Pumpkin garland & a giveaway!!

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Today is my day to participate in the Pick A Pumpkin blog hop sponsored by Creatin’ by the Sticks.   Thank you Carla for organizing another great blog event.  We were asked to make anything big or small provided it has a pumpkin.  While I often fret over what to sew, it always seems to work out in the end.  This time I got the spark of an idea from a little birthday gift. 

My hubby’s birthday was this past week.  The night before, after he had already gone to sleep, I decorated his bathroom mirror with a garland of paper elephants. He has a real love of elephants and has started a little collection of sculptures.  When I found this garland, made by a women’s collective in Nepal, I knew just what to do with it.  As you can see below, he woke up to a garland-festooned mirror and a sign wishing him a happy birthday. 

 

The mirror is fogged up but you can see these little elephants twisting and turning all around.
Aren’t these little guys so cute? They are simply sewn with little dots for eyes.
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I cut the pumpkins freehand and this one is my favorite.  The leaves and stem actually look decent.

I thought it might be fun to make a garland with fabric pumpkins.  I used scraps of orange and green and dipped into my bag of interfacing scraps.  I ironed interfacing onto the backs of the fabric, then cut out pumpkin shapes and stems with leaves. Using a muted green colored thread, I sewed the stems and leaves onto the pumpkin bases.  Then I chain pieced the top sections of the pumpkins to string them together.  I could have left more room between the pumpkins for the garland to be sparse.  Given that I put mine up on an oval mirror, it worked just fine.  If you make a one for a mantle, to keep them from crowding, I recommend that you sew more thread between the actual images. 

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Fabric pumpkin garland. 

This simple garland could work with different shapes for any holiday or birthday.  I could easily picture hearts on Valentine’s Day or for an anniversary, snow men for winter etc… Another idea is to embroider a slogan or greeting onto the garland.  You could keep them long at the ends and add bells, pom-pom or tassels to jazz them up.  Such a simple project and it has many possibilities.  Give it a try when you want to use up some scraps.   Have fun…but keep reading for info on a giveaway.

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The fabric garland taped up on my guest bathroom mirror. This could also be great on a window or mantle.  

So, about that giveaway.  I sometimes enjoy reading quilting magazines for information and inspiration.  The only problem is that I can’t seem to throw them out when I’m done with them.  They gather and stare at me on my coffee table.   I realized others may be happy to read them, therefore I have two giveaways planned!!  Post a comment here on my blog and tell me your favorite quilt style or pattern.  Two winners will get 3 fat quarters of fabric along with a stack of “gently used” magazines.  It gets even better because sometimes the magazines come with a gift like a template or little pattern book.  I’m going to send you one of those too, but it may or may not match the accompanying magazine.  It’s a win-win for us all.  I get to recycle some great publications and you get them to read them as if they’re brand new.  

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Giveaway:  sample of possible magazines, gifts and fat quarters that two of you can win.

GIVEAWAY FOR TWO WINNERS:  Win a stack of 4 or so past issues each of quilting magazines plus 3 fat quarters & a “gift”.  The quilting magazines are in great condition and, to the best of my knowledge, have all pages intact.  On or before Monday, November 19, 2018, post a comment on my blog telling me your favorite quilt style or pattern.  This will help inform what sort of magazines I should pull for you from the stack.   Two of you can win some goodies.  

UPDATE: 11/22/18 HAPPY THANKSGIVING to all and congrats to Susan and Carol who won the giveaways.  The goodies are shipped and on the way to you both.  Stay tuned for further blog hops and more giveaways in the future.  

Check out more talented designers and pumpkin projects on the schedule below.  

Monday, November 5th
Tuesday, November 6th
Wednesday, November 7th
Thursday, November 8th
That Fabric Feeling  YOU ARE HERE

 

111 responses to “Pumpkin garland & a giveaway!!”

