I haven't made any pincushions yet, but that is something I really want to do. I would be very careful what I use to stuff the pincushions, though. Those who are allergic to nuts (of any kind) have severe reactions to even touching something that has come into contact with nuts. These reactions are very serious and can result in death. Therefore, I would NEVER use walnut shells (ground or otherwise) in pincushions. If you make pincushions and give them away, please be sure that you issue warnings. I am asthmatic (adult onset in 1991). I've dealt with asthma for many years, but I recently had an asthma attack that scared the bejabbers out of me -- I was alone at 10:00 p.m. I almost panicked, but my emergency inhaler stopped the attack very quickly, thank God!