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Glenn 02-12-2011 01:01 PM


Originally Posted by ghostrider
Regarding the pincushion, the shape is called a rhombic hexecontrahedron, a solid with 60 faces...twelve 5 pointed stars as a solid. The true shape uses 63º diamonds, but that makes a much flatter face on the stars. For a pinchshion you might want to use 60º diamonds. There are examples of each on this site. http://www.personal.psu.edu/axd2/quilt/qlt28.html The easiest way to construct it is to sew the stars into half bowls of 6 stars each, then sew the halves together.

Thank you Thank you. I now have to try an make one and If I can get it done I will post pics. Glenn

Wunder-Mar 02-12-2011 01:07 PM


Originally Posted by Jan in VA
It looks like each "appendage" is made from 3 diamond shapes sewn together. Have no idea how she managed to sew all of them together in the center without a huge mess, though.

Strange, interesting little thing!

Jan in VA

Maybe she gathered one tip from all of the "legs" with a double- or triple-thread (or heavier-weight crochet thread) and gathered-and-shaped as she pulled tighter to make the center knot. You're right though - deft work for sure!

raggedyann 02-12-2011 01:22 PM

way cool!

Greeter Eva 02-12-2011 07:27 PM

[quote=Glenn]

Originally Posted by earthwalker
This is very similar to a pattern used to make dimensional cloth balls for babies...it just uses diamonds instead of the quarter circles and ellipses. Definitely a hand piecing work of art...I think your pincushion is lovely or maybe it is a fancy babies ball.

My MIL made it for a pin cushion and used it as such. I have no problems making the diamonds I just wondering what is the technique for sewing them together. She said she had instructions for it somewhere but she past away from cancer and going thru her things never found them. Glenn[/quote
Yes , I agree , it's a hand piecing job. I am tempted to try & make it like you do "Grandmother's Flower Garden", only using diamonds instead of hexigons. Eva

ghostrider 02-12-2011 07:39 PM

Cut out sixty 60º diamonds and sew them into 12 five pointed stars. Sew the points of five stars around a sixth one in the center. Do that twice to make two 'bowls', or half your finished piece. Sew the halves together leaving room to stuff, then sew the opening closed. Look at them like the stars they are, not as the diamonds that are merely the pieces of the stars.

dixiebelle162002 02-12-2011 07:41 PM

very lovely

Gma Cindy 02-12-2011 08:07 PM

I have one of these that my Gma had made from mens ties.I made one by looking at hers.I used the english paper piece method using a 60 degree diamond.I layered a cardboard diamond with two layers of batting the same size.I then cut out a piece of fabric 1/2 inch larger all around..I gathered the fabric around the diamond with a running stitch...Hand sew 5 diamonds together for each section.Then sew the sections together.. The toughest part was hiding the stitches when I sewed the 5 diamond sections together ..

Greeter Eva 02-13-2011 11:41 AM

Hi Gma Cindy:
That sounds like a good way of making it. I'm definately going to try one. Thanks for the info.

<<<Eva>>>

BellaBoo 02-13-2011 11:47 AM

Oh, Oh Oh, (hand waving in air) if you find a very old tomato type pincushion at a thrift store, buy it. Open it up and you will be amazed at the amount of needles you will find inside. And the older the pincushion the better quality steel needles you will find.

Cherish this from your grandmother. I have a few handmade items my grandmother made and they mean so much to me. I'm leaving several small handmade items for my grandkids like pin cushions, small pillows and tussymussies.


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