Blog Archive

Sunday, July 12, 2026

Catching up on UFO's

 Good afternoon, Sunshine!  For the last few days, we have had rain. Yesterday, I spent the whole day in my stitchy spot , watching Christmas movies , listening to the pitter patter of rain and  stitching away . But today the sun is peeking through the clouds smiling down upon the flowers. 

The bee balm is in bloom and the bees are loving it! 

Today , I will be working on my Winter Checklist which I shared last year. The embroidery is all done. I just need to give it a quick press and pop it into the hoop. I will use off white thread to quilt around some of the embroidery work , but first I must piece some leftover batting together.


Now on to the plans for the week
Well I want to ...

๐Ÿงต1. Work on Joy's Floral Bauble Block #2  from Joy at Days Filled with Joy. which is a free Sew Along being offered by Joy right now. Thank you , Joy. ๐Ÿค—

๐Ÿงต2. Embroider my A Very  Vintage Christmas Blocks

๐Ÿงต3. Finish Sunflower Haven cross stitch. This has been my 15 minute a day or more project this week. 
๐Ÿงต4. And finally begin piecing the Gingerbread Quilt.

Way back in 2023, I shared 4 gingerbread designs  which were  Roll and Bake , Gingerbread and MarshmallowsA Plate of Gingers, and  A Bowl of Gingerbread. It is time for me to do something with them. 

I am sorting through 2 1/2" strips. 

I am cutting 2 1/2" squares to frame the blocks. 

 2 1/2" blocks are being pulled to frame the Gingerbread blocks for a country Christmas quilt. 

Alrighty Sweet Peas, I will keep it short and sweet today.  May your fingers be nimble and your needles flying! Stitch Away, Sweet Friends! 

As Always...

Happy  Stitching and Quilting, y'all

Melisa 

"It's okay if productivity looks different every day.  "- Unknown

Hugs and Stitches!!!!๐Ÿค—๐Ÿงต❤

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

๐Ÿ‰๐Ÿ‰๐Ÿ‰๐Ÿ‰๐Ÿ‰๐Ÿ‰๐Ÿ‰๐Ÿ‰๐Ÿ‰๐Ÿ‰๐Ÿ‰๐Ÿ‰๐Ÿ‰๐Ÿ‰๐Ÿ‰๐Ÿ‰๐Ÿ‰


 Other Posts That Might Strike Your Fancy!

๐ŸŒžParade of Homes 2026- Early 2026 parade of home freebies.
๐ŸŒž2026 Love Parade- A Parade of Previous Valentine Freebies- Valentine themed stitches up to Feb. 4, 2026.  
๐ŸŒž Root A Toot Toot Patriotic Parade Early 2024 patriotic freebies. 
๐ŸŒžA Berry Nice Parade- A Look at Past Berry Freebies 2025- Early 2025 berry Freebies. 
๐ŸŒžA Buzzy Bee Parade An early 2025 bee freebie parade.
๐ŸŒžA Sunny Sunflower Parade for 2025 A parade of sunflower freebies up to July 24, 2025
๐ŸŒžPumpkin, Leaves and Autumn Please- A Fall Parade 2025 A parade of Fall themed stitches and doodles up to September 8, 2025.
๐ŸŒž A Stomping Stamp Parade 2026  A parade of stamp cross stitch design freebies up to June 2, 2026

๐ŸŒžTime to Dye-  2024 post on how I tea/ Coffee Dye my fabric. 
๐ŸŒžPin Pillow Tutorial - 2023 post on how I finish my pin pillows with chenille trim. 
๐ŸŒžA Spooky Parade - Halloween freebies up to October  4, 2025. More Halloween pieces followed this date.
๐ŸŒžTurkey Struttin' Thanksgiving Parade 2025- Thanksgiving freebies up to the date of November 3, 2025. More Thanksgiving freebies followed  this date. 
๐ŸŒžA Christmas in July Parade of Past Freebies- 2026 A Parade of Christmas Freebies up to the date of July 6, 2026. More Christmas Freebies followed this date. 
๐ŸŒžA Chilly Parade of Winter Stitches 2025- A parade of Winter themed freebies up to the date of Dec. 21, 2025
๐ŸŒžLet's Dye Some Fabric- A tutorial on my process of dyeing Aida 

๐Ÿ‰๐Ÿ‰๐Ÿ‰๐Ÿ‰๐Ÿ‰๐Ÿ‰๐Ÿ‰๐Ÿ‰๐Ÿ‰๐Ÿ‰๐Ÿ‰๐Ÿ‰๐Ÿ‰๐Ÿ‰๐Ÿ‰๐Ÿ‰๐Ÿ‰

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, July 11, 2026

Home of Faith , Family and Freedom- A House Freebie


Good morning, lovely sweet friends and Happy Saturday. Is your weekend off to a bright and delightful start? I sure hope so.
Let me introduce to you the newest addition to the farm. 
Bowzer!

Isn't he a cutie patootie? He just appeared one day which means someone dropped him off. 

Some of you may remember Petunia the pot belly pig who  was dropped off at the bottom of the driveway a couple of years ago. 

Petunia the Pig now lives at another farm. 

Anywhooo... I was not sure about Bowzer when I first met him. But he is very gentle, and his goofy smile soon won me over.  He is a porch dog which means he likes to lounge on the porch most of the day and does not venture far .   We officially put on a collar the other day so he has a home. ๐Ÿถ

Bowzer has a long tongue . He always has his mouth open smiling. ๐Ÿ˜€


Now on to stitchy stuff. 

I am making progress on Sunflower Haven which I started earlier this week. Today I will be adding the windows, foundation stones and roof. 

