Autumn Leaves, California

So it may not be “officially” autumn for another week or so, but I for one can’t wait! I’ve heard people say that we don’t have seasons in California, but we do. They are more subtle, but are every bit as enjoyable as anywhere else. To celebrate the changing season, I’d like to share a pattern for making a crochet pumpkin.

This pumpkin is made in spiral rounds (like amigurumi), using the same techniques as my “Increasingly Evenly” tutorial. I used Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick, a super bulky wool/acrylic blend with a size “L” (8mm) crochet hook. The finished project is 7″ across and 9″ tall.

Pumpkin

AmyGurumi Pumpkin

Rnd 1 – Work 6 sc into magic ring or chain start. Pull ring closed
Rnd 2-8 – Increase evenly to 48 sts.
Rnd 9-14 – Work even (48 sts).
Rnd 15-21 – Decrease evenly to 6 sts; work in ends and begin stuffing when you have 18 sts left. Fasten off leaving long tail. Use tail to catch the front loop of each stitch and pull the remaining circle closed.

Stem

Rnd 1 – Work 4 sc into magic ring or chain start. Pull ring closed.
Rnd 2 – Work 2 sc into each st around (8 sts).
Rnd 3-7 – Work even (8 sts).
Rnd 8 – [Sc into next st; ch 5; sc in each ch; sl st] repeat around. To make fewer points around, sl st instead. You can also vary the number of chains to create a more uneven, “natural” look.

Vine

Ch 20. Sl st in each ch; fasten off.

This is a simple project that can you can use as a starting point for many variations. Try increasing to a greater number of stitches before working even if you’d like a larger pumpkin. For a taller pumpkin, work even for more rounds.

You can also achieve a different look by using the same pattern with a worsted weight yarn. Keep in mind that your pumpkin will be much smaller unless you increase the number of stitches.

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Our friends over at CRAFT are hosting a crochet-along for a tiny, brushed amigurumi panda designed by Tamie Snow of Roxycraft. Check out the site to join in the fun. The project is co-sponsored by Lion Brand Yarn.

This is a great way to score a wonderful FREE pattern, and learn a new technique: brushed yarn, which seems to be all the rage these days.

There’s a Flickr group to show off your work, and Tamie will be giving a lesson September 7 at noon Pacific. Not sure how the lesson is going to work; I’m assuming that details will be forthcoming from CRAFT. Flickr group members who post pictures will be eligible to win giveaways including Tamie’s book, Tiny Yarn Animals.

Let me know if you’re planning on participating!

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Here’s a quick and easy pattern using simple shaping. You can produce an egg in a matter of minutes. I worked this pattern with a size D hook and worsted weight acrylic yarn; finished size is about 2″ long. The eggs are pictured here with my Nest Box. Enjoy!

Eggcelent Eggs
Rnd 1 – Make double ring. Work 6 sc into ring (6 sts).
Rnd 2 – 2 sc in each st (12 sts).
Rnd 3 – Sc in each st (12 sts).
Rnd 4 – [2 sc in next st; sc in following st] repeat around (18 sts).
Rnd 5-6 – Sc in each st (18 sts).
Rnd 7 – [Inv dec over next 2 sts; sc in following st] repeat around (12 sts).
Rnd 8-9 – Sc in each st (12 sts).
Rnd 10 – Inv dec over next 2 sts; repeat around (6 sc). Fasten off. Weave in ends.

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