project // the great pumpkin stockings

"The pumpkins were hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that the Great Pumpkin soon would be there."

That's how that poem goes, right?

For those of you who are new to Wild Olive, let me start this by introducing my family. I'm the oldest of six kids and my youngest sister is 9 years old. We love holidays and generally enjoy a bit of silliness.

In the last few years, we've started talking more about the Great Pumpkin (you know, as in, It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown). We've left notes out in yard near where the pumpkins were growing, and other such things. My little brothers and sister know that it's all in jest, and they love it!

So this year, my little sis said that I should make some pumpkin "stockings" so we could hang them on the mantle. It was just too fun to pass up! Read on for the pattern and DIY, as well as some fun ways to use this, even if you aren't inviting the Great Pumpkin to your house.



You will need:
(makes one)

1/4 yard orange fabric (or two pieces if you would like contrasting lining)
1/4 yard mid-weight fusible interfacing
15-inch piece of ribbon
2 buttons (I used leaves, but plain ones will do!)
embroidery floss
black felt

iron
scissors
pins
sewing machine
needle and thread
fabric glue

Pumpkin Stocking PDF Pattern

A note on fabric: I was making six of these, so I bought six cuts, then staggered the fabrics for the linings, so I got contrast without waste. Also, if your fabric store doesn't always give you straight, full cuts, you may want to be safe and get 1/3 yard, as you will need a full 1/4 for this.



Iron the fusible interfacing onto the back of your outside fabric. The width of the interfacing will be just enough for the shapes to be cut.



Using the templates and adding a 1/4-inch seam allowance, cut two outside pieces and two lining pieces.



Pin an outside piece to a lining piece with right sides together. Sew across the top edge. Repeat for the other pieces.



Now, place the sewn pieces right sides together, so that the lining matches the lining and the outside matches the outside. Sew around the shape, leaving an opening in the lining section. You can see where I pinned the opposite direction to make sure I didn't sew it closed. Also, you'll want to back stitch at the start and stop, since you'll be turning this right side out.



Clip the curves, and carefully snip the indent. Just don't cut through any stitches!




Turn the pumpkin right side out and smooth the curves. You'll notice that on the sides where the shapes meet, it's a little puckered. Don't worry, that will go away soon.

Stitch the opening in the lining closed. I used ladder stitch, but whip stitch works too.



Push the lining into the pouch and again, smooth everything out. Give it a nice ironing too, because it will be wrinkly from turning it.



Trim the ends of your ribbon piece and sew it on at the two edges of the opening. You can stitch through all of the layers, the ribbon, and the buttons at one time using three strands of orange embroidery floss.



Cut out the face pieces from black felt and use fabric glue to attach them.

You could stitch these on before you start sewing the bag together, but remember...I had six to make. Glue sped things up, and it looks nice and neat!




Hey! Your pumpkin stocking is finished! Now, I realize that your family may not be quite as quirky as we are, so instead of hanging these by your fireplace, consider these options:

Halloween purse for your little girl
Trick-or-treat pouch for your little one in a stroller
Super special gift bag




But come on. You've gotta admit that a row of pumpkins on your mantle would be pretty sweet, right?

I've heard that the Great Pumpkin will be filling these with each person's favorite candy treat (because you never seem to get enough of your favorite while trick-or-treating). However, they would be perfect as a way to give kids healthy treats, let kids with food allergies have some special treats, or even some fun little non-sweet treats!



I'm hoping for Almond Joys in my pumpkin...what would you be wishing for from the Great Pumpkin?