Well, thanks to all the wonderful comments and suggestions about what to put in one, I have a brand new, super cute pincushion.
The folks at Lapel Stick were so nice to send me some sticks to work with when I made the Candy Circles mini quilt.
They were fun and practical to use so thought I would try them with something else. They really are perfect for applique.
This scrappy pincushion was super quick and easy to put together and y'all know I needed one!
In case you are visual like me, here's a quick tutorial.
Supplies:
crushed walnut shells (aka lizard litter and sold at pet stores)
small funnel
2 pieces of fabric 6"x6" (I used Kona Charcoal.)
fabric scraps 1" - 3" in length
Lapel Stick
rotary cutter & mat
iron
Pull out your scrap bin and select a handful of your favorite scraps.
Now, here's the fun part. Put them together like puzzle pieces. Audition different ones to see what you like best and trim them up as you go so they fit the space. Press the scraps as needed.
Once you have a layout you like, pull out your Lapel Stick.
Lapel Stick is a safe, non-toxic, fabric and sewing friendly product that is perfect for applique.
Swipe the scraps with the Lapel Stick and press them into place on your base fabric.
Once they are all glued on, you are ready to sew.
Sew on your fabric pieces using a straight or zigzag stitch. (Don't get too close to the edge!) Using the Lapel Stick means no need to pin!
Leave LONG THREAD TAILS. (You could also backstitch instead.)
Once all your scraps are sewn on, flip the fabric over and gently tug on the tails. Use a pin to find the loop, pull the thread through, tie in a knot and trim.
Easy peasy!
Lay your top and bottom pieces, right side facing each other, and pin.
Now, sew using a generous 1/4" seam, leaving an opening large enough to turn your pincushion right side out. You may want to double stitch your corners.
Round the 4 corners with your scissors and turn your pincushion inside out.
Optional: wash or wet your pincushion and let it dry for a shabby scrappy look. This is what I did as I like the softer, frayed look of the scraps.
Sit your pincushion upright (or have someone hold it for you) and fill most of the way with the walnut shells, using a funnel.
Pin your opening closed then use a ladder stitch to close the opening.
Ta-da! You're all set. You now have one super cute, scrappy pin cushion.
Quick and easy!
If you make one of these, I would love to see it. Please add it to the Ellison Lane Quilts Flickr pool.
PS: Lapel Stick did not pay me. I just enjoyed using their product.
20 comments:
Well they should pay you!! Are you listening Lapel Stick people? Pay the woman!!
Both this and the circle quilt are darling! I'm gonna have to get me some Lapel Stick. Just say "NO" to fusible! :)
This is so cute! Thanks for sharing. Also had no idea about Lapel Stick...looks like that could come in handy.
Thanks for the great tutorial!
That is so cute! And I might have just discovered this because I'm new, but the pulling the thread to the backside, such a great idea!
I love it - the bright colours against the black really sing!
Sooo cute as always!!! Will have to head to the pet store this week! :)
Super cute! I've been seeing the lapel stick around and am beginning to think that I *must* have one!
I've never heard of lapel stick. I love the no pins thing. :)
holy crap that is so cute! this is now on my to do list!
Thanks for the tip on pulling the long threads through! Brilliant!
so so so cute. I really want to make one of these!
I love this!! So much that I've made one ;)
A gift for my sister! I've blogged about it here:
http://charmaboutyou.blogspot.com/2011/12/what-i-can-cant-will-and-have-done.html
Thank you! :)
I just finished telling someone that I won't make pincushions due to the "what do you stuff it with" quandry - then I saw Lucy's (above comment) which led me here, and I don't think I can resist. :) Thanks for the fun tutorial. I even have a lapel stick that I won in a giveaway recently.
Thanks Jennifer!
I just read Heather's post about her new pincushion inspired by your tutorial, so I had to pop over here and check it out for myself.
Too cute! I'm definitely going to have to make a few of these.
Hugs,
Pam
Ooh, I'm going to use this idea to make a mug rug. Very cute! Thanks!
This is super cute Jen! I always love a good scrap buster!
~Heather
What a cutie!!! Thank you for sharing your sewing techniques also. Too often, bloggers do not know correct techniques and it is all I can do (as a retired Home Ec teacher) not to correct them!!!
Thanks
Great tutorial and a cute pincushion! Thanks for sharing, Jen!
Super super cute!! I'm definitely going to have to make one of these! :)
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