How do I know when my pumpkins are ready?

Once they have turned colour, I usually cut them when there are lengthways cracks in the stalk.

Always before frosts though, as I always think that might make them go soggy 

I've eaten one already, and the rest are on the shelf in the shed. The skin does harden as time goes on, so leaving them for a week or so (until Hallowe'en  ) will probably mean they are more likely to hold up to carving without collapsing too quickly.

Good tip -- put vaseline on the inside of the carved flesh to stop it drying out and your carved masterpeice will last longer