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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:

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

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  2. 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!

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

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

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

    I love your pincushion - such a cute idea!!

    xxx

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

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

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  8. 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.

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

    love the pincushions - I love old reels of cotton too

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  10. Bee-utiful! I love those cotton reels.

    PLEASE do a tute!

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  11. 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.....

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  12. 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.....

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  13. 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.

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

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  15. 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.

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

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

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  18. 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

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  19. 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!!!

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  20. 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.

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

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

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  23. 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.

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  24. 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!!!

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

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

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  27. 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.

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

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