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redkimba 03-09-2011 12:36 PM

If you want to use raw wool, PM me. I have more than I need. I have a gallon ziplock full that I am happy to share.

Tilladare 03-09-2011 01:29 PM


Originally Posted by redkimba
If you want to use raw wool, PM me. I have more than I need. I have a gallon ziplock full that I am happy to share.

That gives me a good idea of what to do with the bits o' fluff that ends up on the floor or in my apron pocket when spinning! Thanks!

manygifts 03-09-2011 01:43 PM

Redkimba, really like your avatar! Can you tell us the story of how you made it?? Looks like bright batiks on a darker gray, but it also looks like it could be glass parts arranged on a swirl. Very beautiful!

raggedyann 03-09-2011 02:01 PM

yes--crayola sand is fine too...we had purple for a while!

jpthequilter 03-09-2011 06:59 PM


Originally Posted by Nancy in Louisiana
I have been admiring the pincushions board members have been making, and have a few questions:

What is your favorite material for filling them? I've seen suggestions of nut shells and poly-fil. Anything else work?

Do you do anything to the bottoms to weight them down or prevent pins and needles from going all the way through?

Would it work to somehow put a magnet in a pincushion to use for picking up pins? (I say this as I look at a magnetized paperclip holder and wondering if it could somehow be incorporated into a pincushion.)

What is your favorite type or pattern to make?

Could you post some pictures here to share what you've made?

Do you have any hints or warnings or things you have tried and just didn't work?

Thanks for any response you post.
.

I take tuna or cat food cans and put round shaped pieces of scrap packing plastic foam in the bottoms, (to stop the needles and pins) then add a puff of polyfill to fill it and round off the top. Then I measure around it - top. side, bottom, otherside. I draw a circle of that same measurement as its diameter, use it as a pattern, and cut out a circle of fabric. I make a large yo-yo out of that circle, and fit it over the can before drawing the thread tight.
The hole will be in the CENTER of the BOTTOM of the can.
Finish drawing it tight, and tie it tightly, poking the ends inside.
A Hint: use strong thread doubled.
To decorate it, tie a ribbon around the sides, or lace, or bright cord! poke a tiny posy in the bow!

jpthequilter 03-09-2011 07:20 PM


Originally Posted by Charleen DiSante
was wondering about sand, what about rusting needles? I read somewhere about wool???

When I was living in Woburn for a while, I inherited an old, old tomato shaped pin cushion. One of the side seams started to give way, and so I took it apart. It was filled with fine sawdust and several hundred needles in it, that had gotten poked down too far over many many years.
Some of them were rusty, and some were not.

Charlee 03-09-2011 07:37 PM

I use either rice or crushed walnut shells...I like the weight of them...they're not as likely to hit the floor! ;)

I do have an oldie that is stuffed with human hair...I think I remember mama telling me that it was her grandmother's...

HisPatchwork 03-09-2011 07:52 PM


Originally Posted by Charlee
I use either rice or crushed walnut shells...I like the weight of them...they're not as likely to hit the floor! ;)

I do have an oldie that is stuffed with human hair...I think I remember mama telling me that it was her grandmother's...

I am going to have to try at least one with hair in it. These white hairs are about as course as wool...lol.

d.rickman 03-09-2011 08:01 PM

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I use silica sand (tiny glass beads) available at most craft stores and I make their own cloth cover using 400 count cotton, and use my pretty material for the outer cover.(therefore 2 layers of material..add a couple of tabs and attach a small bag for scraps and thread scraps....they are very quick to make...the pin cushion is 3" x 3" and 2" high, remember to leave a hole in one corner to pour in the silica sand - using a funnel - then sew closed. they also act as a weight and stay put on the edge of your sewing table, ironing board or wherever. I have tried to enclose a picture of the last ones I made....

For the bag opening I go to walmart and pick up the heavy plastic carton ties - they use in shipping, and just make a pocket around the top and slip it in and it will expand and stay expanded for you, and the whole thing can be washed.
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Divokittysmom 03-09-2011 08:28 PM

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I also love to make and collect pincushions. There is a Yahoo group or two that is dedicated to pincushions. I am sure that someone there would be able to find that Tea Pot pincushion pattern. I love tea pots too. I thought I would share a few of my pincushions that I have made.

My Victorian Doll Pincushion part of my chatelaine
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Showing off her fancy hat.
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Teddy Bear Pincushion. Bottom is tuna can filled with rice.
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Terra Cotta Flower pot, filled with popcorn in bottom for weight.
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Victorian Teddy Bear pincushion.
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