A large and a bit over the top pin cushion, which I really like knowing was most likely decorated by a man. Sawdust stuffed hearts like this are called "sweetheart pin cushions" and were made by soldiers convalescing in hospitals, primarily in England, where they were apparently the brainchild of Queen Victoria, who thought that soldiers might find crafting these to send home to sweethearts a happy distraction. This one I believe dates to WW1 or so, and believe the hearts and variety decorative materials were provided (embroidered patches, fabrics, pins and beads) for the soldiers to use. I think they're quite fabulous things, and a great addition to tradition of men away from home making crafts for their loved ones, from sailors making scrimshaw and knotwork baskets to loggers making spruce gum boxes, etc. "Life hath little pleasure where you are not."
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