Welcome to my stop of the pincushion party! My friend, Amanda Jean Nyberg of Crazy Mom Quilts, designed her first fabric line and asked if I wanted to play with it. Yes, yes, yes! The line is called Good Neighbors and is exactly the kind of look I would expect to get from Amanda Jean: cute, bright, fun prints that will work in a wide range of patchwork with a wide range of other fabrics. Good Neighbors indeed! The fabrics are high quality quilting cotton available exclusively through Connecting Threads. In addition to yardage, there are pre-cuts, kits and even one print that is available as 104" wide backing. Lots to choose from!
I was sent a charm pack to use to make my pin cushion and spent a lot of time thinking about what I wanted to do before I jumped in. If you have been reading my blog for a long time, you know that it is no secret that I love green and blue so I decided that I would play with the cool colors first. I took a quick look around the studio and grabbed my Dresden ruler and started to play.
Of course, I couldn't leave the warm colors alone so I made a second pin cushion with some of those prints. At the moment pink and orange together are speaking to me so it was fun to see those together. And, because this is Amanda Jean's fabric, I HAD to use the red polka dot. In addition to the cute prints and bright colors, one of the things I like about these fabrics is that they work well in small pieces. The scale is wonderful – not too busy when small, not too plain when large. I think that is Amanda Jean's love of scraps coming through!
Connecting Threads is offering up a charm pack to one of my readers (U.S. and Canada only). To enter the giveaway, comment on this post and let me know if you have ever made a pin cushion and what you filled it with. (Inquiring minds want to know – I filled one of mine with fiber fill and the other with crushed walnut shells and I definitely have thoughts. Let me know yours!) I will leave the giveaway open until Wednesday evening around 6 pm EST. Good luck!
Be sure to pop by the other stops on the pin cushion party to see what everyone else has been making!
9/1/2015 Amanda Jean http://crazymomquilts.blogspot.com/
9/2/2015 Anna http://www.noodle-head.com/
9/3/2015 Mary http://maryonlakepulaski.blogspot.com/
9/4/2015 Svetlana http://sotakhandmade.blogspot.com/
9/5/2015 Debbie http://www.eschhousequilts.com/
9/6/2015 Holly http://www.bijoulovelydesigns.com/
9/7/2015 Carla http://carla-graceandfavour.blogspot.com/
9/8/2015 Faith http://www.FreshLemonsQuilts.com
9/9/2015 Vanessa http://www.vanessachristenson.com/
9/10/2015 Anna http://www.thimbleanna.com/
9/11/2015 Krista http://poppyprintcreates.blogspot.com/
9/12/2015 Erin http://whynotsew.blogspot.com/
9/13/2015 Lee http://www.maychappell.com/
9/14/2015 Alex http://teaginnydesigns.blogspot.com/
9/15/2015 Cheryl http://naptimequilter.blogspot.com/
9/16/2015 Penny http://sewtakeahike.typepad.com/
9/17/2015 Amy http://duringquiettime.com/
9/18/2015 Debbie http://aquilterstable.blogspot.com/
9/19/2015 Anne http://www.springleafstudios.com/
9/20/2015 Melissa Corry http://www.happyquiltingmelissa.com/
9/21/2015 Amber http://www.oneshabbychick.typepad.com/
9/22/2015 Nettie http://aquiltisnice.blogspot.com/
9/23/2015 Adrianne http://www.littlebluebell.com/
9/24/2015 Cindy http://www.liveacolorfullife.net/
9/25/2015 Amy http://www.diaryofaquilter.com/
9/26/2015 Chase http://quarterinchmark.blogspot.com/
9/27/2015 Rene http://www.renecreates.com/
9/28/2015 Erin – you're here!
9/29/2015 Nicole http://modernhandcraft.com/
9/30/2015 Teri http://blog.connectingthreads.com/
Hope you have a great day and that it includes some sewing!
I haven’t made a pincushion yet but I have really enjoyed seeing all the pincushions. I bought a bag of crushed walnut shells to try soon. I love your Dresden pincushions!
It’s been so hard to wait to get to your pincushions, Erin. They are very expressive of your style and wonderful.
I’m a big fan of Amanda Jean’s also and because of her I have made a cushion which I stuffed with walnut shells. I like the resistance of felt filler and the weight of walnut shells. Polyfill is pretty but I feel like the pins go right through. I think in an upcoming one I’m going to mix the fillers. I hope you share your opinion too.
