Mini Monday: Zippers and Pincushions

First of all, let me say thank you to all who entered my giveaway!  I was out of town last week without access to a computer, so it was especially nice to receive email notifications (439 of them) on my phone when someone left a comment on my blog post.  I enjoyed reading what all of you are busy making.  The winner of the giveaway is Jane S. who said "That llama is so cute! This is a great giveaway, all that goodness. :) I'm working on Christmas ornaments right now.  They're those "quilted" ornaments that are fabric squares folded and pinned to styrofoam balls.  They look harder than they really are (my favorite kind of projects)."  I'll put your package in the mail to you today Jane.  I also noticed that the number of Followers Bloggy Friends grew while I was away.  What a wonderful homecoming gift!   

circular zip earbud pouch

I have two little projects to share today.  Stephanie had a pattern review of earbud pouches on her blog recently which reminded me that I had already pinned the tutorial by Erin on Pinterest.  This seemed to be a sign that it was time to actually make one.

Peek inside

The hardest part was finding a zipper in my unorganized sewing lab.  After that, the rest was easy.  The tutorial is well written with clear instructions.  I was able to cut the pieces from 5" scraps in my scrap basket.  I have to say I was feeling pretty pleased with my zipper skills ;-)  So much so, that I was wishing I had more zippers on hand.  I will definitely make more of these earbud pouches.  

Stuffing in progress

Next up is a pair of pin cushions.  I used strips of Millie's Closet for the top and scraps of Tula Pink Plume for the back.  Red ribbon was added to the top of one - blue ribbon to the other.

Pinless

I experimented with the stuffing.  For one I used aquarium sand to provide some weight; I used craft stuffing for the other.  I had planned to use crushed walnut shells but couldn't find where I put the bag.  I seem to recall I may have disposed of them when I read an article about pins being used in making quilts and risk of peanut allergies....

Pinsies

Doesn't the pincushion look sophisticated with these fancy pins?  I ordered them from Karen Griska.  She also has a pattern so you can make your own pinsies.  

Pair of pincushions

After a week away from my sewing machine, it feels great to have a few finishes....even if they are minis!

Thanks for stopping by,