Jun 18, 2014

Petal Pincushion - Happy Dance!

Back in March, Christina and I decided to do this as a SAL (stitch-a-long).  I stayed up wayyyy past my bedtime last night to finish it!  After many pin pricks and a bit of freakin' frustration challenge, here it is:

Design: Petal Pincushion
Designer: Simona Bussiglieri
Magazine: Just Cross Stitch - April 2014
Fabric: 32ct Charles Craft Monoco - Dusty Rose
Fibers: DMC
Embellishments: 1/8" satin ribbon, flower buttons, ric rac,
fabric-covered button
 
The design called for 28ct fabric, but since I am participating in the Stitch From Stash challenge... I chose a 32ct fabby from my stash.  This meant I had to calculate the measurements for every piece manually.
 
Here's what the original design looks like, in case you're curious:

 
 I swapped out the GAST and WDW threads for DMC.  I had several bobbins of the same green color number, but different dye lots.  I ended up blending them -- using one strand of each.  Doing the eagle eye  In scrutinzing the stitching, it's difficult to discern there are four different dye lots of green.

 
As I previously mentioned, this was a challenging piece to assemble because the instructions aren't that good.  Here are some tips if anyone wants to attempt to do this piece:
 
In order not to be wasteful of fabric, I recommend the following fabric sizes:
•  5 1/4" x 6 1/4" - 8 pieces for the petals -- This will give you an inch border around the stitching which is plenty.
•  3 x 3" - 1 piece for the fabric-covered button. I ended up cutting a lot of this off so you could probably go with 2 1/2" x 2 1/2".
 •  3 3/4 x 3 3/4" - 2 pieces for the bottom.  The design calls for a coordinating fabric for one of the pieces, however I thought it gave a more finished look to the project to use the same fabric I stitched on.
 
I ended up making a mattress pincushion for the inside instead of using the instructions given with the design.  I didn't do the backstitching before assembly.  Instead I measured for the seam allowance and then pulled one thread.  I then matched up the lines and sewed the mattress together.
 
A glue stick and fray check should become your new best friends.  Be sure to put fray check along the edges of all the material before stitching and assembly.  Trust me, it will make things go a lot more smoothly.  Even though the instructions say to "finger press" seams on the petals, I found it easier to use the glue stick to hold them in place.  I also used the glue stick to tack the ric rac in place before sewing the petal sides together.
 
Be sure to sew the buttons in place before sewing the petal sides together.  Also, put the ribbons in between the pieces before sewing the petals together.  The instructions say to do this afterwards, but I think it makes for a nicer finish to do it before hand.
 
The interfacing makes it a bit difficult to assemble, but I found that using a short, thin beading needle makes the job easier.  Be sure to use a thimble -- I can't tell you how many times pricked myself before getting out my thimble.  I recommend the thinnest fusible interfacing you can find.  I used Pellon brand.
 
Assembling this project requires a lot of hand stitching.  I used one strand of a DMC thread color that closely matched my fabric and used very tiny stitches so that they are barely noticeable.
 
Overall, I'm pleased with how it turned out.
 
Until next time,
 

32 comments:

Anne said...

It's gorgeous meari ! Truly a little work of art! I've been meaning to get some fray check. Can you get it at a craft store?

Ps..how's your dad doing?

Akila said...

Wow, what a pretty finish, so neat. Congrats

Faith... said...

It turned out gorgeous Meari, congratulations!

Anonymous said...

Your petal pin cushion is lovely. No wonder you are doing the happy dance!

That's a great idea for the instructions. I don't have a standing cross stitch holder - my instructions sit next to me on the couch, constantly falling on the floor. ;-)

I really do need to come up with something better!

Blessings, Donna

Anonymous said...

I love the pin cushion!

RE: the scroll frame pattern holder...you are a genius! Thanks for the article on it. I'm going to try it because it will be right under my nose, just the way I like it.

Thanks.

Sally

Pam in IL said...

Oh wow! It turned out so lovely! I can picture you teaching this in a finishing class. Thanks for the tips. I've printed them to keep for the "someday" when I attempt the petal pincushion.

