The 'Sweater-Look' Pumpkin

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 If you're like me, I'm sure you've seen the pumpkins created from old sweaters or braided yarn.  They're beautiful and I really wanted to make one.  The problem? I don't have an old sweater that I want to cut up and as much as I threaten to relearn to knit/crochet, I haven't done that yet. Therefore, I have no yarn.  So, what's a gal to do?  Head to the dollar store for a mop!  
Yes, it's made from a dollar store mop.  I'm sure you remember the other one I bought to make the Five Little Ghosties Garland.
No golf balls needed this time!

Before starting this project, let me welcome you to the Creative Craft Hop hosted by Sara from Birdz of a Feather.   If you're visiting from Terrie - Decorate & More With Tip, welcome to the Cottage.  At the bottom of this post I'll direct you to the next stop on this hop, but be sure to visit all of the other stops too for some amazing inspiration. They will all be listed.
Now let's get started.  After releasing all of the strands from the mophead, I used a binder clip to hold three of them in place...
...and proceeded to make a braid.
I made about a dozen braids.
Then I cut them all in half and glued the ends to keep them from unraveling.
They were ready to be attached to the dollar store styrofoam pumpkin.
Each braid was attached with a bead of hot glue.
Because the pumpkin is round, you will need to 'finess' the braids to cover all of the orange.  I did end up making a few more braids to be cut and and 'fit in'.



Time to choose a stem!
Yes, I cut them from the pumpkins, let them air dry and save them.  I've even been known to ask neighbors for their pumpkin stems.  If they know you, they'll understand!
But, I digress...glue that stem to the top of your styrofoam pumpkin.
Add a few colorful leaves...
...and you have a new pumpkin to use in your decorating.  The best part about this pumpkin is it will take you all the way to Thanksgiving!  

Next on the hop is Donna - Modern on Monticello. Once you've stopped by to see her, be sure to visit all of the others for more inspiration!  Here's the list:


I hope you'll pin, share, comment, and follow.  If you click on those 3 little lines at the top left of the blog (on the Home page), you'll see where to find me...or click on the icon below to share.

Comments

  1. Birdz of a FeatherOctober 21, 2021 at 7:13 AM

    I have plenty of yarn I can send your say Ann lol! But I seriously love the look of this and think it's a brilliant workaround (afterall, you're going to need that sweater when the colder weather hits). Welcome to the Creative Craft Hop :).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnOctober 21, 2021 at 3:22 PM

      Thanks, Sara! I learned to crochet when I was a girl in 4-H but haven't touched it since - maybe this winter...I'm happy to be part of this hop, thanks for organizing it.

      Delete
  2. decorateandmorewithtip.comOctober 21, 2021 at 7:43 AM

    Ann this looks so pretty and with your tutorial it is easy to make. Thanks for sharing Ann. Happy Fall.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnOctober 21, 2021 at 3:23 PM

      It is easy to make, Terrie. Happy Fall to you too!

      Delete
  3. Gail @Purple Hues and MeOctober 21, 2021 at 7:44 AM

    How creative and unique to use a dollar store mop to plait for your adorable pumpkin, Ann! I love it! So glad you joined us!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnOctober 21, 2021 at 3:25 PM

      It was one of those 'ah-ha' moments, Gail. Thanks, I'm happy to be part of this hop!

      Delete
  4. Patti @ Pandoras BoxOctober 21, 2021 at 7:58 AM

    Cute idea!

    ReplyDelete
  5. My thrift store addictionOctober 21, 2021 at 8:24 AM

    Wow! I can't believe that cute pumpkin is made from a mop! What a clever idea! Blessings, Cecilia @My Thrift Store Addiction

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnOctober 21, 2021 at 3:27 PM

      This is my second project with a mop, Cecilia. I'm thinking of some new ideas for future projects - stay tuned!

      Delete
  6. thepaintedapron.comOctober 21, 2021 at 9:21 AM

    Very cute! How clever to use a mop head and braid the strands together, and note to self, save pumpkin stems! The leaves garnishing the top, adorable!
    Jenna

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnOctober 21, 2021 at 3:30 PM

      Thank you so much. I think real pumpkin stems are the key - natural or painted!

