I am getting a little stir crazy, jumping from project to project. I just finished a quilt I really love but can't show it to you because it is for a challenge in March. As I was cleaning up the scraps I decided to make a quick pincushion
Making one is not exactly hard but I found a couple of tips that can make it easier for you. First start with you choice of fabric or quilt "top". These squares are 1" finished, the pincushion will be 4" when sewn together.
Take the time to make it cute and press well.
At this point you can do one of two things......you can quilt it, I would recommend a very thin batting. You can take some lightweight fusible interfacing and fuse it to the wrong side of your top. I feel like it just makes the top nice and gives it a little body. If you use crushed walnut shells the dust does not migrate out.
Cut out your back fabric 4 1/2" and press well with a little starch or Mary Ellen's Best Press.
Sew a 1/4" all the way around leaving an opening at the bottom. Mine was a 2" wide opening. Next clip the corners as shown in the photo. Be careful not to go through the stitching. This eliminates a lot of the bulk in the corners and makes the points sharper.
Before you turn it right side out, Draw a line with a fine tip pencil on the edge that you left open for turning.
Finger press it on that line and then press well with the iron. Do both sides.
Turn it rightside out and press well. The opening is now in perfect alignment with your sewn edges. You won't get that uneven edge, that drives me crazy! I use a diagonal stitch with a matching thread and take the smallest stitch possible that will keep it together.
I use crushed walnut shells that you can find in the pet supply store where they keep the reptile supplies. It gives it a nice weight but you could also use fiber filling as well.
I have now been in the house for 4 days now except for Sunday night when I went to the ER because I slipped on the ice and thought I broke my wrist. Thank goodness I didn't but it is a bad sprain and has limited my activities a bit. Just today the snow behind my car was plowed out. You know the story, the cobbler's children don't have any shoes!
Kelly
I'm so sorry to hear about your wrist! I hope it heals well and quickly. Thanks for the tip on closing the pin cushion. You can apply this step to so many projects. Can't believe that the guys were out Saturday in that blizzard. Kudos to them! Glad that your car is now free.
ReplyDeleteI saw this earlier today on IG, and here you've already finished it! You are quick. And I also hope your wrist heals up and doesn't give you any trouble--your area has really been socked in with that snow--I wish we could come and get some as we need it so badly and it always seems to head out your way. Take care--
ReplyDeleteElizabeth
Sorry to near about your wrist. But it looks like it's not keeping you from stitching. Thanks for the tip of marking the 1/4" seam on the opening. Don't know why I never thought of that. That's what blogging friends are for.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your tips. I like the one for drawing a line and pressing the edges to keep it straight.
ReplyDeleteI hope your wrist heals quickly. Good luck.
So sorry about your wrist--ouch!! Lovely tips on pincushions--yours is so cute! hugs, Julierose
ReplyDeleteThinking of you as you have been housebound. But as always, your productivity does not wane. Looking forward to seeing your challenge quilt.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear about your fall. Glad your wrist isn't broken but a sprain can be very painful 😞 Hope you heal quickly! Thanks for the pressing tip on the pincushions. As always your colors are great.
ReplyDeleteI love how you combine your fabrics. Every time I see something you post I get inspired. Take care of that wrist! Thanks for the demo!
ReplyDeleteI love the Line "take the time to make it cute~ " I loved that and your little cushion.
ReplyDeleteGood idea on the interfacing. I have made a little muslin "pillow" when using walnut shells.
ha ha i LOVE staying home for days...
Love that line too!
DeleteSo sorry to hear about your fall. Hope your wrist heals quickly. It sure hasn't slowed you down ;-). I love the colors of those fabrics and can't wait to see the quilt. Thanks for the great tips
ReplyDeleteGreat tips! I really like the part about pressing the seam so the hand sewing will be neat and tidy. I'm going to try that for sure. Sorry about your wrist, I hope it doesn't hurt too much.
ReplyDeleteYou are so kind to share your tips and your colors as so happy, as usual - just darling! I'm so sorry to hear about your slip on the ice, I see it hasn't stopped you. Hope it heals quickly!
ReplyDeleteI love the tip about drawing s straight line, thank you for sharing. Hope you are o.k. soon. x
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great tips! I was wondering where to get the crushed walnuts. Feel better soon!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tips on the pin cushions. I love all of them! You just make the cutest pin cushions this side of the black stump. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for the tip about pressing before turning inside out! :-) I sure hope your wrist heals quick!
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