Thread catcher

I adapted a pattern I found on the internet for this thread catcher. I wanted one that I could store a few key pieces of equipment that I use all the time whilst sitting hand sewing. This one lives by the sofa and is in permanent use! I still love my frog one though!

Since taking this picture I have pinned a small square of wadding to the pin cushion. I use this for needles rather than pushing them into the main cushion and loosing them.

These snippets are one of my favourite pieces of equipment. Sharp, thin and so easy to use.

I have used net curtain plastic to keep the top open and it works really well. I have not waded the bag, but think I would next time to give it more shape.

Frogs

I saw the pattern for this pin cushion and bits bag at the AQS Quilt Show in 2003. I really enjoyed making him and love the idea of using straws and buttons for the eyes. I use him all the time, hence he is starting to look a little tatty.

Once I heard about my friends orange frog she had in her garden, I made one for her to.

Cat

An adorable cat pincushion I made for my Mother in Law (fellow craft woman). I loved the look on his face when I saw the pattern.

She takes her pins very seriously and only puts the best in him!

He has elastic around the back to hold scissors or other small sewing paraphernalia so doubles up as a tidy.

Dolly

Here is a simple yet effective dolly pincushion and needle case. I designed this for some of our younger members of the quilt group to make. they really enjoyed making it and embellishing their own dollies. she is just under 3'' tall.

 There is a felt petticoat for needles and her body can be used for pins

Tallulah the Pincushion

I wanted to make a pincushion with a picture of an Airedale on it - and here it is.  The main body of the pincushion is made from hand dyed wool felt, with Tallulah made from solid coloured felt. Tallulah is appliquéd  using blanket stitch, all stitching is by hand. 

As the pincushion had deep sides I decided to decorate the sides with appliquéd felt flowers.

I made a separate cushion pad for the interior which I stuffed with sawdust. I have not used sawdust to fill pincushions before, so it will be interesting to see how it performs.

Just out of interest here is Tallulah.