Sewing Machine Accessories?

[Ineffable]

So I just got a sewing machine (Janome). I've sewed before, but I'm at a loss for what these little red felt circles are for that came in the bag of accessories.

They're about the same diameter as the bobbins, but there was nothing in the instruction book about using them inside the bobbin case.

Anyway, the curiosity is killing. Do any of you have an idea what they're for?

[Indefinite Integral]

I got the impression that they were to protect the sewing machine when you place the spools of thread on the machine, you know, where they sit on a post and unwind as you sew - whatever that's called. I could be wrong, seeing as how I've just ignored them since I got my sewing machine, but I'm pretty sure that's what they're for. I don't see how anything like that could ever go in the bobbin case. There are too many metal parts that could catch something felt-like for it to be feasible.

[Unit of Energy]

They may also be to put on the bottom of the machine to keep from scratching the surface of the table you are sewing on. Just a thought.

[Indefinite Integral]

I would base that decision on whether or not the red felt circles had holes in the middle or not...I don't know why they'd put holes in if it was to put underneath the sewing machine, and if they don't have holes in the middle, then they won't be any use on the spool holder (I once new the correct name for that, took a quiz on in in 7th, 8th, and 11th grade, but I have since forgotten technical terms).

[Katya]

I got the impression that they were to protect the sewing machine when you place the spools of thread on the machine, you know, where they sit on a post and unwind as you sew - whatever that's called.

This is my impression as well. I don't sew much, myself, but I used to spend a lot of time around sewing machines and sergers and I seem to remember seeing little circles of felt on the spindles (?) that held the spools.

[Ineffable]

yep, spool protectors. You guys are genius. Seriously, I'd never have figured it out

...I feel like that has to be some kind of holdover. Why would you ever need to protect the bottom of the spool holder? *shrug*

[Tao]

Weren't spools wooden and reusable in the past? could it be preventing the lower lip from wear and subsequent failure of the spool?