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Clearly I need more pincushions. You wouldn’t think that would be the case–but I usually use fairly utilitarian, magnetic pincushions. So, when the opportunity arose to make a few of these patchwork beauties along with the Fat Quarter Shop, I jumped at the chance. (Those adorable round cupcake-y ones below were gifts from Karen at Creamcraft Goods. Aren’t they precious?!)
This darling patchwork pincushion was designed by Sherri of A Quilting Life. Make sure to check out this video for all the details on how to make this project. She has a few fun tips and tricks that I found so useful.
You know how when you make a project like this and you sew the two parts right sides together, and then pull it through a gap that you will need to sew closed? Yeah, I hate that gap part. I have a hard time getting a nice clean edge to fold under. But Sherri has a tip on how to make that easier! And I like the specific way that she trims her corners to reduce bulk. I’m telling you, just go watch the video.

I filled my pincushions with crushed walnut shells, and I’m pretty sure that I will never have to buy another bag again. I love how it gives the cushion some heft and weight. Pincushions that are just filled with polyfil tend to go flying every time I turn the fan on in my sewing space.
This project is just so perfect for those tiny scraps that you have been hoarding (ahem–I mean saving). When you use them to create a beautiful, useful, small project, you get to see them everyday! I used Minki Kim’s Winter Tales line for the one at the top of this post (along with this cute trim from FQS), and Minki’s Serendipity line for the one above. Both are so fun for fussy cutting and the color palettes are gorgeous.
And because it’s so hard to stop making these, I did a third one with Keera Job’s Grandale line (pink one above). The tiny florals in this line are to die for.
These pincushions are like my children–I love them all and refuse to pick a favorite. They are in constant rotation in my sewing room now, and frankly they just make me happy every time I look at them.
And finally, for your amusement, here is Tiger sleeping in a hilarious position, artfully arranged with said pincushions. The things he puts up with. 🙂
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