how to stick a needle and thread all the way through those big purple pumpkins

Last week I got together with my friend Mary Joan so we could make stuffed pumpkins.  And boy, did we make some pumpkins. 

I am not sure why we decided to make purple ones.  Except for the fact that I had some purple velvet from who knows what project and it seemed like a good way to use it.  And if your are going to make something purple you might as well make it BIG.

We were concentrating too much for me to take a lot of photos during the process.  If you google making stuffed pumpkins you will find lots of methods.  We used a combination of all of them.  For the stuffing we used the insides of pillows, plastic pellets, and beans.  Sometimes all 3 in one.  We were experimenting.  I can't say that any one is better than another.  

This one above might be the favorite one that I made.  Or it could be the little bitty taffeta one below. 

I think I like this one best of all the one's that Joan did.

But it's hard to make up my mind for sure.  I like all the ones below just as well. 

The bottom line is these were completely do-able and very fun.  Did I mention we did them at Joan's house and she made a pumpkin dump cake for a mid-morning pick me up and then chicken salad croissant sandwiches for lunch? 

Long after these pumpkins have faded away I will remember Mary Joan and I trying to figure out how to stick a needle and thread all the way through those big purple pumpkins AND be able to get it through to the other side.  Needle nose pliers are helpful. 

It's hard to fully explain the complete enjoyment of a crafting adventure with a dear friend.   But if you have experienced it, you now what I mean. 

Comments

[Caroline Berk]

The purple, the plaid and the knit! I see your decorations and think that I will make them but then I go do something else and forget about it until too late. Could you start doing your things about six months ahead, please? ;-). Great job. Give Mary Joan my compliments, please.

[Heidi Sue]

Couldn't agree more, Carol! The times I've spent creating with friends are some of the most memorable and enjoyable I've had! These pumpkins are so great! Perfect combo of whimsical/traditional colors. Love the real stems! I might need to copy you!

[karen]

I agree Carol. I look around my house and see many things made by hand and reminisce about who I made that with on which "crafting" day. Most spent with my friend of 25 years who I lost in a whirlwind of pancreatic cancer.

My favorite pumpkin (so far this year) is the one you knitted. So cute.

[SarahS]

I LOVE those purple pumpkins!!!

[Chris Oliveira]

Love them all. And especially the purple!