Bear Sewing Tools

I've just finished making the sewing tools to match my new Bear Sewing Set and I am keen to share them with you! 

I've made two stitch markers with semi-precious gem beads that pick up the colours in my sewing plus a bear charm which I've painted brown with enamel paint. 

I've also made a matching laying tool and hook tool. The tools are conveniently joined by a chain. The laying tool helps to ensure that the top stitch in each cross lies flat. The hook is something that I use for all sorts of things - catching loose threads, tightening threads, pushing stuffing into awkward shapes and corners etc. 

I've added a long chain, bear charm and a tiny heart clasp to the smallest magnetic needle rest so that it can be attached to my sewing bag or magnetic pattern board. 

I've also added a shorter chain, beads and bear charm to the bigger magnetic needle rest. 

Lastly, I came across this gorgeous carved bear in agate on Ebay and I just had to have him. I've been waiting for him to arrive for a month! I've simply added some semi-precious agate beads and a lobster clasp so this fellow can act as a scissor fob, bag charm or weight for splitting threads or twisting cords! 

Bear Finishes

This is a picture of the full bear set - Sewing Bag, Thimble Purse, Pin Cushion, Case for Sewing Tools (I'll be making these next) and two Magnetic Needle Rests. This is the first time that I've finished each piece as I go instead of leaving all of the finishing to the end. It didn't stop me hating the chore but at least it broke up the chore!

Bear Pin Cushion

I wanted to make a large pin cushion and so this time I stitched a big bear and two snow laden trees on a ground of snow. 

It is backed with the same sage green linen as the needle case. I was going to leave the sides plain but now I've made it I am thinking about adding some decoration! I'm just not sure yet. 

I'll have a think while I work on the next Bear accessory. 

Berry Pin Cushion

I made this matching pin cushion from the same linen using an extract from the pattern and some simple pulled thread work. 

I decorated the pins with semi-precious gem beads and pearlised seed beads. 

Garden Bird Pin Cushion

I stitched this sweet little pin cushion to go with my project bag.

Poppy Mattress Pin Cushion

I've been experimenting to find the perfect sewing accessories for years. I decided to make a mattress pin cushion but I knew it wasn't really a tool that I would use a great deal. I came up with the idea of combining a pin cushion, needle rest and scissor holder in one. This is what I made. 

The front features the same Poppy Meadow design that I've used before. It is actually quite unusual for me to sew the same thing repeatedly but I loved the simplicity of the design. 

The sides repeat the pattern around the central poppy.

The back is made from black felt with a pocket that fits my favourite stork scissors. 

The little needle rest is embroidered with the bud from the back of the sewing companion that I showed you yesterday.

Matching Crow and Strawberry Pin Cushion

The second accessory is a matching pin cushion featuring my favourite crows and strawberries. 

Pincushion and Needlecase Sets for 2014

This is the second set that I have chosen for my sewing box.

New Zealand is one of my favourite places. It is absolutely gorgeous. After my last trip, I finished this little Kiwi Bird in cross stitch. I wanted to make it into something that I would use and continue to enjoy. I decided to make it into a pincushion.

Then, me being me, I decided that I couldn't just have an odd pincushion. I needed a matching needlecase. For this, I chose the mischievous Kea bird.

This little set always brings a smile to my face!

I can't wait to go back to New Zealand!

Pincushion and Needlecase Sets for 2014

I am continuing to organise my hobby corner. Having chosen to store my threads in wooden boxes, I've now decided to continue the wooden storage theme. I've just finished sorting and storing my general sewing cottons, scissors, pins etc. into an old wooden concertina sewing box. 

I am always designing and making sewing accessories. I like to try out different styles because I've never found exactly what I want in the shops. 

I've chosen two Needlecase and Pincushion sets for my sewing box.

This is the set that I grab when I am replacing a lost button or repairing a hem.

I made this little set about three years ago when I was experimenting with some different stitches. Each item is made out of orange felt with a simple design of grass and a sheep or two! It is quick and easy to make using an offcut of felt, straight stitches, french knots and blanket stitch. I made it one Saturday afternoon.

The Needlecase opens up with a little pocket for a needle threader and a space for storing needles.

I'll show you the other set tomorrow.