Pink Chalk Studio » Blog Archive » July Pincushion Challenge

July Pincushion Challenge

Jul 31st, 2006 by Kathy

This is my entry for Booga J’s June/July 2006 Pincushion Challenge. The theme was Flowers. Last December I made scarves for my sisters and mom for Christmas. One of the kimono scraps I used had the most spectacular flower print on it. Like so spectacular that it was a true act of love to part with the final product! I scanned the print before sending it off in the mail. It was the inspiration for this month’s challenge.

On the subject of kimono scraps. When the Denyse Schmidt book was published last year I fell in love with her foundation pieced scarf pattern. When I made mine I left the kimono pieces in larger sections. It was quicker to make and I liked showcasing the prints. Esther’s had some fat halfs of 100% wool suiting which was perfect. I also cut up a pair of wool trousers, one of those expensive pairs that I used to wear to work (has it really been 8 years!) and that I would NEVER fit in again.

The orange kimono fabric that I photographed the pincushion on was my find at last week’s guild auction. It happens once a year and is called the Guild Guilt Auction. Members bring in all the unused books, tools and fabrics from their sewing rooms. If it’s valued under $25 it goes in the silent auction, over $25 is auctioned off live. It’s the first one I’ve been too and I had a really fun time. I thought this kimono piece was just scraps but I loved the color and pattern, I put a bid on the ticket. After the meeting a friend asked me what I had purchased. As I went through my bag of goodies I pulled out the kimono and realized it was a full 5 yard obi! Very exciting discovery. It has a storage stain down the center. I plan to cut it given the damage unless I can get the stains out (any tips?).

Posted in Embroidery, Sewing | 12 Comments

12 Responses to “July Pincushion Challenge”

on 31 Jul 2006 at 11:26 am1katrin

well, first i would try to (hand)wash the obi with a mild soap.
if it isn´t getting any better i´d try to use some mild bleach (you know, those bleaches that won´t harm colored clothes).
if it still isn´t better, i´d try to dye it, if i really *want* to wear it.

but if you prefer to cut it because of a beautiful pattern (ob because you don´t really need an obi belt), that´s the way!
on 31 Jul 2006 at 2:53 pm2wendy

We need a photo of the stain.( sounds a bit odd) I love the pin cushion and the auction sounds like good fun
on 31 Jul 2006 at 3:14 pm3June

Your pin cushion is beautiful and unique–how clever!
on 31 Jul 2006 at 4:46 pm4gina

Hi Denyse Schmidt Fan,
I just thought I would let you know Denyse has a new colorway coming for Flea Market Fancy…See a “sneak peak” on www.QuiltersBuzz.com.
Happy crafting, Gina
on 31 Jul 2006 at 7:45 pm5HVM

is the pincushion wool felt? it’s lovely!
on 01 Aug 2006 at 5:47 am6Quilt Pixie

what a wonderful fabric find! Do you know what caused the stain? Was it from the sun, or a dye transfer from a wodden box, or what? that’d greatly increase the chances of removing it…
on 01 Aug 2006 at 6:56 am7Selena

I love the inspiration you had to make your pin cushion. It is beautiful. The guild auction sounds wonderul.
on 01 Aug 2006 at 9:50 am8Clarice

I just saw your pincusion at the pincusion challenge. I love it. Your fabric find is wonderful, I hope you can get that stain out !! Clarice
on 01 Aug 2006 at 5:35 pm9joyce

Lucky you with the Japanese fabric. I have some including a kimono and a couople of obis but I can’t cut into them. Just can’t. I have been to Japan a few times because my DIL is Japanese and they lived over there for a few years. THe fabrics were just mind boggling. I must go back when I have a few extra thousands of dollars to spend on fabric. Their cottons for kimonos are also to die for.
on 01 Aug 2006 at 10:27 pm10shiso mama

i love seeing the inspiration and the finished product next to each other, and i like the stitched detail at the center of your pincushion to mirror the pollen/shadow of your inspiration.

i just adore all things japanese, and when we were in tokyo in june, we saw the most amazing textiles. you expect to see gorgeous kimono and obi, but even the small pieces of fabrics that they sell for you to use as a general, all-purpose kitchen cleaner were special and fine. good luck getting your stain out!
on 02 Aug 2006 at 2:49 pm11linda

What a fun auction to go to - I know I would really enjoy it. Sorry - I have no advice on washing obi. It’s nice to hear the story behind the pincushion - nice work.
on 02 Aug 2006 at 5:05 pm12AmyDe

That’s incredible! I popped over off of “HappyThings” site after seeing the sweet zippered bag you sent her - completely adorable! I too am having trouble mastering the zipper mistress. I’d love to see a tutorail here if it’s possible. Thanks!