Monday, September 23, 2013

Sweater Sleeve Pumpkins

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I’m out visiting family in Colorado this past week and a half.  Actually I am nannying a sweet 16 month old great nephew while his parents take a 10th anniversary tropical vacation.

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Here is my charge Brady and he runs 90 to nothing about 95% of the time he is awake!  He is so sweet and snuggly unless of course he has something to investigate.  Then Brady is a boy with a mission!  He is a great assistant!

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This was my office while Brady took his middle of the day naps, taking in the beautiful Colorado scenery.  My sis was with me for part of this trip so we hit the Restore and Goodwill stores as we came across them. 

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I found this awesome (but not wool :( ) variegated sweater in shades of oranges and a vague shade of pink here and there.  I cut about 6-8 inch segments of the sleeves to make the pumpkins, just straight across both thicknesses of the sleeve. 

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With the sleeve right sides together stitch up what will be the bottom of the pumpkin with a long running stitch and heavy thread, then turn right side out.  Now stuff the pumpkin with Polyfil stuffing. You can make it as big or little as you want by adding more or less stuffing.  Now gather the top of the pumpkin with a long running stitch and heavy thread. 

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This one I gathered the top really snug and used it as the stem, wrapping it with jute twine. I used the green mohair/wool sweater I found at Goodwill to make the leaves.  I just printed off a an outline of a pumpkin leaf and made two sizes.

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I added curly willow branch cuttings for the pumpkin tendrils.

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These all came from that same pumpkin…you can see the variations in color.  I got two pumpkins out of each sleeve and I made two more “sleeves” from the front and back of the sweater.

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I added them to a newly spray painted plum color basket.

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I may be linking to these great parties!

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20 comments:

Amanda said...

Oh, those are so cute and very creative! I really like the natural element you added with the willow. Did you have any fraying with either of the sweaters?

Maggie said...

Love those pumpkins. What a great idea! Xx

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Love your sweater pumpkins, great tutorial too. Plus that little nephew is just the cutest, so sweet. Thanks so much for linking to Inspire Me. Hugs, Marty

Crafts a la Mode said...

Those are so darned cute!!! Love 'em. Have a great weekend. Linda

Ashley @ Pioneer Momma said...

Those are beautiful! I've been looking for a good project I can use as a centerpiece this season, that won't break the bank. This is such a wonderful idea! Thanks for sharing :-)

--Ashley
PioneerMomma.com

Unknown said...

These are so cute Ellen. Thanks for sharing.
Blessings,
Patti

Unknown said...

Love these, Ellen! :)

Erin Bettis said...

Ellen,

These are so great. You really are creative.

- Erin

Karens Quilts, Crows and Cardinals said...

Love the pumpkins! Now I'm on the hunt for sweaters! Woohoo! Thanks for sharing at Sew Crafty!

Unknown said...

These are precious!! they look so high end but seem so quick and easy to make. If you could share them over at my weekly party I would love it :) Hope to see you pop over!!
http://gracelangdon.blogspot.com/2013/09/making-monday-7.html

Kayla @ Home Coming said...

These are adorable. Good job! I'd love if you'd link up to The DIY'ers! http://homecomingmn.blogspot.com/2013/09/the-diyers-31.html

Jill said...

Awesome pumpkins Ellen! Sounds like you're having a fun trip!
Thanks for linking to a Round Tuit!
Hope you have a fabulous week!
Jill @ Creating my way to Success
http://www.jembellish.blogspot.com/

Barb @ A Life in Balance said...

So cute! I saw your post on Nifty Thrifty Sunday, and wanted to see how you recycled a sweater into a pumpkin.

I would love for you to share your pumpkins at Fabulously Frugal Thursday!

Lisa @ Flour Me With Love said...

These are so cute and clever! Thanks for sharing at Mix it up Monday :)

Crafts a la Mode said...

I love these "pumpkins" and great you could use old sweaters, too. I don't have sweater that cute but I may be able to get them at a tag sale this weekend. So glad you join us each week at What to do Weekends Party. Linda

Kristine@thefoleyfam said...

So creative and cozy! Love them! Thanks for linkin up to Sunday FUNday!

Amber Wills said...

These are adorable! Thanks for linking up to the Pumpkin Parade!

Cassie Bustamante said...

these are so sweet! love the leaves!

michelle@decorandthedog said...

I totally need a sweater pumpkin. Adorable!

Kelly @ A Swell Place to Dwell said...

Really cute! Thanks for linking to the Pumpkin Parade