A Medieval Pincushion

This afternoon I cracked on and finished the flowery pincushion, yesterday when I posted I had two flowers left…

I stitched the cone flower in bullion knots and the allium in irregular cross-stitch. It was nice to learn last night that as a medieval pincushion it is accurately inaccurate! I gather the manuscripts and paintings from that time are not known for their botanical accuracy so I can just enjoy the stitches!

This is the finished embroidery just waiting to be made up..,

Making it into a segmented pincushion wasn’t tricky, just fiddly! I gathered all the way round the pencilled circle with a strong thread and then started to pull it in and stuff at the same time. This is where I needed about six hands! Once it was stuffed firmly I pulled the gathering threads tight and tied a double knot. I trimmed the threads, this was a big mistake…I squeezed it a bit to even out the stuffing and the gathering thread popped and I was back to the beginning again!

Second time round I enlisted the help of my OH to tie the knot and then overstitched the loose ends too. I then used the strong thread from the kit to form the segments and stitch on the button. Once it was all secure I covered a cardboard disc with some fabric and ladder stitched it over the bottom.

I’m quite chuffed with this one, it’s rather pretty.

I’ve just discovered that this kit is now available on Etsy, the designer is Sheila Knight, here’s the link to her Etsy shop, SMKembroidery

I’m linking up with Kathy’s Quilts for Slow Stitching Sunday.

About craftycreeky

I live in a busy market town in Yorkshire with my husband, kids, dogs and chickens. I love trying new crafts, rediscovering old ones, gardening, walking...anything creative really I started this blog after my New Year resolution worked so well. My resolution (the first one I've ever kept!) was to post a photograph of my garden on Facebook every day. My hope was that I would then see what was good in the garden and not just weeds and work, which was my tendency. The unexpected side-effect was that I have enjoyed many more hours in the garden. I am hoping that 'The Crafty Creek' will have the same effect. Happy creating!
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24 Responses to A Medieval Pincushion

  1. claire93 says:

    such a pretty finish, and pleased to hear you were able to borrow a pair of hands ^^

    Liked by 1 person

  2. katechiconi says:

    So pretty! Is it going to become one of your smalls?

    Liked by 1 person

  3. Another heirloom. ❤ 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  4. Laura says:

    It is pretty, Margaret! Well done! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  5. suemreed says:

    Love it ! I also think your alternative embroidery stitches have enhanced the design. Please tell who designed it I would love to have a go myself – you seem to pick up such lovely items on these destash sites!

    Liked by 1 person

  6. Amanda says:

    It’s fabulous! Glad you relaxed and enjoyed the stitching 😁

    Liked by 1 person

  7. CurlsnSkirls says:

    Really lovely pincushion, Margaret! I especially enjoy the colours you’ve used. Don’t know as I’d want to stick pins in it if I’d made one – will you?!

    Liked by 1 person

  8. Sharon says:

    So precious!

    Liked by 1 person

  9. Absolutely gorgeous

    Liked by 1 person

  10. tialys says:

    Definitely one for display – I couldn’t possibly stick pins in all that beauteous embroidery.

    Like

  11. Linda R Mincher says:

    It turned out great! What a lovely pin cushion.

    Liked by 1 person

  12. Cathie J says:

    Oh that is gorgeous!

    Liked by 1 person

  13. Sherrie says:

    Hi,
    It’s Beautiful!! Have a great day!

    Liked by 1 person

  14. kathyreeves says:

    That is so pretty!

    Liked by 1 person

  15. Okay that is way too pretty to ever stick pins in!

    Liked by 1 person

  16. yarnlover83 says:

    That’s really beautiful! 😀

    Liked by 1 person

  17. Julie Carmen says:

    Lovely stitches to remember our history!

    Liked by 1 person

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