Showing posts with label buttons. Show all posts
Showing posts with label buttons. Show all posts

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

'Simply Geometric' Pincushion

**This tutorial is intended for personal use only.**

What better way to start off the new year than with a pretty new pincushion. Did I just hear a collective sigh of ooh's and ahh's rounded out with a squeal of delight? Oh, never mind, it came from me. What is it about pincushions, anyway? I can never get enough of them.


Here is the pattern. It is made up of circles, squares and triangles. Simply geometric! Please note that this diagram has not been drawn to scale but is for information purposes only.


Cut two 6-1/2" squares for the body of the pincushion.
Cut 8 triangles, 4 lining and 4 from decorative fabric. (I've chosen white for the lining).
For the rosette, cut two 4-inch circles with 1-3/4" circles removed from their centers.


Begin with the triangles. Place one lining and one decorative piece together, right sides facing each other. Pin in place. Sew both of the 4-3/4" sides using 1/4" seams. Trim seams to 1/8" and clip the point to reduce bulk. Turn right side out. Repeat with the remaining triangular pieces.
For the rosette, pin right sides together and sew around the outside perimeter using a 1/4" seam. Trim the seam to 1/8" and turn right side out.
Press all pieces flat with an iron.


Place one 6-1/2" square onto a flat surface, right side facing up. Center each of the triangles along the straight edges, right sides facing down. Machine baste each piece into place to keep it from shifting.


Place both 6-1/2" squares right sides together. Sew around the perimeter using a 1/4" seam. Be sure to leave a 1-1/4" opening for turning. Clip all 4 corners and turn right side out.


Stuff with your preferred stuffing and sew the opening closed.


Bring the 4 triangle points to the center of the pincushion. They should overlap by 1/4". Tack to keep it in place.


To finish off the rosette, take a running stitch along the inside circle. Gather and tie off.


Sew the rosette to the center of the pincushion and top with a coordinating stack of buttons. If you prefer, you can tuft the center by pulling the thread tightly as the buttons are being sewn on.


Here is a version with a double rosette.


I adore this color combination. Brown. Pink. Lavender. Très chic!


Now, load these pretties up with pins and start on that project that you've been procrastinating about. Go. Do it now. I said so. Pretty please. Well, only if you want to.

Have a good day!

Aloha!