my velveteen pumpkins!

my velveteen-pumpkin

My velveteen pumpkin! I used the Pumpkin Patch pattern using a #5 bulky weight (Bernat Velvet, color Golden Moss) yarn and size 8 double point needles. Because of the chenille-like texture, it is very forgiving in gauge and tension.

stemless pumpkin

I plucked off the stem on a ‘real’ smallish pumpkin and hot-glued it to the top of the velvet pumpkin. Love the look and texture!

At the bottom for the blossom-end, I sewed a medium-size button to the base, coordinating the colors for a fun look.

These velveteen pumpkins are a perfect compliment to your knitting harvest this fall!

Happy knitting!

happy Autumn!

pumpkin pillow two!

two sizes of pillow-toss pumpkins

Pumpkin season has arrived, sooner than later this year! Cooler weather, shorter days.

After publishing the Pillow-Toss Pumpkin pattern, I continued playing and came up with a smaller version of the pillow. The smaller pillow measures about 9.5-inches across (the bigger pumpkin pattern measures about 12-inches). With a few edits to the pattern (see link to download below), you too can create a smaller pumpkin pillow!

12-inch pillow-toss pumpkin

Small-Size Pumpkin Instructions:
Knit the pumpkin the same as the original pattern, Pillow-Toss Pumpkin, up to the completion of Round 15 (78 its). Stop after this round. Jump then to Rounds 20-39 and knit the following pattern: *k13, p1*; repeat *to* to the end for 20 rounds.

NOTE: Change to size 11 dps at any time for ease of knitting. Place a stitch pin marker at this point to indicate the BOR.

Once the 20 rounds are complete, jump to Round 44, and begin the decrease rounds. Knit the rest of the pattern as per the original instructions. Assemble the smaller pumpkin pillow the same as the larger one, but use 2 to 3 total yards of Color B yarn for creating the furrow lines (instead of the original 4 yards).


For the smaller pillow-toss pumpkins, I don't attach
a knit leaf or curly vine. Just keep the smaller pillow simple and sweet. The combination of two pillow sizes makes a beautiful autumnal display!

Pillow-Toss Pumpkin Addendum download


Happy knitting!

k1b? Help Me!

(k1b, k1) increase video

Having questions on how exactly you do a 'k1b' increase? Especially in regards to my newest pattern, Pillow-Toss Pumpkin? Well, so glad you asked!

I created a YouTube video to help with this confusion (I'm just learning the how-to's with the video stuff, so be patient with the end result). The 'k1b' increase is easier than it sounds. Knitting below creates a near-invisible increase, perfect when used with super bulky yarn such as this pumpkin pattern calls for.

After viewing the video if you still have questions, don't ever hesitate to contact me personally via email (mariemayhewdesigns@gmailcom). I will gladly walk you through the pattern. No question is too small. Remember, I am always here to help!

(k1b, k1) increase video

Happy knitting!

NEW! pillow-toss pumpkin pattern

pillow-toss pumpkin

Another new 'knit-only' pattern is now available! That's right, no felting required! There is still plenty of time to knit a pumpkin pillow or two to welcome autumn into your home. The warm and cozy texture of this pumpkin captures the season of cooler temperatures and the changing of leaves.

The Pillow-Toss Pumpkin measures about 12-inch/30.48-cm wide by 6-inch/15.24-cm high, including the stem. The pattern uses #6 super bulky yarns for the pumpkin and stem and knit on size 11/8.0-mm needles, so it knits up quick and plenty big; the perfect size for a decorative throw pillow. The pumpkin is knit as one continuous piece, beginning at the bottom and working to the stem. No sewing of seams is required.

The pumpkin in the photo used Plymouth Yarn Company Encore Mega Colorspun #6 super bulky yarns, #1761 Red Bricks (pumpkin) and #7155 Browns (stem). Both the leaf and the corkscrew vines used Malabrigo worsted weight yarn, #113 Jaen.

The recipe for this pattern is a new favorite of mine, Caramel Apple Cream Cheese Spread. The taste of a caramel apple without all the mess!

Happy knitting!

pumpkin patch

pumpkin patch pattern

Create your own pumpkin patch without getting your hands dirty! This fall knit a basket of pumpkins in bright autumn colors.

Introducing my newest pattern, Pumpkin Patch! I am calling it a 'just knit' pattern, the first in my new line of patterns. Knit patterns with no felting required! That's right, no felting.

I am planning on turning several of my existing 'knit & felt' patterns into 'just knit' patterns within the next year. Learning to knit so tight, to create a firmer fabric without felting is a trick for me, but I think I am getting the hang of it.

I really like this pattern for several reasons: one being the texture the simple knit stitch creates, and secondly, the opportunity to use a variety of yarns. No longer am I limited by all-wool yarns. Rather I can use cottons, even ribbon if I wanted too.

The pattern gives instructions to create three pumpkin sizes: small, medium and large. The pumpkin is knit in one continuous piece with no sewing of seams. It is stuffed with fiberfill. Once stuffed, six furrow lines, a lacy knit leaf and a curly beaded vine are attached. Pumpkin Patch is a quick and easy knit. This pattern is recommended for intermediate knitters because experience with double point needles is necessary. Pumpkin Patch is available in either booklet or PDF format. Enjoy!

Happy knitting!