Sunday, February 26, 2012

Pincushion Surprise

Over at Craftster, there's always something fun going on; a few weeks ago a challenge was issued, to do some sort of Random Act of Crafty Kindness, and then post about it on the challenge board.  Here's what I did:


I made a TON of these cute little tie-on pincushions (based on these at the Better Homes and Gardens website).  Here they are, in-progress.


and I mailed one to each person who signed up for our Fabric Basket Swap. The picture below shows some of them, ready for mailing.  I sent them anonymously, but about half of the recipients knew they were from me!  (I didn't know it would be so obvious!)

The picture below shows the three stages of construction:
1.  Cut out 2 heart-shaped pieces from wool felt, and choose two scraps of felt for the leaves and flower.  I cut the leaves and flowers free-hand.
2.  With embroidery floss, sew the leaves and flower in place; add a button to the center of the flower.  Choose ribbon for the tie, and embroidery floss for the stitching around the edges, in a color that will add a little contrast.
3.  Blanket stitch around the edges.  When you come to the top of the heart, tuck in the ribbon and anchor it with a couple of extra stitches.  When there is only a small opening left to sew, stuff the heart with fiberfill, and continue stitching to close it up.
4.  Give it away, or enjoy it yourself!


These were a big hit with all who received them; their happiness and excitement made ME happy and excited!  It is so fun to do something nice and unexpected for other people!


If you didn't receive one of these from me but wish you did, you still have a chance!  Starting on March 17th I will be hosting a 7-day-long celebration of both my birthday (yeah, I was a St. Patrick's Day baby!) AND my 1-year anniversary of blogging (I started last year on March 28th) AND having 100 followers (okay, okay, as of today I only have 90...but that's pretty close to 100!).  For seven days in a row, I will be giving away stuff I have made and brand new fabric fat quarters to people who leave a comment on that days' post!  It's going to be great!  I can't wait!!

6 comments:

fiddlegirl8 said...

You are awesome, as always, Leslie!! Thanks for my lovely heart in my colors - Grey with blue and green flower/ leaves/button. Just lovely. I love it so much.
:) Diane

Suzy said...

I so missed out on that swap!! Can't wait til the next swap you come up with!! And excited for your birthday celebration!!

waggonswest said...

I knew I should have joined the basket swap! These are beautiful!

Helen said...

'I sent them anonymously, but about half of the recipients knew they were from me! (I didn't know it would be so obvious!)'

Of course it's obvious, at least to those that know you! Who else would take the time and trouble to make and send such awesomeness just because??

You are such a kind and caring person, its a pleasure to know you - even if it is only virtually!

Leslie Andersen said...

Thank you for the sweet comments, dear friends!

wendiek said...

The hearts, the stitching, the idea! You mailed me with your name, because of the international shipping, but indeed, who else???

Well, you ARE LeslieshappyHEART ;-)

Can't wait for your celebration to start, excited to see what you come up with!

I am so enjoying everything you made me!!!