How finely are the shells crushed? I keep seeing mention of these and keep thinking they would dull the needle...

I made this one from sew mama sew....http://www.sewmamasew.com/store/medi...nOrganizer.pdf It uses a combo of fiberfil and sand bag . :D

The walnut shells would work unless the person using them is allergic to walnuts. I have a friend who can't even touch the shells.

I love those pin cushions that have the sample size threads in them. I used to make them all the time myself. They are particularly great for someone who sews very little and those small spools really great with enough to sew a loose button or such.

I just use fiberfill. I imagine if I made ones for the wrist I'd have to put something in it to keep the pins from poking through. I haven't attempted one of those yet. Here are my favorite ones:

Hi Nancy
I am also from La. I live in Kinder not too far down the road. I am new to quilting and have started with out kind of slow. Just wanted to say Hi. I haven't seen others from our neck of the woods.

Good info and cute cushions...thank you.

I used raw wool for the ones I made. I will take a picture tomorrow & post them; it's late & I'm on the way to bed.

The pincushions are copies of ones from the 1860s.

If the wool hadn't been at least scoured, then your needles may have been in contact with VM, dirt, and possibly fecal matter all of which would draw moisture as they decomposed. Well, not the dirt, since technically dirt doesn't decompose... Lol

I have used cat litter. Also used steel wool to keep pins/needles sharp.