Possible Clues:

• Small winger in school is a pain for the side
• Buttonhole, e.g.
• Laugh maker
• You'd need a needle to have one in side
• Saintly irritation from a sewer, perhaps
• In time or in side for a sewer, perhaps
• In time, in side or in sowing, by the sound of it
• Mend with needle and thread
• Card
• Work with needles