As we advance into the crisp coolness of autumn, we become increasing aware of how pleasant shades of amber orange, tawny russet, intense burgundy, cooling greys and infinite shades of tans to browns evoke the harvest season time.

Giving thanks this time of year acknowledging and celebrating nature’s bounty as well as 400 years of history reminds us how profoundly reflective the season can be.

Consider the following few easy sewing projects to celebrate the season:

A Felt Garland - made of owls, acorns, pumpkins and leaf shapes looks great to hang on the mantel or in a window. Templates for the various shapes can be found in clip art or use large cookie cutters. Sew or glue two similar felt shapes together to reinforce the cut shapes, then thread or sew each onto coarse jute rope for a rustic look.

Felt or Fabric Thanksgiving Wreath - cut out enough turkey shapes out of felt or fabric (use fabric glue or sew two together) to place onto a twig or grapevine wreath, leaving several inches unadorned on one side. Add a pretty coordinating seasonal color ribbon. A foam core wreath can be used as well – just wrap the foam wreath first with wide ribbon or fabric strips.

What would autumn, and Thanksgiving, be without the aroma of cinnamon, spiced apple, and pumpkin? Sew a scented coiled hot pad or mug mat and let your hot drink rest on the pad to release the fragrance of the season.

Coiled Scented Mug Mat - Cut autumn themed fabric (any printed cottons or seasonal calicoes work well) 1and 1/4-inch wide (or a little wider) by approximately 1 yard long. Fold right sides together lengthwise, then sew across one short end and down the long side using a ¼" seam allowance. Turn the now sewn tube of fabric right side out, fill with scented rice and securely hand-stitch the end closed. Beginning at one end, fold back about one inch of the filled tube against itself and hand stitch closely together, then begin coiling in a circle and every few inches hand stitch to secure, continue coiling and stitching until the end. Alternately, make the tube longer and use as a table hot pad.

Scented rice: In a pint-size Mason-type or glass jar, pour a teaspoon of potpourri-type essential oil, swirling the jar around to coat the insides. Fill two-thirds with uncooked rice. Place a coffee filter over the top and screw the lid on tightly. Shake well to coat the rice. Over the next few days, shake the jar occasionally until the rice has taken up the scent of the oil.

Hair Scrunchies - cut seasonal themed fabric into a 4-inch by 16-inch strip and also cut ¼-inch wide elastic into a 5 or 6-inch long section. Fold fabric strip lengthwise right sides together and sew using a ¼-inch seam to form a tube. Turn right sides out, press, then thread elastic through the tube overlapping the elastic ends. Stitch elastic ends to secure. Tuck the fabric tube ends one into the other and hand stitch opening closed.

One Piece Envelop Style Pillow Cover - easy holiday dress up for couch throw pillows. Lay pillow (new or use existing) on a length of seasonal fabric. Cut out one long rectangle of the fabric that will be three times the length of the pillow and the width of the pillow. Add one-inch to all sides. Hem each of the short ends of the rectangle. With right sides together, fold rectangle to fit around the pillow front and adjusting so that the hemmed ends will overlap to cover the pillow back. Stitch the two opposite sides, leaving the hemmed edges open. Insert pillow.

Enjoy the season!

Sew happy, sew inspired.