Shawl Progress and a Sewing FO

This weekend, I put in some serious crafting time. My Swallowtail Shawl (shawl #5 of 2010) was in hibernation for months, but resurfaced a few weeks ago. I'm now working my first nupp row (by the way, nupps really are annoying, but I'm hoping they get easier).

I'm further along than this photo shows, but I wanted to get a picture before I lost daylight yesterday.

Additionally, on Saturday I decided to make myself a pincushion to match my sewing room. My current pincushion is heart-shaped (it's pretty ugly and generic) and came from Joann's when I first picked up sewing again. After a couple of crafting hours, here is my result.

I used scraps from the pillows I made Rhonda last month. The Deer Valley line by Joel Dewberry is one of my favorites.

I love the little triangles, which are from a charm square I've had forever. When I first started sewing again, I bought a box of charm squares on eBay, which I never really used, but I've pulled some of my favorites for scrappy use. I like the black contrast stitching as well. I used bamboo stuffing, but next time, I think I'll add some beans or beads to give it a little more weight. I've also read that walnut shells are a good natural additive. It feels sturdy as is, though.

I love it, and I'm hoping to make more.