Blog Archive

Sunday, January 25, 2026

Christmas Stitching and Tumbleweeds

 I am tee totally thrilled! Eeeeh! 

Picture me spinning around in a circle with  a big grin on my face. 

Why am I so over the moon? 

Well, I just finished my 1st Christmas ornament for the year. Hee! Hee! 
Ok! That wasn't too exciting! But I am happy nonetheless. 

This little stitch is called "Waiting for Christmas"  from the Barnyard series. 


I haven't stitched one of these in a spell, and I tell you it was an absolute delight.  I even stitched up the borders for a 2nd one. If you are interested in this little stitch, let me know, and I will chart it up when I return home. 
Today I will gather my needle and threads and stitch up a 2nd ornie. 
Hmmm what else can this ole'  gal get into with a wirey needle. 

How about.... TUMBLEWEEDS!!!


I am finishing the 3rd block! 


I am quilting swirls in the windmill . 


I think I have enough to keep me busy. 

So what is on your agenda today? 

May your day be filled with love and blessings!

As Always...


Happy  Stitching and Quilting,

 y'all

Melisa 

"Give every day the chance to become the most beautiful day of your life. "- Mark Twain 

Hugs and Stitches!!!!🤗🧵❤

Dedicated to my dear sister, Amy. I love and miss you so much.. Love you , Amo. 

❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄ 

 Other Posts That Might Strike Your Fancy!

🌞Parade of Homes- Early 2025 parade of home freebies.
🌞 Root A Toot Toot Patriotic Parade Early 2024 patriotic freebies. 
🌞A Berry Nice Parade- A Look at Past Berry Freebies 2025Early 2025 berry Freebies. 
🌞A Buzzy Bee Parade An early 2025 bee freebie parade.
🌞A Sunny Sunflower Parade for 2025 A parade of sunflower freebies up to July 24, 2025
🌞Pumpkin, Leaves and Autumn Please- A Fall Parade 2025 A parade of Fall themed stitches and doodles up to September 8, 2025.
🌞 A Parade of Stamps 2025  A parade of stamp cross stitch design freebies up to August 14, 2025

🌞Time to Dye-  2024 post on how I tea/ Coffee Dye my fabric. 
🌞Pin Pillow Tutorial - 2023 post on how I finish my pin pillows with chenille trim. 
🌞A Spooky Parade - Halloween freebies up to October  4, 2025. More Halloween pieces followed this date.
🌞Turkey Struttin' Thanksgiving Parade 2025- Thanksgiving freebies up to the date of November 3, 2025. More Thanksgiving freebies followed  this date. 
🌞Ho! Ho! Ho! Christmas Parade Of Previous Freebies- 2025- A Parade of Christmas Freebies up to the date of November 15, 2025. More Christmas Freebies followed this date. 
🌞A Chilly Parade of Winter Stitches 2025- A parade of Winter themed freebies up to the date of Dec. 21, 2025
❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄ 

I am joining these lovely ladies' link parties. I hope you check them out; they always have so many wonderful projects going on and provide the opportunity for other needle workers to meet.

Frederique at   Quilting Patchwork Applique for Patchwork & Quilts - Saturday

Kathy at Kathy's Quilts for Slow Stitching Sunday

Kate at Life in Pieces for  Stitching Stuff ( Sunday) 

Cynthia at Quilting is More Fun Than Housework for Oh Scrap - Sunday 

Melva at Melva Loves Scraps for Sew & Tell- Sunday

Brenda at Songbird Designs for Monday Musings

Judy at Small Quilts and Doll Quilts for Design Wall Monday

Carol at Quilt Schmilt  for To Do List Tuesday 

Saturday, January 24, 2026

Basket Blues

Saturday Salutations , Sweet friends. 

Graphic from Pinterest

I have found that while traveling , applique is the easiest type of project to work on especially while traveling in a truck camper.   

Little Baskets are in the works. ( I am not sure what the name of the quilt will be though.😀)

 I appliqued these blocks while Mr. Pinker explored the mountain side. 

 I  prepped this project a few months ago. I believe I will applique red baskets on a blue background and blue baskets on a yellow background- at least that's my idea today. 

 I am going to keep it short and sweet and leave you with a few small basket quilts that I have worked on in the past.  

Have a "blueautiful day! " 💙💙💙



A vintage quilt that I hope to put in the hoop in the near future. 

As Always...


Happy  Stitching and Quilting,

 y'all

Melisa 

"Blue is the closest color to the truth. "- Steven Tyler 

Hugs and Stitches!!!!🤗🧵❤

Dedicated to my dear sister, Amy. I love and miss you so much.. Love you , Amo. 

❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄ 

 Other Posts That Might Strike Your Fancy!

