Wool Crazy Sampler Pincushion 2010 by Kaaren Johnstonwww.thepaintedquilt.blogspot.com

Wool Crazy Sampler Pincushion

2010 by Kaaren Johnston www.thepaintedquilt.blogspot.com Getting Started - Please read all the instructions before starting. - All stitching is hand sewn using the blanket stitch, whip stitch and running stitch. - To view a step-by-step tutorial on how to construct the pincushion base, please refer to my blog entry dated August 4, 2010. There is a direct link provided under the heading Tutorials on the right sidebar. Click on Wool Crazy Pin Cushion Base and Wool Crazy Pincushion Tutorial. Floss/Thread Requirements The appropriate colors of DMC floss or any other threads that you might have in your stash to coordinate with the appliqud elements. Constructing the Base Cut a 9 x 9 piece of batting or flannel. Using the suggested layout provided on the line drawing page, place the background pieces of wool provided on top of the batting or flannel in the following order according to the numbers on the diagram...#5, 4, 2, 3, 6, 1. When you are pleased with the layout, pin the pieces to the backing. Using a saucer or something round that is close to the size of the drawn circle provided, use your rotary cutter to cut around the outside edge creating a circle. Baste all the raw edges and around the perimeter with a running stitch to hold the pieces in place. These stitches will be removed as you proceed.

Appliquing the Elements Once you have constructed the base, you will need to trace the elements to be appliqud onto a piece of fusible web using either a light box or a window during daylight hours following the manufacturers instructions. I use Steam-a-Seam 2 to affix the elements to the wool because I find this accommodates the weight of the wool very well. Cut around the shapes about 1/8 away from the drawn line. Place on the appropriate color of wool and affix to the wool following the manufacturers directions. Then cut out the shapes to size along the drawn lines. Place the shapes on the prepared background base and move them around until you are pleased with the layout. Refer to the photo to help you with the placement. Affix to the background according to the manufacturers instructions then stitch around each of the elements with the appropriate color of thread or floss using either the blanket or whip stitch. Once you have appliqud all the elements to the background, then begins the fun part...the embellishing! The only rule when making anything in the crazy quilt style is that there are NO rules. Anything goes...color, type of stitch, floss or thread, French knots and add-ons such as seed beads, charms, ribbons, etc. The sky is the limit! Make sure that all the overlapping seams are stitched down with either a decorative stitch or design to seal the raw edges. Remember to remove the basting stitches as you proceed.

Finishing Cut out the backing circle the same size as the front. Place the front and back pieces wrong sides together and blanket stitch around the perimeter leaving a 2 opening if stuffing with polyfil. If you choose to stuff your pincushion with crushed walnut shells as I did, make a round pouch out of muslin or scraps about a smaller than the circle. Fill the pouch with the crushed walnut shells and stitch to close. Place the pouch within the top and backing and blanket stitch around the perimeter to close. You may also use rice to fill your pincushion as well. Note: Crushed walnut shells are available at most pet shops. They are used as bedding or litter in reptile cages. Sounds yukky, I know but they are excellent for stuffing pincushions. Enjoy! And honestly, your pins wont destroy your pincushion! Wool Crazy Sampler Pincushion 2010 by Kaaren Johnston All Rights Reserved www.thepaintedquilt.blogspot.com The use of this pattern/design is limited to individual and personal use only. Distributing or selling this pattern in any form is not permitted. It may not be used for commercial purposes unless written permission is granted. Credit for this pattern should be included if displayed in any manner. Individual users may enlarge or reduce the size of the line drawings for their personal use but may not alter them in any other way.