Sewing Fall Decorations
Scarecrows, Autumn Fabric Wreaths, and Wall Hangings
Fall is all about fun. How else can you explain the prevalence of pumpkins and jack-o-lanterns during this time? Use these and other seasonal motifs when sewing tasteful autumn decorations for the home.
Certain themes are commonly used in autumn displays. Scarecrows remain a long-time favorite. No matter what sort of body you create for your scarecrow, he/she needs some clothing to complete the scene.
Scarecrows
When choosing fabrics for your scarecrow’s clothes, coordinate these with the other decorations on display. The clothing style can set the tone for a vignette. So, give this careful consideration. It can be whimsical, folksy, or even serious. Depending on the amount of time and effort you wish to spend on this sewing project, you can either make or buy a hat.
Be creative, and adapt patterns when necessary to achieve the desired effect. For example, use a fall fabric wreath instead of a hat for the scarecrow. Oak and maple leaf-shaped fabric cutouts would look great on the wreath.
Fabric Wreaths
A pattern for a leaf wreath appears in Fast Fun and Easy Christmas Decorations by Linda Johansen. This book was released by C & T Publishing. For Christmas the author used holly leaves. However, you can easily use this pattern for an autumn wreath by substituting fall foliage of your choice.
This pattern uses double sided fusible. Embellish the completed leaves with appropriate trim, such as beads, buttons, crystals, or even metallic fabric paints. For example, use gold paint along the veins of the leaves.
There is also another Christmas pattern for a fabric wreath that works very well for the autumn season—Simplicity’s Fat Quarter Club Holiday Decorations, pattern number 4414. This includes a patchwork wreath that calls for four different fabrics. With care, you can mix and match solids and fall prints for this project. For this design, a little orange goes a long way. If large pieces are used, it could overwhelm the other materials in the wreath.
Both of these fall wreaths are perfect for displaying on doors and walls.
Other Decorations
Fall motifs can also be used in other fall sewing projects, such as wall hangings, banners, and door panels. Four Corners Designs has numerous fall patterns, including September Wreath. This gorgeous wall hanging combines colorful fall foliage, acorns, and seasonal berries. It measures one by two feet. The design uses a combination of easy patchwork and appliqué techniques with red, gold, and green pieced blocks for the top and bottom. When completed, this wall hanging can be quilted if desired.
