Pumpkins and Pincushions

Pumpkins….don’ t you just love them?  A definite harbinger of fall, these plump little veggies can spark just about anyone’s imagination.  Whether they are transformed into jack-o-lanterns, fall displays, centerpieces, costumes, or pies, these orange favorites are a never-ending source of autumn inspiration!

My Sewing Club is meeting at the end of the week and it’s time to start another project.  They spent the last 2 meetings playing with yo-yo’s , so now it’s time for the girls to step up their hand sewing skills just a bit before we move on to the machine.

So, in my weekly quest for new and exciting projects that would appeal to both me and the students, I came upon this very cute idea.  Now that it’s October and the leaves are changing color, the scarecrows and pumpkins are appearing on porches everywhere, I thought I would choose this seasonal twist on a sewing room staple- the pin cushion.

I loved the idea of the traditional tomato turned into the not-so-traditional pumpkin.  The best part of the whole project is that is basically is, what else?  A larger and stuffed version of the yo-yo, something they are quite familiar with at this point.

I really enjoy having the girls create all these projects, because, I don’t know about you, but buying fabric is, to me, one of life’s greatest pleasures.  To walk into a fabric store, especially as an artist, and see all the gorgeous patterns, colors and textures all lined up in beautifully neat rows, is truly a breathtaking experience for me.  Since I am a bargain hunter and try to keep costs down for the girls, I often seek out thrift shops and rummage sales for unique fabric treasures as well.  Although the fabric is far from being stacked neatly and color coordinated in these venues, the thrill of the hunt mentality takes over and I find myself actually enjoying the challenge of finally finding the perfect fabric for the projects at just the right price!  The problem is, I either have to figure out my projects ahead of time, or think on my feet of future project ideas, which, over the years, I have become somewhat of an expert at.  For at these one day sales, you know that either you buy the fabric now, or it’s back to the fabric store to pay full price. 

It has become a fall tradition for my daughter and me to spend some quality time visiting a local rummage sale every October.  Fortunately, we share a love for bargain hunting and great finds, and since she is a graphic designer, she also enjoys finding vintage items she can use in her house, in her work, or just for inspiration.  The acorn doesn’t fall far from the tree!

Since the rummage sale will occur after my next Sewing Club meeting, the fabric for my pumpkin pincushion project will have to come from the fabric store with its bolts of beautiful colors, gorgeous patterns and rich textures at full price. Sometimes, we all have to make a sacrifice!