With rustic simplicity and a bit of humorous whimsy, sewing prims, (prims fondly shortened from the word primitives), evokes the charm of a vintage country style of warmth and friendliness.

The coming of autumn with its warm days and cool nights suggests fabric colors appropriately complementing the golden hues of fall – gentle shades of burgundy rich reds, riotous golds and yellows, muted tans, browns, and rusty oranges.

Autumn is a favorite time to sew in anticipation of back to school and college, upcoming holidays and a season of gift-giving. Sewing has even received presidential recognition, since 1982, by proclamation from then President Ronald Reagan, who declared September as National Sewing Month "In recognition of the importance of home sewing to our Nation."

A few easy-to-sew and no-sew projects for the home:

Rustic Valance – Layer two coordinating fabrics one of muted plaid and one of gingham fabric for an easy kitchen window covering. To make: Measure the width of the window then double that measurement. Measure the length of the widow and add 3 or 4-inches for finishing and hem allowances. Cut out both fabrics accordingly but cut one about 4-inches shorter lengthwise. Fold over 1/4-inch on all edges of each and stitch in place to produce finished edges. Add a 2 or 3-inch hem to each. Pin fabrics one on top of the other so both right sides face outward. Make a casing from the top edges by stitching two parallel rows across the width of the layered fabrics to accommodate a curtain rod. Applique, using a blanket stitch, a few solid-color leaf or star shapes onto the fabrics for added prim appeal.

Penny Rug – A Penny Rug is not a floor rug at all but a decorative layered table or dresser covering made usually from scraps of wool fabric, old blankets or fabric pieces all hand stitched together. The iconic scalloped edge design is thought to have come from a large coin of the 1800’s used as a template for the rounded edges. There are many online examples of this historic shape. Make the penny shapes from any circular template in graduated sizes usually 2 to 4 inches in diameter. Stack the cut circular shapes (two or three) one on top of the other using a blanket stitch to secure each to its next largest size penny, then blanket stitch all to a circular or oval scalloped foundation shape. Often used for a candle mat or with a decorative candy dish placed on top.

Fabric Pumpkins – easy fall craft to make by cutting a large circle of fall themed printed fabric or tea-dyed muslin (pinking the edges works well, no sewing required) and hand gather over a plump bath tissue roll. Secure with a rubber band or large twist tie to hold the gathers then add a jute or raffia bow. A dried berry sprig or fall leaves gives a charming finished look as well.

Sewing and softly stuffing various shapes of pumpkins (a favorite prim autumn craft meme), black cats with button eyes and thread whiskers, huggable rag-taggle country dolls simply made of muslin and adorned with embroidered or painted smiling countenances, all accented with twig, berry and twine, allow for pleasant accents to hold onto reminding us of the waning warm days of autumn and the approaching slumber of winter.

Sew happy, sew inspired.