This year, we ventured out to Craven Farm with friends to get pumpkins.  It was an outing of greatness, not only because of amazing people, but because of some amazing October weather.  That’s right, we had sun on pumpkin patch day.  Epic.  Then, we eager beavers decided it would be fun to carve away at our pumpkins.  That was October 16th.

I should have known better, as no fewer then 5 people replied to my “how was your weekend?” answer with horror that I was carving too early.

Well, ya’ll.  You were right, I was wrong, end o story.

The pumpkins now serve as a nice science exhibit on our porch highlighting different mold species that are present here in the Pacific NW.  I need  to make a sign that says, how many colors can you find on this pumpkin?

So, yes… BUT luckily I have had a new fall project around here.  Fabric Pumpkins.  I saw a few varieties in stores and in Marthas…. but really could not find a pattern.  So instead, I made it up and tried a few different options.

First was a successful trip to Joann’s for some fall fabrics.   I got 1/4 of a yard for most fabrics and it seems to be more then enough for sevearl pumpkins and an upcoming Thanksgiving themed project I want to do.  One thought on fabrics… I chose a few solid colored ones – an orange felted sweater and some brown burlap.

Then, I made the template (which you can download and print off here: pumpkin template).  I chose three fabrics per pumpkin.  I cut two leaf like shapes out of each fabric. 

Then  I sewed the six pieces together, one at a time.  I sewed the bottom of the pumpkin together.  Then I turned the fabric pumpkin inside out and stuffed!  And stuffed!

{first three pieces}

{all six, just need to sew the final seam}

{Ready to turn inside out!}

{stuffed!}

Using some brown yarn, I wrapped the pumpkin seams and tied them tightly, leaving the extra yarn still at the top.  I also tacked the yarn at the bottom and the top with a bit of brown thread, just so the yarn would stay close to the seams.

The stem rectangular shape (also on the template sheet for printing!) was simply folding a piece of brown or green felt and then sewing on the two sides.  Turn your stem inside out and stuff as well.  I then neatly handstitched the stem to the pumpkin, leaving the excess yarn off to the side.  After sewing, I took a bit of the yarn and wrapped it around the base of the stem a few times… and tied a knot.

Some pumpkins I made slightly taller by enlongating the six leaf shapes.  Some stems where slightly fatter as well.  Each pumpkin was a bit different, just like the ones in the patch.

Best part is, these will certainly last through Thanksgiving!

Time for a pinspiration! You know how Katie and Sherry are always telling us we should “Stop Pinning and Start Doing”?, well, I had a Halloween project hanging out in my Project Ideas board and I decided to break out some materials and make it happen!

Update: Links are up. Go check out Katie’s, Ana’s, Erin’s, and Sherry’s Projects when you get a chance since they’re the ringleaders of this whole shebang.

A While back I pinned this fun and crafty halloween wreath made of embroidery hoops and lace, originally from the Thriftress (which is an awesome blog moniker, for the record). I liked how it fits the season but also shows that crafty people live here!

I liked the overall concept of it, but I wanted to simplify and modernize it a bit to make it not look quite so kitschy. First step in that was to simplify from a bunch of small embroidery hoops to one large 20″ hoop (Best of all the cost was actually less – only $3.99 for this huge guy!). Then, I removed the hardware and spray painted the wood a glossy black, making sure all sides were covered.

I had a hard time finding a lace at the fabric store that worked well – everything seemed to be floral (the store I was at didn’t have a huge selection). What they did have, though, was a wonderful gossamer mesh in the Halloween holiday section, and I actually liked that a bit more – real spooky spiderwebby.

Once I had all the materials prepped, the assembly on this guy is easy-peasy. Just lay your fabric over the hoop and cut down to an approximate size (make sure to leave at least 1.5″ on all sides to accommodate the depth of the embroidery hoop. Then, put the fabric in just as you would if you were using this to embroider, and tighten the hardware to get the taut look you desire.

After the fabric is taut and secure, trim the back side with fabric scissors

And place your creepy crawly friends. I kept it simple with 3 small spiders, but you could add a bat, raven, etc as desired.

Then hang it on the front door for a handmade crafty, yet modern, and ultimately spooky wreath!

I love how the texture and sheen of the “web” really pops against our reddish orange door.

How are you decorating for halloween? Stay tuned for pictures of our FRIGHTFUL pumpkins tomorrow

BIRTHDAY!

to my mom!

I’m internally debating if I am allowed to write down how old she is turning today… She put on facebook that it rhymes with nifty, so I’ll just say that!

But,

Happy Birthday Mom, hope the day is fabulous.. and I wish I could be there to celebrate with you!

(and can you tell me when you open your present already, cause I want to share it on here………)

:0)

Normally I’d be the first to tell you that its too early – WAY too early. But when Zooey D and M. Ward release the holiday album I have been anticipating literally since June, its cause for celebration.After being released on Monday, my pre-ordered copy came in the mail today and I couldn’t be more excited to get that wintery atmosphere going. I’m going to make myself a hot cocoa, put on some Christmas PJs, and rock out in front of the fire this weekend. (Its snowing on the east coast which means its practically Christmas, right?)

Here’s the track list in case. You should buy it (come on you know you want to).

1. The Christmas Waltz
2. Christmas Day
3. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
4. I’ll Be Home for Christmas
5. Christmas Wish
6. Sleigh Ride
7. Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree
8. Silver Bells
9. Baby, It’s Cold Outside
10. Blue Christmas
11. Little Saint Nick
12. The Christmas Song

I bought it through their website because proceeds benefit 826 National, but if you buy the Amazon MP3 the album price is only $5. Come on, can’t beat that!

[D will be so happy]

I had a couple other posts vying for publish today, but then I got a journal update from our friend Katie and decided to put those on the backburner and give her a shout out.

Its a Purple Day here in the Pac NW. What does that mean? Katie’s favorite color is purple, so every time she starts a new round of chemo her supporters wear her purple bracelets and try to pick out a wardrobe item to match. We’re like a super charged purple army wandering around town sending her our love.

If you haven’t heard Katie’s story, you can follow her Caring Bridge journal here. She’s a friend of ours who has been diagnosed with Colon Cancer at a very young age. She’s been fighting it with an amazing spirit and perserverance that we can all learn from. Her last scan showed she was responding very well to the course of treatment, so we are all sending positive vibes for every round of treatment to get her back to total health.

If you see a bit of purple around you today, take a moment and send a little happy thought or prayer to our friend – her purple army is working miracles and every positive wish is a part of that!

Follow a round up of Praying in Purple posts over at Jo’s blog (links in the sidebar).

[Art Photos via Krystarka Photo on Etsy - incidentally she is having a BOGO sale on some of her prints - start your holiday shopping, everyone!!]