      Delete
  7. My Hubbard HomeOctober 21, 2021 at 10:06 AM

    Besides the fact that this little guy is super cute, I love that I wouldn't have to crochet it! Braiding is easier for me.
    Rachelle

    ReplyDelete
  8. Carol@BlueskyatHomeOctober 21, 2021 at 10:50 AM

    Ann, this is brilliant. I did make a yarn pumpkin earlier this month, but I really love the look of the braid. Would never have known it was made from a mop. Now, I want to know what you are going to make with the mop handle! Great project.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnOctober 21, 2021 at 3:32 PM

      Thank you so much, Carol. I did have plans for the handle, but with packing, moving, and unpacking, it just didn't happen. No worries though, it's still leaning against the wall in my craft room - taunting me! lol

      Delete
  9. Mom2347October 21, 2021 at 11:53 AM

    What a great idea! I have acquired t-shirts, old sweaters, etc, but never use them. But a braided mop! THAT I will do - when I find the glue gun! I need to make a trip to the DT anyway. Lucikly, the pumpkins are already in my stash, because they're probably sold out by now!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnOctober 21, 2021 at 3:33 PM

      I'm so glad I've inspired you! Those pumpkins do go fast - now find that glue gun!

      Delete
  10. Tania PelletierOctober 21, 2021 at 7:26 PM

    Oh my goodness, SO CUTE!

    Tania

    ReplyDelete
  11. Marie-Interior FrugalistaOctober 23, 2021 at 10:08 AM

    What a great idea and such a pretty pumpkin! I especially love that you used dollar store finds to make it so it's budget-friendly too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnOctober 23, 2021 at 7:32 PM

      Thank you, Marie. I love being able to create things inexpensively.

      Delete
  12. Gardening HelenOctober 23, 2021 at 2:39 PM

    So easy!! I love it - Thanks for sharing the My Big Fat Menopausal Life's Share the Wealth Party - Have a fabulous weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Michele MorinOctober 24, 2021 at 3:59 PM

    Oh, so clever!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Kim October 25, 2021 at 12:18 AM

    I just adore your creativity!! I shared this one with my readers, it was too clever to keep to myself!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnOctober 25, 2021 at 8:40 AM

      Thanks, Kim. I hope your readers like it!

      Delete
  15. Rebecca - GlutaramaOctober 26, 2021 at 1:22 PM

    What a clever idea, I first saw this and thought no-way am I going to be able to make this but I reckon I can! Great step-by-step instructions. #HandmadeMonday

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnOctober 26, 2021 at 7:12 PM

      You sure can, Rebecca. This is so much easier than knitting - have fun with it!

      Delete
  16. Donna @ Modern on MonticelloOctober 26, 2021 at 9:40 PM

    I really like this project! I have yet to ever learn how to crochet or knit either but do love the look of the sweater pumpkins too. Thanks for sharing a great idea on the hop this month. So glad I joined along as well.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnOctober 27, 2021 at 8:40 AM

      Thank you, Donna. I might give crocheting another shot this Winter. In the meantime, I've got a 'work-around' for projects! lol

      Delete
  17. Joanne October 27, 2021 at 12:13 PM

    I would never have though of using a mop! What a genius idea.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnOctober 27, 2021 at 2:56 PM

      Thank you, Joanne. I just got a little 'out of the box' for this project!

      Delete
  18. Shami ImmanuelOctober 27, 2021 at 1:14 PM

    Brilliant idea. At first I thought it was crocheted.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnOctober 27, 2021 at 3:00 PM

      Thank you so much! This is much easier than crochet.

      Delete
  19. Tracy AlbieroOctober 29, 2021 at 10:01 AM

    Oh this is darling!! What a cute look. #trafficjamweekend

    ReplyDelete
  20. Linda StollOctober 29, 2021 at 9:12 PM

    Oh this is just too fun!

    ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  21. AnonymousOctober 30, 2021 at 11:44 AM

    What a clever idea, Ann!

    Michelle
    https://mybijoulifeonline.com

    ReplyDelete
  22. Our Hopeful HomeNovember 1, 2021 at 9:55 PM

    Oh my gosh I thought I'd seen it all (all the ways to decorate a pumpkin) but I've never seen this! Kudos for a job well done, love it. Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm. Pinned! xo Kathleen

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnNovember 2, 2021 at 8:19 AM

      Thank you, Kathleen....you know how I like to get 'out of the box'!

      Delete
  23. Carol, The Answer Is ChocolateNovember 4, 2021 at 11:28 AM

    Positively BRILLIANT! Never would have guessed. Featuring when my party opens up tonight!

    ReplyDelete
  24. joyh82November 21, 2021 at 12:44 PM

    I love this! I work at a library and do adult programming. Always looking for great craft idea's.
    Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnNovember 21, 2021 at 2:05 PM

      Thank you so much! This was a lot of fun to make.

      Delete

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