Thursday, October 6, 2011

Celebrations: black velvet pumpkins

Making velvet pumpkins has been popular for a few years now and they've been on my list of projects to make since I first saw them.


I’ve seen some absolutely gorgeous velvet pumpkins on several sites in deep rich colors like, copper, burgundy, auburn, gold and even blue. I especially love the ones that use real pumpkin stems.


When I spied a roll of black velvet in the remnant bin of the fabric store I knew I could put it to good use. However, I couldn’t find any real pumpkin stems. 



These pumpkins are fairly easy to make.
  1. Cut a circle out of your fabric.
  2. With a needle and thread, gather the outer edge of the circle with a running stitch. Pull your thread so that your pumpkin is partially closed. Do not cut your thread yet.
  3. Fill your pumpkin about 1/3 full with beans, rice or some other weighted filler.
  4. Fill the rest of your pumpkin with fiber fill or other soft stuffing.
  5. Insert a stem into your pumpkin. You can use a real pumpkin stem or a branch like I did. I also added a few stems of autumn floral that I had spray painted gold.
  6. Pull your thread tightly around the stem so that the raw edges are tucked inside. Add a few more stitches to secure and tie off.
The black velvet was difficult to photograph and it’s hard to see the gathers in the pumpkins so here’s the same photo as above brightened and with the contrast increased so you get an idea of how the gathered fabric looks. 


Even without the real pumpkin stems, I’m happy with how these turned out. 


  ……………………………………………………………………


Thank you for visiting. Please consider voting for me at
Babble's Top 50 Mom Craft Blogs.
{Currently #61 on page 2}

  ……………………………………………………………………

This project is linked at the parties listed here and 
Visit thecsiproject.com
UndertheTableandDreaming  Tip Junkie handmade projects Childmade  Tickled Pink at 504 Main
Fox Hollow Cottage

13 comments :

  1. They are beautiful, Carolyn. I've been eyeing the velvet pumpkins, too, and thinking about making some.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Those are GORGEOUS!!! LOVE,LOVE,LOVE them!

    XOXO,
    Tasha

    ReplyDelete
  3. Love the black velvet used. It is really snazzy! Saw you on Tip Junkie. Come visit me http://littlebirdthreads.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  4. Of all of the beautiful things you've made and there have been MANY, these may just be the most beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I have seen the velvet pumpkins too but have never tried making them. Thanks so much for showing us how you did them. I saw your post over at "Frugalicious Me".

    ReplyDelete
  6. Awesome idea and fantastic tutorial. I'm your newest follower - thanks so much for visiting our site as well. You are welcome to drop by anytime!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Just wanted to let you know I featured these as part of my BFF Open House wrap up and features! Thanks so much for making it such a wonderful party. Please feel free to grab a featured button from my sidebar if you would like!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Love these, looks very expensive and beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Oooh, very fancy! I love the velvet, what a great idea!

    ReplyDelete
  10. I agree, they are gorgeous! Great project! I think the stems look fantastic too!!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Carolyn, these black velvet pumpkins are gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Oh so chic! Love the rich black :)

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for visiting and leaving a comment. I enjoy reading and responding to your comments. If you do not hear back from me via email your profile is most likely defaulted to no reply-comment or anonymous and I am unable to respond.