Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Random Thoughts

Even though I have a huge collection of cute pin keepers, this is the one I have on my cutting table and use everyday. In fact, I have two of these--the second one stays packed in my retreat tub. After forgetting to bring along pins once, I don't ever want to have that happen again! I like the fact that I can sort of toss my pins toward it and the magnet is so strong that it grabs the pins and positions them in an easy to pick-up position. 

This is the pin keeper that sits next to my sewing machine. I love that it's a cute heart and has a separate area to place my dull machine needles until I get around to throwing them out. I can't tell you, though, how many times I've been stabbed reaching for a pin off of this thing. I don't know why, but the pins always seem to land in a jumble.  

Since Santa put a gift certificate to the local quilt shop in my stocking this Christmas, I though I should treat myself to a new pin keeper to replace the heart. Meet my new Zirkel. If you drop your pin point down toward the center, it will position them around the perimeter--easy to pluck one off without injury! So far I am loving it. The Zirkel is a bit pricey, but if you have stabbing issues like me, it may be well worth it to you too!

My scrappy borders for Mrs. Billings are coming along--two sides completed. You can imagine how many pins it took to hold these together while sewing. I invested in a couple new packages of pins too!
Linking with Scraptastic Tuesday HERE

17 comments:

  1. What an amazing collection of magnetic pin holders... that Zirkel looks a great investment! Your borders are fabulous! Christine x

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  2. Neat pin keeper---okay, another addition to my B-day list....
    your borders are just so gorgeous....hugs, Julierose

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  3. Those borders are so beautiful! Yeah, I bet you used a lot of pins to hold those bias edges. I've seen the Zirkel before but never knew that it straightened your pins like that. Wow! I'm going to have to take another look at that one.

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  4. Good tools are always a good investment. I like the square pin cushion and its ouch reducing properties, but already own two clover magnetic pin keeps - one for normal pins the other for my fork pins.

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  5. I love the magnetic pin keepers - and Zirkel sounds wonderful! Love the scrappy borders !

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  6. I bought myself a Zirkel a few months ago and I still haven't decided if I like it or not. I've had one similar to the first picture you show and maybe I'm just too much a creature of habit to change gears at this date! LOL LOVE those diamond borders!

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  7. That border is scrumptious.
    Great pin keeper, just be sure not to put those string magnets too close to a computerized sewing machine!

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  8. I've never tried a magnetic pin keeper before. You've piqued my interest!
    Love those borders, but oh my yes, the pins would have been necessary! 8)

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  9. I have LOTS of pin cushions but no pin keepers. These look like a fabulous idea. I can barely get pins out of a pincushion anymore...my fingernails are always too short.

    Love the border...it looks like it did need a lot of pins.

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  10. I have the same heart pinkeep and I use the small side for my bent pins, until I can dispose of them. : )
    Wow, I have never seen the Zirkel before.
    Your borders blow my mind! Great job!!

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  11. Your borders are so awesome and I can see where the number of pins are an important issue when you're stitching it together. I've seen the Zirkel, but hadn't paid much attention. Might have to take a closer look. :0)

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  12. I know whatya mean about that heart pin collector...my pins are piled high on it. I went to the Zirkel video and found myself cracking up! It's now on my wish list....THANKS Karen. I can't wait to get one.

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  13. That border is so delicious - well worth the pin purchase! Thanks for linking up to #scraptastictuesday

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  14. I like magnetic pin cushions too. I have three of them.

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  15. Well done on your two sides of Mrs. Billings. I know from experience how time consuming it is.
    Your fabric look lovely!

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  16. Beautiful border...lots of work. My friend gave me one of those amazing Zirkels.... I am in awe!

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