Egg Cup pincushions inspired by a wonderful project in I "Heart" Patchwork by Rashida Coleman-Hale

Before we get to the crafting we have to have our vocabulary word for the day. I did not know one of the words in the title of today's inspiration book:
I Love Patchwork: 21 Irresistible Zakka Projects to Sew

So I "Googled" it because I love learning new words and if you didn't know it I thought you might like to too!

From Wikipedia:

Zakka (from the Japanese 'zak-ka'（雑貨）or 'many things') is a fashion and design phenomenon that has spread from Japan throughout Asia. The term refers to everything and anything that improves your home, life and outlook. It is often based on household items from the West that are regarded as kitsch in their countries of origin. But can also be Japanese goods, mainly from the fifties, sixties and seventies. In Japan there are also so-called Asian zakka stores; that usually refers to Southeast Asia. The interest in Nordic design or Scandinavian design, both contemporary and past, is also part of this zakka movement. Zakka can also be contemporary handicraft.

Zakka has also been described as "the art of seeing the savvy in the ordinary and mundane". The zakka boom could be recognized as merely another in a series of consumer fads, but it also touches issues of self-expression and spirituality. "Cute, corny and kitschy is not enough. To qualify as a zakka, a product must be attractive, sensitive, and laden with subtext."

There will be a test...no not really.

Onto the project!!!
With Easter coming up I have started to get the corresponding decorations out and since I live (and work if you call it that) in the same spaces, I like my decorations to work for me. When I saw this cute pin cushion made from a paint palette I thought I would make a collection of pin cushions from a set of egg cups.
I used the great directions as my starting off point.

I have to say I giggled that the directions even included at what point in the process to plug in the hot glue gun so that it would be ready to go when it needed to be used in the project.

I call that some good direction writing!



I have a Crafting tip to include!
I wanted to fussy cut or be sure that, in this case, the day of the dead skull motif was centered on my in cushion so I used a clear glass as my template. This made centering the image easy-peasy!

The combination of new and recycled fabrics look really fun together but I have a feeling they will end up being spread out to all the different crafting zones I have!

More about this uber pretty book from Interweave press:

I Love Patchwork: 21 Irresistible Zakka Projects to Sew
by
Rashida Coleman-Hale

"Offering a modern approach to traditional fabric design, this charming instructional illustrates how to create sophisticated patchwork projects by combining linen and print fabrics using simple quilting procedures. Presenting a diverse collection of projects—many inspired by the Japanese zakka aesthetic—such as a travel sewing kit, sewing machine cover, table runner, apron, eco bag, towels, calendar, lap quilt, tote bag, pillowcase, and shoulder bag, all designs are fun, functional, and easy to master.

Combining sewing, appliqué, quilting, and patchwork techniques with thoughtful advice on how to select, work with, and care for linen, this colorful handbook is brimming with sophisticated and innovative projects to challenge and inspire both beginning and intermediate sewers and quilters."