Regarding Pincushions? I am wondering what your preferences are for 1. Do you put batting under your fabric and embroider? or add it later? or not at all? what fabrics? and what do you like to stuff it with? I heard crushed walnut shells, although I am not sure where to get them. Thanks... to the finish line!

Crushed walnut shells (in US) may be found at Hardware stores such as HARBOR FREIGHT. have not seen /or asked at Home Depot or Lowe's.
Specialty quilt shops do have them but you'll soon find that they are very expensive there. If you have an old fashion tomato pin cushion the berry is emery sand also found at hardware stores. This costs a tad more but does the job sharpening needles/pins beautifully. Since this will serve as a weight it also prevents your pin cushion from slipping.Rice can also be used in pin cushions.

I am not in the Pin Cushion swap but just had a thought when reading the comments on fillings. Please take into consideration different countries have Bio Hazard restrictions.
I would hate to think someone's gift ended up being destroyed because it might not be allowed in.
Here in Australia we have pretty strict rules.

4 comments

by Sewmum1 09 Jun 2016

I had thought of the same thing. Someone I know (here in Australia) was gifted a handmade potpourri sachet from UK. Sadly it was destroyed and she never even got to see her gift. Some things are able to be treated for a fee(last I heard it was around $100) and allowed in but sometimes it is not worth the cost.

by cfidl 10 Jun 2016

I wonder how you would find out before hand.

by babash 10 Jun 2016

All our parcels are X Rayed coming into the country. Also some are opened for spot inspections. I once had a fabric parcel from Hawaii opened by Customs for inspection and then sent on. Had Customs tape on it.

by Sewmum1 10 Jun 2016

You can check to see the list here

http://www.agriculture.gov.au/tra...

I found crushed walnut shells and have enough to make 50 pincushions. I found them at the pet store in the kitty section. The sales girl had quite a story about how this product used to be with the reptiles and now due to it popularity is with the kitties. I think it would do better with kitties as there are more kitty lovers than lizard. Lol!

2 comments

by bevintex 09 Jun 2016

I think using it as a kitty litter would get expensive real fast

by cfidl 09 Jun 2016

yes I think you are correct, especially when you have a cat that is spoiled and insist it be clean after every use.

Sand box sand ("play sand") also works well and sharpens needles.

2 comments

by cfidl 09 Jun 2016

I think I used sand once, thanks for the reminder.

by bevintex 10 Jun 2016

You can buy a 50 pound bag at Home Depot for $3.00

I use Alpaca fleece for stuffing, it light and holds well. We have alpacas on our property. I use a light tear away to embroider, and use 100% cotton fabric. I love the idea of the Pin cushion swap....do hope we get to see photo's of everyone's creations posted ....

2 comments

by cfidl 08 Jun 2016

Yes! You will see them all!

by spendlove 09 Jun 2016

I love Alpaca yarn - it is so soft and luxurious!

get it at a pet store, it is used for reptile litter and bird litter. it is cheaper there than at the quilt shops or go where I go -to EBay

1 comment

by marianb 09 Jun 2016

thanks never thought of a pet store..

I usually use wool felt and walnut shells. The wool supposedly keeps your pins and needles from rusting and the walnut shells weights the pincushion down and keeps it from taking off across the room when bumped.

1 comment

by cfidl 08 Jun 2016

My first pin cushion ever was made of felt. I made my first trial of felt. The one problem I have with it is dust sticks to it. I heard that walnut shells actually sharpen the pins and needles.

I have yet to make a pincushion, but I know my mom and grandmothers use old coffee grounds that were dried. I don't drink coffee so I use magnets for my pins.

1 comment

by cfidl 08 Jun 2016

I thought maybe coffee grounds would work. thanks for the fyi!

I looked everywhere for crushed walnut shells. Then after I was about to give up I found them in the cat litter section of the pet store.

3 comments

by cfidl 08 Jun 2016

OK I guess that is where I will look. Thank you! I never would have thought.

by sewdeb edited 08 Jun 2016

I checked several pet stores with no luck. I finally found them at a quilt shop.

by cfidl 08 Jun 2016

I found them at petsmart today!

I use cotton material with tear-away and then fill with fiberfill. I am certain there are better ways of making one though!!!

1 comment

by cfidl 08 Jun 2016

That is exactly how I make them, however they are to light weight and I have put a bag of sand inside.

I don't usually use batting, especially if I am going to do a filled embroidery design. I use ordinary stuffing although I have been tempted to use steel wool in the centre which is supposed to keep the pins sharp.

2 comments

by cfidl 08 Jun 2016

I did not think steel wool, although I love the idea. I have the abrasive sand that is used for rock tumbling, I would have to make a bag and let the recipient know where it is in the cushion as that stuff is expensive.

by meganne 10 Jun 2016

Steel wool is ok, but it does disintegrate over time, and you can't get it wet or it will rust.
I use a piece of sponge, not the 'au naturale' sea sponge type, the manufactured type used in bedding etc.
Some old pincushion dolls, or little porcelain boots, I have undone are all just scraps of fabric under the outer velvet covering.
hugs n roses, Meg