I am embarassed to even post this, but this is my trusty old standard pincushion that I have had since I was a teenager. We've been through a gazillion projects together, so for sentimental reasons I almost hate to replace it. When I saw the free tutorial on Heather Bailey's blog for a cute square pincushion, though, I knew it was time for an upgrade.
As you can see, my poor pincushion is bulging with straight pins, needles, and safety pins. The threads from the needles (left in so the needles don't get lost inside the cushion) get all tangled and it's just a general mess.
Enter these darling little numbers. I like the square shape for its uniqueness, and I love how it won't roll off a table and the needles would have to try pretty hard to get lost within its stuffing.
Aren't they cute? I had so much fun making them that I made an extra one to give away.
So here's the deal:
For a chance to win a
FREE SQUARE PINCUSHION
How about you leave a comment and tell me what your first sewing project was, or if you've never sewn before then you can tell me what you would like to do as your first sewing project.
That's it - nice and simple. Then, on Monday, August 11th, I'll send your names over to a site that chooses random names and we'll have a winner! Anybody have a favorite random site they like to use? The pincushion I'm giving away is pictured below. The fabric is from Amy Butler's recent quilting collection.
So I'd love to hear from you this week, I look forward to reading about your first sewing adventure!
Eek! How cute! I'm not entering to win but I thought I'd comment and tell you anyways. :P
My very first sewing project was a nine-patch pillow. I saw the project in a Little House book and tried it... Ended up stuffing it with cloth scraps so it wasn't exactly soft. lol.
Posted by: Alice | August 02, 2008 at 11:41 AM
my first sewing project was in junior high.. and it was a pair of awful hawaain print shorts, but iwas so proud of them at the time!
Posted by: Mary Jenkins | August 02, 2008 at 02:09 PM
I think I was in 6th grade and my best friend and I made matching shorts with neon print colors to wear to outdoor school. The next time after camp that I wore them to school, the seat ripped completely out! How embarrasing especially for a 12 year old!! LOL
Posted by: Kristy Erickson | August 02, 2008 at 04:56 PM
What a cute pin cushion! If I remember correctly,my granny helped me make a pillow. I havent done any sewing in a long time but just bought some cloth to make some Christmas gifts. So a pin cushion would be great about the time I get started! I cant believe Ive never had one. Anyways thanks for such a great giveaway.
Blessings, Karen
Posted by: Karen | August 02, 2008 at 07:22 PM
I beleive my first sewing project was napkins made when I was a Brownie. I remember they were blue and had a little embroidery on them but not much more about them. I remember making barbie clothes with scraps but I didn't use a sewing machine until I was 13.
Thanks for taking me down memory lane, I haven't thought about my early sewing attempts for years.
Sue Cahill
Posted by: Susan Cahill | August 03, 2008 at 05:14 AM
These are so cute! Even if I don't win one, I am so going to make one!
My very first project was a quilt that my mom helped me make when I was like 14.
Posted by: Victoria | August 03, 2008 at 05:49 AM
Let's see, if my memory serves me right my first sewing project was a tote that I made in Home Economic's. Or at least it started out being a tote. It ended up being more like a sak.(ha,ha) Even 'attempted' to put a zipper in it.
Posted by: Kimberly L | August 03, 2008 at 07:24 AM
The first thing I ever sewed was a pair of slippers. I think I was 6 or 7 years old and I did it all by myself with a huge needle, yarn, and the flimsiest junk fabric that my mom let me have. They lasted about two days. I was so proud of them.
Now I don't even have a sewing machine, can you believe it? I'm too nervous to buy one because the first one I chose for myself was complete junk. Any recommendations?
Posted by: EdithSonger | August 03, 2008 at 11:12 AM
The first thing I ever sewed was a pair of slippers. I think I was 6 or 7 years old and I did it all by myself with a huge needle, yarn, and the flimsiest junk fabric that my mom let me have. They lasted about two days. I was so proud of them.
Now I don't even have a sewing machine, can you believe it? I'm too nervous to buy one because the first one I chose for myself was complete junk. Any recommendations?
Posted by: EdithSonger | August 03, 2008 at 11:14 AM
I just love reading what project you are doing next. These cushions are cute. But, I just wanted to tell you what I did as my first sewing experience: I made a skirt when I was in 6th grade - we learned to measure and make patterns in HomeEc class so I did! It was beautiful too - I wore it for a while - it was a bit tight though - because I cut the fabric too close to the pattern! I sew pretty good but I just am not good at being creative myself - so I usually follow patterns or fix up already made stuff... Wonder if I can learn to create new stuff?!
Posted by: Chimge | August 03, 2008 at 11:23 AM
My first sewing project was in class in junior highschool and I made a rust colored cordoroy purse. It seems like that was a big undertaking for me now that I think about it. I don't even remember how it turned out and I'm not sure if I even ever used it??
I was a little miffed at you at first when I saw you were going to give up that pincushion because I'm just so sentimental and I wanted you to keep it for memory's sake. Then I scrolled down and saw those new square pincushions you were referring to and all was immediately forgiven. I can't even blame you a bit. They are absolutely adorable!
doot65{at}comcast[dot]net
Elizabeth
Posted by: Elizabeth M. | August 03, 2008 at 02:55 PM
First sewing project was in 7th grade. We made duffle bags! With zippers and all! I still can't believe that I made it. I am sure that I wouldn't be able to do it today!
Posted by: Sunny | August 04, 2008 at 06:18 AM
Gotta love homemade stuff by you Shelly! My first sewing project was when I was in 4H back in the day. I took a short sewing class - none of which I remember then I sewed a skirt and then modeled it in a fashion show. It was fun and the skirt was so cute - kind of like the skirts I now can make for Anne.
Posted by: Joy Turner | August 04, 2008 at 12:36 PM
that old one of yours looks like my mom's old pincushion. it had a little strawberry dangling from the top. my first sewing project was a little pincusion (for my mom) made of flannel precious moments fabric. well i haven't done much sewing since. but i would like to try embroidering which is close to sewing isn't it? you did a fabulous job on your new pin cushies! :)
Posted by: jenny fowler | August 08, 2008 at 06:59 PM
I have one of those tomato pin cushions! It looks almost exactly like your picture too. I never thought of a square one, but I sure wish I had! My first sewing project was probably when I was about 10 or 11 and decided to make a pillow and blankets for my sister's dolls. My mom let me use scraps and go to town on whatever came to me! I loved the freedom she gave me without "hovering", however I think she wishes I had inherited some of her perfectionist traits. :0)
Posted by: CoconutKate | August 08, 2008 at 07:52 PM
Those are so cute! I am going to have to try that tutorial!! Thanks for the inspirations.
Posted by: Anjuli Fry | August 09, 2008 at 10:04 AM