New Pincushions

Saturday I decided to make some pincushions that didn't have flowers embroidered all over the sides. I got out some rick rack that I found in a walmart clearance bin awhile ago. It looks just like felt, but is much stronger. Anyway, I got out some beads and started randomly placing them on the rick rack. I liked the way it looked but it needed more so that's when I decided to get out the pinking shears and cut some felt to look like rick rack and sew in on behind the beaded piece. I liked the way these turned out.

Whenever I use beads, I spend too much time trying to thread the needle. My eyes just don't work as good as they used to and even with bifocals, I still have trouble threading beading needles. The eye is so small and the end of the nylon thread always seems to explode as soon as it gets close to the needle. I found this wonderful contraption at a tool store this winter. It has all kinds of clamps for holding things, but the best part is the magnifying glass. I'm able to thread my needle on the first try while using this baby! I love it.