PINE CONE PARTY FAVOR

I know that I'm getting ahead of myself with thinking about Chistmas, but I know that if I wait until the last minute, I won't be able to get things done.  I enjoy making things for the holidays, whether it's for Thanksgiving or for Christmas.  So today I started working on one of my projects for Christmas.  For those that are interested, here are the directions to make one.

FABRIC REQUIREMENTS
5" x 5" muslin
3/8 yard of Christmas print for the pinecone scales
4" x 6" green print for the leaf
3/8 yard of 1/4" wide ribbon
Small amount of stuffing for pinecone core and a small amount of batting for the leaf
Templates

CUTTING
Muslin:    Cut 2 of the pinecone core
Christmas print:  Cut 28 squares that measure 2 1/2" x 2 1/2"  (small)
                               Cut 5 squares that measure 3 1/4" x 3 1/4"   (large)
                               Cut 1 pinecone base
Green print:  Cut 2 leaf
Batting: Cut 1 leaf

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Trace the templates to make the pinecone core, base and leaf.
2. Cut 2 pinecone cores from the muslin.
3. Sew the pinecone core pieces along the sides, leaving the bottom opening unstitched.  Turn them right side out.  Stitch a line of basting along the opening of the pinecone core.  Don't cut the thread.  Stuff the pincone.  Pull the basting thread tight and secure with a knot.
4. Place and stitch the pinecone top over the tip of the pinecone core.  This is one of the squares that measures 2 1/2" x 2 1/2".
5. Fold and press each pinecone square in half.  Fold the sides of each scale diagonally to meet in the center and press.
6. With the folded side facing outward, pleace and sew the scales to the pinecone core, starting at the top and working in rows around the pinecone.
7. In the first row, stitch 4 small scales; in the second and third row, stitch 6 small scales; in the fourth row, stitch 5 small scales; in the fifth row stitch 6 small scales; and in the sixth row, stitch 5 large scales.  Stagger the placement of the scales from row to row.
8. Place the leaf pieces right sides together.  Place a batting leaf on one side of the unit and sew through all the layers, leaving an opening at the base of the leaf for turning.  Trim the batting very close to the sewing line.  Clip the inside corners.
9. Turn the leaf right side out.  Close the opening with hand stitches.
10. Turn and baste the edges of the pinecone base to the wrong side.
11. Pin the leaf to the bottom of the pinecone.  Place the pinecone base over the leaf and stitch through all the layers to secure the base and leaf to the pinecone.
12. Tie a bow with the ribbon and stitch it to the leaf.