You know, when i read that tute, the first thing I thought of was the particles that could come off and go into my machine. I'm glad someone said something

I just replace my sewing machine needles when it finally occurs to me that they are dull, nicked, or bent.

Hate to take the chance of wrecking the innards of my machine.

Hand sewing needles and pins - I will try to push them through the emery strawberry to tidy them up.

I never thought of that! Thanks for the heads-up!

You can buy the steel wool in a hardware store without the soap. I buy "000" grade.

Good idea....thanks :-D

I know you know this but the sos pad is also steel wool as well
whoops

I just made my steel wool in a lid needle sharpener. I also, used 30's flour sack fabric to cover it. Reminds me of Grandma. I think using it like this and not running it thru should be ok as long as I wipe off the needle before using it. Took me about 2 min to make. Thank you!

You are exactly correct......bobbin cases are expensive. Thanks for the warning!

Thanks for sharing that idea. I will try that.

I have made several cup and saucer pin cushions and always used the steel wool from the hardware store. That way, I don't have the 'blue soap' falling off off all over. I use a small styrofoam ball and then cover that with steel wool. Over that I put some soft batting and then my fabric. By the time I get all finished with this it is pretty fat. I gather the fabric circle like a yo-yo and pull it tight and seems to hold everything together. Then glue into the top of tea cup. This is a good use for cups that are too cracked to drink from but still too pretty to toss out.