I have made a few pincushions, all filled with Polyfill. I would like to try crushed walnut shells, but that’s not easily available here.
Your pincushions are too cute!!! I have only made one pincushion for which I won first place at a Sew Steamboat. I used Polyfill. Thanks for the giveaway!
I’ve made a few different pincushions and used both the crushed walnuts and fiberfill, and I like the crushed walnuts the best! Your pincushions are adorable!
I strongly prefer the crushed walnuts. It’s the heft.
I have not yet made a pincushion. However, I think I would try the crushed walnut shells because of the weight to keep the pincushion in place.
I love making pincushions. They’re one of my favorite things to make. I use fiberfill most of the time, but I have used crushed walnut shells before, too.
I’ve only made 1 pincushion, an owl, and I filled it with fibrefill but it’s too light, maybe I should open the bottom seam and add walnut shells. thanks
I’ve made pincushions and donated some to my library’s holiday craft sale. I love Amanda’s pincushions and her fabric. I fill my cushions with fiber fill because it’s what I have on hand. Thanks very much.
I have made 1 pin cushion and filled it with polyfil and have made one with dried rice and beans. I like the weight of the one with dried rice and beans. Where can one get walnut shells?? Just by cracking walnuts i guess??
I’ve made pincushions both filled with walnut shell or with fiberfill, but I think I would actually prefer a combination of the two! I’ll have to try that next.
I have a bag of walnut shells waiting…maybe I will win! Happy day!
I’ve never made a pincushion, but this blog hop has given me lots of inspiration! You’re so right about the scale of these fabrics- not too busy, not too “blah.”
Love your pincushion! I have yet to make one, but I must get on it!!! Thanks for the giveaway
Beautiful pincushion, Erin! I have made 1 pincushion, filled with the “lizard litter” for a friend. Next up, one for myself:).
i’ve made a handful of pincushions, some of which were filled with sand.
I have made two pincushions – one filled with fiberfill and the other with rice. Of those two fillings, I liked the fiberfill best. Your pincushions are beautiful. Thanks for the opportunity to enter the giveaway.
I haven’t made a pincushion yet but I have a big bag of crushed walnut shells waiting for me to make some. This pincushion hop has been quite inspiring! Yours are adorable.
I have use some w/fiberfill! Made another in a pinch and filled w/ my threads/fabric scraps. I remember my grandmother’s and they were firm and they used ground wood.
I’ve never made a pincushion yet but I would use fiberfill. You did a great job with those 2 pincushions!
I fill my pincushions with crushed walnut shells. I like the weight it gives them. Your pincushions are very pretty and I agree about the scale of these fabrics.
I have always kept my pins in a box by my machine and used then from there. But my friend sent me a pincushion for Christmas and I loved it so much that I decided to make one to hang on my serger. I filled it with fiberfill. i love your pincushion. Thanks for sharing.
I have made several pin cushions and the first ones I filled with tiny fabric scraps. Could hardly get the pins in, was much too firm. Moved on to crushed walnut shells and love them. Your pin cushions are lovely and addictive.
I’ve made pincushions, some filled with fiberfill and some with sawdust. I didn’t really like either… I’m going to try walnut shells next, since people seem to think highly of it!
I’ve ever made a pincushion but I think I will try and use the crushed walnut shells.
I have made several pincushions-Amanada Jean’s fault. I filled them with walnut shells and some of them a combo of walnut shells and fiberfill (walnut shells on the top side).
Never made one, would have to research what you fill it with. Maybe mix in some spice – to give a nice smell while sewing.
I made a pincushion at a retreat I was at.. it was fun.. then I made one from this hop.
very cute! is there a pattern for this one? i imagine filling a pincushion with rice but i’ve never really researched what you should use.
I have never made a pincushion, but love yours, and the idea of stuffing it with crushed walnut shells! Who knew?
I love your Dresden pin cushion. I have made one (which I use all the time) and stuffed it with fiberfill. Thanks!
I’ve never made a pin cushion. If I did I would just use fiberfill, since that’s what I have on hand. Yours are very cute!
I have made a few pincushions and have used fibrefill for stuffing, with a bit of steel wool mixed in as well – it helps keep the pins from rusting. Love your wee cushions! Very sweet!
I have never made a pincushion, but I am now inspired to do so!!
I have never made a pincushion yet, but I have learned a lot about them and am so excited to get started!
I’ve made 4-5 pincushions. Some I used polyfil and 2 I tried walnut shells. I like the weight the shells provide.
