Biscornu

According to Wikipedia, "A biscornu is a small, octagonal, stuffed ornamental pincushion. It is usually made out of Aida cloth or linen, sewn from two square sheets of cloth (forming the top and bottom of the cushion) in such a way that each corner of one square is hemmed to the middle of a side of the opposite square. 

Embroidery, hardanger, and/or cross-stitch are used to decorate the top and bottom of the cushion. A button is typically secured in the center of the cushion to give a small depression on the top. Beads, tassels and other objects can decorate the biscornu. They are typically able to fit in the palm of your hand. The name is derived from the French adjective, biscornu, meaning skewed, quirky or irregular."

I've made two in the last couple of weeks. The green one was stitched 61 x 61 on 18ct Aida, using some hand-dyed yarns and metallic thread (the main reason I used the metallic is I ran out of the hand-dyed. But I like the effect, so no problem).

Number two is a bit smaller and was stitched 41 x 41 on a 16ct Aida using plain DMC thread.

This is a great way to use up smalish scraps of Aida (Aida is normally not my favorite stitching medium). The finished biscornus (biscorni???) are also very pretty. 

I love them both.