Think Spring While Stitching Fall! (A Tutorial)

Ok, you’re going to have to adjust your brains for this tutorial because there’s no getting around the fact that it’s definitely an autumn candle mat.

I've had so many requests for the pattern of this design. Since I happen to have an order for a finished one, I thought now would be the ideal time to work on the pattern for it as well.

This one really doesn't have a name yet, so if any of you readers have a suggestion for a good name, please let me know. I've just called it the "Scarecrow pumpkin one". But it needs a cute name.

Ok, so here's my drawing that I have to use to create the pattern. I discovered that I love making scarecrows, so I'm going to warn you now, next ... oh ... August or so ... you're going to probably have to deal with seeing scarecrows in everything I make for the fall.
I've started this design by cutting out the scalloped black wool background. I always mark the "territories" of each scallop so that I can easily fit each of the appliques into their own space so I quickly basted the lines in so that I can clearly and easily see each pie shaped scallop border.

I've selected my wools to use for the pumpkin and the scarecrow. I dyed the orange wool just for this project and I remember from the first time I made this design, I took a lot of time trying to select just the right shade of wool to use for the scarecrow hat. I like the pattern that I used for the first one, but I know when I get the printed pattern finished, the materials list for the hat has to list a wool color that can be easily found.

This picture shows the hat with the wool that I used on the original one.

Here's another tweedy type of wool that looks good for the hat too. For the pattern, I think it will be easier for people to find a brown tweedy fabric so I think I'm going to use this for the design.

Here's the differences between the two wools. Both will work nicely so when the time comes for YOU to make this, be open to trying out different types of wool that you have on hand to see what can work for you.
The bad thing about this particular tweed wool is that it didn't "felt" well, so using it on such a small applique like the hat, will be difficult because stitching it in will break the fibers apart and it won't hold well. So I think I'l cheat a little and iron a light interfacing onto the back of it. But that will come later ...

I'll start first with stitching on the pumpkins. I've pinned the pumpkin shape in place and using matching thread, I'll blanket stitch around the shape.

After all 4 of the pumpkins are stitched on , I've blanket stitched the pumpkin centers on.

Pumpkins are just about finished now with the green stems stitched on. I'll come back later to add the details of the vine tendrils. Now it's time to start on the cute scarecrows....

Using two strands of green embroidery floss, I've blanket stitched the scarecrow shirt on. I usually use #8 pearl cotton threads for any stitching that I do, but for some reason, DMC just doesn't offer a good olive green color in that size thread so I'm forced to use regular embroider floss.

The shirts are stitched on and now I've stitched the matching collar on. The wool that I've used for the shirt felted nicely so there is no fraying. Because of that, I think I'll leave the bottom part of the collar unstitched to give the look more dimension. If the wool that you use frays a bit, then certainly, stitch it down so that it doesn't break apart.

Now it's time to stitch the head on. This is getting close to my favorite part which is adding in the details on the face to make the scarecrow come alive. But that will come in the next tutorial because I still have lots more to do on this before I give them faces.

That's all for today. I'll do the next steps of the tutorial on Sunday, so keep watch! The pattern for this should be ready to sell sometime next week, so watch for the announcement.

For the next steps of the tutorial go here: Think Spring While Stitching Fall! (#2 Tutorial)

and here: Think Spring While Stitching Fall! (#3 Tutorial)

I woke up to lots of new snow this morning. This monster size 7 foot snowman was made by Rach and her boyfriend Carlyle last week. He has a galvanized bucket for a hat but there's so much new snow, the bucket is completely covered. I thought the snowman looks so cute with all the fresh snow on him. Actually, he looks pretty disqusted with the new snow, doesn't he?

The "Love Ewes" candle mat pattern is still available at the $8.00 (including shipping) special preorder price until tonight. The price will go up to the regular selling price of $9.50 after that.

Thank you to all who have responded. I really appreciate all the kind words of support.

Happy Day everyone!