Can anyone provide deeper insight into the Japanese Harikuyo festival, where broken sewing needles from throughout the year are ritually buried and given thanks? [more inside]
posted by bitter-girl.com on Nov 3, 2008 - 3 answers

How can I learn not to fear needles? [more inside]
posted by Ambrosia Voyeur on Oct 10, 2007 - 40 answers

Can anyone recommend a store in the Silicon Valley/Bay Area that not only sells phonograph needles but can provide expert advice on which one to get? We want to replace the needle before digitizing the collection. We can figure out what would be compatible but need help figuring out the right price/quality trade-off. Also, if you have a specific brand to recommend that might be useful too.
posted by metahawk on Sep 22, 2007 - 6 answers

SewingFilter. I've a new sewing machine, a model 2950 bought refurbished from Singer. As such, I need help with something that ought to be simple. How does one go about positioning and manipulating the bobbin in such a way that the needle will pick it up? [more inside]
posted by grabbingsand on Feb 24, 2007 - 8 answers

My girlfriend bought some purses at an estate sale. She put them through the wash (They were the washable variety, I guess - I don't know much about purses...) and when she went to take them out, she found a hypodermic needle, which must have been in a remote pocket somewhere. The cap is on. Does she have anything to worry about?
posted by adamkempa on Jun 10, 2004 - 11 answers

I need some turntable help. I found the perfect present for my dad this year - a recording of two Xmas songs by Yogi Yorgesson that he used to sing all the time. Problem is, it's a 45. I called his wife and she told me they have a Technics SL-D1, but it currently has no needle. I know jack about record players. Can I get any old cheap-o needle/cartridge for this thing?
posted by starvingartist on Dec 18, 2003 - 4 answers