I recently picked up a pattern for a knitted pincushion called “Knitcushion”, by Graywood Designs.

My grandma Faye made me and my sister one--quite similar to this pattern--back in the 1970’s (along with her infamous crocheted Poop Duck).

I proudly took my pincushion to my 7th grade Home Economic class as part of the supplies we need for the sewing class—my “knitcushion” even had a thimble tucked into the center of the cushion. There was no red tomato/strawberry pincushion* for me! I had a hand knit one!

So this pattern caught my eye when I saw it.

This simple garter stitch “knitcushion” was the perfect project for our grandmother to teach us to knit. The whole knitting thing did not click with me until many, many years later…(I was a 10 year old California city girl-- too distracted by Idaho farm life, cows and irrigation ditches—to sit for long and learn to knit)…but I remember being so excited to start the project...going to the drug store to pick out beautiful variegated acrylic yarn and knitting needles. It was a project that was started over and over again that summer and never finished. Grandma Faye had great patience as we ate bags full of candy and many laughs as we tried our hand at knitting.

This “Knitcushion” provides a parking spot for cable needles, darning needles, crochet hooks and yes pins and needles, according to the website. This pattern is suitable for beginning knitters who know how to cast on, knit and cast off. And the pattern has four variations for mini, striped, mini striped and a jumbo sized for large knitting needles.

This pattern retails for about $6.

I love my Grandma Faye version. And I am going to make one myself…and finish it this time.

*Question for you...

Really what is that traditional red pincushion supposed to be? I think it is a tomato with a strawberry attached…Help me out here if you know for sure what it is!

(Pattern photo courtesy of Pigeon River Merchantile at www.quiltinpigeon.com.  "Tomato" pincushion graphic care of Ladies in Red Designs.)