Friday, December 11, 2015

a thread catcher, fabric ribbon and mighty lucky, oh my!

Welcome to finish it up Friday!

This week I did a little gift sewing! I made this combination thread catcher/pincushion for a good friend of mine. I always have a hard time picking fabric for others, so I did what I could to mix her likes with a little bit of mine. I think it turned out alright! :)
The pincushion is made from quilting cotton which was fused with Pellon SF 101, (my all time favorite interfacing) and then I filled it with crushed walnut shells. The magnetic strip is handy for holding metal bobbins and hand sewing needles. It's handy to have one of these next to the sewing machine, or on the arm of the couch when hand sewing binding.
I modeled it after the one I finished about 3 years ago! (There is no pattern, I'm sorry to say, but there is a similar one-see this post for photos-in Krista's book Make it, Take it.) I use mine all the time...it's one of my favorite sewing gadgets. I'm happy to report that my friend liked hers, too! This is scrap project # 119!
As I was wrapping up my friend's gifts, I realized that I didn't have any nice wide ribbon, so....fabric to the rescue! I made my own "ribbon" from the red and white ovals good neighbors print. I love how it kind of looks like peppermints! (This fabric really needs to be a Christmas quilt backing!)
It makes pretty good ribbon, wouldn't you say? I LOVE how it turned out!
 
One more thing to share today...have you heard about the Mighty Lucky Quilting Club? It's like a gym membership, but for quilters! It the first of its kind subscription based program where you will receive a different design challenge/instruction each month from 12 different quilters. (The line up is impressive and I'm a little nervous/excited/thrilled to be a part of it!) You can read all about the details of the club here. I'm looking forward to learning and being challenged in a guided format each month! It sounds like a lot more fun than going to the gym, doesn't it? :)
 
As I mentioned last week, I will be picking 2 winners from each Friday post (one from the comments and one from the links) during the month of December. Each winner will have their choice of any 3 PDF patterns from my pattern store. Just a little thank you for joining me for finish it up Friday!
 
Ok, folks! Now it's time to link up your finishes for the week...if you have anything that isn't secret sewing, that is! :) Thanks, as always, for joining me for finish it up Friday! 

84 comments:

Melissa Corry said...

I can not believe you made homemade ribbon!!! How adorable is that!!!! The pincushion/thread catcher is so adorable and so incredibly handy, what a lucky friend ;)

a maidenhair fern said...

What do you fill your pin cushions with? Have you seen the thread catchers that use a tile to hold it down? Which would you prefer? why or why not? Love the colors of your thread catcher!

Izzy said...

Love the thread catcher! I got a similar one in a guild swap last year and I love it. I'm going to have to look into this "club"... sounds like fun!

Cynthia Brunz Designs said...

I have been having fun making pincushion from your Good Neighbors fabric for my quilty friends. Thanks for sharing yours!

eleanor said...

I love the idea of the magnet and the peppermint ribbon is pretty great too!

Anonymous said...

The quilting club sounds fun. Congrats on being a teacher! I love your homemade ribbon! I would have never thought of that! :)

Katherine said...

A pretty and practical gift, can't beat that! Love the magnetic strip idea - needles have a way of disappearing into pincushions, or maybe that's just me? :o)

Off to check out the club....

Yvonne from Quilting Jetgirl said...

Wow, the fabric ribbon is so perfect! And the touch of the magnet on the pin cushion / thread catcher is a perfect detail that will make that such a handy tool for your friend.

Leanne Parsons said...

Mighty Lucky sounds fantastic! I love the ribbon...that fabric really is perfect for making a Christmas ribbon, or a Christmas anything, really! Thanks for hosting...I love linking my Friday finishes here :)

em's scrapbag said...

Great use of fabric in ribbon form. Love the thread catcher/pin cushion. Your friend will love it! The quilting club sounds fun.

Colleen said...

what a lovely gift ! I hadn't thought of putting a magnetic strip there for bobbins. I'll have to check with the Bernina sewing machine guy to see if it would be safe for my QE750 bobbins. They have some kind of magic strip in them that tells me when they are empty and the magnet might do something bad.

JoanG said...

That hand made ribbon is really clever. You are giving me ideas for using up some less loved fabric to make my own ribbon for gifts. Thanks for the inspiration!

Lucy | Charm About You said...

Sweet thread catcher, that magnet is so handy! The ribbon is utterly adorable too!

Kath said...

The cushion/catcher is something I really need, right now I just kind of put it all to one side to take care of later. But without fail all those thread ends end up every where, often all over me if I have my shawl on. Love the fabric ribbon! Thanks for the info on the club and your generosity with the giveaway prizes. ktsquiltdreams (at)gmail (dot)com

Tawa said...

Just want to say a big thank you for the year. Love the linky party, and the ability to find so many inspiring blogs. Happy holidays, and a properous New Year to you.

Amy said...

Love the home made ribbon! And you are so right, it would be perfect for the backing of a Christmas quilt, or pillow. It's always a pleasure to hear that a friend likes a made gift, and I can see why she loves the catcher you made her.

