Pin It

Hi and welcome to my spot on the Pin IT hop. Thanks to Madame Samm over at Sew We Quilt and Kristen from Meadowbrook for organising and cheering us on. 

I knew the two pin cushions I wanted to make for this hop. Nothing difficult or particularly fancy but both can be used and they can also be put to a different purpose if you wish. First I made a cockerel cushion. I've seen these on the internet and also on this hop. They are easy to make and effective. At first Henry (as he wants to be known) asked for his photo to be taken in doors.

but then he heard that his rival wished to be shown outside so he went and perched on a branch in our apple tree.

All the apples have been picked and will be made into chutney very soon. The leaves are starting to change colour and a few have already fallen .

Henry is a versatile make. Last year we used the same pattern to make juggling bags at Brownies. Henry was made using two charm squares but for the juggling bags we used 4 inch squares. Henry is hoping that I will make a couple of friends for him so he can also have a go at juggling. Just remember to remove the pins before use!

My second make is a cute mouse.The pieces are sewn together by hand using buttonhole stitch and he has beads for his nose and eyes.

I have also used the mouse pattern to make cat toys. For them I left off the beads and added a liberal amount of catnip to the stuffing. This one is definitely a pin cushion even though Picasso tried to run off with it. If you would like the mouse pattern click here You need to set your printer to actual size when you print it.

I keep the the pins I use for quilting in a box which explains why Picasso can knock them all over the floor so easily. Here's the mess he created on his last attack.

Here's hoping he doesn't run off with my new pin cushions since he wont have a pin tin to play with. My flat flower pins are kept in a plastic tube that was used to return a fountain pen to us following its repair.

Pins are interesting as there are many different types with different uses. When I am dressmaking I use straight steel pins.  I pin the patten pieces to the fabric taking the pins from my pin box but from then on until the project is finished they will be stuck into my elegant chaise lounge pin cushion.

Once the project is completed any bent or blunt pins are disposed of and the rest go back into the pin tin. Under the seat of the chaise lounge are thimbles, a tape measure and Mr Rippy. 

I also got down this bag from its usual home as I knew there was another pin cushion in it.

I made the bag several years ago to keep my travelling lace cushion safe. The bag is made in three layers with a thick batting layer to ensure the cushion doesn't get dented. I got the fabric for nothing at a recycling place that provided items that might be useful to crafters.

Inside the bag as well as the cushion is my rabbit pin cushion. It currently has two large pins in it that are used to divide the bobbins into sections on the pillow. Lace pins are made of brass so they wont rust as some lace projects can take quite a time to make. As the lace is woven the threads fasten around the pins which are removed later. I recovered this pillow as the old cover was full of pin holes.

Not only do I like sewing I like all types of craft. So far I haven't found one I don't like. A craft that is fun to do at Christmas or at Easter is decorating  the polystyrene shapes for hanging on the tree. All you need is a shape, some sequins, short pins, ribbon, time and imagination. The pins are Sequin / Lills pins and are only 13mm long. These are best kept in their box as a pin cushion would be very fiddly to use. It's also a good idea to keep inquisitive cats away.

Of course pins are not just about straight pins. I used to baste my quilt sandwich but reading on other peoples blogs about using safety pins I tried it myself and am now converted. I keep my safety pins in an old wooden cigar box.

This is usually full to overflowing and I have a lot of the bright coloured pins which show up well but I've been busy and currently have 4 quilts waiting to be quilted. I need to get my machine back from the repair shop and get on with the quilting.

I hope you enjoyed your visit and now you need to hurry on to the next participant. Here is a list of who is taking part today.

Quilting In South Carolina

Negligent Style

Debby Kratovil Quilts

Sew Many Yarns (You are here)

News From Bear Hollow

Around The Homestead

Living with Purpose

Buzzing and Bumbling

Colorpoint Quilter

Scraps of Life

Daisy Days

Stitchduchess

Life @ RuffHaven

AnnieOak Designs

Grandmama's Stories
Suebee's World
Handmade by Mama

It's been great to have you visit. I'm off to see what everyone else has made. Have a great day.

Lyndsey