I like to use all my depression glassware and lovely old dishes to hold everything that is small. Pins, tacks, oil bottle, screw drivers, pens, pencils, rippers. I like to have pretty things around me when I sew. Some pieces that I use are happy memory things from family and friends.
Most are yard sale finds.
A few little chintzware candy dishes hold my thimbles, hand needles and wax.
My aluminum ware platters and bowls hold projects to move around.
I make little 'pillow cases' from fabric scraps to hold UFOs, I pin a lable to each one and can pick up a package to work on and know the pattern, fabric and finished part of the quilt is all together. When I finish the top I put it back in the case untill ready to quilt.
I like to use my stuff not hide it away for 'good' or company.
peace