I totally love the needles (straight pins) I think they are from Clover, and I think they are called applique pins. They come in a little plastic container and the heads are yellow and blue and they look sorta like glass and you can iron over them. Also, microtex sewing machine needles size 11 or 12, these really do make a difference and DMC 100% cotton embroidery thread, 60 wt.. I have used all the ones suggested on this board, but this one is still my favorite. I did take extra to a quilt retreat this summer and I shared with the others, (yes, I was a thread pusher!). Everyone wanted more. Give it a try, you might have to order it on line.