Friday, September 27, 2013

Pumpkins For Cathey

 

Good morning and welcome to a very special post! Today the cross stitching community is honoring a very brave & inspirational fellow cross-stitching blogger and someone I'm proud to call my friend... Cathey, also known to many of us, as "Pumpkin."

When Sharon/Daffycat came up with the idea of a  "Pumpkins For Cathey" day, I thought it was brilliant. After all, what other blogging community is as supportive of each other as our cross-stitching family? If you aren't familiar with Cathey (better known as Pumpkin) she blogs at Pumpkin Patch & Co. and today is her blog's 7th anniversary. When you visit her blog, you'll notice her beautiful stitching, her addiction to Cadbury Cream eggs, and her love of bunnies and dachshunds. You'll see many darling photos of her 17-month-old little son--the little sweetheart she has nicknamed "Junior." However, you can't help but also notice her more recent posts on her serious health problems. Cathey is battling cancer and her bravery and desire to live each day to the fullest for herself, her husband and  their adorable little son have left all of us humbled and inspired (and many times in tears wishing we could do more).

Sharon, who blogs at It's Daffycat, sent out an email suggesting that we each post something "pumpkin themed" today, September 27, 2013, in support of dear Cathey. So, I immediately set to work in stitching a fun Halloween finish with three of the cutest pumpkin heads I've seen. What makes this such a delightful piece to stitch? Well...

Simply combine one grinning pumpkin


with one frightened pumpkin

and one tiny, baby pumpkin.

Add in a couple of black crows
sitting on a candy corn tree.

Mix in a full moon

and finish it off with a few
 sage words of Halloween advice!

And what do you end up with?

HALLOWEEN IS IN THE AIR! 
I can't remember when I've enjoyed stitching a piece as much as this one. And knowing I was stitching it in honor of Cathey/Pumpkin makes it all the more special. The designer of this chart, All Through the Night, is fast becoming one of my favorites. I used most of the suggested overdyeds (although I did make a couple of minor substitutions when I didn't have the correct colors in my stash) and stitched it on some unknown 40 ct. R&R Reproductions fabric. I bought a lot of 40ct. fabrics on Ebay last year and they weren't labeled with names, but I thought this antiquey-looking fabric was perfect for a Halloween piece. I thought this had a very vintage look to it with the colors and the expressions on both the moon and the little pumpkins. And the candy corn "tree" is just too cute!

All Through the Night's "Halloween Is In the Air" 

Speaking of candy corn (and pumpkins!)... here is a simple pumpkin craft for any of you planning a Halloween party or just looking for a quick and easy project to do with your little ones. I love Martha Stewart's ideas, but many of them are simply too time-consuming or take too many materials to make them doable for the average person. When I stumbled upon these little Jack-O'-Lantern Party Favors I just loved them and thought to myself, "Oh, I wish I had a little one around to make these with!" Well, that didn't stop me--I just made some for myself to hold the contents of the bag of candy corn I recently purchased! They took about five minutes each to put together and this way, perhaps, I'll ration my candy consumption. And, if you want something healthier--they would look almost as cute with nuts or trail mix in the little bags...


To download the pumpkin faces simply go here. I used thick card stock, plastic lunch bags that I cut the tops off, and floral wire (wound around a pencil) to make the curly stems. Martha, of course, covered her wires with brown cloth of some sort to make them look more realistic--I just used the plain dark green floral wire and it looks perfectly fine to me... I think this trio of pumpkins would brighten up any party, don't you? (And I'll bet Junior would love creating these with you, wouldn't he, Cathey?).

MORE PUMPKIN GOODNESS... I  was in a pumpkin mood all day yesterday while preparing this post and thinking of Cathey so I made some of my favorite Pumpkin-Raisin Muffins. I've been making this recipe for over 30 years--I think it came from the back of a can of Libby's Pumpkin. They are so moist and delicious--a wonderful autumn treat. I've included the recipe below--hope you enjoy them!

 Pumpkin-Raisin Muffins

Pumpkin-Raisin Muffin Recipe

1 ¼ cups sugar
¼ cup canola oil
1 egg
½ cup Libby's pumpkin
1 ½ cups flour
2 tsp. baking powder
¾ tsp. salt
½ tsp. cinnamon
½ tsp. nutmeg

Combine first four ingredients and beat well.
Combine remaining ingredients.
Add to first mixture.
Stir in ½ cup raisins until smooth.
Fill muffin tins lined with paper cups.
Bake at 370° for 25 minutes.
Makes 12 muffins.

That winds up my "Pumpkins For Cathey" post. I hope it made you smile, Cathey--I think of you so often and I'm sure after reading all of the special posts written in your honor from all over the world today, you'll realize just how very special you are to all of us. Sending a warm hug your way, my friend... And thanks to Sharon for organizing this special event! If you want to see the links to all of the other bloggers participating in "Pumpkins For Cathey" day, please visit her blog.

