Saturday, October 22, 2011

the bliss of autumn...outside and in

We're right in the middle of peak foliage for our state.  It is beautiful outside. Ordinary yards are transformed with brilliant colors and the woods are just magical.   Today John and I took a drive to our favorite heirloom pumpkin stand.
 This is one of my favorite places to visit each autumn.  I always take loads of pictures....the place is pure eye candy!
 I saw these cheese gourds and took this picture specifically for Jodi.  (check out her squash edition..it's very helpful!)  The tag said that the Long Island Cheese was perfect for pies and stored well over a long period.....I think one of these would make a really big pie!
These peanut pumpkins were really fun and unusual.  Two ladies came by and picked one up without any hesitation....they were on a mission and apparently it involved unusual pumpkins. 
 We lingered around the stand taking pictures and watching the chickens and then we took the long way home through the creek.  It was a great little getaway!
Inside, I've been decking the house with these great fabric pumpkins.  These were made from a Patchwork Pumpkin pattern that I bought from RetroMama.   There are three sizes and I made several of each. 
 Kim did a great job writing this pattern. It is chock full of tips and tricks and the photos helped so much.  They were so fun to make.  I held myself to using fabric that I had on hand.  (a self imposed challenge....and it helped use up some of my fall scraps)
 I ended up making 6 pumpkins.  After the first one, I had the hang of it and they went together pretty quickly.  My favorites are the two wool plaid ones which were made from an piece of fabric leftover from a vest my mom made many years ago.
 I gave one to my mom and she showed it off at book club this morning.  All the ladies want me to make them one now!....they are really cute!    I have a feeling I'm not done making these pumpkins.... but for now, I'm going to head out and enjoy the beautiful autumn scenery!
Hopefully you'll find some time this weekend to enjoy the scenery around you....Happy Fall! 

14 comments:

~ The Jolly Bee ~ said...

I'm honored that you thought of me when you saw squash! And what beautiful squash you found. I don't remember there being such varieties around when I was growing up. My mother rotated between acorn and butternut and that was it! I'm glad you had a lovely day.

Gingercake said...

love your pumpkins! your new banner is gorgeous too! sounds like you had a great time pumpkin looking!

trish said...

I just love all of your images! Such a beautiful time of the year.
And your pumpkins are just too cute!
hugs. Trish

Christina said...

Oooo...I love the plaid pumpkins too! They're charming and unexpected. And your photos are lovely as always. We've been soaking in every bit of this beautiful autumn that we can since here in Montana, we never know when the flakes will begin to fly. Yesterday the boys and I did THREE leaf crafts!

Tracy said...

Oh, I love all the pumpkin patches, Lisa... real and fiber! I miss places like that--pumpkin & autumn goodies markets. We have nothing like them here. So I always feel a little homesick during autumn especially. Look at all those pumpkins...*sigh*... LOVE your new banner too. And those fabric pumpkins are just so sweet--and those fabric choices are just wonderful. Thanks for the links. Happy Weekend :o) ((HUGS))

Gigi said...

Oh pretty fall photos, Missy! And I've never heard of a cheese gourd! Hmmmm, a cheese gourd pie - sounds intriguing ;).
Love Love your punkins! You should open an Etsy shop and sell them -- I'd buy one (or 10 ;).
Blessings,
GG

Anonymous said...

Such beautiful photos! Like for Tracy, a stand of squash and pumpkins is not something you see here in Scotland, although the supermarkets do sell pumpkins nowadays. What clever fabric pumpkins! I love the tartan ones.

From All Stitched Up said...

Those pumkins are great. Sounds like a nice ride to the pumpkin farm. It has finally gotten colder here and feels more like fall. It was a lovely weekend.

Leslie said...

I'm so envious of the fall beauty you are enjoying! sigh And what great pumpkins!

Gloria said...

Beautiful Fall photos. I really love your cloth pumpkins! Very cute! My favorite one is that plaid one...very adorable and "Fallish"...:)

I hope you have a wonderful week!

xoxo...Gloria

Kristyn Knits said...

love autumn at your house!! these pumpkins are adorable!! what cute patterns she offers, and you executed it beautifully. I've never seen the peanut pumpkins! how fun!! sounds like you're enjoying ever bit of this colorful season. hugs to all!!

Unknown said...

beautiful autumn photos! love this time of year!!

Designs on 47th Street said...

So good to hear from you!! What pretty, pretty autumn pictures. I just can't get enough of pumpkins, leaves and other signs of fall. I have seen some odd pumpkins but never "peanut pumpkins"! Fun! I love your fabric pumpkins too.

Yes, you are right about the new baby love! :)

Donna

Regina said...

I love the wool plaid!! And the leaves are a really sweet touch. I made a couple with leaves out of wool felt, but I think yours are prettier.