Tranquil Pin Cushion Tutorial

We all know that lavender is calming.  But did you know that lavender has numerous other properties? This wonderfully scented plant can be used in cooking, as a mouse repellent, disinfectant, headache and migraine relief, healing burns and insect bites, sore muscle relief and much, much more.

Today, we are focusing on the soothing, relaxing aspects this plant provides.  For many of us sewing is our relaxing time, so how about we add a little extra?  A quick and easy project - lavender pin cushions.

What you need:

• 1 - 5 x 5 inch piece of scrap, print fabric or a leftover charm square (I'm using domestic bliss by Liz Scott for Moda.)
• 1 - 5 x 5 inch piece of muslin
• 1 - 5 x 5 inch piece of batting
• lavender (I bought a 1/2 pound bag off of Amazon)

Layer your pieces - print fabric right side up (or print side up,) muslin, then batting.

Sew all around 3 sides of your layers with a 1/4" seam allowance.

On the 4th side of your layers, sew in on one side, and then the other, leaving about a 2 inch opening. I've placed pins where my opening will be. 

Make sure to back stitch right before each side of the opening so when we turn it right side out, you don't rip your stitches out while doing it. 

Clip each corner, making sure not to cut through your stitching.

Turn right side out.  Usually I use a knitting needle to help push the corners through, but you can use whatever is around, such as the eraser end of a pencil.

Fill with lavender.  Make sure you fill it between the print fabric and the batting.  Be extremely generous here!  Go on, don't be shy!

Once your pin cushion is sufficiently stuffed, it is time to close our opening.  You can either hand stitch or run it through your sewing machine.

Sorry, a bit blurry.

Now, take a deep breath!  Ahhhh.