I hope each of you is enjoying the lovely autumn weather that we've been having here in western Pennsylvania--what a delight! And remember to take time to really look around and appreciate the simple things in your life this weekend. Bye for now...

66 comments:

Lisa V said...

Such a great thing to do for a fellow blogger. Thumbs up to all bloggers involved and also Daffycat for her organisation.
Hugs

Mii Stitch said...

Beautiful post sweet Carol xxx

AnaCristina said...

Oh, I love Halloween, even though here in Brasil it isn't a tradition. I will do the pumpkin faces for my little nephew...and for me, of course LOL

cucki said...

aww so sweet..such sweet post..
big hugs x

Annie said...

Lovely pumpkin post!

Vickie said...

Isn't it amazing Carol. I just have goosebumps and of course tears. I am so glad for so much support for wonderful Cathey.
Truly a "sweet" post Carol.

Christina said...

Wonderful post. Nice stitching and great little craft project.

Sharon said...

Loved your post! Lots of pumpkin loving here ;-)

Margaret said...

Such a lovely post for Cathy! You are a sweet friend.

The Knitting Cross Stitcher said...

I have enjoyed reading your post Carol and seeing all your pictures.Your pumpkin design is gorgeous and a lovely choice for your friend Cathey to see:-)

Catherine said...

Fabulous post full of treats for Cathey!!! Love all of your goodies!!

Lesleyanne said...

A beautiful post and stitchy pumpkins.

Mary Ann said...

Such a sweet and touching post for Cathey!

Friendship Crossing said...

What a sweet thing to do for a fellow blogger, Carol!
I wrote down your recipe and hope to try it soon!!

Hugs,
Tanya

BrendaS said...

Carol -- Fabulous post for a very special blogger. Your stitching is just perfect for this day and for Halloween!

Take care my friend:)) (Hope you are back to feeling 100%)

Michelle said...

Lovely - she is an inspiration to us all x

Anonymous said...

What a lovely pumpkin post. I especially loved the jack-o-lantern.

Anonymous said...

Carol,
I love reading your post. Your finished piece is beautiful. Thanks for the recipe.

Have a wonderful day!

♥ Nia said...

Your pumpkins look so fun!! :D
A lovely post :) I'm glad to be a part of this event, hope it will bring many smiles to Cathey :D
Hugs my friend!!

Девушка с пяльцами said...

Thanks for the recipe, Carol! Your stitching is beautiful!

Melissa said...

What a lovely post, Carol! I don't know Cathey at all but I posted to show her my support.

I love that piece you've stitched. What a funny set of pumpkin faces! When I see your stitching I want to emulate you and have these basketful of goodies! One day, when I get over my Sampler Fever!

Andrea said...

Another wonderful post. I'm doing the rounds of 'pumpkins for Cathey'. I think it may well take me the weekend to get through them all! A great show of support.

Melanie said...

It's a beautiful finish and a wonderful post to Cathey! *mwah*

butterfly said...

Again Carol a beautiful post, Love your pumpkins,
what a great day for Cathey and her blogging sisters.

Annette said...

What a wonderfull post for Cathey.
I love your stitching piece!!
Abnd that recepi, it sounds so wonderfull..
never made something else as pumpkin soup..
But I love this one!!
Cathey will have such a big smile on her face!!
her blog feed is looking so wonderfull.
I hope it will give her many strength!!

valerie said...

What a cute post Carol! I love the new finish. I don't think I had seen this one before. I've been too busy to find photos to show my support for Cathey. What a crazy time. Thanks for the recipe. I love pumpkin everything! :) I'll have to try it out soon.

Judy said...

What an awesome tribute to Cathey. Your post was such a treat. The party favors are adorable and the recipe for the muffins sounds and looks very yummy! And ofcourse the stiching is perfect.

Judy heartland stitcher

Cath said...

A lovely post . Thank you x

Julie said...

A very special post Carol and such a wonderful stitched design. Your jack-o-lanterns are so cute.

Mylene said...

Such a lovely post!

Casa Pearl said...

You chose just the right words and I love the variety of pumpkin goodness you are sharing today!

Maggee said...

How special that you even Carved a Pumpkin in celebration of Cathey's Blogoversary!! Wow! And I really like your Halloween piece, though I don't do Halloween myself. Very very cute! Thanks for joining in this! Hugs!

Mary said...

What a special day for Cathey! Your carved pumpkin is so thoughtful, as is your post, Carol. Your new Halloween piece is darling.
Thanks for the link to MS crafts and the recipe. I have to try both :)
I hope you are feeling better these days
((HUGS))

Tracey said...

I can truly feel the pumpkin "love"... beautiful :)

Jackie said...

Your post reading was really sweet Carol and I am sure when Cathey read it, she will like it too.
Thanks for sharing your recipe and I will make these in honor of Cathey.
Jackie:)

Penny said...

I love the expressions on the pumpkins and the moon! And I think it would be lovely if candy corn really grew on trees. :) Those little party favors are so cute! Thank you for the recipe - I can't wait to try them, and know I will be thinking of Cathey.

