How do I keep up with the size of the needle in my machine?
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I used to try to write the size on a piece of paper, but would lose the paper. So, I tried taping the paper to the package. It took time to get the tape. Paper clip didn't work. So the big clothes pin works fine and easy to see and find.
I am embarrassed to say that I don't usually throw a needle away until the machine starts giving me problems such as skipping stitches or tangling or breaking threads. I can also tell by the sound of the machine as it goes through the fabric and if I see the threads being pulled in the fabric. Then, it's time to go. I discard them in a marked pill bottle.
All pins and needles, industrial or medical, should go in a marked closed container before being put in the trash for safety purposes, both to prevent injury and in the case of medical needles, such as insulin pins, to spread possible infections.
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I've tried several ways to keep track of my needles as I go. I really like yours. I keep a magnifying glass handy for checking the numbers on the needle itself, there was a time when my eyes were good enough to read them without help. I too keep needles longer then I should.
ReplyDeleteI have to say I've never thought about keeping track of my needles and I too would wait until I had trouble, although I'm not sewing tons of things. I suppose I should take more care though.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing, over from too cute Tuesdau :)
This is a great tip - I can't tell you how many times I've dumped needles because I was careless. You could also roll that up and place inside a Mini M&M candy tube. My daughter did this with her crochet needles, was pretty handy.
ReplyDeleteCarole @ Garden Up Green
That's a great tip Carole. Make sure it's clearly marked so a little person doesn't think it's still candy?
DeleteThank you for sharing and thank you so much for linking up with us over at the OMHHWW! Have a wonderful long weekend!!
ReplyDeleteMany years ago I was able to purchase these round cases to hold my sewing machine and server needles. Singer made one, and you rotate the top to the pieshaped area that holds the needles. The one from Singer had the pie shaped holders labeled, but the others I bought were blank. I used a fine tip Sharpie to label those holders. To remind me what needle I have in the machines I put a flat toothpick in the holder I took the needle from. Before I do, I write the date on it with my trusty Sharpie. When I can't remember the last time I changed my needle, I just check.
ReplyDeleteThank-you for that great tip Melody. I remember those round dispensers.
DeleteI never throw out needles until they cause problems, either, Joy.
ReplyDeleteI use nail polish - a different colour for every size and type - and keep a master list. I put the colour on the end that goes into the shank.
ReplyDeleteThe nail polish idea works to identify keys as well.