Shroom time

Everyone knows that mushrooms signify love, friendship, fungus, and fall. So that's why these fungal friends are a great way to usher in the autumnal equinox (fall). Whether you are eating them, lighting sweet psychedelic mushroom candles, or just observing them under the tree your dog is peeing on, mushrooms have a special aura that remind us all that cozy things are on the way.

As a crafter I like to celebrate mushrooms via stuffing them... with fiber fill. That's right, mushroom stuffed animals, er, fungus. They're a special stuffed treat that you can't eat. They're great as decorations or just for cuddling on a chilly fall night. I use stuffed mushrooms for both.

See how sophisticated that stuffed mushroom looks in a decorative nook? I'm sure by now you're all wondering how to craft this mycological mystery (mycology is the study of mushrooms, obviously). So let's get started. In terms of supplies you will need fabric, anything will do, an old t-shirt or something fun from the clearance bin at Jo-Ann's. I've chosen to use a mushroom printed material, because we're making a mushroom. You'll also need thread, a needle, scissors and something to stuff with. You can use an old pillow, an aging stuffed animal or buy some fiber fill to avoid destroying anything you might regret when you're sober.

This bag has some really nice dolls on the cover that you might consider crafting as well. The next thing to do is fold the fabric in half with the reverse side facing out. If the design is really crisp and clear after you've folded it, you've probably done it wrong. You want the nice side on the inside. After the folding, take a marker or pen and draw your mushroom. Don't be afraid of making a mistake, mushrooms are not straight lines, and like snowflakes, no two look exactly alike. Once you've done that put a few pins in the the fabric to hold it together and then cut out your mushroom shape! This is one of the most satisfying steps on the road to a stuffed mushroom.

Now thread your needle and start sewing! I find this to be relaxing, but some people don't, so you can always pay someone to complete this step for you. Normally moms will do this for little to no money. Leave a little space before the sewing is complete and flip the mushroom inside out. This is also a satisfying step so you might want to do it yourself. Now begin stuffing the mushroom. When it seems sufficient, sew the space you left open and it's done! You can add eyes and yarn for a personal touch, and so that children will understand that these are not play things.

Happy shrooming!