Brigitte said...

Carol, your wonderful post for Cathey has just touched my heart. I'm full of admiration for her and you just found the right words to express these feelings. And looking at all the pumpkin goodness in your post makes me smile and I'm sure it makes Cathey smile as well.

Gabi said...

Superbe post for Cathey.
Wonderful stitching! It will make her smile!
Greetings from Germany

Bekca said...

Such a lovely post Carol! I was so pleased to be involved in such a lovely event, I hope it brightens Cathey's day :)
Best wishes.

Belinda said...

What a beautiful post Carol, your pumpkins are ultra cute! I'm sure Cathey will love them. I love those jack o lantern cups, if we celebrated Halloween here, I'd sure make them for Tabitha.
Your baking looks yummy too!

priscilla said...

What a nice thing for you all to do ..

Love,love,love your finish Carol ! Super cute !

Myra said...

Such a cute design Carol and your stitching makes it fabulous. What a wonderful day to honor Cathey. I will have to give those muffins a try.

Charlene ♥ NC said...

I love the design you stitched for Cathey - especially the candy corn buds on the vine! And hose muffins look delish. Hope you are remembering to take care of you, too!

Melody said...

Hi Carol! I love your Halloween design. I have the chart in my stash, but haven't stitched it yet. Yours turned out very cute.

The muffins sound good also.

Hope you are back to feeling good once again, friend.

Kay said...

I love the Halloween finish, such a sweet post. My prayers are with Cathey and her family

Cindy's Stitching said...

What a beautiful piece Carol. Of course it made me smile. I am starting to get back into stitching. I am more settled now. The pumpkin muffins look good.

Stitching Noni said...

Fantastic post! I love the design that you stitched :) Gorgeous!

Veronica said...

Love your post! Cathey is indeed well-loved in the cross stitch community.

Hugs,
Veronica.

passionfruitprincess said...

Lovely stitch and a sweet way to support a friend. I love your little treat bags and I will try your muffins.

Have a wonderful week,Carol!

Ana Paula

Robin in Virginia said...

What a wonderful pumpkin post, Carol! Love your pumpkin stitching!

Robin in Virginia

Stitchinowl said...

What a lovely tribute to Cathey. You have inspired me to stitch a pumpkin-themed piece in her honor.
Carolyn

Pam in IL said...

Wonderful post!

nikiad.blogspot.gr said...

Excellent stitching and pattern !!!!
Thank you for the recipe !!!!!
Niki

Beertje Zonn said...

What a beautiful post, Carol and thanks for the recipe look so yummy!
Greetings, Sonnja

Elia said...

Ohhhhh, Beautiful post Carol!!
so wonderful, I love the design that you stitched ^^

Thank you for the recipe.. i will try.

many ;) and hugs for you

besos desde España ^^


(I hope you are well)

Valma said...

what a beautiful post here again
a wonderful event Daffycat organised and I was very pleased to be part of it
I really hope all those pumpkins will put a smile on Cathey's face when she will see them
yours are so lovely !!
this design you stitched is really beautiful
I wish I could taste candy corns a day =)
I really never saw or taste any ! didn't even know about their existence =)
big hugs sweetie , I'm off to appreciate the simple things in my life this weekend
xxxxx

Anne said...

Such a wonderful post Carol for Cathey. Like you, I was thinking a lot of her that day, well everyday! Those little stitched pumpkins are adorable and so are the candy corn holders. Too cute for words! Thanks for the recipe. I'm going to give it a try when I buy some pumpkins :D

Hugs!

Scrap said...

Hello Carol
wonderful post ! I love this !

Marie said...

Such a sweet post in honor of Cathey.

Your Halloween stitching is lovely.

Thanks for sharing the muffin recipe!

Lillie said...

A wonderful tribute and your pumpkin stitching is adorable.

Thanks for sharing the recipe

Unknown said...

You actually make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this topic to be really something that I think I would never understand. It seems too complex and very broad for me. I'm looking forward for your next post, I'll try to get the hang of it!

Cardsharing Server

Unknown said...

You actually make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this topic to be really something that I think I would never understand. It seems too complex and very broad for me. I'm looking forward for your next post, I'll try to get the hang of it!

Cardsharing Server

Meari said...

Adorable stitching, Carol. Love those little candy holders, too.

Mavi. said...

Ohh ... Carol ... how nice embroidery, which well coordinated with sweets and pumpkins ... very autumnal and pretty.
Bss.

Wanda said...

Hi Carol,
I don't know Cathey but have been overwhelmed by the beautiful tribute to her and I am sure it lifted her spirits to know how well she is loved.
Your ornament is beautiful. All Through the Night has some great patterns. I am anxious to stitch one of their snowmen!
I think I may have to make some of your muffins - they look delicious.

I hope you are feeling better and stronger each day. take care, Wanda

Sue said...

What are the charts used in your pic at the top of your blog?