  1. Such a sweet garland of pumpkins! I have many scraps of interfacing and stabilizer that would work well for a project like this….time to get stitching, right? I prefer modern quilt designs or improv. Nothing too fussy or with tiny pieces. Great way to recycle your beloved magazines!

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    • Kathy, Yes, it’s a great use of scraps without being too tedious. I would love to see your quilts…bet they’re gorgeous.

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    • Thanks. I love it too but being kind of short, it does make it harder for me to see in the mirror. I have to use my tippy toes. Best next time to use a lower mirror perhaps.

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  6. Good Morning!! How cute is that banner for your husband??!! Those elephants are TOO cute. I’ll bet he loved them. I need, I mean NEED, to PIN this idea for sure. I have littles that would adore these. And the pumpkins!!! You just freehanded them. Amazing. I don’t free hand anything – not even stick figures. As to which quilts I like to make or love – modern, classic, bright, bold, neutral, muted – definitely an eclectic mix draws me in. Happy Happy FRIDAY! ~smile~ Roseanne

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    • Roseanne, thanks so much. Yes, I free handed the pumpkins. You can see that they got a bit better as I went along. Surprisingly, the leaves were the more challenging part. I wanted to be sure they looked like pumpkins and not tomatoes!

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    • There are lots of applique treats in every magazine. Sadly, I tend not to go that route so i’m thrilled to pass these on.

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  8. Your garland is so clever and adorable!! I enjoy paper piecing and I like quilts with lots of negative space I can play with the quilting on. Thank you for the opportunity to win your magazines and fabric!!

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    • Thanks so much for stopping by. I guess garlands are my obsession for the month or so! When to take them down…now that’s a question.

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  9. I really like your pumpkin garland! I am more of a traditional quilter; still in the learning process. I’ve tried EPP with hexies, paper piecing is a technique I haven’t experimented with yet.
    nikilsend(at)outlook(dot)com

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    • When you’re ready, you may love paper piecing. It’s excellent for getting those perfect corners and edges. That said, take your time and savor the journey.

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  10. I have been a pretty traditional quilter but am moving in to more modern designs! Thanks for the chance at the give away!!

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  11. Aww, your garland is super cute and adds so much fall charm to your mirror. It just warms my heart. I like modern and contemporary quilting – thank you for the fantastic giveaway. AND thank you for joining the Pick a Pumpkin blog hop.

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    • Carla, thanks as always for organizing it. I’ve been out of the country and just returned and will announce the winners soon. I love that you inspire us to keep creating and sharing.

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    • With your love of applique, you could easily turn them into garlands for special occasions. It was a fun surprise and makes me smile each time that I see them.

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  14. I like traditional patchwork that isn’t too hard; although a lot “beginner” quilts seem a bit overly simple; I do like a bit of detail in things. But I tend to stick with straight lines! I usually make either baby quilts or full-sized bed quilts; I don’t do a lot of wall decorations or other projects, although I will sometimes do some paper piecing.

    (If it helps, I’m finishing a baby quilt that I designed myself based on the main fabric; it’s a variation of a 9-patch (I altered the proportions because the feature fabric was a fairly large print) hand did some embroidery, and I’m just starting a Swoon quilt (16 block queen size)).

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    • Jess, what is a swoon quilt other than gorgeous!? I love that you’re designing your own quilts. I try that but am very much a newbie in that department.

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  15. I love your pumpkin garland and the elephants are too cute! I like traditional patterns and I like to use bright modern fabrics. Thanks for sharing!

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    • Cecilia, I also love those elephants too much. I am having trouble thinking of taking them down but it may be time soon.

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  16. Your banners are so cute. What a great idea for your husband’s birthday morning. The pumpkin one is also appealing, and now that you started my mind working, I can see lots of uses for this idea! Thanks so much for the chance at the giveaway. That sounds like a great prize to me. I love traditional things, and piecing and stitchery and appliqué. I’ve even been dabbling with modern, but I don’t do paper piecing. Have a great weekend!