Vicky L said...

WOW! Gorgeous! You did a fantastic job!

Anonymous said...

Yay! The pincushion turned out great, Meari!! I like the idea of the clipboard - just be sure it doesn't get too heavy and tweak your frame holder/clamp. I usually just stick the working copy into the roll of my scroll rods, but I have to fiddle with it from time to time.

Karin in CA

cucki said...

Wow so beautiful xxx

Vickie said...

Awesome job on getting it all figured out! Looks beautiful.

Mary Ann said...

A beautiful finish, Meari!!

DebbieSFL said...

Your finish is gorgeous.

Joy said...

I'm so glad you finished it. I marked that piece as "someday I will stitch this" when I saw it in JCS.

Blu said...

Congratulations! It looks absolutely fantastic!

Thoeria said...

Thanks for all the tips Meari! I have this one in my stash (bought the mag especially for this!) and am happy for any tips that will make finishing it easier! Yours looks gorgeous! Just love it!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful Meari and I love the idea for the pattern holder. My stand has one but it's in the wrong place. If I'm stitching without my glasses it's too far away to see. I think I'll borrow your idea.

Cheryl Kinkaid

Anonymous said...

I couldn't imagine how that pyramid thingy was a pincushion, so I'm glad you included the other photos with the sides down - very pretty!

I also did take a look at your chart holder - very clever idea. Not sure I will use it myself, as I have a chart holder board that attaches to my frame, and that's where I put my Lo-Ran magnetic board when I'm working; but I'd certainly encourage anyone who was frustrated by not having the chart close to hand to give your idea a try.

Meg in NH

Jennifer M said...

I have this pattern also and thought about joining the two of you for the SAL but didn't. Now I know why...so you could figure out the difficult parts and make things easier for me-LOL. Meari thanks for all you do to help fellow stitchers, we truly appreciate it:))

Anonymous said...

Dear Meari

It's very pretty so glad you managed to figure it out.

Denise
In Sunny Saudi Arabia

Sharon said...

Oh Meari, this is just gorgeous!!
(I also think it's really neat that you were able to work this into your stitch from stash challenge) :)
I'm sorry there were issues with the project - you always amaze me at how talented you are at "figuring things out".
Congrats!
Also, please know that I'm still thinking of you and your dad. Hugs..

Anonymous said...

Meari, congratulations on another beautiful finish and thanks for the instructions as I have this chart to do.

How is your dad doing?

Marl

Carol said...

What a stunning finish, Meari! I am so impressed--that looks very complicated, but your finish looks perfect!! Congratulations on a real beauty...

Thinking of you and your dad...

Anonymous said...

Congrats on your finish, Meari, it's very pretty. Nice idea for a chart holder if you use a scroll rod frame.

Lynne

Ranae said...

Wowza!!!!
You finished it off perfectly
It's gorgeous

Anonymous said...

Congrats on your pincushion project. You did a great job with the finishing.

I love to substitute items from my stash instead of buying new stuff all the time.

In the new Aug. Just Cross Stitch, the reindeer ornament calls for DMC Effects thread which I don't have in my stash. So, I've decided to use Kreinik to give the sparkle needed and I have it on hand.

HUGS, Dee in TN

Anonymous said...

Great job Meari, it’s lovely: ))

Jennifer M

Anonymous said...

Meari, just love the cushion, and if I used a frame that would be awesome to hold the pattern.

Pat

Kay said...

So pretty! I love it! I have never had the ambition to try to do this, not sure if my patience would last this long, but you are always such a talented lady with all that you do to begin with! Hope you are doing ok and have a good weekend!

Penny said...

Pretty! It sounds like a lot of work went into making it and you did a lovely job! I don't think I could do it. :)

Anonymous said...

Congrats on the finish!!! It is GORGEOUS!!!!
Betty in AZ (ILCS)

Shebafudge said...

Despite all the problems, it is VERY pretty.

Mylene said...

A gorgeous finish, Meari!
Love it!!