Thimbleanna

Bunnies and Kitties and Bears, Oh My!

Those of you who have been hanging around here in ThimbleannaLand for any amount of time know how much we Looooove our Bunny Pincushions.  Love, Love, Love them!  From time to time I make a batch and have a giveaway or sell a bunch in the Thimbleanna.com store.

Pincushion

And almost every time that happens, someone asks me for a pattern for the bunny pincushions.  Sadly, I always have to say that the pattern is a 1989 pattern by Lori Karper and it’s copyrighted, so I can’t give it out.  Then, I’ll usually do an internet search, just to see if any information on Ms. Karper has popped up since the last time I did an empty internet search.  All I ever find is maybe an ebay link or two to one or another older pattern by Ms. Karper.

Pincushion

So.  Imagine my GREAT excitement and surprise one day last spring, when I got an e-mail from THE Ms. Karper herself.  Only there’s been a name change which is why I couldn’t find her.  Lori Karper is now Lori Valley and it’s been my great delight to be able to get to know the mother of all my bunnies!  Lori  has had an unbelievable 20+ years since the original bunny pattern was published — full of ups and downs and she’s come out on this end as one of THE sweetest people you’ll ever meet.  AND, BIG BIG exciting news — she’s re-issuing the bunny pincushion pattern AND she’s added a Kitty, a Bear, and a Puppy.  WOOHOO!!!

Pincushion

It’s so funny, because, over the years, I’d always thought how fun it would be to make other little pincushion animals.  I had a chance over the weekend to make up a Kitty.

Pincushion

And a Bear.  The original bunny pattern had the stitching on the paws, but I always made my paws plain.  For the kitty and the bear, I did the extra stitching and I love how it turned out.  (Both the Kitty and the Bear are made from City Weekend by Oliver + S.)

Pincushion

One of my favorite things about the bunny pincushions over the years has been the fact that the ears can be used to hold needles.  The Kitty and Bear ears are big enough to do that too.  (And you thought your teen had ear-piercing problems.)

Pincushion

Look how sweet — the kitty (and the puppy, who I didn’t have time to make) both have little tails.  Those might make good needle holders too.

Pincushion

Another thing I love about Lori’s patterns is that you can make them your own.  My faces are a little different than Lori’s.  And I thought this time I’d have some fun experimenting with a contrast fabric on the inside of the ears.  I really like how they turned out.

Pincushion

And one last very special thing.  Lori calls her patterns “You Are Loved” Patterns and she’s included a “You Are Loved” tape that can be sewn into the side seam of each pincushion.  The whole time I was making the kitty and bear, I kept telling myself “Don’t forget the You Are Loved Tape”.  So, of course, you know, I forgot it.  I pinned it on the side of the bear though, so you can see how cute it’s supposed to look, sticking out of the side of the pincushion.

Pincushion

I’ll stop talking now.  I’m sorry this sounds like a big sales pitch — I really don’t want it to be.  You know how much I Love my pincushions, and I know many of you have been wanting these patterns.  Lori is working on her own website (which I’ll link to when she’s done) but until then, you can buy them in the Thimbleanna.com store.  You can also get extra “You Are Loved” tapes in case you want to make more than one pincushion with a message in it’s side.

Pincushion

‘Cause Christmas is coming soon and I think these make great gifts for all of your crafty friends!  ;-)

XOXO,
Anna

47 thoughts on “Bunnies and Kitties and Bears, Oh My!”

  1. Michele in Huntsville

    Well, poop. Went to your store hoping I could buy one of these lovelies. Don’t want a pattern. Want a REAL one! Give me a heads-up if/when you have some to sell! :)

  2. These patterns are great! And how wonderful that the designer found YOU!!

    I know I love my bunny and that kitty is TOO cute :)

    SheilaC

  3. Oh my goodness those pincushions are so cute! I think I will have to remember that your selling them so I can buy one and give it to my mum for xmas, she loves pincushions and things like that. I might even buy some of that colored twine too to wrap it in! It is very lucky that the designer found you too so you could share them all with us. I have to say I adore the kitty one you made.

  4. I’ve always loved your adorable bunny, but the other animals are equally as cute. Oh, it’s so tempting to buy the pattern. Thanks for sharing it with us.

  5. They are all so cute Anna, and how exciting for you to get to know the designer!! I like the idea of the needle through the ear, I usually use a separate cushion for my needles so they don’t get “lost” in the pins. And of course so you’re current with the pincushion piercings and all….. lol

  6. Wow, I mean just look what having a blog does. How exciting to meet Lori and now to carry her new patterns in your store. Amazing. I have one of those bunny pincushions (I think packed away). I think it is so cool you two conected. xoxo Clarice

  7. It is such a great story to hear that a designer you like is not only still around, but creating new and adorable patterns. It was probably a treat for her to get to know you!

  8. Those are absolutely adorable! And the “you are loved” tag adds such a sweet touch. I’ll have to put these on my ever-growing list of “have to make one for myself!”.

    And thanks Anna for your visit to my blog and kind words on my potholder. :)

  9. This is so exciting to be able to order these patterns! I’m a bunny/puppy person so I just ordered one of each. Also, what a great idea to put pins in the ears. (It won’t hurt them, will it? ‘Cause if I hear squealing I won’t do it anymore!!! ;)) Thanks for the information and opportunity to order! Love your blog, btw!

  10. I’m not a gusher so suffice to say that all those other commenter speak the truth…..What I’d like to know is what do you fill them with?

  11. Cute, cute, cute. I asked Mr. Cupcakes if he would like a kitty companion because I LOVE that kitty tail. He’s thinking about it.

  12. What a great ending to the story of finding Lori.
    I love the bunnies best but the other companions are pretty special too.

  13. These pin cushions are way too cute……nothing like something so cute and practical too. Great combo of fabrics used too.
    jaime xx

  14. Oh look at you, busting out the ‘C’ word! Very cute pincushions, as always. Thanks for sharing the history of them with us, and making them available!

  15. These are adorable! So amazing that you caught up with the designer and have gotten to know her. Very cool.
    Thanks for sharing these cuties and making the patterns available.

  16. the bunny pincushions are my favorite. You are the most talented seamstress. I can’t even imagine how time consuming it must be to sew little critters like that. I made a stuffed elephant and that was my only foray into stuffed anything land :) Hope you have a great weekend Anna. I am still on my every-friday-off deal this summer and I am absolutely basking in the loveliness of that.

  17. I have always loved your Bunnies Anna – thanks so much for tracking down the pattern for us. The other critters are also very cute. The “You are Loved ” tag is a nice finishing touch.

  18. Thanks so much for posting about this, Anna … and for offering them in your store!!!! Maybe soon my bunny will have a new friend!!! LOL

  19. they are so cute and I so love how you can put your needle in the ear! I am forever losing my needles (and my marbles!!!!)

    oh and I owe you an email about some cookie cutters too – I’m very behind on my email comments but am getting there :)

    corrie;)

  20. I still treasure the bunny that you brought to London for me :-) I’m mainly knitting and crocheting at the moment but I think this is a sign that it’s time to get the pins and fabric out again!

  21. As an admirer of your bunnies I’m excited to see the family grow. What a great gift this would make. Initially I thought the bear was my favorite, then the kitty and then the puppy. I really like them all. Isn’t it great how the fabric makes them come alive.

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