I am also a member of the "curved out" bunch. My stiletto and a few very long pins sit close to my sewing machine. BUT the best answer is a couple of tweezers that came from a woodworking catalog what seems forever ago. They are about 6" long. One has a pointed end and the other's is rounded and grips like the dickens.
No more close calls with the machine needle, no more wadded up beginnings and ends and no more curves. I keep wondering what the were originally created for and then immediatelly send a prayer of thanks that I have them for what I want them for.
See what you think?
A.