers back as you push your needle down. It might take some practice but it can be a real eye strain-saver.