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    • Thanks so much for the lovely comments. Garlands do have so many application possibilities. I will have a hard time coming up with a morning surprise for him next year. I also love so many quilt styles, but the modern ones really wow me!

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    • Diane, there is no pattern. I just made it up by myself. Go online and search pumpkin shapes…cartoon books outlines and things like that. The most important part is to make the leaves look less like a tomato and more like a pumpkin top. However, anything goes and have fun trying it for any other holiday too!

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    • Right!? The elephants are such a fun garland idea. Wish I had thought of it but so glad to support a women’s cooperative. The pom poms on the end are the best touch too!

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  19. What a cute garland. My favorite quilt style is probably traditional. One of my favorite patterns is the turning twenty series.

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  20. I love your pumpkin garland! So cute. I love traditional patterns. My favorite is probably the simple but oh so versatile nine patch! Thanks for the chance to win.

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    • Janet, thanks so much for stopping by. I struggle with the negative space but it does look wonderful on those modern quilts made by others.

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  22. I am still developing my quilt style. I tend to look for modern and modern takes of traditional blocks. I enjoy paper piecing and piecing. Cute pumpkin garland.
    kthurn(at)bektel(dot)com

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    • I also love modern takes on traditional blocks. There are so many clever quilters out there and I am floored by their creativity! Thanks so much for stopping by.

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    • Thanks for stopping by. I go in spurts with foundation paper piecing. There’s just something about it that appeals to me. I have tried making my own patterns but sadly, that’s not my strength. I love the many FPP patterns that are out there already!

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  25. I’m trending toward more modern looking quilts these days. thanks so much for the inspiration and giveaway.

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    • Thanks so much for stopping by. Do you mean churn dash? I find it such a fun design when applied in a modern quilt. I have always been drawn to fall colors, as you described. Maybe because I grew up in California, I”m always so tickled at seeing the leaves turning gorgeous colors here on the east coast!

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  27. Wow, your garlands are cute! My favorite kind of quilt is scrappy. I just love having many interesting fabrics all put in there together. Extra fun to make and extra fun to look at.

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    • You’re so right that scrappy is extra fun! When I look at quilts that appeal to me the most, they are inevitably scrappy. I guess it’s the organized chaos of them that fits my personality too!

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  28. Very sweet pumpkin banner. Thanks for sharing the easy how-to-do. There is no backing fabric on these or have I misread? Thank you for sharing in the hop … 🙂 Pat

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    • Pat, nope…no backing except for interfacing. Easy peasy as they say! Of course, if you wanted to do a backing and hang it where both sides can show, that’s always doable. I went with simple but by all means, make it your own and have fun!

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  30. Cute garlands. I like traditional, stars, lattice, mariners compass. The green/ black, pink checkerboard, and the 2 leaf fabrics are the fabrics I would pick, if there is a choice.

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  32. Adorable little pumpkin garland and I love the Elephants from Nepal. Love your giveaway. I like scrappy quilts and applique quilts, but am always up for trying something new and different. Have a very happy Thanksgiving!

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    • Joan, same to you…happy thanksgiving. I just got back yesterday from a trip overseas and while it was lovely, I”m really looking forward to some turkey and pie! Hope your holiday is great!

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  33. I’ll bet he was surprised to find elephants in his bathroom in the morning. Cute idea. I think of myself as a more traditional quilter, but longing to be more modern.

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    • Mary, He was quite surprised and I was just thrilled to have pulled one over on him. He’s hard to surprise so this little touch was a victory for me as well! I know exactly what you mean by longing to be more modern. Those quilts styles are always so fresh and wonderful. I tend not to go that route because I doubt myself. It’s something to aspire to though, right!?

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  34. Your garland is fantastic and looks perfect on the oval mirror.. I seem to be gravitating to applique quilts these days, and always Halloween. 🙂 Thanks for the chance to win.

