Dear Canada: A step back in time

Pincushion

Little pincushions made of the bright scraps of fabric were often the perfect homemade gift for family or friends. Make one of your own to keep your pins handy!

Materials:

• Scissors
• Wooden 'curtain ring'
• Needle
• Big mug or small cup/bowl
• Cotton batting
• Piece of cardboard
• Pencil/pen
• Craft glue
• A favourite scrap of nice material (about a 4-inch square)

Directions:

1. Trace around your mug or bowl onto the material.
2. Cut out the circle you have drawn.
3. Sew around the edge of the circle using a running stitch, but don't clip the thread ends — just take out the needle.
4. Trace around the curtain ring onto the cardboard, then cut around it.
5. Stick the card to one side of your curtain ring with glue.
6. Take the material, and pull the thread tight.
7. Stuff the material "bag" with the batting until it is full and round, then pull the thread until the bag is closed.
8. Glue the stuffed ball onto the curtain ring and wait for it to dry. Now stick a pin in it — you're done!