I've just used cheap ear plugs from Walmart or the $ Tree

buy a pair of cheap flip-flops at WalMart, the largest size you find and cut them lengthwise.

Neat idea, I used foam earplugs. Cut them into three pieces, since they are a bright orange color you can't miss them when sewing.

I admire your patience! Pinmoors are made from the same products that baby passifiers are made from. Non toxic, non irritant and safe to handle. The original Pinmoors work the best. I found one on a pin in a quilt I washed and dried. It was still attached to the pin. They last forever and are a one time buy. I don't have any other notion that can claim that.

I just bought 200 ear plugs on ebay for 3.98 and free ship. Looks like they will work and if not I'm not out a lot of money.

What an ingenius solution you've come up with. Applause, applause! I had no idea what Pinmoors were, so i turned to Youtube.

Here is the inventor of the Pinmoor showing a quick demo . Easy, peasy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVAMFJa3Xsg

I think along with using pin moors to keep pins in place, it is also a way to prevent you from "sticking" yourself when handling a sandwiched piece while quilting it..at least that's my take on them.......may be wrong....

You sure wanted to save some money! I admire your I can do this attitude.

a pair of adult flip flops would work. to cut into small pieces.

Great idea. My questions are: 1: do the pins become dull? 2. Does repeatedly sticking them into the silicone leave small holes in the silicone so they eventually fall apart? TIA