On Friday, I was super excited as I received my copy of “Patchwork Please! – Colorful Zakka projects to stitch and give” by Ayumi Takahashi.
Photo from: ayumills.blogspot.com – Pink Penguins, Ayumi Takahashi
I have signed up to the Zakka Along 2.0 :: Patchwork, Please Flickr Group to join others who are making things from the book. As you will see below one of my April goals is to make a pin cushion and travel sewing kit. I decided to give the pin cushion on the front cover a go.
Size: 4 x 4 in.
Materials: Osnaburg Fabric (instead of linen but I used Pellon Shape Flex Interfacing to add thickness and stability), and Sew Stitchy by Aneela Hoey for Moda. I did not have the fabric button so I just used buttons I had in stock.
Technique: Paper Piecing
I also managed to finish up a custom order for a set of my pot holders. Order was for a green, taupe and wine colored set.
Size: 8.5 x 8.5 in.
Materials: I used Taupe Essex Linen, the wine fabric was from JoAnn, and a Japanese cotton fabric with Vegetables (from Etsy). I used insul-bright as the filler to protect from the heat.
Onto setting my goals for April, this month I wanted to make sure I set realistic goals. Not that I have been going terribly, I just have a lot going on and I have a whole week away at the end of the month – I am off to San Francisco for work.
I think, I can accomplish:
- Focus on stock for my Etsy Store.
- Chair Bags (x2 sets)
- Oven Mitts (x1 set)
- Coffee Cup Sleeves (x2)
- Pouches/ Cases (x2)
- Set of place mats (x1 Stretch goal)
- Make a Pin cushion (from Patchwork Please) and a travel sewing pouch
- Make a travel baby quilt for charity (~30x20in.)
- Madrona Road Challenge – Mini Quilt
I plan on trying to continue the quilting of my first quilt but realistically will not have it finished this month – targeting that larger project for May.
My General goals continue:
- Try to eat and exercise to plan
- Blog regularly using my new schedule
Factotum of Arts 
Both your projects are darling! I love how you used the contrasting button for your pincushion! The fabric for the potholder is perfect!
Thank you – I enjoy these small projects when I have other things going on as it feels like I am accomplishing things. I also can show the hubby that I am using the fabric I am buying 😉
I love your books and projects too. I love the organic look and feel :-). Patchwork, Please is definitely my favorite.
Especially love your pin cushion! Just darling…
Thank you. There are so many projects I have earmarked in the Patchwork, Please book….I am looking forward to more finishes 🙂
Your pincushion is fabulous! Red and aqua is one of my favorite color combos. I adore the vegetable fabric on your adorable potholder.
I am so excited for the Zakka Along 2.0. I don’t think there is one project in Patchwork, Please that I am not excited about making!
Thank you!!! I agree I am so excited about the Zakka Along too 🙂
Adorable pin cushion! And your pot holders are really fantastic 🙂
Thank you
Hi, thanks very much for visiting my blog. I love the pin cushion…so cute. I keep hearing the term ‘paper piecing’ and it scares me! Pot holders are on my to do list, might get round to them …..eventually.
I was nervous too about paper piecing but I really like it, this was the second piece I had done. It is a good project to start with 🙂
Oh I want Ayumi’s book so badly. I need to order it. Your pincushion came out great. I love the fabrics you used.
Thank you 🙂
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I really love the look that the interfacing gives your pincushion. I may make a second one tomorrow, and use that tip. Love all the colors. The book is awesome! Your potholders are lovely.
This pincushion sold me on the book, and your version is just lovely!
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