Historical information

Pincushions or pin pillows date back to the Middle Ages in Europe. The tomato shaped pincushion grew from a Victorian Era superstition that tomatoes were good luck and so they were often given to newly weds as charms and placed on the mantle. When there were no actual tomatoes a fabric token was made and later used for pins.
Some pincushions were stuffed with abrasive materials designed to sharpen the pins.
This one would have a needlework accessory for an Orbost local.

Significance

This item is a common sewing accessory reflecting the needlework skills of women in the first half of the 20th century.

Physical description

A soft padded fabric pin cushion. Material is a black background decorated with colourful flowers. It is divided into eight sections by red stitched lines and holds 3 needles and a bent pin.