🌞Parade of Homes- Early 2025 parade of home freebies.
🌞 Root A Toot Toot Patriotic Parade Early 2024 patriotic freebies. 
🌞A Berry Nice Parade- A Look at Past Berry Freebies 2025Early 2025 berry Freebies. 
🌞A Buzzy Bee Parade An early 2025 bee freebie parade.
🌞A Sunny Sunflower Parade for 2025 A parade of sunflower freebies up to July 24, 2025
🌞Pumpkin, Leaves and Autumn Please- A Fall Parade 2025 A parade of Fall themed stitches and doodles up to September 8, 2025.
🌞 A Parade of Stamps 2025  A parade of stamp cross stitch design freebies up to August 14, 2025

🌞Time to Dye-  2024 post on how I tea/ Coffee Dye my fabric. 
🌞Pin Pillow Tutorial - 2023 post on how I finish my pin pillows with chenille trim. 
🌞A Spooky Parade - Halloween freebies up to October  4, 2025. More Halloween pieces followed this date.
🌞Turkey Struttin' Thanksgiving Parade 2025- Thanksgiving freebies up to the date of November 3, 2025. More Thanksgiving freebies followed  this date. 
🌞Ho! Ho! Ho! Christmas Parade Of Previous Freebies- 2025- A Parade of Christmas Freebies up to the date of November 15, 2025. More Christmas Freebies followed this date. 
🌞A Chilly Parade of Winter Stitches 2025- A parade of Winter themed freebies up to the date of Dec. 21, 2025
❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄ 

 I am joining these lovely ladies' link parties. I hope you check them out; they always have so many wonderful projects going on and provide the opportunity for other needleworkers to meet. 

Frederique at   Quilting Patchwork Applique for Patchwork & Quilts - Saturday

Angela of  So Scrappy  for Scrap Happy Saturday

Joy at Days Filled with Joy for Home Matters

Friday, January 23, 2026

Stitching and the Old Corral

"What's that? " I asked Mr. Pinker as we drove down the rocky, dusty road. 


Mr. Pinker whirled the side by side around the corner and over the  rocks to the area that I had spied from afar. 

"Awww and old corral! Let's explore!" 

Being an ole' farm gal, I enjoy looking at old fences, farmyard tools and structures. 
 
It has been quite a spell since this corral was used. 

Look how green the desert ground is!

There were several fenced off areas ... 


... and a number of watering tanks. 


They were as dry as bones though. 


Oooh! Look at that old, wonderful wooden gate! 


I guess back in the olden days they used old sinks for feeding troughs too. Hee! Hee!  We have several on the farm that are used for the same purpose. Waste not want not as they say. 


There were remnants of an old well with the pipes sticking out of the ground, but alas no water. This brought back memories of my Granny's well. Every day she would drop down the old cylinder well bucket to retrieve her water. As kiddos, my sisters and I loved the opportunity to fetch the water for Granny. Once we had drawn the water , we would pour it into a galvanized bucket and take it to the kitchen . There we would set it on the side table next to the enamelware pan for hand washing. On a hook above the bucket was a metal ladle which we would dip into the galvanized bucket and drink the cold freshly retrieved water. Aaaw such warm fond memories.  

The larger water tank at the corral. 

Anywhooo, Mr. Pinker and I wove in and out of the fenced in enclosures. 



 We were not sure what this contraption was used for. Was it for burning and branding? I am not sure. Do any of y'all know? 


As  the evening grew near, we decided to make our way back to camp. Mr. Pinker stopped when he saw another gentleman on the road on his OHV. As they chatted , the gentleman revealed that the place that we were previously exploring was actually where the mules were kept for the Scott Wells Mine in the 1930's. Well now is pretty interesting. 

After a bit more chit chat, Mr. Pinker and I trudged on to camp. Once there I pulled out my Little House Needlework's "Farm Life" . 

Progress  as of January 16, 2026


Eeeh! I am making progress little by little.  


The pond, geese and cattails are in place. 



Today I will begin a new stitch- an Annie Beez  Folk Art stitch called "Every Heart Beats True", a sweet gift from dear Robin. 


Now I think a patriotic red truck is a perfect Farm Friday stitch to work on . Don't you?  I sure do . Hee! Hee!  


I will be stitching it on 14 count "Mist" Zweigart Aida. Thank you , Robin for the darling gift. Alrighty y'all, I better get in a few stitches before Mr. Pinker and I head out on a day of exploring. 

Happy Trails and Keep those Needles Flying!  



As Always...


Happy  Stitching and Quilting,

 y'all

Melisa 

"What is life but one grand adventure. " 

Hugs and Stitches!!!!🤗🧵❤

Dedicated to my dear sister, Amy. I love and miss you so much.. Love you , Amo. 

A heart rock spotted at the corral. 


❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄ 

 Other Posts That Might Strike Your Fancy!

