Pretty Little Pincushions

Pretty Little Series

by Susan Brill, Lark Books

From ultra-feminine and vintage chic to whimsically colorful and downright oddball, these pincushions redefine the form. And that’s sure to attract the many creative sewers and crafters who have chosen these small, charming canvases as the perfect vehicle to showcase fabulous fabric, simple embellishments, and novel ideas. Nearly 30 projects from a pool of talented designers provide plenty of inspiration, and there’s information on materials and adornments, stuffing options, and what makes a successful, functional pincushion. All that’s needed are beginning hand-sewing skills to stitch up such unique creations as tiny flowerpot and ladybug pincushions made from a bottle-cap base; a beehive complete with honey bee-topped pins; a selection of heirloom pincushions with vintage trim, lace, and buttons; or elegant silk fruit suited to a centerpiece as much as a sewing basket. Still others, like a tropical fish, a pair of cacti, or a crazy striped rooster, can double as plushy toys without the pins.

Genres: Crafts, Sewing, Nonfiction, Adult

128 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2007

Reviews

[Kelly (Maybedog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recently I was looking at one of the books in this series and I asked myself, "Why do I keep going back to this series, it's so mediocre." This is why. This isn't a five star book by any means, but it's good and I like it.

There is a wide variety of pin cushions here, and a lot of skills utilized such as embroidery, felting, and quilting. The instructions are good but very few illustrations to go along with them.

The projects are mostly interesting, some traditional, others adorable, and some ugly, although some of these are more from fabric or embellishment choices and could be cute in another style.

There are wrist and pinkie pincushion, cushions made in a canning lid (actually really cute and you can't tell), egg pincushions accompanied by a bacon needlebook, an an exotic tropical fish, and the cutest little hedghog ever. I laughed at the voodoo doll. :) There's also a little travel sewing kit.

If you want to make some pincushions, I highly recommend this book.

[Ligaya · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is one from the Pretty Little series and it is much the same only applied to pincushions: very twee, very not anything I'd make for myself but I wouldn't mind getting as a gift. I have concerns about the durability of some of the finished pieces, but my guess is that many of these items are for show and not for real use, which is a shame.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for quick gifts to a craft person.

[Heather Culley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I not only like the projects, I met the creator on Mildly Offensive Fiber Artists on Facebook.

[RachelAnne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caveat lector! If you browze this book with a pair of scissors and a stack of fabric handy, you will end up with far more pincushions than any human could conceivably need. I had no desire or need to make a pincushion, but I stumbled across this tantalizing volume while looking for something else. These projects are so easy, adorable and appealing they're addictive. Start with the bottle-cap pincushions. They turn out looking every bit as great as the pictures. I adapted these for a library program, and the 9--12 year-olds enthusiastically wiped out the prepped supplies I brought with me.

[Blake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Completely adorable pincushion designs - techniques are pretty simple, but it's all about the inspiration of the listed projects. I have made two of the designs so far and have plans for at least 2 more. Personally I didn't size up any of the patterns, since a lot of the patterns were for BIG pincushions.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are some cute designs here, and most seem reasonably simple to make. I agree that some are over the top, and many are cute but not things I would ever make. The one I'm most interested in is the corsage on page 28. I also like the on-the-go kit (page 88), but it didn't really tell you where to find the right container.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

The ideas for different styles of handmade pincushions were clever and cute. However, one only needs so many pincushions in the sewing box, and gift-giving could be hit or miss unless all of your friends are sewing enthusiasts. Check out my full review here: http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.act...

[Gigi Minor · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was really excited to receive this book as a gift but I didn't find it to be wonderful like expected. I was happy to see a flickr friend of mine in there BigJen though! Some pincushions are really cute but others weren't anything special. Loved the little mouse one : )

[Mortira · Rating 4 out of 5]

This little book is jam-packed with cute and original pincushion projects. There are lots of templates and beginner's tips, but very few diagrams, so the step-by-step instructions may be a bit confusing to anyone not familiar with sewing terms and techniques.

[Jennie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is perfect if only for the beehive pincushion - Laurel will get one with her first little sewing machine.

[Jeanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice little book of crafts. Cute ideas.

[Kerry · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was okay. Some of the pincushions were pretty hokey, like bacon and eggs? Please. There was enough in it, though, that was useful.

[Kristin]

if only i had more patience

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun little book that has some cute pincushion patterns.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Concise patterns but having them full size would have been better. Lots of good ideas though.

[Sally · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some patterns for pincushions I have seen on blogs and flickr. Some I love, some not so much.