I'm trying to locate a pattern for a sewing scrap caddy that fits on your quilting table and the top is a pincushion and then there is a little bag in which to put scraps of thread and material. I've looked everywhere and just can't seem to find what I need to make.

I need something that will be heavy enough to stay on the table and to have batting in the top of that for my pins. I saw one pattern that used a ceramic tile as the weight but I'm not sure what would be good material for the pincushions part of it. Hubby said to put beans in there until I mentioned it might not be the best way to store pins and needles.

:(

Roberta,
i don't know about a pattern but I do have an idea for what to use as a filler for your pin cushion part of it. We just took a class on making pin cushions and they used what is called walnut litter. You can get it at your local pet store like Petsmart or Petco. It is litter for the bottom of bird cages but works great in the pin cushions. It is about $10 for a bag & we have made 20 cushions from it so far.

Here's a tutorial that looks fairly easy:
http://kquilts-studio.com/pincushion...her_tutori.htm

My friend made me a pincushion filled with "lizard litter" that she got from a pet store.

Here is a pattern of what you are looking for.

http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/?p=765

I used two lengths of a metal tape measure for the rim of the bag. Also the underwire from a bra will work too. When I find bras at the thrift store I buy the biggest ones just for the underwire.

I don't know if you have any access to a manufacturing industry but I got the cut off ends from giant industrial tie wraps (zip ties) and they work wonderfully as stays for corsets and to use in the rims of these bags too.

Instead of play sand use silica sand. It is used to make dried flowers. Keeps pins nice and sharp.

I've gone to Lowes and Home Depot and gotten the plastic scrap from where they wrap the bundles of lumber. It is totally free and washable! :lol:

I made a square top on mine and used a block pattern and quilted it for the pincushion. I stuffed it with wool and put a ceraminc tile in it. I used oxygen tubing for the bag opeining, I think that might be the same thing that is used in aquariums, but the plastic stuff they use for packages and bundling sounds like a great idea.

Thank you so much for sharing this great pattern.
:D :D :D :D

I love that one BellaBoo. I like the little organizer. I've never seen one made like that. Had to download that pattern. Thanks for the link.

I purchased a pattern for one that sounds like it is what you want. If you are interested I can get it and give you the information off the pattern. Mine has a covered bag filled with child's play sand..that is used for a pin cushion as well. The bag is held open with that 1" wide purchased --can't remember the name of it..but it keeps the bag open at all times.

I don't know how to give you this information. Do we give out private email address?

Duh..would help if I had read the other entries first. You were provided with a link that looks like mine..only my pattern has a larger bag..easily adjusted! Good luck. I love all the helpers on this site!

Oh, these look so useful, I'll have to make one for my mess of a machine. I've always got stuff piled everywhere.

pams and bellaboo.....

these are for sale at every show i was ever at. they cost from between $15 to $35, depending on where the show is and how close to closing time. they are great. they always have them on display, but of course never sell the pattern. i believe they are using plain sand for the filler. and of course you can't get the fabric choice you want. it certainly pays to do one yourself and show us a pic. btw, they use some kind of flat metal spring or something in the casing, but can't it be boning?

Boy, that made me laugh. :lol: I could just imagine going to the counter with an armful of these huge bras that obviously wouldn't fit me...