I thought I'd answer your pumpkin curving question here.
Depending where you see those curving kits like a small shop or something they aren't always durable from my experience.
I've always just used a sharp (the type micheal uses or screamo) knife and spoon to get the stuff out.
I would say practice your drawing and I've used pencil on the pumpkin so I know where to curve.
The gutting out might take a bit long since you don't want any bits inside. I can share you some links as well once I'm home :3 cause I dunno how helpful this was
The carving kits I see being sold look to be made out of plastic, which is why I was asking if it was worth getting them.