Ma Bunny Pincushion

Natalie Bird

Final size:

11cm (4 1/4in) square base x 7cm (2 3/4in) high

USD $7.57

Beginner

Sewing

For USD $7.57 you get

Easy to print at home digital pattern sheet

Simple step-by-step instructions to follow

Large detailed images and diagrams

How it works

Digital patterns and classes are delivered straight to your inbox for you to download/watch instantly
You receive lifetime access to any digital pattern or video tutorial purchased
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Cosy values

Digital patterns and instructions are quality, trialled and tested and guaranteed to work
Brought to you by Australia’s Homespun and Quilters Companion magazines

Description

A sweet little project with multiple techniques, Natalie Bird’s pincushion pattern incorporates appliqué, embroidery and patchwork all in a small, cute, but very practical pincushion with appliqué bunnies for an extra dose of cute.

Full materials list included in instructions
Pattern sheet included with appliqué bunnies, bird and flowers, and embroidered words ready for tracing
Because of the small scale of this project, the patchwork panel is ideal for using up those tiny fabric scraps you’ve been saving
Choose your embroidery thread colours to suit your chosen fabrics
Embroidery stitches used include backstitch, blanket stitch, French knot, running stitch and satin stitch
Detailed step-by-step instructions take you through all the steps, from cutting your fabrics to creating your appliqué, stitching the embroidery and piecing the patchwork panel, as well as constructing and filling the pincushion
Makes a great small gift
An excellent project for beginner crafters looking for a small project to practise a range of techniques

Materials

Fabric requirements specified in instructions
Lightweight fusible batting such as Pellon
Lightweight fusible interfacing such as Whisperweft
DMC Stranded Embroidery Cottons
Embroidery needle
Template plastic and thin cardboard
Button
Ground walnuts and small funnel or polyester filling and small amount of dry sand or plastic pellets
Double-sided fusible web
Tan fine-point marker
Water-erasable fabric marker
Sewing machine with 1/4in foot

Designer

Natalie Bird

Why this particular craft? I’ve tried lots of different crafts, but I think patchwork appeals to me so much because it can incorporate many things I love; hand appliqué, embroidery, EPP and the opportunity to create something that will be used and hopefully loved and enjoyed long after I’m gone.

If you weren’t doing this, what else would occupy your time? If I hadn’t started my business designing in the patchwork industry, I’d still be working as a graphic designer or something else creative. I still enjoy graphic-design work, which I do get to incorporate when I create my books.

Who taught you your crafting skills? My mum was a teacher and loves craft. We did every type of craft over the years. She tried to get me interested in patchwork long before I was, but I resisted. When I did eventually try it, I thought, “Yep, this is my thing”. I am very stubborn, though, and I usually like to jump in and work things out myself. I learn best this way.

What does this craft mean to you? I’ve met some of my best friends, from a shared passion for patchwork. Designing and working in this industry has allowed me to be at home while my girls grew up, to travel all over the world teaching and to be creative every day. I am very grateful for this.

Is it hard to find time to do it or is it a profession? If you love what you do, it’s not really hard work, but a joy. Luckily I’m a night owl, so I get a lot done in the evenings, after dinner is done, the family is in bed and the phone isn’t ringing.

From where do you draw inspiration? I’m mostly inspired by my family and friends, nature, critters, the garden and home. These themes appear in many of my designs. I like to include heartfelt verses and messages, also.

Why this skill – and this style? I have always leaned toward creative pursuits. I love handwork, in particular. It soothes my soul, when life is busily rushing around me. Needleturn appliqué, embroidery and EPP, keep my hands busy but still let my mind wander.

Where do you live and work? I live in my workspace. I do have an office, where I write patterns and books and we keep our stock, but I design and stitch at our dining table in the family room. I never wanted a sewing room where I would be away from the rest of the family. Soon after I began designing, we bought a much larger dining table, so I could have my work at one end and still have everyone sitting down to dinner. It’s messy, though, which is definitely the downside.

Natalie Bird, The Birdhouse –

Natalie Bird

www.thebirdhouse.com.au

thebirdhouse@bigpond.com