I haven’t made a pincushion yet. I certainly have no shortage of ideas with the help of this great hop.
Yes I’ve made pincushions for a swap. We mailed them without any filling because it was less expensive since some of our girls were out of the US. I received 3 darling pincushions, one is a hedgehog. Each came with a little instruction sheet if they needed to be stitched differently than just a whip stitch. I filled mine with fine clean play box sand. The weight of the sand keeps them where you set them and the sand keeps your pins and needles sharp. Years ago I tried Emory grit but it’s expensive and the sand does the same thing. What ever you use make sure it hasn’t been kittie litter.
I’ve made several pincushions. I think the last time I used rice and fiberfill. I want to try the crushed walnut shells.
I have never made one but I am thinking I would like a heavier pincushion – so maybe walnut shells or rice? Or both? Your mini dresdens are adorable.
Thanks for the give away! The one and only pin cushion I made had a wrist strap and was filled with fiber fill. If memory serves, it was the first thing I made without a pattern…
I’ve made a few pin cushions and my favourite is the wee wool strawberry filled with emery filings and I take it everywhere!!
I have made many pincushions and use polyfil to fill them but think crushed walnut shells would be great.
I guess I haven’t made pin cushion yet, am addicted to my magnetic pin cushion, but like the idea of the walnut hulls because of the weight to hold the pin cushion in place. Really nice fabrics!
I have made several pin cushions and use walnut shells from the pet store to fill them. I like the weight because I have a tendency to send all sorts of things crashing into my pincushions while I am working and that keeps them from flying across the room!
I’ve made several pincushions, filled them with fiberfill.
I’ve only made one and filled it with crushed walnut shells. I love the weight of it.
I’ve made a few pincushions that I filled with polyfill. Yours a so pretty!
I have made lots of pin cushions and sell them at a Farmer’s Market. You all have inspired me to branch out and be more creative. I use walnut shells, I think the name brand is Kaytee crushed walnut shells from the pet store. You don’t want the stuff that looks processed.
Your pincushion is so cute! I’ve made pincushions with fiberfill. I haven’t tried anything yet.
I am glad that you asked that question! I have not yet made a pincushion, but I did buy a (huge!) bag of crushed walnuts for stuffing them. I will have to “break the ice” and make one soon, as my Sweetie also sews, but in another room, and the one pincushion is traveling back and forth right now – not convenient!
I am glad that you asked that question! I have not yet made a pincushion, but I did buy a (huge!) bag of crushed walnuts for stuffing them. I will have to “break the ice” and make one soon, as my Sweetie also sews, but in another room, and the one pincushion is traveling back and forth right now – not convenient!
I am glad that you asked that question! I have not yet made a pincushion, but I did buy a (huge!) bag of crushed walnuts for stuffing them. I will have to “break the ice” and make one soon, as my Sweetie also sews, but in another room, and the one pincushion is traveling back and forth right now – not convenient!
I am glad that you asked that question! I have not yet made a pincushion, but I did buy a (huge!) bag of crushed walnuts for stuffing them. I will have to “break the ice” and make one soon, as my Sweetie also sews, but in another room, and the one pincushion is traveling back and forth right now – not convenient!
I am glad that you asked that question! I have not yet made a pincushion, but I did buy a (huge!) bag of crushed walnuts for stuffing them. I will have to “break the ice” and make one soon, as my Sweetie also sews, but in another room, and the one pincushion is traveling back and forth right now – not convenient!
I am glad that you asked that question! I have not yet made a pincushion, but I did buy a (huge!) bag of crushed walnuts for stuffing them. I will have to “break the ice” and make one soon, as my Sweetie also sews, but in another room, and the one pincushion is traveling back and forth right now – not convenient!
I’ve never made one, but it’s on my to-do list
I have made a few swap cushions and only used fiberfill. Cute pincushions!
Just one that I filled with fiber fill. Your dresdens are perfect on that pin cushion – the scale and placement is so pretty!
Just one that I filled with fiber fill. Your dresdens are perfect – the scale and placement is so pretty!
I usually fil with polyfil. I tried wood shavings but didn’t like it.
Your Pin Cushion is Awesome!! Have never made a pin cushion before….but since following this Hop…know there will be several friend’s getting one..after I make one for me! lol Not sure what to fill with…am reading thru the comments tho..& love the idea to add a spice for scent too! Great idea!
