If you love mid-century modern style and would like a unique twist for your fall decorating, then you've come to the right place. These DIY retro fabric pumpkins have a traditional fall color palette but with a unique 70s flower power style. But what also makes these pumpkins unique is their recycled chair spindle stems.

Unique Mid-Century Modern Style Fabric Pumpkins

The motivation for these mid-century style fabric pumpkins is to use recycled leftovers from two different chairs.

The pumpkin stems are from a dilapidated antique wooden chair that I've been slowly repurposing the parts into something useful. Like the chair seat that I turned into a unique time for a walk dog leash holder and a chair arm into spindle wind chimes.

The inspiration for these retro fabric pumpkins is leftover fabric from the mid-century modern armchair makeover. The color palette of the 70s flower power fabric is in fall colors so why not turn them into one-of-a-kind fall pumpkin decor.

I also had some large retro-color plastic gemstone beads along with an assortment of decorative skeleton keys to embellish the handmade fabric pumpkins.

What You'll Need To Make It

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Supply List

Retro Mod Floral Fabric (alternative)
Chair Spindles (salvaged)
Florist Foam (salvaged)
Poly Fill Stuffing (had on hand)
1 1/2 Inch Wired Brown Ribbon
Large Acrylic Gem Beads
Skeleton Keys
Needle And Thread

How To Make Retro Fabric Pumpkins

You do not need a sewing machine to make these fabric pumpkins. If you can thread a needle, then you can make these! So let's get started.

Chair Spindle Pumpkin Stems

For the pumpkin stems, I refreshed the old wooden chair spindles by applying brown wax with a lint-free rag. Instead of gluing the stems onto the pumpkins, I have another idea for holding them in place.

For the structure of the pumpkins, I recycled floral foam blocks leftover from my daughter's wedding centerpiece boxes. Alternatively, because floral foam can be messy, use styrofoam instead.

Simply stick a chair spindle into the center of the foam. With a serrated knife, round the corners slightly and then wrap the foam with batting.

Fabric Pumpkin Assembly

The fabric pumpkins are made the same way as these ticking stripe fabric pumpkins and these cozy sweater pumpkins.

Pumpkin Embellishments

Attach large loopy bows to the base of the spindle pumpkin stems. I used spools of ribbon that I had on hand and my recommendation is to use wired ribbon.

I had exactly five large plastic gemstone beads in retro colors in my stash. I've had them for so many years that I can't remember where I got them. The colors match the fabric so perfectly that it's like they were waiting for these pumpkins!

I also had an unopened package of five decorative metal skeleton keys in my stash to embellish the pumpkins. I simply tied both a gemstone bead and a skeleton key together on a non-stretch clear thread to the base of the spindle pumpkin stems.

The possibilities for what you use to embellish the pumpkins are endless. Recycle old brooches, earrings, charms or look for inexpensive dollar store finds.

Pictured below is a top view of the pumpkins for a closer peek at the embellishments. Create a unique fall vignette with retro pumpkins and other retro vintage finds and enjoy!

For more pumpkin inspiration you may like these 12 DIY pumpkin ideas that are easy on the wallet. Thanks for stopping by the Interior Frugalista today! I know my quirky take on fabric pumpkins is not for everyone.

But if you know anyone who loves mid-century modern style, I'd so appreciate it if you shared my retro fabric pumpkins with them. Maybe we'll start a new fall decor trend!

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