Some of your most useful tools for needlepoint come, not from your LNS, but from . . . the hardware store, or the office supply store, or the sporting goods shop.
I have plenty of repurposed tools around from the kitchen scissors I use to cut canvas to the hardware store telescoping magnet to pick up needles, tacks, and scissors. Even the bags and boxes I use to hold my tools aren’t from needlework shops.
This delightful blog post from the New Jersey Needle Artists, an ANG Chapter, has lots more great ideas.
About Janet M Perry
Janet Perry is the Internet's leading authority on needlepoint. She designs, teaches and writes, getting raves from her fans for her innovative techniques, extensive knowledge and generous teaching style. A leading writer of stitch guides, she blogs here and lives on an island in the northeast corner of the SF Bay with her family
I use empty 35 mm film containers to store my needles, and carry it with every project I am working on. It has come in very handy when a needle has broken or been lost to the chair cushions! I get top-zippered plastic pouches for my needlepoint projects from the Container Store; they have various sizes. I like the zipper top and clear plastic sides. Plus they have various prices, too. The inexpensive ones work just fine-that way the money I save goes to buying more needlepoint kits and canvases!! (As if I “need” more!!).
I love those plastic pouches too, although my favorites are the ones from Helenz on Needlepoint for Fun. I even have bought plastic pouches at the Japanese Dollar store.
I like pill boxes for my needles myself. I never have film canisters around.
Keep stitching,
Janet