All of you have such great ideas! And the best thing here is that now I know I'm not the only one who has had trouble keeping track of my needles. This is quite reassuring. *S*

I most like the suggestion of the post it note. I use post it notes regularly when I'm piecing - why didn't I think of this one? Now if I can just remember to do it.

I never thought about recording the insertion date, and I should do that too. I know I've used the same universal needle for piecing long past its prime.

Thanks for all the responses!

We learned that a a quilting class and I never forget now... Really like the idea.

Check out this link from Superior Threads, talking about needles. Turns out you only need Topstitch needles - they handle everything. Dr. Bob know his thread and needles, his company depends on it. He'd make more $$ if he did like all the other companies and put out all the different kinds of needles, but he only recommends the topstitch for our home machines.

http://www.superiorthreads.com/shop/...s/description/

Superior Topstitch needles by Organ are the only ones I buy now. They make a big difference in my fmq. Superior is a good company and stands behind all their products.

I was going to try their topstitch needle but then at least 2 people on the janome 6500/6600 email group said that they didn't work in their 6600. They both said they were too long. Is Organ the same? they have a titanium topstitch needle too.
http://www.discountembroiderysupply....nd-Titanium%29

Same fabric no problem, switching thread? now you may need to switch the needle too. Some of the threads I use for quilting are thicker than what I use for piecing. If you do thread painting/embellishments/applique, you could be using a multitude of different weight threads. So I have needles with larger openings, in different sizes to accomodate these threads.
I also use a larger needle for quilting than I do for piecing... I found I was bending a size 80 when FMQ so a size 100 works better for me.

I have on of those, I like the tomato pin cushion with the sizes written on it the best.

I would call Superior on Monday. They are AWESOME to work with, and extremely knowledgeable. If you need a different length needle for your specific machine, they will know it.

clem55-I'm like you, I change the needle when I break it or when I change to much heavier fabric. I even do my machine quilting with a 12.

Same here. I'm really bad following the rules with needles!!