9.09.2010

The Eleanor of Craft Projects

Do you have one of those? 

Or lots, maybe?

Do you have any clue what I'm talking about when I say 'the Eleanor of craft projects?'

Okay, well, then I guess we better start with that...Gone in 60 Seconds.  One of my favorite movies EVER.  Watch it.  Then you will get the Eleanor thing.  And, not only that, but you will also get to listen to some BEAUTIFUL engines roar and have the pleasure of Nick Cage and Angelina Jolie (my personal girl crush), just say'n.

Anyway, an Eleanor is like the 'unicorn' - it's the one that always gets away.  It's a challenge that is intimidating.

For me, a standard, traditional looking pin cushion was an Eleanor kind of project.  I was afraid of them.  I have NO idea why, but it just seemed like something that I would be monumentally good at screwing up.  SO...what did I do?

I decided to go ahead and MAKE ONE! 

Pin Cushion with Moda Fabrics


How else is one supposed to get over one's fears if one does not, indeed, grab them by the metaphorical horns....or horn...in this case.  Just say'n.

So, this is what I did...I chose two super cute squares of fabric from a Moda layer cake that I had on hand, traced a plate in the middle of them and then sewed that circle. All the way around. Yup. Sewed it shut. The Hubbums saw me do this and was confused to say the least.

The good news is that this was, indeed, NOT a mistake. I had actually seen a tutorial in Art Doll Quarterly for a cute pin cushion doll and decided to use those basic instructions to create my pin cushion sans doll. (And yes, for those wondering, now that I have mastered the cushion part, I totally want to try the whole doll thing, but that's a project for a later date.) So, I sewed the circle all the way around by hand, because sewing machines and I don't get along at ALL, but you could use a machine and do it in no time at all! Then I cut around the stitches so I had a circle in my hand. Then, I carefully separated the two layers and cut a criss-cross in the bottom layer. I pulled the whole thing outside in (as I had sewn it inside out, of course) and then stuffed the living daylights out of it. Then I patched a piece of fabric over the little hole, stitched embroidery floss in the appropriate formation to look like a pin cushion and added adorable vintage buttons to the top and bottom! Really! It was that simple! And now I love it!!!!

Pin Cushion with Moda Fabrics (bottom)


Pin Cushion with Moda Fabrics


And it came out pretty darned cute, if I do say so, myself! So, now with this I urge you to go forth and CREATE! Tackle you own Eleanor! You CAN do it!

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18 comments:

  1. Love it! Congrats on conquering a creative fear! :)

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  2. It's really cute! And don't you feel better now that it's done? : )

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  3. Owwwww....loved that movie. Now if I can just wipe all this drool off the keyboard from remembering it (and Nicolas Cage) I can type some more.

    I'm so proud of you for facing your fears and conquering them. It is so adorable. Very excited to see the doll...hint hint...you are going to do it later on..Ri iight??

    The pin cushion looks Jingletastic!!!

    Hugs,
    Regi

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  4. It came out totally cute!!! LOVE it!!!

    Deanne :)

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  5. I've always wondered how to make one those. Now I just need to do it since you showed the way. Great job!

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  6. So cute...congrats on tackling your fear...I'm going to have to rent that movie, I have not seen it.

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  7. oh wow, love it! Sounds so easy to make too, much prefer your way, a lot neater! Love that fabric too, so perfect for this sweet project! hugs debx

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  8. jingle you are so stinking cute!
    i like your pin cushions and i look forward to a new movie to watch!

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  9. This turned out perfectly. I love the fabrics you chose.
    I really like that movie as well. I have a female crush on her as well :)
    I love tough chicks LOL

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  10. Adorable! Love the scissors on that one!!!! :)

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  11. This is absolutely presious and totally made me want to make one of my own! Congrats on your horn grabbing :D

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  12. I'm not much of a sewer but would love to be able to make something like this !

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  13. Totally loved that movie, and love your pincushions!

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  14. Good for you! It truly is adorable...and I love those fabric choices.

    Ah yes, Eleanor. (Gotta love how Lisa was up there too.) :) Now I want to go watch that movie again!!

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  15. You go girl! There all just precious!!!

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