If you have a flatbed scanner, or all-in-one printer, you can easily enlarge. They are not expensive, but it is easier to connect if you have a PC or laptop. Copy stores can have a problem with copyright laws, unless you have a self-service machine & employees aren't overseeing.

It is important to destroy the copy when you're done & not give it away. Many stitchers here use a highliter to mark completed stitches. Welcome back & have a good time.

Good lighting is a must as well. A lot of us use a daylight spectrum lamp. I have bifocals as well & found both these ideas helpful. Welcome back:)

I am wearing glasses since I was 12 I just bought a magnifier and stand from The stitchery site for doing my cross stitching specially by night. It might help. I just received it today. I like sometimes to do my cross stitching during the night or early morning when the sun or day light is not yet there.
but My eyes site will get tired the next day.

Jlhewes and bewortman have given you very good suggestions. I make copies of all my patterns before I use them so I can mark up the copies and save the originals. Before computers 30 years ago I marked on my originals and then basically they were not reusable. Definitely make copies of your pattern first. At my Office Max they have self service copying and I have used that. With copyright laws they cannot do it for you. That is why having your own computer printer like I have is better. As far as lighting I have a great fluorescent floor light that I use and it is great. I got it at Menards for only $40 and it works just as good as the expensive Ottlites sold at JoAnn Fabric. Since I am in my 60's my eyes aren't as good as they used to be. I tried the magnifiers out there but did not like them so got rid of it. Hope this gives you some more ideas.

Anytime you have questions feel free to come here and we will try to help you. I am always interested in what other stitchers are doing. Have a good day!

I wish I could use our comouter, but not with DH playing his game 16+/24! Just got my full spectrum lamp and love it! It does help these old eyes!

Su Pitt when DH is sleeping you should sneak in and print your patterns. Tell DH you are going to get your own computer if he doesn't share. LOL

I too, make copies (enlarged and sectioned) where I can see them better and highlight the areas that I have already stitched. I section the pattern so I can fold and put magnets on it to keep it onto my fabric that I'm working on (JHewes idea). I have my own printer too. They don't cost much, just the toner does. My son has one too and everytime the toner runs out, he donates the printer and buys a new one, says it's cheaper than buying the toner (it comes with at least one toner cartridge). LOL

At one time, I went to UPS store and had them make me a copy, and they did. Do the copyright laws come into play when you have bought the pattern and there's no intention of selling the copy? I think as long as you don't intend on selling it and having it enlarged doesn't warrant for sale, don't you think?

Jclifford all I know is at Office Max they told me that they are not allowed to make copies of any copyrighted material, but I could do it myself. That was a few years ago, but now I have my own laptop and printer so I can do it myself. It is one of the best ideas that I have learned over the years. Over 30 years ago when I started stitching we didn't have computers so my patterns were a disaster to look at by the time I get done with them. I am one of those people that mark and make lots of notes on a pattern.

You have all given me such wonderful ideas! Thank you so much! I did scan and enlarge the pattern, what a HUGE help! I happened to have a really good light, and I found that a black piece of fabric on my lap helps the holes to show up better! Now, I'm looking for larger weave fabric that isn't the plastic kind, just fabric. I made a few boo-boos before I got everything together, but now, I'm on a roll and really enjoying the quiet time!

Me too Syagel: I use to use my patterns up. I write on them, mark them, color them then low and behold, the printer!!! I have one too and love love it! Worth the money. I copy at work so I can really blow it up. It comes out on 11x14 paper and then I section it on 8.5 x 11 and mark away!! My originals are clean clean to reuse and share.

Aren't we smart!?