Tomato Pincushion

2. Using two strands of light gold floss and a running stitch, create lines on tomato. To make a running stitch, pull your needle up at A (Running Stitch Diagram) and insert it back into fabric at B, 1/8 inch from A. Pull your needle up at C, 1/8 inch from B, and continue in same manner.

3. Using two strands of red floss and a running stitch, add lines around strawberry.

4. Position green wool C leaves at top of tomato and green wool D leaves at top of strawberry. Using two strands of green floss, tack pieces in place.

5. Using two strands of green floss, stem-stitch a vine between the strawberry and tomato. To stem-stitch, pull your needle up at A (Stem Stitch Diagram), then insert it back into fabric at B, about 3/8 inch from A. Holding floss out of the way, bring your needle back up at C and pull floss through so it lies flat against fabric. The distances between points A, B, and C should be equal. Pull gently with equal tautness after each stitch. Continue in same manner, holding floss out of way on same side of stitching every time.

6. Layer a muslin square, the remaining gray wool 5-inch square, and appliqued foundation with right side down. Place remaining muslin square on top; pin to hold in place. Stitch around all sides, leaving an opening at bottom for turning.

7. Turn pincushion right side out. Fill with crafts sand. Whipstitch opening closed. Place a pink safety pin on tomato.