Y'all know I'm working on organzing, right? Although it seems crazy, the little details really do make my work area more functional. Second on my "Where's my ???" list (right behind scissors), are needles. Straight pins, I have no problem with (for some weird reason), but sewing needles drive me nuts! A spray painted tealight holder is my base. I left it outside and it got a little chippy... but that's ok with me.
Next I took some scrap fabric and used a plastic lid as a template and cut out a circle. (Don't worry - no sewing machine involved.)
If you can find your needle, sew a simple stitch all around the outside, about 1/2 inch from the edge. I use quilting thread, double stranded.
Pull it tight, like an old-school yo-yo. Don't seal it completely - because you need to stuff it as full as you possibly can with polyfil. Sorry I don't have a photo of that step - I kinda had my hands full....
After it's stuffed, pull it tight.
Next, move about 1 inch down the ball, then sew another round (I went around it twice). Pull it tight again, so that you get a little "handle".
Run a bead of glue all around the "handle."
Press it into the glass part of the votive holder.
And put your needles & pins in place. Pretty & practical! Since I had everything right in my supplies, no extra expense - love those projects!
This is such a cute idea!!! I have have one of those old school tomatoes for my pins but this is way cuter and I'm totally gonna try it! Thanks a bunch!
ReplyDeleteThis is so cute! What a great way to repurpose that sweet little bird. Definitely giving this one a try :) Thanks!
ReplyDeleteBecks @ aikentree.blogspot.com
What an adorable idea!!! I've got one of those little tealight birds around here somewhere...a little bit of paint...follow your tutorial...then voila! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great idea and looks so pretty in a sewing room. And, you rescued the little chippy bird votive.
ReplyDeletehugs
Sissie
This is so cute. I have to try one! I appreciate the tutorial! Thank you.
ReplyDeleteWhat a tweet idea! And simple, too.
ReplyDeleteVERY cute!
ReplyDeleteI've got 4 different color glass seashell votives that would work perfect for this - each color could hold a particular type of needle - embroidery, quilting, standard, self-threading. Great idea - thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWow- I love the texture of the bird...and of course the blue is adorable. Great post!
ReplyDeleteVery cute. I didn't know what you were doing till the last minute! Love it!
ReplyDeleteThis is too stinking cute!!
ReplyDelete~Morgan
Meet Virginia!
Meet Virginia!
Meet Virginia!
I've got a little pig that I've been meaning to do that too for my next door neighbor who collects pigs...got to find time!!
ReplyDeleteWayyyy cute and so simple too !
ReplyDeleteOkay now, that is adorable!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! It turned out just adorable--lot it!
ReplyDeleteThis is adorable. I love anything to do with birds. Great idea! Love & blessings from NC!
ReplyDeleteVery, very cute! Thanks for showing us!
ReplyDeleteNancy
Darling pinkeep and great tutorial! Thank you for the inspiration. One tip for those of us who have kitties...never, never, never keep your needles and especially ones with thread attached in a pinkeep like this that they can reach. You'd be surprised how fast a kitty can nibble up the thread and the needle will be gone. Much pain and heartache later the kitty rarely survives. Of course you can guess how I know this, so please lock up your needles like I do now.
ReplyDeleteOh what a lovely idea!!! I really need one of these, thanks for sharing! xoxo
ReplyDeleteLove it, looks lovely. A quick warning though. Polyfill can make your needles go blunt (is that the opposite from sharp, sorry non-native english here). That's why I have been told it is a good idea to incorporate a small ring of a metal sponge (for tough cleaning of pots and pans) in your cushion. I have never tried it myself, but it sounds like good advice.
ReplyDeleteGood morning! I have a small story about pillows similar to this (a quite hard one from Japan), and approx. two hundred needles: I visited my friend a few days ago. She i using needles for her craft work all the time, and she had said to her husbond that "this house eats needles". (She had to buy new all the time.)
ReplyDeleteWell, the pillow for needles suddenly broke down completely, and she felt that there was somthing inside it. And as you have guessed; it was FULL of needles, bought and disappeared thru the last 20 years of use. I will guess that it was at least 200 of them INSIDE the pillow!
Your pillow is softer, and will not play a trick like this, I hope.
Have a nice day, from Kari (Norway)
That was a very clever idea. Cute and has a purpose. I like that:)
ReplyDeleteCute, cute, cute!
ReplyDeleteOmigosh. That is SOOO CUTE!!! Love it!
ReplyDeleteCool idea!
ReplyDeleteSo cute.....!!!
ReplyDeletelooks better as a pin cushion. :-)
ReplyDeletex x x . You made a good job. x x x
So much better than that tomato looking thing that holds my pins!
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks for the tumble girl!!
Love this! I'm printing you out for my Blog Ideas binder! : ) I have two little teacups and saucers that I think would make really pretty pincushions. I even have all the supplies, just wasn't sure about the fabric and the stuffing part. My scenario is the opposite of yours ~ I can find my sewing needles but no straight pins {they are actually on my list next time I'm shopping}
ReplyDeleteThat is SUPER cute! Love the birdie :)! I'll have to try this...
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Stacey
This is really cute, great idea and thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeletedebby
That is SO cute! Great idea!
ReplyDeleteThis is so cute and practical. It would make a nice little gift.
ReplyDeleteThis is just ridiculously cute. Adorable and practical in one precious little package!
ReplyDeleteSuch a cute idea... I am your newest follower, #2000. Congrats!!!
ReplyDeleteI am celebrating my 500th with a giveaway a day this week. Come on over!
This is adorable! I'm personally not a huge seamstress but my mother-in-law is and I think I'll make one for her! Too Cute!!!
ReplyDeleteThat is one of the most adorable, yet practical things I have ever seen...So sentimental to me, too, since my very first craft was a pin cushion, made with me creating with Grandma, while sitting upon her lap. I miss those days!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, again, Karen
Cute idea!
ReplyDeleteThat is an adorable idea...I am closing in on the last of my before and afters and will be hosting a renaming party for bessie with giveaways soon...
ReplyDeleteHey Gina. I bought some of these cute votives and have had them sitting just waiting for inspiration, why in the world didn't I think of this? This is so Cotton Pickin Cute, sorry about that. I just couldn't resist.
ReplyDeleteIt really is precious. Hugs...Tracy :)
That really turned out super! what sorts of fabric do you recommend for the pincushion?
ReplyDeleteLove, Love, Love your blog! Robyn from www.foresthillsroad.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteI love this. It's just SO adorable.
ReplyDeleteKelly
This is so cute! I'm not a huge fan of votive candles so I've been wanting to find something fun to do with the holders. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteAlso, you should add this to our "Bring Spring" linky party on our blog, check it out at scrapsnstrings.blogspot.com!
Aren't you a smarty pants? I love it!!!
ReplyDelete