Sunday, October 17, 2021

Pumpkin Patch and park............

 






Just popping in quickly to show you my very own pumpkin patch.  I made the first 12 last weekend and 9 more this weekend.  The first batch were made with a 3/2 rib, so knit 3 and purl 2, the next side is knit 2 and purl 3.  I varied the stitch count, 35 being the largest, knit until it was 9 inches.  I liked the 25-30 stitch range working to 6 or 7 inches.  I even did a smaller version of 15 stitches knitting until it was 5 inches long.   After making the rectangle of your preferred size, sew up the side seams and then catch the bottom stitches every other stitch so you can pull it all together tightly. Next turn it right side out and stick that long tail through the bottom, right at the center, it will look like a little hat at this point with a tail sticking out the top.  Stuff your pumpkin, place the long tail on a needle and pop it thorough the stuffing right in the middle.  Catch the top stitches and pull tightly, use a bit of a knot to hold it all together and there you have a pumpkin shape.  Be sure you leave long tails of yarn at the beginning of the cast on and after casting off for sewing up the sides and shape making. I made 4 stitch I-cords of various lengths for the stems.  You could also use bits of sticks, crochet a stem, whatever works for you.  Sew the stem on and there you have it, a fun pumpkin.  This weekends patch consisted of 5/5 rib.  Five knit, followed by five purl, following the pattern on the alternate side.  Most of these were 25 stiches and about 6 inches long, but there were a few smaller.  I have given almost all of them away, just a few left for myself.  Pumpkin making is so much fun and a lot less messy than dealing with real pumpkins.

I used Lion Brand Wool Ease for this project.  Two skeins each of Mustard, Spice and Kale.  Size 13 needles for the body and size 11 double pointed to make the stems.  I-cords are super fun to make.  So just shy of about 600 yards of yarn used over two weekends to make my pumpkin patch that is no longer in my house.  

Funny, I was watching Gilmore Girls this weekend and happened upon the episode where Stars Hollow has a Knit-a-thon, perfect episode to knit to!

Little Boy and I had a trip to the park today.  It was the first day that it wasn't horrendously hot and humid.  We went on the playground and then took a walk by the lake.  It was a beautiful day to be outside.

Have a good week my friends. I am still not really pulling it together so know I am reading about your wonderful lives, just not commenting or spending a lot of time on the computer. 

21 comments:

Anonymous said...

Those pumpkins look like fun to make and I really like the "I'd rather be..." scene next to them! I'm trying to decide what to bring to my knitting group tomorrow that doesn't require too much attention - pumpkins would work, or crochet owls.

Take care - I hope things ease up for you.

Polly

Betsy said...

Beautiful, beautiful patch of pumpkins dear Meredith. :-) Love that boys smile the best though!
It sounds like a wonderful way to spend time and a walk at the park too? A beautiful day together.
I'm praying for life to calm down a bit for you my friend.
Blessings and hugs,
Betsy

Delighted Hands said...

The break in weather was a gift, that's for sure. I love your pumpkin patch! A day at the park was just what you both needed!

CJ said...

Brilliant pumpkins, I love them. I have Gilmore Girls but I've never got around to watching it, must try and fit it in some time. The park looks fun, and recognise that type of play equipment from when mine were younger, almost exactly the same. I was watching a Youtube chat with a writer I follow earlier who is in Florida and she said it was 89F, I couldn't believe how hot it still is there. We are all about the knitted goods here now, although the sunny afternoons are still lovely. Good for you for being on the computer less, that's not a bad thing I think. Hope you have some down time this week, although no doubt you are still v busy. CJ xx

linda said...

Hi Meredith and thank you for the pumpkin making how to they are amazing and what a great idea. I'm pleased that you and Little Buddy enjoyed your trip to the park. Take it easy my friend and have a great week. xx

Babajeza said...

These are the most beautiful I have seen so far. :-)

Between Me and You said...

Love your pumpkin patch. Love the Gilmore Girls. I'm on to Virgin River Series 2 now. Glad you're both getting out and about. xxx

Araignee said...

Now that's my kind of pumpkin patch!
I love that episode of the Gilmore Girls. I actually love every episode. I'm listening to the I'm All In podcast right now for all the backstories according to Luke.

Nance said...

What a fun collection of pumpkins! Nicely done.

I'm glad you got a day nice enough for a walk and some playtime outdoors. We finally got rid of summer here; it is chilly and fall-like.

Take care and take your time. Too often, we don't stop and nurture ourselves.

Anonymous said...

doing what makes you happy. that's what it's all about!
the pumpkins are darling. and the smiles on Little Buddy's face... always a happy sight! enjoy your life dear heart!
you DESERVE IT! XO

kathy b said...

Meredith,
That pumpkin patch is so fun. Great use of the yarn. 1i1 Buddy is 1ooking great. So grown up now . Im g1ad you had some park time too,
THanks for inc1uding the pattern

Hang in there somehow hang on!

Wanderingcatstudio said...

Fantastic pumpkins! And we always love seeing that adorable boy's face!

handmade by amalia said...

Love the patch of pumpkins, Meredith. I'm sure the autumn fairies all want to live there.
Amalia
xo

Jo said...

It is great to see you have had some knitting therapy on the go. Sending you hugs. Jo xx

Crafty in the Med said...

Lovely to see Little Buddy out and about enjoying himself. Keep smiling LB! Your pumpkin patch is gorgeous! Just love all those Autumn colours. Getting out and about is best...clears the cobwebs away. It is finally cooler here and we will be able to go on a ramble up in the mountains very soon. keep well. Amanda x

karen said...

wow have you been busy! the knitted pumpkins are adorable!!

Jeanie said...

I need to revisit these directions when my head is less foggy. Those are awfully cute and I think I might like to try to make them. It sounds like the number of stitches must be an odd number and does the size of needle matter? They're fabulous!

TheAwakenedSoul said...

Those pumpkins are fabulous! I love the colors. Buddy looks happy and strong.

Eileen said...

Those pumpkins are so darn cute!

Dee said...

Adorable pumpkins. Glad you are able to finally enjoy some cooler weather.

Judy S. said...

What cute pumpkins! Love the photos of LB; he is getting so grown up!