Hello everyone! I am very pleased to announce a Pincushion swap for the month of March 2011! (I'm Super EXCITED)!

This thread will serve as the official "conversational" thread forum for the discussion of this swap . I am your Host, The Creative Seamstress.

****PLEASE READ ALL RULES OF THE SWAP PRIOR TO SENDING ME YOUR SIGN UP PM FORM!****

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SIGN UP FORM:

Swap Title: Pincushions, March 2011
Your Board Name:
Your Real Name:
Your Mailing Address:
Allergies:
Willing to Send International: Yes/No

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While I realize that some of you may be experienced in these types of activities either through this or other online groups or perhaps within real life guilds, others in the group may not - so we're just going to cover a few things of interest to us all (whether newbie or veteran and regardless of skill level)... so let's get started!

***SPECIFIC RULES OF THIS SWAP:

1) Sign Up Specifics: "Sign Up" will end 03/15/2011 @ 11pm. Please do not sign up until your pincushion is finished and ready to mail. Buddies assignments will be posted online in the Group Activity Matrix for this swap (and a notification PM) by 11pm, 03/20/2011.

2) Mailing Deadline/Requirements: The Deadline to Mail your pincushion(s) is by no later than: 03/25/2011. Whether mailing domestically and/or internationally you must use a method that includes tracking and deliver confirmation. Please send me the tracking number by PM. That way I'll already have it handy in case there are any issues with reciept.

3) What's It All About: This swap is for PINCUSHIONS. There will be no set expectation of any specific theme. Members of all skill levels are invited and encouraged to join. All that is asked - is that you be as creative as possible, that you do your very best work and lastly - that you never stop having have fun!

4) You may not purchase a premade pincushion as a substitute for designing and fabricating one by your own handiwork and creation. The use of patterns (from any source - commercial or otherwise) is permissible with proper credit.

5) Inspiration: Ideas for pincushions of all kinds can be found all over the internet (i.e. Google, Yahoo, etc.) either by their "search" or "images" sections. I encourage everyone to use this as a source for inspiration but please do not infringe on anyone's copyrighted material by reproducing an idea and/or pattern without due and proper attribution and credit.

6) Due Credit: If you choose to use a design not of your own creation (i.e. a commercial pattern, a fellow crafters pattern etc.) make sure that you provide that information attached via a note sent alongside your pincushion when sending the package. You wouldn't want anyone else to use a design of your hard work and creation without proper credit and acknowledgement.

7) Pincushion Materials: All sorts of creative pincushions can be made from all sorts of materials and embellishments... (i.e. - assorted fabric types, yarns; wool rovings, cotton/polyester batting, recyclable materials, plastics, cardboard, wood, glass, tin, ceramic containers) you name it. Any combination of artistic materials and mediums may be used, so have fun with it!

8) Pincushion Filling: There's a multitude of available mediums for the stuffing of your pincushion such as: (cotton, polyester, wool fabric, yarn, sawdust, crushed walnut shells, sand and/or rice) amongst many others. As I realize that some individuals may be sensitive to some of these materials, I will ask that if you have any allergies to anything that could be potentially used as a filling that you include and disclose such information in your PM. When you mail the pincushion you made, make sure it's wrapped or bagged in plastic. The contents information should be outside that wrapping/bag so your buddy can read it before unwrapping/opening the bag. Please do not forget to do this!

9) Budget: Let's make every effort to keep all the expenses related to making the pincushion at or below $5.00. (Cost of pattern, postage or shipping are not included in the budget.)

10) Labels: No one wants to forget who made their very awesome and unique pincushion after they receive it, so please make sure to make some kind of label for it (i.e. iron on fabric on the bottom, sewn fabric tag on the bottom, PIGMA Pen signature/note on the bottom, or a side label not mounted on the pincushion in a greeting card, etc). The choice is yours.

11) Acknowledgement: By joining this Swap, you are expressly agreeing to abide by and adhere to the general Swap Forum rules (http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-20154-1.htm ) AND the rules as I have posted in this thread.

12) Host/Coordinator Courtesy: I will be serving as your Host for this Swap and I am most happy to answer any questions/concerns/comments that you may have. Asides from my active participation on this board and my many group/swap activities - I travel for work. So I please ask that you all would be kind enough to allow me a (12-36) hour response time if you PM me (or post a question to this thread directed towards me). I check my e-mails, websites etc. periodically and as often as I possibly can when I'm working. Since I travel - my hours can be very whacky sometimes depending on where I am in the world and the time zone that I am in. Thankfully internet access is relatively accessible/universal almost everywhere I go, however I don't want anyone to feel that because they did not receive a quick/rapid response that they are being ignored in any way... so I appreciate your understanding in advance.

