a magnetic pin holder is necessary for me. I use mine as I remove the quilter safety pins when quilting. Saw a darling idea on on the web (here's a link that JJean shared:
http://luannkessi.blogspot.com/2010/...ncushions.html - there are other links posted if you search "magnetic dish" ) where you can make your own. Purchase a small vintage dish or saucer from an antique-y store and glue a couple of magnets to the underside of it. I plan on doing this for my sil as part of her birthday gift. And one for Moi while I'm at it. :-)
Please note that these should not be used too near a computerized sewing machine. I keep mine an arm's length away (hope that's far enough! so far, so good.)