So, I was reading a book (early 1900s) and it mentioned things needed in your sewing basket. One item, I had never heard of: an Emory bag. So, Google to the rescue. For those who may not know (like me) the book was basically referring to a pincushion. Today, anyone who grew up sewing or watching anyone sew and probably touches a small version of an Emory bag: do you remember the tomato pincushions with the strawberry dangling from the top? That strawberry was filled with Emory sand. It is for keeping the pins and needles sharp.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Emery-Pincushion—Keeps-pins-and-needles-sharp—/?ALLSTEPS
http://www.amazon.com/Emery-Sand-Powder-Fill-Cushions/dp/B00ADPI4TQ
https://lavieenrosie.typepad.com/lavieenrosie/2012/10/in-for-a-pinnie-in-for-a-poundie.html
https://lavieenrosie.typepad.com/lavieenrosie/2012/10/stuffus-pinnius-.html
http://www.hobbyfarms.com/crafts-and-nature/potted-pincushion.aspx
And The Sewing Loft has a lot of links to various designs!