The Colonial Needle Company has needled that will date from Civil War time. Why don't you contact them and ask how you might geta few to use in your demo.
To my knowledge you can't sharpen needles. However ask the people at colonial if you contact them. Also since it sounds like you are making a utility quilt. I dint believe the quilter at the time would be concerned about the size of the stitches, but do even stitches and larger than normal to get it done and on the bed. You might explain that to those who ask.
Last edited by Holice; 06-22-2013 at 08:19 PM.