Pincushions

Sewing is popular with all ages at present and this new series, Love to Sew, focuses on the latest hot trends. The 64 page square format gives us room for twenty projects, with some step by step pictures. Anyone who sews needs a pincushion; it is an essential part of the kit, so they make great gifts. They are easy to make with only basic sewing skills and can be shaped into practically anything. They are small enough to be made from recycled fabrics or offcuts, and can be embellished with buttons, beads, ribbons or lace. Salli-Ann shows her flair for making funny, cute, vintage, whimsical or weird objects from fabric, in these desirable pincushion projects. All the techniques are shown in a mini-project and include transferring the design, using fusible web, applying decorative effects, sewing together, stuffing and closing. Projects include a mini monster, Union Jack pillow, cup cake, Christmas pudding, Halloween pumpkin, fried egg, voodoo doll, flat cat, wristwatch, magician's hat and heart. These brilliant pincushions will brighten up any sewing box or bag; patterns and templates are included.

Salli-Ann Cook owns the textiles company Tickly Spider, where she sells handmade home accents and gifts.