March 18, 2010

Filled with Flax Seeds


You might have noticed that I like making pincushions. But sometimes I'm not crazy about filling them. Recently, I had the chance to buy some linen directly from the flax growers themselves. In talking to them, not only did I gain an even greater appreciation for linen, but I learned something, too.

Linen is made from the stalks of the flax plant, which of course also produces nutritious flax seeds. While I was aware of this, I didn't know (did you?) that the seeds can be used to fill a pincushion in order to prevent pins and needles from rusting. Add to that the fact that flax seeds are natural, inexpensive, and easy to use, and I think I'll soon be making many more of these.

:-: Wishing you a sunny weekend! :-:

Vous avez peut-être remarqué que j'aime bien faire des pique-épingles. Mais je n'aime pas toujours les remplir. Récemment j'ai eu la chance d'acheter du lin directement des producteurs. En discutant avec eux, j'ai appris
non seulement à mieux apprécier le lin, mais également que l'on pouvait utiliser les graines de lin autrement.

Le lin est fabriqué à partir des fibres de la plante, celle-ci donnant aussi les fameuses graines, excellentes pour la santé. Tout en sachant cela, j'ignorais (et vous ?) que les graines pouvaient être aussi utilisées pour remplir un pique-épingles et que cela évitait aux épingles et aux aiguilles de rouiller. A cela, on peut ajouter que les graines de lin sont à la fois naturelles, bon marché et faciles à utiliser. Alors c'est sûr, je ferai bientôt plein d'autres pique-épingles.

:-: Je vous souhaite un week-end bien ensoleillé ! :-:

24 comments:

  1. You know I think so highly of your beautiful work - and this time too. :))

    I didn't know that about flax either - I wonder why the pins don't rust...
    How wonderful that it has so many fine qualities, other than becoming a fabulous fabric. :))

    A lovely weekend to you too.
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  2. Wow, I didn't know that, thanks!
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  3. Lovely pincushions! I didn't know that about flax. I've been using crushed walnut shells in my pincushions but the flax looks like a good something to try. Thanks!
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  4. I seriously have ALWAYS wondered what to fill a pincushion with. Perfect- thanks!
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  5. What a fantastic idea! I am going to give that a try. I love your pincushion too.
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  6. What a lovely thought! I love the idea that the filling of the pincushion is intimately connected with the outer fabric. So very appropriate, organic & romantic somehow! Our farm is in the middle of cotton growing country, and it has occurred to me that I don't have a clue what cotton seed actually looks like. You have inspired me to find out! A very happy French weekend to you. Ours in Australia is starting with a twilight game of cricket!
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  7. your pincushion is lovely and its such a great idea about filling it with flax seed. i have to try this!
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  8. Thanks for sharing, I didn't know that!! I love the fabric choices of your pincushion, too :)
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  9. ciao
    ho visto che abiti vicino a Parigi
    verrò in vacanza per qualche giorno nel periodo di Pasqua
    mi piacerebbe sapere dove posso trovare qualche negozio di ricamo a Parigi
    andrò anche ad eurodisney con i miei figli
    grazie
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  10. Traduco
    hello
    I saw that lives near Paris
    come on vacation for a few days during Easter
    I'd like to know where I can find some embroidery shop in Paris
    I will also Eurodisney with my children
    thanks
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  11. Your fabric choice is lovely. I have recently received a needle/pin cushion as a present, which is also filled with flax seeds. I did not know about it preventing the needles to rust. Goody ! What's more, I find it so nice and soft in my hand...
    A bigger cushion containing a mixture of rice and spices is also quite nice to leave the tea pot on at tea time... and what a nice smell in the kitchen !
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  12. I loved the fabric you used.... it made for a very chic pincushion.

    I didn't know that about the flax seeds... thatnk you for enlightening me.
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  13. Merci de nous avoir transmis cette astuce que je ne connaissais pas. Bon week-end à vous.
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  14. Je viens de découvrir ce blog grâce à une amie québécoise (je suis française) qui vit actuellement au Zimbabwé :D il est superbe !! J'aime tout !
    et merci pour l'idée pour les coussins, le pire.. c'est que je connais le truc, car à l'école nous avons plusieurs coussins lestés "fait maison" ainsi fait (avec d'autres graines) et que je n'aurais même pas pensé à le faire pour moi ! Merci !
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  15. Merci pour cette belle idée...Ton coussin à épingles est ravissant!
    Carole de Paris.
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  16. Toujours de belles choses chez vous...
    J'aime bien utiliser les graines de lin pour remplir les pique- épingle, aussi, mais je ne les trouve pas facilement !
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  17. Beautiful...and so practical. Shannon, you never cease to amaze me with your lovely creations.
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  18. I found your blog a little while ago. I just have been reading along a bit. I love your little projects. BTW I didn't know you can use flax seeds to fill pin cushions.
    Have a nice Sunday.
    Marianne
    The Netherlands.
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  19. ..quelle belle idée..merci!
    Nicole
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  20. I just love your pincushion! So beautiful.
    Happy to have discovered your blog. I lived in Paris before. And I'm now living in the South of France!
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  21. C'est un excellente idée et le pique-épingles est joliment confectionné. Très bonne semaine !
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  22. I didn't know that about flax seed either, and I am sure the pincushion will be more stable than just filled with polyfiber. Thanks for sharing! I will be making a new pincushion very soon.
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  23. Bonjour Cherie
    j'ecris de l'Italie pour te dire que tu fais des choses très très belles!!
    Paola de Turin - Italie
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  24. I would assume that the oil from the flax seeds (what there is of it... not much at all unless it's crushed for that purpose) would keep the pins from rusting... since you enjoy making pin cushions... have you ever put steel wool into them? This will help to sharpen the pins each time you push them in and out! Nothing like having dull pins you know! I do enjoy your blog.
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A bientôt,
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