Thanks for chance to win your Give-a-way! 😀
Love this fabric line and your pincushions are so colorful. I have made several pincushions and used fiberfill, crushed walnut shells and also aquarium sand from the pet store. I like the sand best. Maybe the walnut shells I used were not the right kind as the pins seemed to be hard to put in the cushion, the sand is nice and heavy and does keep the pins nice and sharp, bit harder to sew closed though. maybe I will try I different source for the walnut shells as people seem to like using them….
Many years ago there was paper piecing directions and patterns in a Quilt magazine I had a subscription to. I liked the square in a square block the best out of the choices they provided. I wanted to try out paper piecing. So I made a cute little block and was amazed at how perfect the points came out. I used the little block to make a pincushion. I stuffed it with Fiberfill. I want to try out filling one with crushed walnut shells. I have been so inspired by all these adorable pincushions this month, I’m sure I’ll be making one soon – hopefully with Good Neighbors fabric! I want to join in the fun!!!
Love your partial Dresden plate pincushions. Your colour themes are inspiring. Can’t wait to play with these great fabrics, couldn’t leave it to chance so I ordered some!
Those are terrific! I haven’t made a pincushion yet but am getting inspired this month. Thank you for the giveaway! Shop123(at)elenabattles(dot)com
I have made a few pin cushions and I am definitely a crushed walnut fan. In fact, yesterday I emptied a pin cushion I receive as a gift of its fluff and filled it with the satisfying heft of walnut shells. Please don’t tell the maker; I stitched it right back up.
I have made two, one I filled with fabric & thread scraps! The other I filled with quilting batting scraps! I am going to try steel wool next, I hear it keeps needles sharp!
Yes, and it filled it with crushed walnut shells. I just love your pincushions!
I have made a pincushion and used fiberfill, but I think I filled it too full in spots because it’s sometimes hard to get the pins in! 🙂 I’m curious to know your thoughts on the matter.
I’ve never made a pincushion. I’d probably go with a heavier filling like rice
I have never made a pincushion but I’ve seen all kinds that I’d like to make and need to get around to doing it!
I have made a few pincushions and use them all the time! I filled mine with steel wool on the top and beans (the uncooked kind) on the bottom for weight. The steel wool keeps the pins sharp and doesn’t bother me like I thought it might. duchick at gmail dot com
No I haven’t, but I might need to.
I made a pincushion for my niece and it wraps around her machine with Velcro. I just quilted the top with warm and white for a little structure and then filled it with poly-fil. I didn’t know enough to fill it with anything else until this blog hop 🙂
Yes, I’ve made several. I fill mine with polyfill.
Dmac5958ataoldotcom
Erin,
Indeed I’ve made lots of pin cushions..not near as many as Amanda Jean.
Either I stuff w/Gravel & Grit (for birds…beak sharpener/cage litter) or the lizard litter. Fiberfill does not keep the pins sharp in my experience. Thank you for sharing.
I have made several the last one I used crushed walnut shells
You know, I don’t think I have ever made a pincushion before. I don’t really use one – I keep the pins in the box they came in, or a different box if the box they came in is flimsy. I think if I did make one, I would just fill it with leftover batting or fabric so I could use it up, but I don’t know how the pins would handle that. Your pincushions are lovely – the dresden designs are so pretty.
I have only made one so far, and it is filled with fiber fill. I want to try the crushed walnut shells next… guess I better head to the pet store!
Your cushions are adorable.
I made a pincushion years ago, but I never used it because it was too soft and light. I think a good pincushion needs to be substantial. I would go with walnut shells, or maybe coffee grounds (unused, dry ones).
I love to give pincushions as gifts so I have made lots of them. Yours is adorable.
I’ve used fiberfill for my pincushions until recently when I got crushed walnut shells at a quilt shop. I like the resulting weight of using the walnut shells. I’d love to know what Dresden ruler you used for your pin cushions.
I have made a few pin cushions and used fiberfill for them. Next time I will try the crush walnut shells from the pet store.
I’ve never made a pincushion but Id love to try!
I have made one pin cushion, it was a chair and was so cute. I gave it away as a present for my sister. It was filled with fiber fill.
Yours is darling…so is the fabric….thank you
I am always attracted to Dresden patterns, as that is what my grandmother made for my bed as a child. These are so cute!
Love those colors and prints! I made a pin cushion as a middle school home economics class assignment in 1989 that I still use today. Filled with poly-fil…what else would you expect from public school home ec!