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-   -   Need: Workhorse pin cushion (https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/need-workhorse-pin-cushion-t210758.html)

KalamaQuilts 01-12-2013 02:50 PM

I'd be the lazy bum in the group and fill a sock with rice until I thought it was the right size, cut and stitch it shut :)
That said, I've never met a pin cushion I didn't like, they speak so eloquently of our passion.

It would actually be kind of cute if you used baby socks or those holiday below the ankle socks.

mike'sgirl 01-12-2013 03:02 PM

Thanks for the link Vondae. I found it. I used to have one, but somehow a puppy got a hold of it and it is now toast! Instead of hinges to use as weights, my old one had a plain ceramic tile to hold it down. It worked just fine.
Thanks again. Happy quilting,Gina

pattypurple 01-12-2013 04:15 PM

I had the same problem with the tomato pincushion. I found an old cozy cup holder (remember them. Plastic disposable cup that you stick in the plastic holder) the tomato fit perfectly in it. So with a little hot glue inside the rim where the tomato sits, I have a very stable pincushion which even has a handle.

QuiltE 01-12-2013 04:59 PM


Originally Posted by tulip43 (Post 5781452)
made me smile about the cow magnet, as I have used them for quite awhile. most people do not know what they are.or what they were used for, brings back memories

Tulip ... Are you from a dairy farm on our Sunshine Coast? I have a collection of magnets on the frig, and ready to put into action. ARen't they just the best things ever for holding things on the frig door, outside steel doors .... and to collect pins!

mhollifiel 01-12-2013 06:22 PM


Originally Posted by pattypurple (Post 5781671)
I had the same problem with the tomato pincushion. I found an old cozy cup holder (remember them. Plastic disposable cup that you stick in the plastic holder) the tomato fit perfectly in it. So with a little hot glue inside the rim where the tomato sits, I have a very stable pincushion which even has a handle.

Now THAT's a great idea! A cup of "tomato" and I am good to go!! THANKS A MILLION, PattyP! Now I am off to borrow DH's glue gun! :D

kitsykeel 01-12-2013 08:34 PM


Originally Posted by QuiltE (Post 5780219)
My pin cushion ... is not a pin cushion!

Just the lid from a tin box with a cow magnet in it. Magnet sticks to the tin tray. Pins to the magnet. The low edge allows for easy access for retrieving the pins and I somewhat aim the pins and the magnet grabs them! If I need to take it anywhere then the bottom of the tin box can easily be added for travel. And bonus, the edge keeps my stitch ripper from rolling away.

About the stitch ripper rolling away, that is so annoying. I wonder why no one has made one with a flat side on the handle so it will stay where you place it. It seems I spend a lot of time bending over to pick mine up off of the floor. I suppose it is good for the waistline but what a pain.

GrannieAnnie 01-12-2013 08:51 PM


Originally Posted by mhollifiel (Post 5781219)
Thanks to all who weighed in so far. I have tried the magnet route and my arthritis really prefers that the pins be sticking up as pulling them off the magnet is not as effortless somehow. I think I may try QuiltNama's teacup idea as I have a stray small mug and some wool scraps that should work for this project. But I hate to stop my quilting long enough to make one.

What I had hoped for is a really FABULOUS flat pin cushion I could order already made. Then if I liked it, I could just order three or four! Anyone know a source where I can purchase the quilter's dream pin cushion?


I've got Arthur in my hands as well--------and the magnets are a blessing for me. There are always enough pins with the beady end up that I don't have a problem grabbing them. AND I have the magnetic wand too, to pick up dropped and scattered pins. THAT IS A BLESSING.

Once up at the church hall, I dropped the magnetic bowl on the concrete floor and pins flew everywhere. EASY CLEAN UP. I just "swept" the floor with the bottom of the bowl. If I'd not had the magnetics, I'd still be crying.

GrannieAnnie 01-12-2013 08:53 PM


Originally Posted by kitsykeel (Post 5782199)
About the stitch ripper rolling away, that is so annoying. I wonder why no one has made one with a flat side on the handle so it will stay where you place it. It seems I spend a lot of time bending over to pick mine up off of the floor. I suppose it is good for the waistline but what a pain.


I wrote to Fons and Porter and told them they needed to make one side slightly flat so the blooming thing didn't roll like crazy. No response.

QuiltE 01-12-2013 09:44 PM


Originally Posted by kitsykeel (Post 5782199)
About the stitch ripper rolling away, that is so annoying. I wonder why no one has made one with a flat side on the handle so it will stay where you place it. It seems I spend a lot of time bending over to pick mine up off of the floor. I suppose it is good for the waistline but what a pain.

I do have two stitch rippers that are flat sided ... and two that are rounded.
3 for sure are Clover. Forget about the 4th.
Guess what?
............ the rounded ones are more comfortable when I am working with them and are my preferred choices!
They are all fairly sharp and fine, so equal as far as their stitch ripping ability.

(compared to some that the the point is coarse and dull ... those I don't even try to keep and send them straight to the garbage as I know they will only be a continual annoyance.)

quilttiger 01-13-2013 04:18 AM


Originally Posted by Tashana (Post 5780166)
Go to Harbor Freight and for a few dollars you can buy a magneto bowl. I have two. Good things about it is that it has heavy rubberized bottom and holds many pins. I LOVE mine especially for pins.

Mmm, another reason for me to go with my husband to Harbor Freight...it is one of his favorite stops, and in the same shopping center is a nice thrift store which I also visit. I did buy those cutting blades for the rotary cutter, but I did not have much luck with them, darn. Thanks for the tip, Tashana!


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