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***("Approved by Patrice J on 02/09/2011)***

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**Group Activity Link: http://www.quiltingboard.com/group_a...sp?gracnum=115

Explosive blessings, abundance and inspiration to you all!
- The Creative Seamstress

IMPORTANT: Please, please remember when sending your sign-up PM's to use the form (via a cut and paste - then type your responses) as outlined above and in that order and format. This will make it easier for me to assign buddies when the time comes. For example, if you put your address first, then allergies, then name etc - I have to go back in and edit your information to reflect the standard form - and considering the volume of individuals who are interested, this can be a huge and unnecessary task! So please assist me in kindly cutting and pasting the form into the PM's you send me. This will allow me to be of the highest levels of efficiency and organization, and ensure your signup! Thank you so very much!

Explosive blessings, abundance and inspiration to you all!
- The Creative Seamstress

sending my pm

Time to get cracking so I can join the fun!

No need for a haystack, I can put my needles in a pincushion so sign me up. The biggest problem I have is which one will my swap partner like. Moosegirl

Glad this is back. Been makin 'em in anticipation of this swap happening again. I'M IN, TOO>

WooHoo, better get sewin'

I can't wait!

:thumbup:

Already sent my PM

ok ok ok you have all talked me into this swap! sending out my pm!

You will love it.

Finished and sending PM.

Sent my PM. Its going to be a long month waiting.

After you wrote this I went back and checked the dates. I thought it closed tonight at 11PM. Yes you are right, it will be a long month, waiting.
Oh well we can make a few more for possible future swaps.
Happy Sewing

If I make more then I will just have a harder decision as to which one to send! :roll:

a loooooooooong month waiting, like waiting for a baby. got a bunch done, can't wait to see what's out there this time,
think food!

I just sent a PM to join. This is my first time making pincushions and will be my first time in this swap. I am excited all around.

you just need to do one right? Sounds like some of you have done his before and have made multiples. Let me know if I need to do that as well. Thanks.

No, you only need to make one. Scroll down through the block and trade section and you will find other pincushion swaps that have been done in the past. Check out some of the post. There are some very cute pincushions. Welcome

Thanks, was just double checking. Mine is made and ready to be mailed off.

i always mail another goodied along with the picushion

Does anyone use the crushed walnut filler for their pincushions? If so, where do you buy it? I've seen a few places online, but want to see if someone has a source with a good price. Thanks!

Sorry, don't know where you can get them but you have to becareful in case someone is allergic to nuts.

definitely!

I'm in add me to the list.

im in

sounds f un..im in :)

Ebay has them. I am allergic to walnuts but only if I eat them or eat something with walnut oil in it. I doubt anyone is eating the pins used in the cushions but one never knows.

That would be ME.....highly allergic. need epi pen within 10 mins or I'll be sewing with the angels.....think I'll sit this one out

[quote=pattis47]That would be ME.....highly allergic. need epi pen within 10 mins or I'll be sewing with the angels.....think I'll sit this one out

Sorry, I didn't mean to scare anyone off with my question! I will not be using the walnuts in anything I send out to others.

You didnt scare me off, I am glad you brought up the idea. I would never have thought of filling it w/walnut shells. I appreciate the info.

[quote=CraftyGardenMom]

Try a canning jar ring. Really fun!

Mind reader! That is what I did. Great minds think alike right?

I have seen on some outside postings for pincushions that you can purchase bags of the crushed walnut shells from pet stores as they are used in cages for reptiles.

I too am allergic to tree nuts (walnuts, pecans, cashews, etc.) so would ask that my swap partner not send me anything with real nuts in it. It's okay if the nuts are in the print in the fabric. I cannot remember if allergy notations were part of the information we needed to complete for the swap. If not, I hope that I did note that on my swap information.

Sometimes you may hold the pins between your lips while you're placing them or prick yourself when using a needle that's been in the pincushion. Some of us cannot touch the things that we are allergic to, different sensitivities for different people. My allergies have morphed into asthma so I give my allergy triggers a large berth....I stay away.

Oh , this sounds like fun. This will be my first swap . I need to get crackin on my pincushion!

Have mine ready too....

Mine is ready to ship also. Just waiting for my swap partner.

I used white rice and poly fill to stuff my pincushion. I hope no one is allergic to white rice or poly fill.

Waiting patiently for my swap partner. NOT!

i use poly fill, sometimes gravel or sand from the pet store, but this swap. i'm ready to go, when is the nest swap?????