Pumpkins

It’s not really fall in Arizona. We “enjoy” hundred degree days until Halloween. And since we don’t really have fall in the Valley/Phoenix area, I think that’s why people are very into a monthlong display of Halloween paraphernalia…trying to force a fall feeling even when it’s still hot and feels like summer…I do not exclude myself. While I have kids trick or treating in my neighborhood I will enjoy my tacky yard display….

Inside I’m more a leaves and pumpkins gal. I changed my decor over for fall, such as it is. I like seeing these favorites displayed with some nice fake leaves on the mantel…

and here’s a bit of fall in my foyer display…

I decided I need more seasonal stitching in my life, so I did get to work on that Blackbird pumpkin pin cushion….

It looks ok, right? But UGH. I’m starting over. I told the whole story to my husband and got it off my chest so I won’t recount (ha ha x-stitch pun) it here except to say I miscounted from the black border and there’s not enough space to fit the stitched zig zag border between the vine and the black stripes. I like that element of the design so I’m flipping the fabric around and restarting on the other side. I guess it represents about 2 hours of stitching, and it would take me a long time to pick it out of the toweling, so starting over is better. I might do it this year but…

I also picked up this Chessie and Me project this past weekend, Halloween Mini, and quickly got addicted to it:

Both are fun but I obviously like stitching on the Chessie kit better. It came with Gloriana silks! And you know what the fastest way to finish something is? Keep stitching on it without interruptions. I’m going to just do this one until it’s done so I feel accomplished. Then I’ll go back to the BBD one.

I love a good black cat/ pumpkin project and have several in my stash. I would like to make a display of them someday. I should assign myself one a year. Here are some of my favorites: