July 11, 2008

Cotton reels,

I love old cotton reels, there is something very appealing about all that wound up thread waiting to be sewn with.  For a while, I have been wondering if there was a way of making a cotton reel out of fabric, felt and embroidery.

With some tinkering around involved, I came up with a pattern and began a little cotton reel production line.  After I'd added a felt label to one end, I sat staring at it for a while, and thought, this would make a great pin cushion!

Funnily enough, the other day, I'd already ordered some key rings, so attached one to the pincushion, and made a little needle book to match.  Was really handy for storing all my bits and bobs when we went away last weekend.

Oh, and if you happen to see a copy of the August issue of 'Quick & Crafty' magazine, turn to page 70 for a little interview...

...with me!

Thank you for all the lovely jam pot comments, we will have the best dressed jam in the land!

(sorry for the terrible photos, it's rain, rain, and more rain here, where is summer hey?!)

31 comments:

pink-petal-designs said...

wow, i love those, you just keep coming up with such great ideas!
Sarah x
ps well done with the magazine.

Apryl said...

brilliant, that is so cute, if I could sew I would love that to keep my needles in.

congrats on being in the magazine too!

Anonymous said...

What a fab design and blog! You're so clever!

Mytutorlist.com said...

What a great design for a needle book and pin cushion! It's super cute.

Mrs Moog said...

Oooh - you're famous - congratulations on being in print :)

I love your pincushion - such a cute idea!!

xxx

x vInTaGe VioLeT x said...

those cotton reels are great {note to self must make a pincushion!}

Gina said...

They are gorgeous! What a great idea for a pin cushion!

Karen C said...

Oh, that's perfect... I always end up using my (actual) spools as pincushions anyway. Whenever I run out of needles because they've all slipped on through the paper and fallen inside, I just go around and shake all the thread to see which ones rattle.

Annie B said...

congrats on the magazine - will look out for a copy...

love the pincushions - I love old reels of cotton too

Miaou said...

Bee-utiful! I love those cotton reels.

PLEASE do a tute!

Sonia said...

Oh will we be seeing a tutorial on these pin cushions, I am going on a sewing retreat, and would love to make one for my travel buddy.

Please post the how toos.....

Sonia said...

Oh will we be seeing a tutorial on these pin cushions, I am going on a sewing retreat, and would love to make one for my travel buddy.

Please post the how toos.....

Cee said...

I'd love to see a tutorial on how to do these as I am currently involved in a swap for a Children's Sewing Kit. Little girls would think these were adorable. Especially in the right colours.

Anonymous said...

Fantastic idea - Love to see a tutorial on the cotton reel pincushion and needle keep - so simple and so sweet. Tina D.

Anonymous said...

fame at last...

Chloe said...

Oooh well done!
I must check that magazine out.
It must be good if it featured you ;)

The cotton reels are lovely. They look very intricate.

Judy Hartman said...

Your ideas and work are amazing. I love the photo of the reels- so warm and soft looking! Everything you make is wonderful!

Unknown said...

you look a bit grumpy on that photo!!! lol!!!
Great news on the mag, well done! And I love those cotton reels.

Kitty said...

Oooh, that's fabulous. I want one! Any chance you could do a tutorial? Seriously, I don't possess a pin cushion and have been musing making one - that would be just perfect. Or maybe you're selling some?

Can you tell I'm keen? *blush*

Congratulations on the article and it's good to see the person behind the blog.

Take care. x

patti said...

Beautiful!! all all very lovely!!!
Patti
P.s.: the summer is here, very very hot...40°....I wish little of your rain, a little fresh wind...ice please!!!

French Knots said...

What a brilliant idea, looks just like some of my Grandma's old wooden reels that I have.
How excting to be in print, will be looking for you in Smiths.

Anonymous said...

Complimenti, le tue creazioni sono molto originali. Se desideri uno scambio link, scrivimi. Ciao. Mary
www.nonsolofiori.com

Sal said...

A brilliant idea with the cotton reels!!How clever! ;-)

Suzie Sews At DOTTY RED said...

adorable idea...

silverpebble said...

What a fabulous pincuchion design - the colour is perfect too - just the same as those lovely old wooden reels.

I was browsing mumsnet for colic tips the other day and discovered you on there! A many-skilled lady. And famous too.

Anonymous said...

okay - slow down! these are too too cute. i just love them. you have captured perfectly, the lovely old warm hues. wow you are going from strength to strength!!!

Judy Hartman said...

Hi again, Amy!
Will you stop by my blog when you get a chance? Thanks.

Ginger said...

So gorgeous love the cotton reels.
Very clever!Just love them!

Gayle said...

I just discovered your wonderful blog after it was recommended by Judy at Fiber Arts and Crafts. I'm looking forward to reading all of your posts.

Anonymous said...

Oh my goodness, I Just LOVE these cotton reels!!! They are sooooooooooooo yummy!! I want one =)

KristenMary said...

I LOVE these!!!