Eclectic Elements Pumpkins

I'm talking Eclectic Elements fabric today and sharing a project I recently made.  Something perfect for this time of year - PUMPKINS!

 

Disclaimer: I find sewing patterns very hard to write so I hope my 

pictures will help you today more than my words! 

 

The pumpkins can really be any size you like.  For the small size: the pattern piece is 9" long and the larger is 10" long. 
NOTE: when creating the pattern, the curve of the panel cannot be too severe.  This "thick middle" will give you a rounder pumpkin shape.

Each pumpkin has two kinds of fabric that are cut exactly the same.  I cut the fabric the length of the pattern piece, then folded it to get 6 layers of each fabric.

Pin 2 pieces together with RIGHT SIDES FACING UP.  (I admit my "sewer" brain kept wanting to use the traditional "right sides together")

NOTE: The reason for cutting and sewing two pieces together is two-fold:
1. To give more stability to the pumpkin body
2. To create a thicker "fringe" once the pumpkin has been washed.

I pinned each set together till I had a total of 6 pumpkin panels (one is missing from the picture).

As you sew each panel to the next, be sure WRONG sides are together. 
In this picture, I am sewing a panel of Ruler fabric and a panel of Birds and Berries fabric (a total of 4 layers).

Start sewing about 1/2" from the top.  This is important so there is enough fabric to sew the next panels together.

Once you are done sewing all 6 panels together, your pumpkin should have the look of a deflated football.

Most important is to leave a small hole for stuffing.   If you forget (like I did) just pick out a few stitches.

Now do some laundry.
After the wash and dry the "fringe" on the edges should be fluffed up (now can you see why we needed the four layers on each seam?)

Fill the pumpkin. 
I used more of the kraft paper to create a cone for easy filling.  Then poured about 1 cup of rice into the bottom.

Then stuffed the rest very tightly to give it a good shape.  I prefer Silky Soft poly-fill for stuffing.

I used a glue gun to secure a stick for the stem (the stick is from the tree in my backyard).

Then sewed up the hole I created to fill the pumpkin.  You don't have to be too worried about the stitching, as the leaves will cover the spot.

I cut a leaf shape from green wool (again, the leaf could be any shape you like).

I used some wool thread to add some stitching details (totally optional).

I cut a long skinny piece of wool and added Multi Medium to the back.  Then I carefully wrapped it around the largest of Dina Wakley's paintbrushes covered with plastic wrap. 

About an hour later I pulled it from the brush and finished the drying with my heat it gun.

A little hot glue and the pieces are easily added to the top of the pumpkin.

Eclectic Elements Fabrics used:

large pumpkin: Eggs & Nest + Ticking stripe - red

small pumpkin: Birds & Berries + Rulers

I hope you will try making these easy pumpkins - if I can make them that means they are very simple!  The small one is my favorite - I just love the new Birds & Berries fabric with the Ruler stripe! 

and since we are talking sewing today...

Have you heard about the Creative Journey Challenge?

• Quilt block must consist of approximately 95% Tim Holtz Eclectic Elements fabric
• Block must be 12" x 12."
• Block must be posted to the Make it Coats Facebook page on or before 1/11/16 for consideration.
• Be sure to hashtag your block with #TimHoltzEclecticElements & #BerninaUSA to be entered.

Click HERE for more information and what you can WIN...

like a Bernina sewing machine...and seriously, who doesn't want one of those?

now carry on,
paula