Jacquie's Up-Cycle Nation: Cashmere Pumpkin Patch

Pumpkin Season is in full swing! Leaves are falling, sweaters and scarves are layered on, and fresh pumpkins wait to be carved into jack-o-lanterns!  Houses are decorated inside and out as apple cider scented air wafts through open windows!  It's the perfect time to up-cycle old cashmere sweaters into sweet mini pumpkins!

Cashmere sweaters are easy to find in thrift stores this time of year.  Lambswool and Shetland wool sweaters also work well.  And don't stress if orange wools can't be found because hand-dying is easy- peasey. 

To prep the sweaters for crafting, machine wash and dry on high heat to felt the wool. If dying is necessary it should be done after felting. Prepare dye according to manufacturer's instructions. Cut the sweaters into strips and soak in the dye for approximately 15 minutes. Rinse and set out in the sun to dry.  I used a variety of  beige and pink shaded sweaters and was rewarded with a nice variety in orange hues.

 

Once the fabric is dry, press out the wrinkles with an iron on high heat. Cut strips into rectangles and squares ranging from 2 inches to 6 inches tall. This will create a nice variety in finished size and shape.  Fold each piece in half, right sides together, and stitch side opposite the fold.

 Now the wee pumpkins are ready to come to life!  Time to prep the finishing supplies:

Follow these eight simple steps for every pumpkin size. When creating the pumpkin sections (steps 7 and 8), start by anchoring floss at the top of the pumpkin and run floss down the outside of the pumpkin, bringing the needle back to the top by running it through the center of the pumpkin and repeating this action eight times.

Time for toppers!  Wee pumpkins need only a simple stem of fabric wrapped floral wire.  But for pumpkins 4 inches and larger the raffia-wrapped floral wire looks best accented with a wool leaf and curl.  Using wire cutters, snip stems 1.5-2 inches long. Leaves can be cut in random patterns for a touch of whimsy.

Using the wire stem, wiggle the wire around the top center of the pumpkin to create a small hole where the stem will be inserted. Remove stem and apply a small dab of glue into the hole. Reinsert stem and set aside to dry.

To apply leaves and curl to larger pumpkins, insert fabric wrapped wire alongside the raffia wrapped wire.  Pierce leaf upon the thin wire and push it down to the stem base, pressing firmly into remaining glue.

Use a thin paint brush end to wrap the wire, creating a curl.  Use jewelry pliers to shape wire stems and curls as desired.

Have fun!  Get wildly creative!  But use caution!  This craft is so easy and cost-effective, it's easy to end up with an abundant harvest in just a few hours!

To find gently used sweaters to up-cycle in your area simply Google search resale shops within your zip code.

LOVE  &  UP-CYCLE NATION!!

Jacquie Wheeler

Hand of Bela Peck

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Jacquie's Up-Cycle Nation: Purrrfect Cashmere Cats

 My studio machines are humming away making sweet toys for island visitors at Hendley Market in Galveston, Texas. One popular item is the "Purrrfect Pet", aka- cats. This sweet up-cycling project is easy, affordable, and something the kiddos can help in creating.

Supplies: old wool or cashmere sweater (Get crazy beyond solid colors- go for stripes and bold patterns!), fiber stuffing,  tracing paper, scissors, beads, thread and embroidery floss.

Fold the tracing paper in half.  On the fold sketch out half a fat cat form.  Cut along outline.  Unfold cat form to have a full cat pattern. 

 

Cut two of the cat forms from the desired section of sweater. Sleeves can be used having only to cut out the ears at the top.

  
Machine stitch right sides together.  Leave the bottom open.

 Turn the cat right side out and stuff.  Using a gather stitch, pull the bottom closed and tuck the rough edges inside.  Stitch a decorative circle to the base if preferred.

Personalize each cat with an embroidered face.  Get creative by using beads for eyes, stitch a heart to the body, or add a bow for whimsy

Don't have any sweaters you want to chop?  Check out your local thrift store.  Not only do you get a great project for pennies but you also help a charity in the process. 

LOVE  &  UP-CYCLE NATION!

Jacquie Wheeler

Hand of Bela Peck

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