What fun to sort through your new items! The cabinet is beautiful and my first thought was like another that there is a lift inside to bring the machine up for use and down for storing. As to the needles, my first thought was that the one was for ribbon but maybe not since it has the pointed end. My mother had a thread box similar to the one you bought. Love all those wooden spools! I use some of my mother's thread for basting. In a pinch, check for strength and it may still be usable.