Gather a Harvest

I admit it – I love designing for the Fall season. With it’s rich colors & textures, the words flow easily.

I wrote this ditty a few years ago when I was asked by Cross Stitch & Needlework magazine to design an acorn door hanger (do they sit in a meeting and say ‘we want an acorn doorhanger…let’s ask Cathy’)?

At the time, I actually designed the larger sampler as well, but the acorn was the only part in the magazine. This Fall season, I felt it was a good time for that sampler to see the light of day – so it got a make-over – yes, kind of like the make-over TV shows: the squirrel got a re-do as did the colors.

Now – when you say the words in your head – you must say ‘Leisure’ the hoity-toity way…’le-sure’ to make the rhyme work. That’s the way I wrote it…you can make our own adjustments.

I had some emails about the acorn doorhanger finishing. I’ve come up with a crude, but useful pattern. There will be a link below to print a version, but 1st a few directions:

Acorn Cap – cut 2. I don’t know if the sizing will stay true when you print the pdf, so I’ve included measurements for a point of reference. The 2nd picture is the back of the doorhanger so you can see a little more of it’s construction.

I’ve given directions in the chart for finishing the stitched portion. You will insert the stitched portion between the layers of wool (I pinked my edges for that extra cuteness factor) as well as the acorn stem (you will need 2 of those as well; stitch the 2 stem pieces together with a running stitch all around before inserting into the top of the acorn cap.

A few well placed pins will keep everything (stitching & acorn stem) in place as you stitch cap front & back together with a running stitch (I used 3 strands of a coordinating floss color).

I chose several yummy colors from my wool collection (yes, I have a wool collection) for the leaves. Cut 2 in each color. I like the depth that 2 layers gives. Sew them together with a running stitch all around & add a few veins & lines in the middle of the leaf for added texture.

I also added the JABC Herringbone button with a touch of cool ribbon (yes, I have a ribbon collection too).

Gather a Harvest Printable Pattern

Thank you for your emails & comments…now go out there & Gather your Wool…umm I mean Harvest!

Enjoy the Stitch,

Cathy