I've seen so many cute and adorable patterns for pin cushions, but the only place I've ever seen a pin sharpener is on a basic tomato pin cushion. Does anyone have a suggestion for how to make or where to buy just the pin sharpener?

I don't want to be buying new pins every six months, I'd rather sharpen the ones I have and only replace them when they're bent.

Thanks for all of your great hints and helps!

I heard you could make your own ..filled with bird grit you know the stuff you give to your pet parakeet? My mother always use to run her pins through her long hair if one had a burr, not sure what that was all about but I have tried it gives me the willies (like finger nail down blackboard)

You can buy emery powder, which is what is in the strawberries, on etsy.

I've read some where you put emery grit in the top for the sharpener. Not sure where you get it though. someone(on here I think) said use very fine sand.Let us know what you find out please. Mary

Just read about the Crushed Walnut Shells: Says they will keep pins sharp.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/62774122...cushion-filler

Emery powder is sold at most hardware stores. It works very well. And if you have a problem lock (in the house) you may use a little in there as well.

I've read that the walnut shells actually dull the pins. It's like pushing it through wood chips. My dd is deathly allergic to walnuts so I have quit doing all swaps, giveaways, etc because I never know if people use walnut shells in their pincushions.

This is the Pin Lady's Etsy shop. http://www.etsy.com/shop/dottyral?section_id=5432686

Thanks for the info. I sure hadn't thought about this. I would stay away from them , just in case the recipient was allergic to nuts...

I bought the emery in a packet at an area quilt show. I then made my own 'strawberry' - like the old strawberry that used to be emery filled on those round tomato pincushions. I love it.

ali

Going to the Quilt expo Friday, Maybe they will have them..

I bought a small bag of emery from BirdBrainDesigns.com
They also have alot of fun designs made of wool or felted fabric. I made a strawberry pincushion with the emery and it was very simple to make and looks cute too. Sorry no pics!

wow those are some really cute pin cushions

I heard a long time ago at you could use the shavings from pencil sharpeners

Again, that's a wood product and would probably dull the pins. In addition, the graphite from the pencils makes the 'waste' incredibly dirty. To sharpen pins, the filler needs to be something that is abrasive to metal. Wood isn't.