Megan said...

That fabric totally looks like peppermints! And the thread catcher pincushion needs to be added to my to-sew list. I could especially use that magnet as I seem to be awesome at losing pins all over the place (namely, the floor) which drives my husband batty.

NebraskaNative said...

Love the cute patchwork "bobbins" catchall! I have your tread catcher pattern & that just gave me a great stocking stuffer idea for my mother-in-law. Cheers!

Quilting Grannie said...

I love your ribbon you made. I am quilting, by hand, your Trees quilt for my grandson who got married a little over a year ago. I added a row of the tree blocks on the side and across the bottom to make it large enough for a queen sided bed. I will be showing a friend of mine your method for binding a quilt. She has made table runners for some friends but does not know how to put them together with backing, batting, and the figured quilt. And then binding them.

bee said...

fabric ribbon - who knew? looks amazing, and that would be a great print for a quilt backing!

Jenn @ A Quarter Inch from the Edge said...

Hmmm... that Mighty Lucky Quilting Club sounds like a great Christmas gift! I might need to send a few e-mails! :) Thanks for sharing it!

margaret said...

i thought your fabric was peppermints. i don't think i would have looked closer to find that they weren't had you not mentioned it. Good use for your cute & versatile fabric line!

Unknown said...

Love the fabrics used for the pin cushion thread catcher and the ribbon is a great idea. Thanks for the idea.

Live a Colorful Life said...

I have that kind of pincushion made by Poppyprint herself--I love the addition of the magnetic strip--that's pretty genius. Your red and white print would indeed be an awesome backing for a Christmas quilt! And I signed up for Mighty Lucky--looking forward to it!

Linda Smith said...

Thread catcher? Isn't that what a vacuum cleaner is for? But a pincushion complete with magnetic strip for couch sewing? THAT's INCREDIBLE.

Cathy said...

Love the fancy ribbon! I usually just leave raw edges on mine.

elizabethdee said...

Your ribbon is lovely, and very "you"!
The Mighty Lucky club sounds wonderful. I am not sure I have the basics down all that well, but I might just sign up anyway. I am exactly the do-it-someday sort of person in the description, and the roster is pretty hard to resist.
Happy weekend!

Anja @ Anja Quilts said...

Great thread catcher. Love the fabric you chose. Great idea to make your own ribbon!

Anonymous said...

That definitely looks like peppermints! It's perfect. I like the addition of the magnetic strip, very clever!

mindingmomma at aol dot com

Denise - Jewelry By Denise said...

Love the 'ribbon!' It adds a special touch!

Amanda said...

Fabric ribbon -- what a clever idea! Use what you have -- I can hear my mom telling me this right now :o)

Unknown said...

Congrats on Mighty Lucky! What an awesome group of Modern Quilters to be joining! Love the thread catcher too!

Judy @ Sew Some Sunshine said...

I love your fabric ribbon, great idea! The club sounds fun.

tisha @ quiltytherapy said...

Your fabric ribbon looks awesome. Trying to convince the hubby to get me the club for my birthday. Think it was vetoed.

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

I love that cushion with the magnetic strip - that is so neat - but where do you buy a magnetic strip? this would really come in handy.

SarahZ said...

I have found myself going to my saved selvedges for "ribbon" lately...yep, fabric to the rescue :)

Little Black Cat Quilting said...

I love the homemade ribbon, it definitely looks like peppermint! And I'm interested in the quilting club, it sounds like it could be a really cool thing to get involved with.

Unknown said...

I love the idea of homemade "ribbon"! I've got a LOT of extra fabric around. I think there might be some of these on my packages this year!

Gwyn said...

What cute fabric you used. <3 the Raspberry colored Polka Dots. Thinking of making some adorable ribbon for wrapping presents now. Thanks for the idea.

Melissa Dee said...

I like your pincushion/threadcatcher! Also, it is a great idea to decorate christmas gift with fabric. I will try it for sure this year!!

Debbie H said...

Love the fabrics in the pin cushion!

Unknown said...

Ha! The magnetic strip is a great idea - really the perfect thing for random pins, and a super place to NOT lose a hand sewing needle while sitting in the couch. I will incorporate that little nugget of an idea while making a pincushion for me!

Carol said...

Well, that fabric ribbon is the cat's meow! Gotta make some of that!

Jocelyn said...

The fabric does look like peppermint. Fun!

tahoe34 said...

Love the peppermint candy ribbon..it would make a great Christmas backing!!

Shirley JB said...

The peppermint ribbon is awesome, I am really looking forward to seeing your whole fabric line in person!

Kelly said...

I love the thread catcher! I need to find the time to make something like that for myself. And the ribbon is genius!

Nancy said...

I so want to make one of those thread catchers. I bought a second-hand silk shirt and I thought the sleeve would be a great lining for one because the threads wouldn't stick to it. One of these days....

I love your ribbon.

I don't have a finish this week but thanks for hosting the link-up every week.

Nancy (at ndmessier @ aol.com

Therese said...