🌞Parade of Homes- Early 2025 parade of home freebies.
🌞 Root A Toot Toot Patriotic Parade Early 2024 patriotic freebies. 
🌞A Berry Nice Parade- A Look at Past Berry Freebies 2025Early 2025 berry Freebies. 
🌞A Buzzy Bee Parade An early 2025 bee freebie parade.
🌞A Sunny Sunflower Parade for 2025 A parade of sunflower freebies up to July 24, 2025
🌞Pumpkin, Leaves and Autumn Please- A Fall Parade 2025 A parade of Fall themed stitches and doodles up to September 8, 2025.
🌞 A Parade of Stamps 2025  A parade of stamp cross stitch design freebies up to August 14, 2025

🌞Time to Dye-  2024 post on how I tea/ Coffee Dye my fabric. 
🌞Pin Pillow Tutorial - 2023 post on how I finish my pin pillows with chenille trim. 
🌞A Spooky Parade - Halloween freebies up to October  4, 2025. More Halloween pieces followed this date.
🌞Turkey Struttin' Thanksgiving Parade 2025- Thanksgiving freebies up to the date of November 3, 2025. More Thanksgiving freebies followed  this date. 
🌞Ho! Ho! Ho! Christmas Parade Of Previous Freebies- 2025- A Parade of Christmas Freebies up to the date of November 15, 2025. More Christmas Freebies followed this date. 
🌞A Chilly Parade of Winter Stitches 2025- A parade of Winter themed freebies up to the date of Dec. 21, 2025
❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄





 




Thursday, January 22, 2026

Peaceful Days at Camp

I am enjoying some lazy quiet days at camp! 

 

Good afternoon y'all and Happy Happy Thursday. I hope your week has been treating you well. 

A stitchy spot near the shade. 


Mr. Pinker and I have been enjoying the warm weather, mild breezes and sunshine these last few days. In fact, we have been running around amuck in shorts and short sleeves - quite a change from back home. 



Aaw and what beautiful scenery - a delight and feast for our eyes. 

  

To say the least, I am one Happy Camper especially since this is taking place! Eeeeh I am putting "Pretty in Peaches" in the hoop!

 Once we took the side by side off of the trailer, I had a fabulous area to stretch out the backing, batting and quilt. Time to smooth it out! 


It will not be long before I wrangle the quilt in the hoop and begin weaving my needle and thread around the little butterflies. I think the black butterfly will be first.  ( I bought a new iron while in town to give this beauty a good pressing- I need to do that . 😊) 

For my Embroidery Thursday stitch- well, I will continue working on "The Garden is My Home" which I shared as a freebie doodle last year in my July 8th post


I hope you are enjoying some peaceful days.  


I do apologize for not being able to visit as much as I would like. Some of you may remember that we are off grid relying on solar power so my internet time is down to a minimum. I will be back for regular visits shortly. Love ya'! 

As Always...


Happy  Stitching and Quilting,

 y'all

Melisa 

"The mind is like water. When it's ca.m, it's clear. "- unknown 

Hugs and Stitches!!!!🤗🧵❤

Dedicated to my dear sister, Amy. I love and miss you so much.. Love you , Amo. 

❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄ 

 Other Posts That Might Strike Your Fancy!

🌞Parade of Homes- Early 2025 parade of home freebies.
🌞 Root A Toot Toot Patriotic Parade Early 2024 patriotic freebies. 
🌞A Berry Nice Parade- A Look at Past Berry Freebies 2025Early 2025 berry Freebies. 
🌞A Buzzy Bee Parade An early 2025 bee freebie parade.
🌞A Sunny Sunflower Parade for 2025 A parade of sunflower freebies up to July 24, 2025
🌞Pumpkin, Leaves and Autumn Please- A Fall Parade 2025 A parade of Fall themed stitches and doodles up to September 8, 2025.
🌞 A Parade of Stamps 2025  A parade of stamp cross stitch design freebies up to August 14, 2025

🌞Time to Dye-  2024 post on how I tea/ Coffee Dye my fabric. 
🌞Pin Pillow Tutorial - 2023 post on how I finish my pin pillows with chenille trim. 
🌞A Spooky Parade - Halloween freebies up to October  4, 2025. More Halloween pieces followed this date.
🌞Turkey Struttin' Thanksgiving Parade 2025- Thanksgiving freebies up to the date of November 3, 2025. More Thanksgiving freebies followed  this date. 
🌞Ho! Ho! Ho! Christmas Parade Of Previous Freebies- 2025- A Parade of Christmas Freebies up to the date of November 15, 2025. More Christmas Freebies followed this date. 
🌞A Chilly Parade of Winter Stitches 2025- A parade of Winter themed freebies up to the date of Dec. 21, 2025
❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄ 

A wonky heart rock! 

I am joining these lovely ladies' link parties. I hope you check them out; they always have so many wonderful projects going on and provide the opportunity for other needle workers to meet.

Melva at Melva Loves Scraps for Sew & Tell- Sunday

Brenda at Songbird Designs for Monday Musings

Judy at Small Quilts and Doll Quilts for Design Wall Monday

Carol at Quilt Schmilt  for To Do List Tuesday 

Jennifer at Inquiring Quilter for Wednesday  Wait Loss- Wednesday

Denise at For the Love of Geese for Put Your Foot Down- Thursday

Kelly at My Quilt Infatuation for Needle and Thread Thursday- Thursday

Nina at Creations, Quilts, Art , Whatever by Nina for Off the Wall Friday

Alycia's of Alycia's Quilts for Finished of Not Friday

Michelle  at From Bolt to Beauty for Beauty Pageant - Friday

Popular Posts

Christmas Stitching and Tumbleweeds