Tart Tin Pin Cushion

Deb asked if I would post how to create the pin cushion I made for a few friends.  I first saw the pin cushions made by artist Becky Schander in the July/Aug/Sept 2010 issue of Somerset Life magazine.  They were created in grey, which I loved, but I didn't have any grey wool that looked right.  So I opted for a hand dyed orange that has a mottled look when you see it in person and a pink houndstooth print. The article also explains how to age silver tart tins, but I found a set of six on Ebay that were the right color for my liking, no aging needed. 

Let's get started...
The circle needs to be the same as the opening of the tin.
I found a glass in my kitchen cupboard that looked to be the same size as the tin, so I used it to create a chipboard template for my pattern.

I keep all my templates in a file as I frequently need them a second time.

NOTES ON WOOL: 
I have been buying small pieces of wool for many years...mostly when I go to Texas to visit my sister.  We have a few favorite haunts that sell hand dye wool...my favorite was a little store (that is unfortunately not there anymore) in Argyle, TX.  If you don't have any wool scraps on hand you can check a local quilt store.  And if that is not an option...online retailer, Ram in the Thicket sells hand dyed wool in every color imaginable, in fact I am not sure how you would choose!  They also sell in small pieces, which is what you would need for this project.  The price is very reasonable as is the shipping.  You can find them here.

If your interested in my favorite, houndstooth wool you can find it here.

or a group of 6 x 8" pieces here

and from the same Etsy shop, Three Sheep Studio, a bigger check. 

Remember, no matter what wool you buy, you will need two circles approximately 3"+ across depending on the size of the tin.

Okay, back to the tutorial...
Cut out wool with a 3/8" edge for sewing (2 circles).

With right sides together, sew around circle leaving at least a 1 1/2" opening.

Turn circle right side out.

Stuff the pin cushion till you can't stuff it anymore (even though it's small, it takes a good amount of stuffing).

Stitch it closed with matching thread.

Now make sure it fits in the tin!

To make the tufting-
I tried to use a standard needle to create the tufting (the magazine did not give a size) but it wasn't long enough to go through the puff.  So I opted to use a long needle (the kind people use to make dolls and such) to make the tufting in the center of the cushion. I threaded heavy duty button and carpet thread through the needle.  Then starting from the bottom I sewed up through the pin cushion and back down, pulling tighter each time.  I went back and forth about 2-3 times.  The article says to thread the button onto the needle and then pull back toward the bottom but my needle was too big to go through the shank of the button so I finished off my thread and glued my button to the top later.

Once you are satisfied with the tufting, add glue to the bottom of the wool puff.

Place into tin and use your finger to hold down for a few minutes so the glue can dry a bit.

If you did not sew you button on, add some glue to the center and add a button.  I used some beautiful glass buttons I picked up at a favorite store in Texas.

Let dry and your done!

Unless you want to add a bit of embellishment...just a thought.

cheers!
paula