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    • KJ, I think I have only one scrap of Halloween fabric in my stash. It’s great how we all have our specialties and favorites. It’s what makes this creative endeavor so fun!

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  35. I really don’t have a favorite style or pattern. I always say…”If it has to do with fabric, thread, needles, or thread, I love it!” The garland is wonderful and would add such a sweet touch to home. Thanks for sharing the story about the elephant garland. “Happy Birthday, hubby.”

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    • Lj, Thanks so much. I”ll pass on your good wishes. The garland is just a fun little thing for those times when we want something different. The elephants make my head fill with possibilities. It would be a fun baby gift too for a nursery.

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    • I guess I love pumpkins all year long but it is perfect right now, isn’t it!? I would love to see a gingerbread man garland for a holiday decoration.

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  38. I sure do like your pumpkin garland! Really cute! Not sure that I have a favorite pattern. Rail fence is nice when I need a quick gift. Thanks for sharing.

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    • Tracy, I started an EPP quilt awhile ago and it is rather a slow process for me. I admire Rita’s work at redpepperquilts and don’t know how she works so fast and precise on large quilts. Mine are so slow going and my stitches often seem clumsy. I have about the size of a baby quilt right now but will keep at it and see where it goes. Good luck with your foray into EPP. It is wonderfully addictive!

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    • Ahh, shucks. I wish it was original to me but i’m sure i’ve seen it somewhere. Feel free to take it and run! Sharing is caring and we all inspire one another.

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  41. My favorite quilt style is Quilt in A Day. I have made many of Eleanor Burns’ patterns and some, such as Candy Cane, Log Cabin and Irish Chain multiple times. Your pumpkin banner idea was great!
    Connie

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    • Connie, I haven’t really learned enough about Eleanor Burns. She seems like someone I could learn a great deal from. Irish Chain is always great. I have a book by Melissa Corry called Irish Chain Quilts: Contemporary Twists on a Classic Design. Many of her patterns surprised me. If you have a chance check it out on amazon and browse through to see what I mean.

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  42. I have been using the Disappearing Nine Patch pattern for quilts in various sizes while reducing my stash of Christmas fabric.

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    • Allison, I also prefer piecing over applique. Every now and then though, some hand piecing would be fun. That’s why I have an ongoing EPP project that will probably never end!

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    • Jocelyn, Thanks for stopping by. When my mother in law was around, she bought us an antique bow tie quilt that I cherish to this day. I don’t let the kids use it much, but now that they’ve grown a bit…maybe it’s time to dig it out for comfort.

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  45. I love your garland, great idea!! I also love quilting magazines, and am not picky to the type!! I like to be challenged, so all magazines are of interest to me!!

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    • You have a great attitude. As you can see from my photo, I also love magazines. I’m thrilled to try and share them rather than toss such fun reading!

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  46. Your pumpkin garland is very cute on the mirror. I also can see it for valentine’s day or winter, etc. I like all kinds of quilt patterns and enjoy piecing and hand applique`. Thanks for sharing and a chance to win.

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    • Sandi, yup…keep on thinking that way. It has endless possibilities. Plus, using up our scraps would be the bonus!

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  47. Your garland is sew very cute!! You could also write names on them and use for place cards for Thanksgiving dinner!

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    • Brenda, great idea with placecards! I just got back from a trip overseas and thankfully, our feast will just be us and not many. We have these funny pom pom turkey placecards made by the kids many years ago. For fun, we dig them out each year and use them for laughs. Like my now 20 year old son then wrote, “Ant” miriam, which we all love!!

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    • Elizabeth, that would be a fun accent on chairs. They are quick to make but I think we’re out for this year. I’m looking forward to a low key turkey and pie meal. Our addition this year will be my drinking age boys making a signature cocktail for the meal. It’s a mess, but they love playing around and letting us “grown-ups” taste their creation.

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