I found two pristine hand-cast pewter cups at a church rummage sale a few weekends ago and I couldn't pass them up because I knew they would make really lovely pincushions. Last night I had some time to myself so I pulled out the big box of pink vintage fabric (it's a big box, trust me!) and put together these two combinations, both paired with natural linen.
Inside the cup I put plenty of steel wool which I find really excellent for keeping pins sharp. The patchwork tufts are stuffed with 100% wool batt. Because the cups are pewter they have a really nice weight to them and are not likely to tip over on the sewing table.
For each pincushion I made a set of light and dark pink floral pins with shrink plastic. I love making shrink plastic pins. Projects that involve the toaster oven are always fun.
It has gone back to being cold and windy and rainy here in Boston. Both girls insisted on wearing summer dresses today, with tights and sweaters. I grew up in Maryland where Memorial Day weekend meant that the pool opened and summer had officially begun. The weather in New England is mighty frustrating to me. I got new yellow sandals and I'm ready to wear them! I hope it is a sunny day where you are.
(Both of the pincushions are now up in my shop.)
Elizabeth says
Wow! I really love this. And those flower pins are great, too. Also, your pics look like they are out of a Japanese craft book. Great styling!
Wendy says
Steel wool! Brilliant. Love the pincushions, but the pins are charming me even more.
D'Arcy says
Abby, you are so amazingly talented. I love checking out your site to see your latest creations. The thing I really love, though, is how you and some of the artists you link to have inspired me – I can’t do everything you do but you show me where to start. Thank you!
Tracey says
Wow- very creative! I just found your blog and will have to dig a bit deeper. Love the pin cushion idea- Impressive!
Nathalie L. says
I love your blog, but I speak very bad english, I’am french, you have an Award “Arte y Pico” on my blog. Thank you for your work.
Katherine says
Any chance you’d be willing to do a tutorial on how you made the pins with shrink plastic?