Sweater Pumpkins

Around 6 years ago, I got the idea to make pumpkins. At first, I tried using lace, paper, strips of fabric... anything that didn't involve a needle and thread. Nothing worked quite how I'd hoped. Then I heard about "sweater pumpkins." I cannot tell you how many times I'd told people, "I can't sew or stitch, but maybe someday I'll learn." This seemed easy enough - someday had arrived.

I did a little research on different stitches, read blog posts, watched videos, took notes. Figured out what made the most sense to me, and applied to my skill level. The first pumpkins took quite awhile to make, but turned out well. I learned a lot from my mistakes, and continued on. In those first few years I probably made no more than 20.

Eventually, it clicked. I realized that these little pumpkins were pretty consistent sellers, and I actually looked forward to making them! So I wondered how I could make more... mass production? Could those concepts apply to something handmade? Another challenge was intertwined - no craft room. Wait, there's also a narrow window for making these, so while keeping up with housework, helping with homework, etc.... I also need to be pumpkin-making.

My solution... work in stages, and mostly from the central location of our living room. Here's how I do it:

Fabric: I try to buy multiple sweaters/shirts/blankets/fabric at the same time. After washing & drying, sleeves are removed and set aside. Any remaining seams are cut apart, then circles are cut out. A small laundry basket holds circles/sleeves next to me - easily carried to another room as needed. A bucket is designated for fabric scraps (sometimes I use scraps for little garlands, as shown below).

Stuffing: worn throw pillows are washed & dried, then I cut open a seam, and pull until used up. They are stored out of sight by our couch.

Stems: Sticks are gathered and cut at the same time, then sorted by size into plastic baggies. The container I hold them in slides under a chair with a dust ruffle. I wait until many pumpkins are made before hot gluing in their stems.

Crochet thread, needles, scissors & tags: I use crochet thread (not too thin or old) for sewing, and stick the needles in the ball of thread to keep them together. Usually throw them in with the fabric - scissors get stored there as well. I have to individually price my pumpkins, so that means making a lot of tags. I use a circle punch and cardstock. They are kept, along with pens, in a little drawer in a piece of furniture in our living room.

My work surface is the coffee table in my living room. I can easily move everything out of the way to clean, watch TV, or help the kids do homework without distraction. 

It's taken me years to get the hang of this... everything from what sweaters to buy & where to tie knots to when to walk away for a minute. Because, I've got to tell you, for the most part I love making these little things. Once I get on a roll, I don't want to stop! However, there are also times I feel like a machine - and that's when mental and physical breaks are necessary. I'm fortunate to have found something to make that is loved and appreciated. Year after year. It's not taken for-granted. If you own or have gifted one or more of the now hundreds, thank you SO much!!

I'm not quite done this year! You may want to like my Facebook page, as I'll update when the next batch is available. Hope you've enjoyed the glimpse into my crafting life. Thanks again!!