Pinker n Punkin Quilting & Stitching

Saturday, February 28, 2026

Warm Days and "Blooms For You" - A Spring Freebie

A couple of locals told us that it has been unseasonably warmer compared to usual. Some days have reached into the low 80's . Gosh, it is going to be hard to return back home to the cold winter's chill.

I put out 3 hummingbird feeders. It has been a joy to watch the hummers each day.

But the desert has been green and full of beautiful blooms in shades of bright yellows, warm purples and lush greens.

The other day Mr. Pinker and I drove an hours drive to Wally World for a few groceries. In the garden section, workers were busy putting out planters and such . I immediately spotted a display of gardening seed packets. It made me yearn to play in the dirt.

A pleasant rock creation made by another camper. Hmmm looks like a bird's foot.

I was quite tempted to buy a few packets, but I was good and walked away. I do miss my wild and woolly gardens even though they look quite drab during this time of the year.

Have these winter days been making you dream of Spring flowers and running amuck planting here and there and everywhere?

January progress on Bird in Hand , a sweet gift from dear Sonja. 🤗

Have you bought any seeds for planting yet ? I have boxes upon boxes of seed packets, but every year I buy more. I just cannot resist. 🌼🌺🌸

I found this rock that looks like a bird's feather. So neat!

Marigolds and zinnias grow best in the holler, but that does not stop me from trying other seeds in hopes that they will take hold.

Anywhooo... today I am going to work on a new project that I am calling "Blooms for You" which is just a simple row of blooms standing in a neat little row all proud and pretty. I sure wish my flowers would behave that way. Hee! Hee!

A start on Blooms for You.

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If you are interested in stitching this piece, just grab , the images. For printing tips, refer to the post Tips for Printing which has loads of tips from my sweet friends.

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I already have a finishing idea! Maybe finishing "Blooms for You " on top of a box for seed packets- that would be cute. What do you think?

Happy Stitching, Sweeties and...

As Always...

Happy Stitching and Quilting,

y'all

Melisa

"Warm days invite us to embrace the sunshine. "

Hugs and Stitches!!!!🤗🧵❤

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

A knobby tree trunk near our camp.

Monday, February 23, 2026

Soft Desert Stars Quilt- A Thrifty Find

Good morning, sweet Lovelies and welcome. How are you doing on this sunshiny day? I hope well.

Last week , I told you about the fabulous thrifting day I had while on our camping adventure. I found a number of great thrifty finds, but the sweet gems were 2 quilts which whistled my name as I perused the many aisles of treasures.

One was a quilt I am calling Desert Rose; it is the one I shared last week. If you are interested in taking a closer look, please do visit that post.

Well, the very 1st quilt I spotted was this bright and beautiful blooming beauty! Gosh, it makes my heart skip a beat or two! Hee! Hee!

I'm curious. Do you know what the name of this pattern is?

I think I will call it " Soft Desert Stars" .

Soft Desert Stars is machine quilted with white thread . Some areas have a "medallion" quilting motif.

The floral border is about 8 inches wide.

Border quilting

If I had a long enough wall, this quilt would be perfect for my "Baby Blue Bathroom" ( Yes I have names for my rooms . LOL)

I am sure Soft Desert Stars will find its way into my Spring and Summer displays though.

I have to admit. I made out like a bandit again. It was priced at $12.99, but to my dismay I got 25 % off of this beauty. Hip Hip Hooray!

Well, that is my thrifty find. I will slowly share more of my goodies in days to come.

The desert has been in bloom in January and February.

Thank you for the sweet visit.

Stay bright and beautiful! Love ya!

As Always...

Happy Stitching and Quilting, y'all

Melisa

"Walk a mile in my shoes and you will end up at the thrift store. " - unknown

Hugs and Stitches!!!!🤗🧵❤

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

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Other Posts That Might Strike Your Fancy!

🌞Parade of Homes 2026- Early 2026 parade of home freebies.

🌞2026 Love Parade- A Parade of Previous Valentine Freebies- Valentine themed stitches up to Feb. 4, 2026.

🌞 Root A Toot Toot Patriotic Parade Early 2024 patriotic freebies.

🌞A Berry Nice Parade- A Look at Past Berry Freebies 2025- Early 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

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Thursday, February 19, 2026

Desert Rose Quilt - A Thrifty Find

Over the hills and through the wash to the thrift stores I go!

Eeeh! I am spinning in delight! Whenever Mr. Pinker and I travel, we love stopping at thrift stores, yard sales and antique shops to see what treasures we can unearth! And lookie here! I found a gorgeous quilt that I am calling Desert Rose! Isn't it a gem?

My latest thrifty find.

Correct me if I am wrong, but I believe this is an Irish Chain design.

It was pieced using 4 different fabrics.

And the red centers were fussy cut to showcase the beautiful, yellow roses.

The body of Desert Rose is machine quilted with swirls and waves. Aaaw so pretty.

The borders were quilted with soft scallops.

I thought it was a steal at $17.99 ! But wait! I got it for 25% off that price! Woo Hoo! I was doing the happy dance all the way to the truck.

So what do ya' think? Do you think I made out like a bandit? LOL. I sure do.

Like always, I am sad for the quilter that pieced it. It is such a beautiful piece, but I am thrilled that I could give it a forever home. Plus it is a wonderful souvenir from our camping trip.

I have to admit it was a wonderful day thrifting and to make the day even more special, I not only bought 1 quilt , but I bought a 2nd one that I will share with you next week. It drew me in like a bee to honey. 🐝🍯

Gnarly and twisted wood

So tell me. Have you found any extra special thrifty finds lately? I would love to hear about them.

Thank you for the sweet visit and have a beautiful day!

As Always...

Happy Stitching and Quilting, y'all

Melisa

"The desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose. "