After admiring all those creative pin cushions recently, I've been making some.
Okay, I've been making a lot. Who can make just one? Isn't this nice? I just noticed it's all Moda.
I learned that there is a big difference between the cheapest 100% polyester fiberfill,
and the "Silky Soft," "Ultra Plush," "Soft Touch Supreme" version of 100% polyester fiberfill.
The next two photos show the Soft version. It feels very nice when you squish it.
The next photo says "100% Premium" but it's surprisingly ikky to the touch, and when squished in the finished pin cushion, it has a high eww factor. I bought a big (20 oz.) bag of it, but I won't be using it for pin cushions. Maybe it will be useful for packing material. Both versions are made by Fairfield (right here in Connecticut), and the difference in price is not that much. Get the good stuff.
I sat down to make selvage pincushions myself one day and ended up with about 15! I stuffed mine with leftover wool batting to make them needle friendly. It's fairly fluffy, so I just pulled it apart some to fluff it a little more before stuffing.
ReplyDeleteStuffings differ A LOT. So many of the polyester ones are so icky, I started using a cotton stuffing. I think it's by Quilter's Dream. It packs really well for a nice firm pincushion. I also use steel wool sometimes - it keeps pins nice and sharp.
ReplyDeleteMy quilt group makes charity quilts using a polyester batting. I use the trimmings to stuff my pin cushions, pulling the batting layers apart. I pack tight because I like firm pin cushions that needles can't hide in. Makes me feel good I'm keeping something out of the land fill.
ReplyDeleteGreat post. Did you ever see the selvage pincushion I made last summer?? I loved this fabric so much, I had to have a pincushion by my machine all the time :-)
ReplyDeletehttp://happycottagequilter.blogspot.com/2011/06/its-happy-quilting-day-when-you-finish.html
Hi Karen. Good to know! Also, I've wanted to try crushed walnut shells, which you can buy at the pet store (used in terrariums). Like most everything else, I've bought some but not used it yet. ;-)
ReplyDeleteLove this method...mine works so well....i use them add pattern weights too!
Deletei LOVE making pincushions ... and find myself always using a cup for them, when i sew.
ReplyDeletei didn't know there was such a difference in poly stuffing ... i use fulled wool sweaters.
I forgot to say I've loved the pincushions you've featured!
ReplyDeleteso many types and so many talented people.
I've used Polyfil and liked it. The last time I made pincushions I used crushed walnuts. It wasn't quite so easy to fill with that and I think it's dulling my pins so I'm going back to Polyfil. I like the idea of using wool sweaters. I wonder if I can find any at a thrift store...in southern California.
ReplyDeleteI never knew there were different kinds.
ReplyDeleteYou know more cool stuff!
Thanks and Happy Sewing
Thanks for the tip! I had no idea there was such a difference.
ReplyDeleteI use crushed walnut shells in my pin cushions...get at the pet store.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the info, never realized! On a related note, do your pins stay in place ok with just polyfil or do you stabilize the surface somehow, like with felt or something? I'm thinking just a cotton pincushion with polyfil inside, the pins would shift and slide, not stay sticking upright.
ReplyDeleteThere are so many cool things featured on your blog. I wish I knew how to quilt, crochet, knit...
ReplyDeleteI found the Silky Soft at Joanns just the other day and it made such a difference in the feeling of the plushy I was making. I also used it last night for a pincushion and it has a wonderful feel too it! Not likely to buy any others now!
ReplyDeleteWhere can I buy this?
ReplyDelete