I tried my hand at making a tiny pin cushion.
I have a few of these little glass pieces and, of course, plenty of stray beads from old jewelry. I had already added the beaded handles and ribbon around the rim as well as vintage clasps as embellishment.
There wasn't much left to do but the insertion itself. I filled the bottom with rice. The top is created by cutting a circle slightly larger than the glass rim at the top. I gathered it to fit and stuffed it tightly with batting. At that point it is glued into the glass. Cording, about 1/8" diameter is glued on the rim and tiny silk flowers added for accent.
What do you think? What have you used as a filler for pin cushions, or heard of others using? This seems to work but I was thinking I had seen somewhere that someone had used fine steel wool.
I've finished my 45th 'mini block' for the CQJP 2013. I have been using the same fabrics on all the blocks in this series, but for some reason the colors appear a little bright in this photo.
7 comments:
Connie the block is absolutely beautiful. I love the colors and the stitching. Your pin cushion is dear. I have used raw woolfleece to stuff pincushions with and it is great. The lanolin in the wool "oils" the pins. Take the wool fleece roll it into balls and stuff it into a stocking. Tie a knot between the balls of wool. Throw the stuffed stocking into the washer with hot water. The wool balls will felt and produce a firm stuffing for pincushions.
xo,
Deb
Lovely little pin cushion. I have used crushed walnut shells. They are good for sharpening needles and pins. I purchased mine at a major pet store...I think they are used as lizard litter. Creative Bliss...
what a pretty pin cushion. The best filling I have used is very fine sawdust, the pin cushion I filled has been used for years and no rusty pins. I also bought some crushed walnut shells as could not get hold of sawdust, they work very well too but are pricy. The sawdust I got from a joiner free, shame I moved away! Another lovely crazy block from you too
Thank you ladies for the feedback. Those are all fillers I will be experimenting with. Margaret, my son is a woodworker so I am sure I can get plenty of sawdust from him. Good info to know.
Love your little pin cushion and thanks to share how you did it. I actually never was thinking on using rice as filler.
Your pincushion is sweet! As for filler - I have heard of using fine steel wool but have been rather leery about trying it in case it dulls the needles. Emery is supposed to be great, but haven't been able to find it here.
Wonderful stitching on your block Connie. And your little pin cushion is very cute. I've never thought of rice as a filler but will give it a try.
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