I asked my dentist for a pick they use for cleaning teeth. He had some old ones. One end is very sharp and has almost a hook on it. I can "pin" the material as I am sewing with it and then as it goes under the foot I pull it out and grab some more fabric. The other end is a little more blunt and can be used as a stiletto also. I use it for lots of things. I make sure I keep a cork on that sharp end at all times! AND yes, I sterilized it before I used it! :lol:
I do also use a bamboo skewer...I glue cute little beads on the top of a 6 inch skewer and give them to my sewing friends. If they become damaged, just sharpen them in the pencil sharpener.