Thread: Straight pins

My pin's are starting to feel abit dull going into my fabric, how often do you change out your pins?

I have not notice the whole batch going out at once, but when the odd pin seems dull, I toss it and eventually have tp buy new ones. I use the small ones for applique and the long ones for holding things togther so maybe thats why mine seem to last a while.

Yeah Vicki I should do that also. They are not all dull, just a few here and there as I add to them, I'll just toss them as I go along. Do you ever wonder why some things have such a simple solution and you don't think of it! lol!

I really like my sawdust pincushion. Poly filled pincushions will dull your pins.

I love the look and charm of pincushions, but I use one of these for my pins:

http://www.save-on-crafts.com/grabmagpincu.html

I use those also, but I got mine from Joann Fabrics and Walmart. They are so much cheaper there. I probably have about 6 of them. I also have a metal dish type thing that I got at a tool sale. I guess it is used to hold bolts so you don't lose them. I got me two of them and now I have two magnetic "bowls" 6" in diameter.

I must add that I use them for more then just making quilts. I also do upholstery work so they are really in demand for me.

Barb

Thanks for the tips, I think I'll try to make me a few more pin cushions, I'll try them with sawdust!

what about magnets near computer sewing machines.... I have heard they can mess them up.... for that reason I have stayed away from magnetic pincushions.... It would be my luck I would be using one and forget and get it too close..... Does anybody know about this. Quilter 1234

I tend to toss my old pins when they get dull or bent. I tend to get an old pill bottle with the safety cap on them and fill it with all my old pins. When the bottle is filled, I can toss the bottle safely knowing the pins won't hurt anyone in the plastic pill bottle.

Originally Posted by Loretta

I loved the post about making pin cushions out of teacups and I think you could use sawdust too. They are so charming!

Loretta I made a couple of those pin cushions. I should take a photo of the one I kept for myself. I am really pleased how it turned out. I picked up some beautiful big latte cups at one of the dollar stores here and used cute sewing motif fabric for the cushion part.