No finishes this week! I really like your fabric,so I have bought a layer cake. I am having trouble deciding what to use it for! So many choices.

Susan said...

I love your thread catcher. I have one that my mother gave me years ago and really like it.

Unknown said...

J'adore !! C'est hyper pàratique et les couleurs toniques.
Bravo
Brigitteo

Brita said...

What a darling thread catcher, I'd call it the deluxe version. And you're so right about the fabric you used for ribbon being like peppermint candy 😊 I've Ben considering joining the Mighty Lucky club, I'm glad you reminded me, it sound really interesting.

Unknown said...

I love your fabric ribbon!

annemarie said...

Love your thread catcher - actually love everything you do.

Southern Gal said...

My carpet and vacuum cleaner would love that thread catcher. I'm a thread flinger. ;) Just drop it, get it out of the way. This would work well for me.
Thanks for sharing!

Sandal said...

Love the magnetic strip! What a great idea that I will be using! So many useful ways it will be helpful! Also love your fabric ribbon! Another idea to put in the arsenal! Thank you for all these helpful ideas!

Unknown said...

I have yet to make a thread catcher....and I adore your version.

gigi said...

I will use that ribbon idea=-- it's a great one!

Barbieann said...

Hi Neighbor! Actually, I'm from Arizona! Finally time to bundle up in Quilts, kind of! Anyways, I'm definitely going to do the ribbon idea with my quilting sisters, very cute inspiration! Love reading your blog, wish I could participate more with the link - ups, maybe someday. Thanks for the give-away!

Unknown said...

Love the thread catcher! Have been wanting to make one. Really need to make one! Thread all over... thanks for the idea. Jeanine

Rene' said...

Brilliant ideas here Amanda!!! The magnet is such a useful addition to the thread catcher, and using your fabric to make ribbon is just genius!!! I am excited about the Mighty Lucky subscription. Congrats for being part of this!

Unknown said...

Love the thread catcher! Have been wanting to make one. Really need to make one! Thread all over... thanks for the idea. Jeanine

Subee said...

Hmmm....would one of these thread catchers keep my floor cleaner?? I would have to train myself to use it rather than tossing threads on the floor! Any suggestions for alternate pincushion stuffing? There are nut allergies in the family.
Ohioholman@aol.com

Diane Beavers said...

Amanda Jean
That "peppermint ribbon" looks delicious, I'd probably eat my gift haha.
The thread catcher bag/pinnie is the ultimate sewist /quilter gift. Silly me didn't realize what that little strip was for..thanks for sharing.

bluestarof2(at)yahoo(dot)com

Teresa Palmer said...

Just checked out Mighty Lucky and it sounds wonderful! What a lineup!

Unknown said...

What a terrific gift idea! Also, I do love the peppermint looking fabric for backing on a Christmas quilt. Must order some now!

Jill said...

Merry Christmas from OH!!

Rebecca said...

I have a thread catcher and pin cushion next to my machine made from denim....love it. Going to make one with a magnetic strip like yours for my sewing chair upstairs.

cjmont said...

love your ribbon, very cute. the club sounds interesting.

Marla said...

Love how the red and white ovals look when you can't see the whole oval. Hmmm some interesting piecing possibilities!

Becki said...

I really like the thread catcher idea - and the ribbon, which reminds me of peppermint candy. :) Congratulations on being chosen for the Mighty Lucky Quilting Club - that is awesome!

Donna W said...

Love your thread catcher/pincushion. I think I need to make one of these for myself.

Unknown said...

Your friend's thread catcher is totally adorable! I have also made fabric ribbon before, when you have a need and our stash is available, it's a win win situation.

margaret said...

ust what all sewers need, I do have a little thread catcher but yours is far superior.

fracla said...

Dear Amanda,
your friend can really be lucky to have you as a friend and to receive just a fantastic gift!
Many greetings from Germany
Claudia

Karen said...

Such a great idea at the machine! And I love the little bobbin basket sitting behind the pincushion. Thanks for the mention of your interfacing of choice--I always feel overwhelmed by all the choices out there :)

OhioLori said...

Looove your thread catcher/pin cushion holer!!! My machine would love one too! :)

MERRY CHRISTMAS BLESSINGS!

Molly said...

Awesome gift, and so seasonally appropriate :)

Suzanne said...

So cute! I love the fabric ribbon. I wonder if I could muster the corsage to do that too!

Lynn said...

Love that dark pink with the text print! I have that book, and want to make one of those for myself. The 'peppermint' fabric would be perfect for a Christmas quilt!

quiltzyx said...

Love, love, love the fabric ribbon! It looks perfect as "peppermints" too - I'm off to Connecting Threads now...

the girlfriend gap said...

Love the ribbon idea. Lucky friend : ) I have admired those thread catchers from afar for many years as i do not have one. Janita

Schulz Family said...

Thanks so much for a great year of posts. You keep me inspired to finish things and do some small stuff so that I do get to list a finish. Always meant to do a thread catchers. Yours looks amazing. www.madewithmytwohands.blogspot.com
Karen

Kath said...
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