I think this is a great tip, as it hadn't crossed my mind that the needles could have rusted. I still have a couple of old paper needle cases - one of which had a price of 10 cents, so you know how old they were, but the needles had not rusted. However, if the pins/needles have been in a humid environment, it's likely they could rust. Even if I only have one needle in that paper needle case, I'm keeping it for sentimental reasons, if nothing else, as when I see it, it brings back memories of my Mom teaching me to embroider and sew when I was about 6 or 8 years old, as those are special memories.