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.
Super cute!! My new 2011 sewing plans include this!! But I am planning on making my first quilt which is super exciting and overwhelming. Thanks for the tutorial! :)
Posted by: Carrie Rosalind | January 24, 2011 at 09:35 AM
This is too cute! I need to make one for my daughter who is just learning how to sew. My plans are to finish the quilts I started 6 years ago for my 3 girls. One is finished and the other two are in various stages of completion. I need multiple projects so I don't get bored! Oh, and I have been stashing my hubby's old T shirts and I am going to turn them into a rag-quilt for his b-day in August. Busy busy!
Posted by: Heather Flukinger Bowers | January 24, 2011 at 12:11 PM
Hi - I've missed reading you..... the mushroom is just lovely... - I want to make a couple of tote's to carry a) groceries and b)sewing stuff (which may include a shroom!)....
Hugz
Posted by: Fiona | January 24, 2011 at 01:30 PM
this year i plan on making an alice in wonderland themed quilt
Posted by: Alyce | January 24, 2011 at 02:50 PM
That mushroom is wonderful! This year my sewing plans mostly involve plush toys and clutches...but we'll see if I find time for that pleated skirt I've been craving!
Posted by: kate | January 25, 2011 at 12:20 PM
hello-nice to have you back-thank you for this nice giveaway! i have lots of sewing plans for this year from clothes to dolls & fabric jewellery and can only hope for more time then! greetings from germany,angelika
Posted by: angelika | January 25, 2011 at 02:28 PM
Absolutely. Adorable.
I need to break my sewing machine out from under the cobwebs and put it to work this year.
Posted by: * TONYA * | January 31, 2011 at 08:26 AM
Hi! I hope you don’t mind, but I’ve nominated your blog for the Stylish Blog Award!
http://brambleandburdock.blogspot.com/2011/02/id-like-to-thank-academy.html
Posted by: Brambleandburdock.blogspot.com | February 09, 2011 at 02:37 PM
I'm such a "shroomaholic" here....that is PRECIOUS! EKK!!!
Posted by: val | February 15, 2011 at 12:41 PM
Awesome tutorial shared by you here. I want to make such things like you and give present to my daughter.
Posted by: קעקועים | November 15, 2011 at 07:51 AM