A Question about Emery Pincushions
 

Today I saw an Emery pincushion for sale. I understand that it is filled with emery, which is different than one of the more popular type of pincushions that are out there which feels like something else....fiberfill perhaps?

Can someone tell me the advantages and/or disadvantages to storing pins in an emery pincushion?

Does anyone also store their sewing needles in an emery pincushion? I think one of the reviewers said something about doing that.

Thanks! :)

Emery is good for sharpening pins. You still have to work the pins a bit through the emery.
One thing I don't really like when I have my needle in there, there's always a bit of emery
stuck to the needle point so I have to wipe it. I'm going to try a wool pincushion next.
But I'll still keep the emery to sharpen my pins when needed.

Some of the "older"tomato pin cushions had a little emery strawberry thing attached. I still push my hand quilting/sewing needle into the little strawberry once in a while. don't know if it makes the needle sharper, but it is a habit I have gotten into over the years. My dm rarely replaced her sewing machine needle, she used to push it back and forth in the strawberry. Years ago, the machine needles were made of better metal than they are now.

Thank you for your responses. I am a beginner quilter on a machine and have a Sally Collins dvd and on it she talks about changing out her sewing machine needle after 8 hours of use. Does putting a dull sewing needle into an emery pincushion sharpen the needle again and deem usable again or should I throw away the needle and begin machine quilting with a new needle?

i use my needle until it starts giving me grief, like not going into the fabric smoothly. that usually means there is a burr, and it is time to replace. i guess i don't have the patience to work the needle through an emery and put it back into the machine to try it. that said, there are no "shoulds", only opinions or recommendations. use your own judgement.