I like to use the crushed walnut shells...the tiny bit of oil in the shells keeps the pins from rusting, and the shells actually help by sharpening the pins. You can find crushed walnut shell at the pet supply...look for "Lizard Litter!"

I recently bought a kit for 2 pin cushions with attached scrap bag from Connecting Threads and. if I'm not mistaken, they suggested using ground walnut shells, which can be purchased at the bird section of the pet store. I'm also going to use some steel wool because it is supposed to keep needles and pins sharp.

I suggest you "wash" it first.

The easiest way is to fill your sink with very warm water and a strong liquid detergent like Dawn. Swirl to make suds.

Take some of the raw fleece locks and spread them out picking out debris. Fill a colander with the locks of wool and slowly submerge the colander into the water. Make sure all of the locks are submerged also.

Let the wool soak for at least 30 minutes. Do not agitate the wool or it will felt.

Let the water drain out of the sink. Remove the colander of wool. Clean out the sink and fill again with water the same temperature as the wool.

Slowly submerge the colander into the water again and soak the wool. Drain and rinse again as needed.

One you have completed the final rinse, let the colander sit in the sink to drain some more. Then carefully life out the locks and place them on mesh(window screen) to dry.

You should have removed most of the farm dirt and odors.

I use crushed walnut shells I purchase a bag at the Pet Store and it will fill a lot. Use a Kitchen funnel or make you one with a soda bottle.

I think after investigating the insides of my grandmothers old pincushions, that steel or anything with iron in it will rust the needles over time.
How about using a stray/cheap ball of wool yarn as a pincushion filler?
You could Put some washed stones in the bottoms if weight is needed.

I use bird seeds or plastic pellets.

I also use the ground up walnut shells from the pet store, and have not had any bad feedbacks or problems.

When my daughter was little she had long hair. I saved it and used it to make her a pin cushion. Have enough for one more for me. Usable, but also memorable.

You can get ground walnut shells from a pet store.

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: That is creativity at it's best!