does anyone have a good way of keeping track of the needle in the machine? i forget what needle is in there--and whether it is the 'right' needle for my next sewing project. (or where to return it to keep it for the future)...any clever ways of tracking that?

I have the same problem...I have tried a couple of different things...if it is just a regular needle I don't worry about it but if it is a specific type the I write it down on a post it note and stick it on wall behind my machine...I stuck the "regular" needle in the paper so I remember to change it back...I have also used a very little white board from the dollar store to write it on and that is ok too..use it to remember specific settings I need etc...

i stick the needle case to the machine if i use anyother than what i use for quilting

I guess a note wil help with date and size and kind will work. I forget I have my 1/4 foot on and change to zigzag and break my needle. I need to make a note about that.

I use a tomatoe pincushion and mark the different sections with needle numbers that I use.. 90/14, 80/12, metalfil, 75/10 etc. when I take a new needle out and put in machine I put a saftey pin into the pincushion in the section that corsponses with the needle number. that tells me what is in the machine. Does that make any sense?? Here is one but, I made my own.. Cheaper~~~


http://www.nancysnotions.com/product...+pincushion.do

I picked up this item at my local Hancock's (but it was a discontinued item). You may be able to find this online somewhere. I don't know if this is what you're talking about!

Wow, I do that all the time! So glad to know I'm not the only one.



I keep a roll of painters tape in my work area. It's great for leaving little notes on my machine, marking pieces, etc. It doesn't leave any residue.

Magnifying glass at the ready...
Easy to see that way. I keep one near the machine all the time.

You can read the needle number using a magnifying glass? Wow! I can't.

What power is it?

If it is anything other than my normal needle that I use for piecing, I lay the needle case right on the machine throat when I get up for the day. That makes me remember it when I have to move it out of the way next time I find a minute to sew. I put my "normal" needle in my pin cushion that I keep next to the machine.