Thread catchers....
I've made quite a few of these...I took a class way back when to learn how to make a nice and efficient thread catcher.  I like to have them to catch all of my thread clippings and other little bits.  It makes for a cleaner work space at home or in a quilt/sewing class.

The little red bird pin cushion was made through the "Treadle On Pin cushion" exchange we participated back in February 2014. Charlotte S.created this cute little bird and I added the catcher.  I use it with my treadle Pfaff 30.  She holds my pins and needles with 2 hidden pockets on the base which hold my needle threaders.  I added some velcro to the bottom of the cushion for easy removal.

(The rules for participating with Treadle On is the use of either hand crank sewing or treadle machines.)

 

The picture is a little bright...This was my first thread catcher.  I made this back in a Nevada quilt class.   I changed out the pin cushion with this red chickie.  These are sure handy.    

*The red and teal ones are from the attached pattern.  I'm not sure where the pattern originated; my instructor had these printed up and I rewrote the instructions to make things just a bit clearer for me. I am not the original designer and I wish I could give credit to the creator, but I do not have the information.  Please do not use this pattern to sell.  I've shared this with the intention for your personal use only.*
thread catcher

This green one is made from "Scrap Sack 2" by Oceanlake Designs.  I modified it by adding a ceramic tile base, a magnetic strip pin, then adding the pin cushion on top.  I don't know if the pattern is still available.  I really like the pretty cuff and the little holding pocket.  (I didn't add the little pocket to this one.  I have with others.  It sure is handy.)