Playful Pumpkin Sewing Projects + Pumpkin Spice Cake

Fall is right around the corner, and it’s almost time to turn your sewing machine into a pumpkin patch! Pumpkins are more than just pie and décor – they’re the perfect muse for playful, cozy sewing projects that celebrate the season. Whether you're dreaming of cute décor, cozy quilts, or even a pumpkin-themed accessory or two, we’ve got you covered with these fun ideas. Let’s get stitching and make this fall extra festive!

Here are some pumpkin-inspired sewing and machine embroidery projects from the Girlfriends!

1. Wonky Log Cabin Pumpkin: Brighten up your home with the Wonky Log Cabin Pumpkin! This eye-catching downloadable pattern is a unique take on the traditional pumpkin design, perfect for creating a cozy, autumnal feel. 
   
   
   
   
2. Pumpkin Lace:  This downloadable pattern gives your Fall decor an elegant touch with its lacey pumpkin embroidery design. Bring life to your project with this eye-catching ornament!
   
   
   
   
3. Pumpkin Harvest Pillow:  Deck your couch with the coziest seasonal specialty -- the Pumpkin Harvest Pillow! This downloadable pattern lets you create a decorative pillow adorned with festive pumpkin appliqués, perfect for celebrating the harvest season in style. A playful addition to your home décor!
   
   
   
   
4. October Quiltlet: Create a cozy masterpiece with this downloadable October quiltlet pattern! Featuring a charming pumpkin design, this quilt is perfect for adding some seasonal decoration to your home or bringing a little autumnal joy to the next family gathering. Get stitching and enjoy the satisfaction of creating your own handmade quilt!
   
5. Happy Fall Gnome Appliqué:  Fall in love with this cheerful Happy Fall Gnome design! Embellish your favorite projects with this whimsical and unique machine embroidery pattern! Crafted with love, this appliqué is sure to add a special touch to your fall celebrations.
   
   
   
   
6. Fall Pumpkin Applique:  Embroider seasonal charm with our Fall/Halloween Pumpkins Machine Embroidery Design! Perfect for festive home decor or thoughtful gifts, this downloadable pattern combines all the warmth of fall and the spookiness of Halloween in one beautiful, intricate design. 
   
   
   
   
7. Autumn/Thanksgiving Tic-Tac-Toe: One board, two options! Make your tic-tac-toe board ready for fall or specifically to use for Thanksgiving. Enjoy!
   
   
   
   

With all this talk of fall and autumn, what better way to celebrate than with a delicious pumpkin dessert? If you're craving something sweet and packed with autumn flavors, this Pumpkin Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is just the treat you need. It’s moist, fluffy, and bursting with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Best of all, it’s incredibly easy to make, perfect for a cozy family gathering or a festive fall party!

Pumpkin Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients

• For the Cake:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
    
    

• For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. These spices are what give the cake that irresistible pumpkin spice flavor!

3. Create the Pumpkin Magic

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the canned pumpkin, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, being careful not to overmix.

4. Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before frosting – if you can wait that long!

5. Whip Up the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cake cools, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Slowly add in the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, and vanilla extract. Continue beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.

6. Frost and Serve

Once the cake is cool, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top. For an extra fall flair, sprinkle with cinnamon or top with chopped pecans or walnuts.

Tips:

• Pumpkin Purée vs. Pumpkin Pie Filling: Be sure to use plain canned pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling, which has added sugar and spices.
• Spice It Up: Adjust the amount of spices to suit your taste. Love cinnamon? Add an extra pinch! Want more warmth? Boost the ginger or cloves.

Enjoy Your Fall Favorite!

This pumpkin spice cake is the ultimate comfort dessert. It’s simple to whip up and the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and creamy. Whether you’re enjoying it with a cup of coffee on a brisk fall afternoon or serving it at a family dinner, it’s sure to become a seasonal favorite.

Happy baking! 🍂