I do that too! Wish someone would invent a 1/4 in foot that worked with zigzag!!!

I also use blue painter's tape. I write the size needle I am presently using and stick it on my machine where I can see it. I also put my used needles on a piece of paper and store them in my sewing drawer with their size next to each used needle. I don't throw away a needle unless they are dull. You can tell when they start making a clunking sound as they go through the fabric or the thread frays. A tip I found is that you dull your needles fast when you sew over pins.

LOL, I do that ( forget to change the foot) every once in a while and I can kick myself!

I can't either...

Hey, I put my used needles in a tomato pincushion too! My tomato hangs from my desk light by the sewing machine. And if you get out a magnifying glass you can actually see the number on the shaft of the needle, so I don't try to remember it. Usually when I pull a needle out, it's ready to be discarded rather than re-used.

Oh yes, I just started with a regular red pincushion and marked off the sections with a pen.

My magnifying glass is no help at all -- I didn't know they had different atrengths. I need a jeweler's strength. I have about 15 needles that I haven't a clue about. The safety pin suggestion, when you take a needle out of the tomato is a good idea. Now if I just had the discipline to take the time to do it!!

This is what I use from Harbor Freight - helping hands - I just use the magnifying glass part of it.

http://www.harborfreight.com/helping-hands-319.html

i usually sew until it breaks then put another in dont tell on me please LOL

I essentially do the same thing only I put in a flower head pin. I can find it easier.

ali

That's what I do too. I read it in a magazine about 10 yrs ago or more and have done it ever since. Since I used to sew apparel a lot, I have one for sharp and one for ball point needles. I just use a regular ball head pin.