Same thing used today. Mostly small electric motors.
needle- is used for sewing.
when sewing = thimble
A thimble.
when sewing = thimble
for cutting the thread.
A sewing thimble is a small hard cup worn to protect the finger that pushes the needle in sewing.
If you mean "slender, then it's a needle
A sewing gauge is a small ruler about 6 inches in length. It has a sliding marker that is set to a specific measurement and comes in handy when measuring the same length repeatedly (for example when marking a hem).
I believe it would have been cast iron, but that is only my guess.
The bulb on the sewing machine is simply for an extra boost of light. Because sewing involves small details - needles, thread, stitches, fine edges, etc. - a small lamp is focused on the work area to help you better see the stitching.
Sewing