Remember these guys from a while back? I meant to have this tutorial for your holiday sewing, but life got in the way. Spring is almost here and that's a good time for mushrooms to pop up, no? Making these pincushions is easier than making actual stuffed mushrooms, if you ask me. Plus they don't get all soggy by the second day.
Here's the template: Download Mushroompincushion
I think it's easier to print one out (and save it for later, if needed) than for me to tell you to cut 3" circles and send you on a hunt for something circular around 3" in diameter to trace in your house. Abbreviated instructions are on the template, too. But I'll tell you the details here.
Get it:
- Fabric, solid and patterned. Scraps will do--you won't need much
- Small bit of stuffing
- thread/needle or sewing machine
- small pebble or rock for base
- pins for decorating
Cut 3, 3" circles. One from patterned fabric for the top and two solid. Linen is lovely. I put three circles on the template just to show you that you need one of each. They are all the same size. Place the patterned one on top, solid on bottom, right sides out. Sew around edge, either zig-zag on a machine or blanket stitch by hand. Leave a 1/2" opening. Gently stuff and slipstitch opening closed. Mushroom head!
Sew a running stitch by hand around the edge of the last solid colored circle. Knot at end, but leave thread tails for gathering. Place rock in middle and gently pull ends to tighten fabric around rock. Secure thread by sewing through the gathers a few times, like cinching up a sack. Trim off any excess. Starting slightly lower than your gather, whipstitch your stem to your cap. Make sure it's sewn securely. You may have to stitch around a few times to get it nice and tight.
Depending on your rock size and shape in the stem, your mushrooms may be a bit leaning or floppy. I like them like that, but if you really want your shroom to stand perfectly upright, pick a rock with a wide base and slightly flat edge for it to rest on.
It's the perfect gift for yourself if your resolutions involve more sewing..and make a few for your sewing friends, too.
I'd like to give this little shroom away (pins, too!) to a reader. If you'd like to enter, just leave a comment about what new sewing projects you have planned for this new year below. I'll generate a random winner on Friday!
xo.
