The Pumpkin Patch

For most of my life September was the beginning of a new school year- as a student and then as a teacher.  Thus the hustle and bustle of a new year was the priority, meaning that fall crafts were nonexistent for me.  By the time things settled down, fall and halloween were forgotten and the focus became Christmas.   Since I am no longer teaching, the thought occurred to me this year to change that-- so I have made my first attempt at creating fall at the Sturge home.    Inspired by a colleague, Sarah Gill, who has mentioned making more fabric pumpkins and a magazine Crafts N Things, I spent Saturday in my Pumpkin Patch.   After the fact, I realized that I should have taken pictures of the process, but I will attempt to provide instructions for them and borrow from another crafter.  

Fabric Pumpkin Pattern

Step 1

Cut out a fabric rectangle on the bias that's twice as long as it is wide. (We used 5-by-10-inch, 8-by-16-inch, and 11-by-22-inch pieces for our three pumpkin sizes.)

Step 2

Fold rectangle, right side up, so short sides meet; stitch along that edge with 1/4-inch seam allowance. With doubled thread and running stitches, sew along 1 end; pull thread to cinch fabric closed, and stitch to secure.

Step 3

Turn pouch right side out; stuff with batting. With doubled thread and running stitches, sew around open end; pull thread to cinch fabric, and stitch to secure.

Step 4

Thread long needle with floss. Wrap floss around pumpkin, pulling through the core several times, to add ridges.

Step 5

For stem, cut out 2 stem-size pieces of fabric. Stitch pieces, right sides facing, leaving base open. Turn right side out; stuff with batting. Secure open end to pumpkin with slip stitches.

Read more at Marthastewart.com: Fabric Pumpkins - Martha Stewart Crafts

However, as with many of the project ideas I borrow,  I added a different stem, a leaf, and some vines.  This is what I ended up with below.