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.

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.