BUTTONS! strung together in a garland.
And, I don't know how close to sewing/quilting you have to stay, but if it absolutely MUST be relative - - how about using plastic lids in different colors, made into pincushions.
I have seen some really cute spool dolls created with the spools and tubes of fabric.
The yo-yos are a great idea! so colorful, easy, but elegant looking. <wave>