Cactus Pin Cushion
March 12th, 2007 by Jen Love
I saw this cute pin cushion in a book and ran home to try it! I use pins all the time in my sewing but hate how lightweight the cushions usually are, slipping off the table as I try to work with one hand while holding fabric in place. This little pot adds stability to the cushion. The original used a pot about 1″ around larger than the cushion and was filled with sand around the cactus. With a young child I could see that quickly getting knocked over. Instead I made the cactus to fit snugly in the pot with just enough room to tuck in a few other necessary sewing supplies.
I handstitched 3 pieces of felt to make the cactus, one longer than the others to curve under and make the bottom. Then stuffed it in the pot. To weigh it even more you could glue a magnet or washer to the bottom of the cactus and glue that to the inside bottom of the pot. I am going to try this idea with other shapes as well to personalize a cushion for my sewing friends.
March 12th, 2007 at 6:39 am
This is so fun, cute and oh so sensible. In which book did you find it?
March 12th, 2007 at 8:39 am
It was in a Reader’s Digest Craft book (that I looked at and didn’t buy!) Sorry that I can’t remember any more than that.
I made this pattern up. The pot is only about 1 1/2″ high and the cactus 2″ taller. I made 2 long pieces that curved to a point at the top and cut one of the pieces in half to make 3. They also had rounder cacti in the book with multiple bumps (circles pieced together).
March 12th, 2007 at 7:12 pm
What a great idea.
March 13th, 2007 at 3:22 am
OMG Ingenious. So cute!!
June 9th, 2008 at 1:47 pm
WOW……….. u hav inspired me ! i hav made ur cactus pin thing for al my friends & family ………. thank u THANK U SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH EXOHEXOH
March 21st, 2009 at 7:43 am
I LOVE THIS!! How big are each of the pieces. Can you send me or post your “pattern” ?
March 9th, 2010 at 10:41 am
I stumbled across your blog recently and just had to feature this adorable pin cushion on my blog today (linking to your post, of course!). Just wanted to share the love!
http://lifeisartislife.wordpress.com
March 30th, 2010 at 11:30 pm
I founf mysqlf stuffed, stucked and splatted very very near what you are describing. A magnificient dentation, able only to survive for about 4-5 seconds, but great enough to change my whole life, right here: Eradm@piRcher-spa.com
October 8th, 2010 at 1:14 am
Really like this post, thanks for writing.
April 14th, 2011 at 8:09 am
another simple to make product – nice work!