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Destash Co.

Vintage NOS retro Collectible Pin cushion Sewing Tomato Strawberry (YOU CHOOSE SIZE, STYLE)

Vintage NOS retro Collectible Pin cushion Sewing Tomato Strawberry (YOU CHOOSE SIZE, STYLE)

Regular price $12.00 USD
Regular price Sale price $12.00 USD
Sale Sold out
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Style

Lots and lots of tomatoes - vintage and preowned pincushions (*pins have been removed, but please watch your fingers in case we missed any!)

See choices below to make selection. Condition as shown - most will have pin holes from use.

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Why a tomato?
Courtesy of Martha Stewart 

"Pincushions come in all shapes and sizes, but the tomato is the design that prevails as the classic. But why a tomato of all things? Turns out it's not random: There's actually a reason for the tomato design, and it dates back to the Victorian era.

The first-ever documented mention of a generic pincushion dates back to the Middle Ages. Of course, in those days, they were more whimsically called "pimpilowes," "pyn pillows," and "pin-poppets." The pincushion was invented as a practical aid for storing pins and needles, but it also showcased one's collection of pins and needles. (Needles were costly, after all.) But the less-iconic shapes of dolls, birds, and prettily-packaged boxes left something to be desired.

Enter the time-honored tomato. According to tradition, placing a tomato on the mantel of a new home ensured prosperity by warding off evil spirits. When tomatoes were out of season, people weren't totally out of luck: They simply improvised with red material, sawdust, and a little bit of ingenuity.

A lady of the Victorian era would take immense pride in a parlor room stocked with shelves upon shelves of pincushions, but the tomato was always the crown jewel of her collection."

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