My favorite old coffee mug recently cracked, now it holds small rulers, marking pencils and my turner which happens to be a small aluminum knitting needle.
I use the spice rubs that come in tins and when labels are removed and they are cleaned they make great holders for bobbins, machine feet.
A thrift store find was a silver plate bread basket (wire type) Holds small scraps next to machine on sewing table, bottom is nice so doesn't scratch cabinet, and colors showing through wires are pretty.
Bamboo cutting board to raise portable up to right level in machine table, also doubles as pressing surface with an old t shirt cover for iron on transfers.
Nylon netting strip sewn down thru center and gathered and tied off makes a great tool for grabbing loose threads off floors, carpet.
Zip loks for small templates storage
Vintage small china saucers to hold pins, bobbins, presser foot when using walking foot, etc' right at the side of the machine.
The metal mesh pencil and stuff holders holders used for office stuff, are narrow enough to sit on my window sill, holds scissors, more rulers, ball points etc.
Old tea tin for holding pkgs of machine needles. Mine is tall enough to hold those packs that are about 5 inches high
Those little silica packets used to absorb moisture are great when storing anything that might rust like machine feet, needles, pins etc, I never toss those out.
My DH says Iam a packrat, but I love to re-purpose stuff and am always looking for ways.
LOVED all your suggestions!