Where do you keep your needles?

[Thursday Next]

I know it's a totally random, out of nowhere question - but I'm wondering where y'all keep your needles? Do you keep them in the packages they came in? Needles cases? If in needle cases, are they (diff't sizes/types) all mized together, or in multiple/divided cases?

Also wondering if anyone has knowledge or an opinion on whether or not there is a "better/best" place to store them...

[kathryn]

I keep most of them in a little needle case, it was a present from my mother, it's a small wooden container, about the size of a spool of krenick actually. The size 28's I keep in the original package, just cause I don't want to get them mixed up.

[DraconicWench]

I'm a little OCD, so my needles are stored in their package, and then placed into a small Rubbermaid container so I don't lose them.

I don't think there is one "best" place to store them. I think it's pretty subjective.

[freelady]

I keep the ones I'm using on an 'upside down' fridge magnet on my worktable and the unused ones in their original packages in a ziplock bag. The ones on the magnet are various sizes but easy to see.

[SusanF]

I'm too disorganised. I start off by keeping them neatly in their packages - then I start using them and they end up on a spare piece of fabric all mixed together. I've realised though that the actual size doesn't matter too much - I just choose the one that looks right for what I'm stitching at the time and that seems to work okay.

But one day I will get organised properly .....

[kell]

I keep mine in the packs they come in till I've used them. Then they go into a needle case. If I'm started in a large-ish project, I'll use a new needle. If I'm doing something small, I'll just pick out a "used" needle.

[wendywombat]

I have the needles threaded for a large project in a Pako organiser but when I'm doing something small I stab the needle into a pincushion. Usually a small biscornu one that fits into my small project box!

[Mabel Figworthy]

I bulk-buy cheap gold-plated needles (she's got a special offer at the moment, see here), and keep most of them in the little bags they come in, stored in a side pocket of my work bag, but about 5 of each size plus all my beading needles, petite needles and other sizes I keep in the Celtic Rose needlebook I made; and then I keep a few stuck in a piece of aida in my project box.

[helbel]

I use needle cases.

I collect wooden needlecases so have plenty to use. So generally have 1 per project.

[SusanF]

Collecting wooden needlecases is a lovely idea. There are some very pretty ones around - just had a look on google

[coffee_freak]

i have a scrap of 18ct fabric, cut int a 4x4 square and I just keep them on that piece in my supply box

[kerbear879]

Well mine stay in the package they came in until I start using one and then usually I just stick it onto my fabric for whatever piece I am working on when I am done stitching for the night. I rarely lose them but once in awhile they do fall off the fabric. I am just lazy sometimes and I don't even own a needle case..lol!

[Lisa]

everywhere lol

mabel, thanks for the link, was just thinking y'day im running low on needles, i keep losing em

[Daesania]

Either I'm incredibly responsible or incredibly lucky. I've used the same needle since i started cross stitching a couple years ago, and it came in a kit. Its bent to my hand so i kinda like it.

[Rose]

I keep mine in the package they come in until I need one. then I take it and put it in to a pin cushion that I have hot glued to the stand that hold my chart board. I usually have 3 in there at a time one of each size that I like to use 26, 24 and 22. This is so I can stitch on all my projects and have the right needle handy.

I use the same needle until it breaks or I take it out on a trip and lose it. I have been very lucky of late as I have not lost a needle for over a year. I have had a few break in that time but not to bad.

[SusanF]

I bulk-buy cheap gold-plated needles (she's got a special offer at the moment, see here), and keep most of them in the little bags they come in, stored in a side pocket of my work bag, but about 5 of each size plus all my beading needles, petite needles and other sizes I keep in the Celtic Rose needlebook I made; and then I keep a few stuck in a piece of aida in my project box.

That's a really good offer - I don't think I'm going to be able to resist .......

[meerkat]

I keep the size 24 and 26 needles from projects and free gifts in neat rows in a needlecase my elder son made me when he was at Primary School, my gold plated ,platinum and beading needles are in their packages in my sewing box. Needles I am using at the moment are on a needle magnet next to my chair, and on the odd occasion down the side of the chair

[maggs]

I have been using the same needle for a couple of years. But it is getting tired now, as the eye keeps snagging my thread, so must be about ready for a change.

Mabel thanks for the link, may have to order some as I can't find my spares.

[nikecam]

i can use several needles at once on my large project as i leave them threaded when i park for the next stitch. i keep the ones not being used on an old magnet on the work stand next to my chair. if i run out of needles, (either more necessary for parking or lost) i just keep pulling them from the original case.

however, i did just find an old but unused marykay, zippered, hardside lipstick case that holds a small pair of scissors and needle pack perfectly. i'm going to start using that to throw in my ziploc baggie with my "traveling" projects.

[dollystitcher]

Mine are kept in an antique silver needle case that belonged to my grandma. I usually have two or three different sizes in the pincushion I made and which is attached to my frame.