Biscornu Pincushion and Needlekeep

The biscornu pincushion is filled with crushed walnut shells. I am here to tell you that crushed walnut shells is *the* filling for pincushions (unless your recipient is allergic to walnuts, maybe). This little pincushion has a very nice weight to it... the pins slide in easily... and when you pull one out, you don’t wind up lifting the entire cushion. Crackerjack!

The needlekeep is filled with emery sand -- heavy and good for sharpening needles.

The baskets arrived that I ordered for the folded-star hotpads.  The middle one is a perfect fit:

Scissors Holder #2

Needlecase

I started on another scissors holder -- and decided I couldn't bear the troublesome cardboard needle book my needles had come in a moment longer. So I made a needlecase, for once just for me. Closed, it measures 6" x 6½". The Irish Chain block on the front was made with leftovers squares from the Mosaic Lighthouse quilt. The pockets inside will hold my spring-loaded snips and new little spring-loaded needlenosed pliers.

First Scissors Holder Completed

After the blocks for the body of the scissors holders were finished (see post of 02-15), they were ready for ribbon embroidery and other embellishments.  When that was done, I lined both front and back with batting, backing, and some faux leather at the bottom to protect the fabric from the scissors points.  Then they were put together and bound.

I wondered if my sewing machine, a Bernina Artista 180, would be able to sew through all those thicknesses -- 20, in some places, imagine that! -- but it handled it with aplomb, and I was even using the feather stitch.

Scissors Holders, Fronts and Backs

The fronts are now ready for ribbon embroidery.