Zakka Style Sew-Along Week 3 - Zakka Pincushion

Welcome to week 3 of the Zakka Style sew-along! Thank you again Lindseyand Amy for hosting this sew-along and letting me participate in the fun!It's been so fun to see everyone's projects from the book popping up in the blogsphere lately! Today, I'd like to share with you my pincushion I made from the book as well as (hopefully) helpful tips ;)

Probably this is the easiest project in the book, and I certainly loveeverything about it! It's very simple but gives you a lot of room to be creative and make yours very unique! 
I closely followed the instruction except for the button on front.Instead of using a fabric covered button for it, I used a cutelamb button I found in my stash, just because I thought the lamb may feel better to be on there rather than sitting in the zip lock for another few years. lol!


I happened to have a sewing-themed stamp of the perfect size,so I used it, but I must admit I had a bit difficulty stamping on the cotton tape.

My initial plan was to use this stamp that I made by carving an eraser.(I've been totally hooked at this lately! I am making at least one stamp a day nowand have 10 books about curving stamps from the library!)Anyway, one sad finding for me was that the stamp on thecotton tape did not come out nearly as nice as it would on smooth quilting weight cotton, however many times I tried. It is probably the matter of a fact that it is difficult to get a good impression oncotton tape because of its somewhat bumpy surface.(Or maybe I just suck at it!)
Here are some tips for you
1. If you have temporary fabric adhesive on hands, you might want to useit for the cotton tape and the lace placement instead of pinning them.

I use this glue anytime it's hard to use pins (like sewing rick rack tapes etc.)It's much quicker and easier and, gives you better control!
2. When you leave an opening at a long edge to turn your pincushionright side out through, it might be better to avoid including the areathe lace is sewn. Does that make sense?

This is especially if you are using something like a rick rack tapethat is hard to hand-sew. It is much easier to hand-sew toclose the opening if the lace part is already machine-sewn.
3. When you put ink on your stamp, it might be nice to use a Q-tip toclean the edges of the stamp to prevent from unwanted ink on the tape.
4. Small print fabric might work best for the cotton part of the front.I thought about using a big print for it and realized it would be too busywith the stamped cotton tape and all. Small print helps other features (cotton tape, lace and button) pop up, I think! 

Here is the schedule of this sew-along again!

• April 2nd :: Zig Zag Tote with Sew Fantastic
• April 9th :: The House Pouch with During Quiet Time
• April 16th :: Zakka Pincushion with Pink Penguin
• April 23rd :: Sewing Kit with Monkey Do
• April 30th :: Patchwork Pencil Case with VeryKerryBerry
• May 7th :: Itty Bitty Quilt Block Magnets with Little Bluebell

• May 14th :: Raincloud Mug Rug with Quilt Dad
• May 21st :: Zakka Block Quilt with I like Orange
• May 28th :: Stem Messenger Bag with Sew Sweetness
• June 4th :: Zip Organizer with Spotted Stone
• June 11th :: Orchard Path Tweed Pouch with Don’t Call Me Betsy
• June 18th :: Happy Couple Handwarmers with A Cuppa and a Catchup

• June 25th :: Patchwork Potholder with Sew Take a Hike
• July 2nd :: Water Bottle Holder with One Shabby Chick
• July 9th :: Elephant Bookmark with Cut to Pieces
• July 16th :: Patchwork Ribbon with {House} of A la Mode
• July 23rd :: Delightful Linen Bag with Sukie
• July 30th :: Bread Basket with Patchwork Notes

• August 6th :: Sweet Sugar Cookie Sack with BettyCrockerAss
• August 13th :: Little Pocket Pillowcase with Freshly Pieced
• August 2oth :: Sweet Memories Photo Frame with Noodlehead
• August 27th :: Pleated Coin Purse with Shape Moth
• September 3rd :: Happy Garland Message Board with Maureen Cracknell Handmade
• September 10th :: Nesting Boxes with From the Blue Chair

As you may have guessed, I have a giveaway for you!

To win one package of 5 Aurifil threads, leave one comment for this postby the midnight April 20th. I will select 5 random winners and announce themon the day after. 
P.S. Make sure to link up your finished pincushion over Lindsey's by April 22nd for a chance to win the fat quarter bundle of Monsterz by Cloud 9 fabrics!

Good luck ;)