I’m kinda stuck on pincushions right now! I featured Heather Bailey’s beautiful studio recently and fell in love with her strawberry pincushions. Now, I don’t sew too much, but I had to make one for myself. Isn’t it cute? I love just looking at it!

I used a Heather Bailey pattern to make it, and it was super easy.  Maybe I’ll try the pear next.

I started noticing pincushions everywhere, so I’ll share a few of these beauties with you.  Beware…you could become addicted!

Jessica at How About Orange made these cute little pincushions. She’ll show you how to make one on her blog. You won’t believe what she uses for the base!

This wildflower pincushion pattern can be found at Better Homes and Gardens. I’d love to see one in a black and white damask pattern!

Have you ever seen a pincushion ring? This was a first for me…ya gotta love Etsy!  Art Nest Shop has made pincushions fashionable!

I was blown away by Tip Nut’s post with 60 pincushion tutorials! WOW!

Martha Stewart has a video tutorial on making a fabulous tea cup pincushion from old sweaters!

Now I just need her giant craft studio so I can store all my supplies nice and neat. I don’t think she would approve of my overflowing basket method of storage!

A little history {which I’m sure you have always wanted to know} for you…

Pincushions were first recorded in history during the Tudor reign in 15th century England. Metal pins were a very costly and precious items in those early days and before the 15th century were kept in small cases made of bone, ivory, or silver.

During the Tudor era, simple stuffed shapes started to be used instead of the cases. They began by being made of colorful and elaborately decorated silks and linens, replete with tassels and laces.During the Victorian era there was a great deal of emphasis on the parlor room and it became the perfect place in which to display the novelty pincushions of the era. Pincushions were made in the shape of shoes, fans, dolls, teacups, umbrellas, fruits, and vegetables. They were hung on the walls or placed on occasional tables. {Click here for even more info.}

And what would a post about pincushion love be without one more photo of strawberry pincushions??? It would take me forever to make this many, but it might just be worth it. Heather Bailey {Should I just start a fan club, or what?} has pincushion kits available to make it easier for you.

Another great gift idea…

This title of this book says it all…Pretty Little Pincushions. It’s full of beautiful photos and ideas…kinda like fuel for creative folks!

Sometimes I’m all about decorating the house or creating an oasis in my backyard, but right now I’m sewing pincushions!  I love projects that can be done in a hour!  I might have a short attention span.

What kind of stuff are you stuck on?

I’m joining Julia at Hooked on Houses for Hooked on Fridays…Check it out for yourself!

What a Studio!

Let’s take a peek at Heather Bailey’s Studio. She’s a wonderful fabric designer with the most amazing studio to enjoy as she works on her newest patterns.

I love everything in here! The little blue cabinet on the wall is perfect, and the green chandelier has me green with envy! Her creativity clearly overflows into her lovely home.  The wall color is so pretty, do you think? 

Colorful stacked fabric and ribbon holders are a beautiful part of this studio. I wish I could spend a week in this room…I’m sure my sewing skills would improve. 

Well, next time you purchase one of Heather Bailey’s fabrics or embellishments, you can think of her sitting in this fabulous studio designing away.   Heather Bailey’s Store has patterns and other pretty things you might need.  I have my eye on the cutest strawberry pincushion pattern.  Love it! 

She has so many wonderful photos on her blog. Stop by and check it out…you will enjoy it, I’m sure of it!

Studio photos are so much fun!   I hope they inspire you to be creative with your area, no matter what size.  I move baskets of supplies around the house for now, but who knows what the future holds.   

I’ve been on vacation from my blog a bit and working on some projects. It was a nice break, but now I’m back and I have a few fun things coming up.

If you are starting to plan for your holiday sales, I’ve got something to help you out…check back tomorrow!