My version of the Scotsman block.  It's a 'flimsy' for now.  I have the backing, I just need to find the time to pin and quilt it.

Last year, I was surfing through the internet and found the cutest turtle pin cushion.  I decided to make it.  http://www.craftpassion.com/wp-content/gallery/turtle-pin-cushion-combo/turtle-pincushion-combo-main1.jpg

It has pockets for your scissors, thimble, a place for your pins, needles, and on the back, a place to hold your thread.  Try it!

Here's the first two blocks sewn with instructions from my Civil War Craftsy class.  I love learning about the history and learning new ways to construct blocks.  What's new for me is that she states to finger press as you go, then press lightly with an iron once the block is completed.  The blocks turned out just fine.  I think I'll use a darker background on the next ones.

I've been working and sewing and quilting for a couple of weeks.  I have found the perfect marker for the t-shirt quilt.  I am using the purple disappearing pen to mark the template lines for the light and white blocks.  I also use my chalk pouncer for the darker blocks.

I did sew the sashing for t-shirt quilt #2.  This sashing is very cute.

I will be pinning the layers after I finish quilting t-shirt #1.

About the thread catcher and the materials used, I used the fish air line tubing.  You can find this at any pet store or pet department; I found it in my local WalMart.  I have also used the dress making plastic boning, but I found that this wasn't easy to flex and bend to put into my tote bag to carry to class.  The boning worked best with my thread catchers for my sergers.

Thread catchers....
I've made quite a few of these...I took a class way back when to learn how to make a nice and efficient thread catcher.  I like to have them to catch all of my thread clippings and other little bits.  It makes for a cleaner work space at home or in a quilt/sewing class.

The little red bird pin cushion was made through the "Treadle On Pin cushion" exchange we participated back in February 2014. Charlotte S.created this cute little bird and I added the catcher.  I use it with my treadle Pfaff 30.  She holds my pins and needles with 2 hidden pockets on the base which hold my needle threaders.  I added some velcro to the bottom of the cushion for easy removal.

(The rules for participating with Treadle On is the use of either hand crank sewing or treadle machines.)

 

The picture is a little bright...This was my first thread catcher.  I made this back in a Nevada quilt class.   I changed out the pin cushion with this red chickie.  These are sure handy.    

*The red and teal ones are from the attached pattern.  I'm not sure where the pattern originated; my instructor had these printed up and I rewrote the instructions to make things just a bit clearer for me. I am not the original designer and I wish I could give credit to the creator, but I do not have the information.  Please do not use this pattern to sell.  I've shared this with the intention for your personal use only.*
thread catcher

This green one is made from "Scrap Sack 2" by Oceanlake Designs.  I modified it by adding a ceramic tile base, a magnetic strip pin, then adding the pin cushion on top.  I don't know if the pattern is still available.  I really like the pretty cuff and the little holding pocket.  (I didn't add the little pocket to this one.  I have with others.  It sure is handy.)