I use a magnetic needle holder/organizer that has a clear vinyl sheet that flaps down on top to cover the needles. I don't have it handy at the moment so cannot say who made it but it has spots for different size needles and spots that you can label yourself. It also has a little magnet that you use to put in the spot that you take a needle out of so you know which needle is in the machine. Works pretty good for me. A friend just took a tomato pin cushion and wrote needle numbers in the different sections for her needles. All that being said, I like CD's solution but only if you have the room for all those machines!

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Here's my solution. The card underneath tells me oil and lube history

[QUOTE=sjdal;69520

Here's my solution. The card underneath tells me oil and lube history[/QUOTE]

I like your method. I may try that.

I've been reduced to using a pair of 1.50 power reading glasses in conjunction with a 10 power jewelers loop. Or when in my shop area my magnifying hood. It will go up to 18 power.

When I use a needle just a bit, but not enough to wear it out, I mark the shank with a black Sharpie pen and put it back in the properly labeled package so I know what it is without having to look.

As for the needles in my machines they are either size 14 or 16. That's all I normally use.

Joe

OK, so some of you have methods for dealing with it but most are doing what I am which is the glasses PLUS magnifier. Then I need to roll the needle so the light catches it just so. There really should be a better way. I don't guess the magnet buttons are likely to be produced at this point as all the new machines are plastic. I suppose I will have to go with the note cards too.

I'm getting to where I have enough machines that I really could jot a few notes on each..needle goes flat to the left or right, needle threads left or right, bobbin type, last used needle size.

I mostly use size 11 sharps that I buy in bulk. I change to a new needle with every embroidery project so I put the used size 11 needles in a little bottle to use in the sewing machines since they are still sharp enough for sewing. I can hear it(pucka-pucka-pucka) when a needle needs changed in the sewing machines, then it goes to a sharps container.
Since I only use other sizes/types for specific projects, I remove the needle after the project is finished and put an 11 back in.

Cari

I use the lens from a very old camera for a magnifying glass when reading needle sizes. It works great and doesn't take up much room in my treadle cabinet drawer.
Sharon in Texas

I use different colored Sharpies and color the shafts of the needles when I get them home. I know at a glance whether it's an 80, 90 or 100. If I don't color code them, it's guesswork because I can't read the tiny numbers anymore.

I think Wendy wins the clever suggestion award. I give this idea 5 thumbups. :thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

Great idea - I think I can remember this!