Gayle's Quilts

To all that do hand quilting--- has anyone found a way to mark the needle, so when it is drop to the floor, you can find it. I have been doing this more than a couple times.. "Don't no one move"!! I have been able after awhile to find it. I did try nail polish,but that didn't work . I use magnet, find it.. What are you doing???

auntpiggylpn

I got one of those magnet things that mechanics use. It is on a long springy type thing. It is hard to explain but it is like D in this picture. I got it at Big Lots or Harbor Freight, don't remember which and it didn't cots a lot of money. http://www.allmagnetics.com/device/pickuptool.htm I use it in my sewing room to scan for dropped pins, especially under my cutting table and sewing table.

edited to add: Oops, didn't see that you already used a magnet to find it!

Pat625

Usually I find it with my foot!! OUCH!!

Jackie Spencer

I use my magnetic pin cushion to find the pins and needles I drop.

dd

I tried nail polish but it made the needle thick and rough and it wouldn't pull thru the fabric. Thought about permanent marker but didn't want to take the chance it would rub off on the fabrics. Guess magnets are the best bet.

teddysmom

Sometimes I can find one if I use a flashlight. Scan the area where you think the needle might be and then expand from there. I can usually find it by using either the magnet for the flashlight. Good Luck!!!!

susie-susie-susie

I just have my DH walk in with bare feet!! Just kidding, but he always steps on dropped pins and needles. He thinks I put them there on purpose. The magnet is probably the best solution or the flash light. They never seem to be in the area where you think they fell. I think they get wings on the way down!!!
Sue

GemState

Using a flashlight is the best way I have found. The light will reflect off the needle and make it 'shine'. Losing a needle is worrisome and aggravating!!

Tartan

If I have other at home, I ask for help. Young eyes usually spot it before I move. If I am alone, I carefully check myself before moving and then I check the floor around where I was sitting. If I don't see it, I get out the flashlight and my big magnet and go over the area. If I still can't find it, I put a pantyhose knee high over the vacuum end and try to pick it up that way. If that fails, I put on the power room and vacuum the heck out of the whole area and warn everyone that there might be a needle in the sewing room. This is one of the reasons I only sew in my sewing room because I don't want to take a chance of losing one in other areas of the house.

QuiltMom2

My husband has magnetic feet and it seems to be genetic: son also has them!! Their rolling eyes, heavy sighs and head shaking disappear when I catch them snoozing under a quilt. I do keep a flashlight at hand to try to make sure I've picked up all pins and needles: I don't want to cause any unnecessary pain.