This Sunday, February 8th, marks the observance of Hari-kuyo, Japan's Festival of Broken Needles. I found information on this intriguing festival of respect for our hard-working needles and pins here, here, here and here.I have a little basket that overflows with packets of needles of all types (betweens, chenile, straw, tapestry, curved, embroidery, crewel, sewing, millners, leather just off the top of my head). I have pincushions, pin-keeps, needlecases, etc. While pins and needles no longer hold the monetary value they once did, they are our primary tool.
I just discarded two needles last week (by sticking them in a carrot end in the trash). One was nicked at the tip and the other kept cutting the thread, there must have been a burr in the eye. Now I rather wish I'd paid them a little more respect.
