Pin Cushion Madness

I wanted to make my QUILTY friends a
"little something" for Christmas.

Decided a quilter can never have enough
Pin Cushions.

I searched the web for a free pattern
and couldn't believe all the possibilities.

Here are the 2 sites that I used for inspiration.
Both have excellent tutorials
with lots of photos.
Of course, I made a few minor changes.

Creative Kismet

Craftapalooza

I made 2 sizes.

Instead of cutting 8 separate wedges I pieced a 4 patch.
4-4" squares for small 6" circle.
4-5" squares for large 8" circle.

Then,using my circle template, cut out my circles.
A few of the pin cushions have a solid piece for the back.
Others the 4 patch.

What is this?
My filler.
Ground English Walnut Shells.
I read about it on several sites.
And
Alex Anderson uses this in her pin cushions.
Makes them "weighty" and helps keep needles sharp.
I found this large bag for $9.99 at my local pet store.
Enough to fill more pin cushions than I can make!

I also used this long needle.
Left over from the 80's (used for doll sculpture).
Don't even ask.

I used 7/8"covered buttons for the top.
And a regular button for the bottom.
Chained stitched around the seam
with 6 strands of matching floss.
A little extra detail.

This one is made from an old linen dish towel
that was stained beyond use.
And wool.
I used iron on interfacing for backing the wool & linen
to keep the filling from seeping out.
And found the perfect button in my button jar.
I knew I saved all those strays for a reason!

In this season of "giving"
I'd like to send one of my dear blog readers
a few "seasoned" cookbooks and a pin cushion.
Just leave a comment.
I'll draw a name on Saturday.
Or two.
I have enough crushed walnut filling
that's for sure!

Warm holiday wishes.