Yesterday was yet another one of those horribly gloomy, rainy, and gray days. So I decided since we couldn't go outside, I might as well sew and make myself some new pincushions. Nothing fancy, mind you, I was going mostly a utilitarian route (with the exception of kitty embroidery and a little bit of hand quilting). :)
They were quick to make and in no time at all I had these three new pincuhions. I like how simple they are, and sturdy. So wonderfully sturdy!!!
I used to stuff my pincushions with fiberfill which made them nicely shaped and puffy, but super light. Not a good feature for a pincushions since many times it meant I had to use two hands to take my pins out (one to hold the pincushion in place and one to pull the pin out). Seriously, who has time for that ?!?!
This block-y pincushion is my favorite. I used some linen scraps to make it and adhered fusible fleece to the top panel and then hand quilted it to give it a little interest and texture. I filled the pincuhion with rice which makes it heavy and stable. I must try crushed walnut shells next time. I think they will be cheaper than rice, and supposedly they sharpen the pins as well :).
Now, I'll be the first one to admit there's nothing fancy about these pincushions. But they are practical and make my sewing time more efficient and enjoyable. And that's what counts, right?
Happy sewing, friends. Svetlana
Nice! I used crushed nut shells and really like them. Mostly recently I could only find them at the pet store, I believe labeled 'snake bedding'. It's a huge bag that I will dip into for years, I'm sure!
ReplyDeletecute! I use the crushed walnut shells too. the ones I found in the pet store are "lizard litter" LOL. I dumped the huge bag into a rubbermade container with a lid & added a scoop and funnel. I've had it forever!
ReplyDeleteSo cute! I love the little kitty face! Crushed walnut shells really are the best for pin cushions. I have a HUGE bag (ordered from Amazon) - if you'd like some just send me a note. I'd be happy to share!
ReplyDeleteNothing fancy, you say . . . these are adorable:)
ReplyDeleteHi Svetlana, My most recent pincushion has rice in and is definitely much easier to use. I'm sure you're right about walnuts shells keeping the pins sharp. What a super way to spend an afternoon. What lovely pincushions, especially the one with the cute kitty!
ReplyDeleteBarbara
Crushed walnut shells (n Canada at least) are quite expensive. But I've been told that you can buy them quite cheaply if you go to a pet supply store and get Lizard Litter, which apparently is crushed walnut shells.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure about the sharpening of said shells. But I've also heard that the steel filled strawberries that come with the pin cushion tomato don't have any sharpening qualities either. I had always understood that they did. If any of your readers have any information on this I would love to hear it.
I've also read that a steel wool pad (in extra fine) will sharpen needles as so makes a good stuffing for pin cushions. Like the strawberry.
Aluminum foil will do a good job of sharpening a hole-punch so the steel wool seems to make sense.
They are too cute, the perfect touch of whimsy and functionality!
ReplyDeleteVery cute and a nice way to spend a gloomy day. I use sand (buy it at local quilt shop) in mine it's like fine crushed glass and it does keep my pins sharp. Love the kitty face.
ReplyDeleteAdorable! All of them!!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous pin cushions, such a great way to spend a gloomy day.
ReplyDeleteWow! They are really adorable! I have to try that idea of making sturdy pincushions, mine are the puffy and too light ones. But I don't need 2 hands to take the pins 'cause I've got the pincushions attached to the sewing machine and the overlock.
ReplyDeletethose are adorable!
ReplyDeleteGreat pincushions, I especially like the rectangular one. My bag of walnut shells will definitely last me a lifetime of making pincushions!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your new pincushions ! I love, collect and sell pincushions :) Your little kitty one is adorable. You're right; a new fun pincushions makes sewing more enjoyable.
ReplyDeleteCheri
Oodles of Whimsy on Etsy
http://www.blog.oodlesofpincushions.com/
I actually think they are very fancy and oh so cute!
ReplyDeleteSuch sweet pincushions, and I do love that hand stitching!
ReplyDelete