In the past, pincushions of all sorts were made, but the doll pincushions were, by far, the most creepy pincushions around. Women would made these for their homes and to sell at the church bazaars. I think that these doll pincushions could be taken to the next extreme and given either a goth or steampunk look.
A Novel Pincushion
This quaint little cushion for the toilet table that would make an acceptable present, and would find a ready sale at bazaars. It is quite inexpensive to make; all the materials needed would be a few odds and ends of silk or muslin, some bran, and a small doll.
The legs should be cut off at the waist, and a round cushion substituted. This may be sewn or glued to the body. Having dressed the doll in the fashion indicated with voluminous sleeves and skirt, the edge of the latter should be gathered and drawn closely together beneath the cushion.
Small cushions should also be made to place round the arms to fill out the wide sleeves, which are gathered below the elbow to form a frill.
Source: The Tupelo journal. (Tupelo, Miss.), 20 Oct. 1905.
