Typepad was having issues with photo uploading and I just couldn't post this without a pic of my adorable pin cushion! Sorry for the delay, folks! :)
I made this adorable pin cushion as the first project in the Machine Embroidered Applique by JoAnn Connolly Craftsy class. It is a great starter embroidery to learn how to apply applique in the hoop. I used some linen I had leftover from a coaster project so I used that as the base. I wanted the applique to pop so I chose a bright orange fat quarter from my stash with matching thread.
The machine does all the work, from outlining where the applique fabric should go,to the satin stitches, to actually finishing the pin cushion right in the hoop. All I had to do was trim the fabric, stuff the pouch with poly fill and hand stitch up the gap in the seam allowance.
I really did need a pin cushion to keep by my machine. I got sick of taking the little plastic container back and forth between my cutting table and sewing machine. The pins go into the cushion so easily and quickly and I can sew a lot faster because of that. I keep adding the pins until it's full and then empty them out back into the container for another round. I love the way it turned out and I think it's really cute!
While I was enjoying my day out at the craft convention, I picked up a bag of crushed walnut shells. These are perfect for filling pin cushions - they add weight and body and apparently also sharpen the pins. I am definitely going to whip up another pin cushion to try them in and keep by my other machine. It was a very fun project to make and was ideal for an quiet evening when I didn't want to start something more involved. I always enjoy using my embroidery machine and this was an easy, low-stress applique to stitch out.
This Machine Embroidered Applique class is a great way to learn the technique and make some cute things - from the small pin cushion, to a tote bag, apron, pillow, and even a blouse!! All the different machine formats are provided for each applique/embroidery design. Lots of fun!!
Comments