Don't throw away an old "tomato" pincushion. Set it on a paper towel- slit and you will find many good sewing needles- never rusted because they were encased in the sawdust!

I once found 63 needles in one pincushion!
Evelyn in NJ

Wow, I am going to check mine and my mom's and everyone else who has an old tomato. This was too funny. Thanks for sharing

I cut one of those apart years ago and found a huge stash of needles!!!
I don't use one any more but if anyone does, check it before you chuck it!!!

Who would have known that you would find so many inside these?

It will be a bargain to buy all you find at thrift stores. Did you know needles made in Japan are made better then the needles made in England or Germany.

I was unaware of needles made in Japan- thought they all came from England!
Thanks for that tidbit of information

I never would have thought to do that. Great idea.

never would have occurred to me, either

Interesting.

I use needles from Jeana Kimballs Foxglove Cottage.. I'm not sure where they were manufactured but I have always found them to be of superior quality and in my opinion fairly priced. I LOVE the #12 Betweens especially.