Sunflower Haven is being stitched on 14 count coffee/ tea dyed Aida. 

Home of Faith, Family and Freedom is my newest addition to my neighborhood. I have to admit- it is also a new favorite "house finish".


 This patriotic house is surrounded by a vine of red, white and blue flowers. 


Small crosses and hearts are scattered throughout. 


This home truly speaks to me. What do you think about it? I do hope you like it. 

It was stitched on 14 count coffee/ tea dyed Aida. 
If you are interested in how I dye my fabric check out my post called Time to Dye which I posted in 2024. 

๐Ÿ ๐Ÿ ๐Ÿ ๐Ÿ ๐Ÿ ๐Ÿ ๐Ÿ ๐Ÿ ๐Ÿ ๐Ÿ ๐Ÿ ๐Ÿ ๐Ÿ ๐Ÿ ๐Ÿ ๐Ÿ ๐Ÿ ๐Ÿ ๐Ÿ ๐Ÿ ๐Ÿ ๐Ÿ ๐Ÿ ๐Ÿ 

I use only 7 DMC floss colors which include: DMC 221, 610, 730, 732, 746, 844,  and 924.

I enjoy stitching houses so much. I feel like I am stitching my dream homes. 

 ๐Ÿงต๐Ÿงต๐Ÿงต๐Ÿงต๐Ÿงต๐Ÿงต๐Ÿงต๐Ÿงต๐Ÿงต๐Ÿงต๐Ÿงต๐Ÿงต๐Ÿงต๐Ÿงต๐Ÿงต๐Ÿงต๐Ÿงต๐Ÿงต

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. 

๐Ÿงต๐Ÿงต๐Ÿงต๐Ÿงต๐Ÿงต๐Ÿงต๐Ÿงต๐Ÿงต๐Ÿงต๐Ÿงต๐Ÿงต๐Ÿงต๐Ÿงต๐Ÿงต๐Ÿงต๐Ÿงต๐Ÿงต๐Ÿงต๐Ÿงต๐Ÿงต๐Ÿงต๐Ÿงต







QUESTION : Do you have suggestions for  "theme" related homes that you would like to see?  I always get excited when you give me  ideas. ๐Ÿ˜€❤๐Ÿค—

Well, Sweeties. I  better put on my construction hat and get to roofing my Sunflower Haven house. Soon it will be time to pull out the sunflower  and bee decor. 

Have a beautiful day. 

As Always...

Happy  Stitching and Quilting, y'all

Melisa 

"There is nothing like staying home for real comfort.  "- Jane Austin

Hugs and Stitches!!!!๐Ÿค—๐Ÿงต❤

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

๐Ÿ ๐Ÿ ๐Ÿ ๐Ÿ ๐Ÿ ๐Ÿ ๐Ÿ ๐Ÿ ๐Ÿ ๐Ÿ ๐Ÿ ๐Ÿ ๐Ÿ ๐Ÿ ๐Ÿ ๐Ÿ ๐Ÿ ๐Ÿ ๐Ÿ ๐Ÿ ๐Ÿ ๐Ÿ ๐Ÿ ๐Ÿ ๐Ÿ ๐Ÿ ๐Ÿ 


 Other Posts That Might Strike Your Fancy!

๐ŸŒžParade of Homes 2026- Early 2026 parade of home freebies.
๐ŸŒž2026 Love Parade- A Parade of Previous Valentine Freebies- Valentine themed stitches up to Feb. 4, 2026.  
๐ŸŒž Root A Toot Toot Patriotic Parade Early 2024 patriotic freebies. 
๐ŸŒžA Berry Nice Parade- A Look at Past Berry Freebies 2025- Early 2025 berry Freebies. 
๐ŸŒžA Buzzy Bee Parade An early 2025 bee freebie parade.
๐ŸŒžA Sunny Sunflower Parade for 2025 A parade of sunflower freebies up to July 24, 2025
๐ŸŒžPumpkin, Leaves and Autumn Please- A Fall Parade 2025 A parade of Fall themed stitches and doodles up to September 8, 2025.
๐ŸŒž A Stomping Stamp Parade 2026  A parade of stamp cross stitch design freebies up to June 2, 2026

๐ŸŒžTime to Dye-  2024 post on how I tea/ Coffee Dye my fabric. 
๐ŸŒžPin Pillow Tutorial - 2023 post on how I finish my pin pillows with chenille trim. 
๐ŸŒžA Spooky Parade - Halloween freebies up to October  4, 2025. More Halloween pieces followed this date.
๐ŸŒžTurkey Struttin' Thanksgiving Parade 2025- Thanksgiving freebies up to the date of November 3, 2025. More Thanksgiving freebies followed  this date. 
๐ŸŒžA Christmas in July Parade of Past Freebies- 2026 A Parade of Christmas Freebies up to the date of July 6, 2026. More Christmas Freebies followed this date. 
๐ŸŒžA Chilly Parade of Winter Stitches 2025- A parade of Winter themed freebies up to the date of Dec. 21, 2025
๐ŸŒžLet's Dye Some Fabric- A tutorial on my process of dyeing Aida 

Thursday, July 9, 2026

Playtime ,Thrifting, Toys, and Doodles- A Christmas Freebie

 Eeeh! I have my crayons out, and I am ready to color! 



Happy Embroidery Thursday, y'all. Welcome! Do come in and join me  as I sit down for a little playtime with my colors and colored pencils. 

But first ! How about a thrift haul?  ๐Ÿ˜€

Over the July 4th weekend , Mr. Pinker and I found ourselves meandering along the aisles of 2 thrift stores looking for junk / treasures. Would you like to see  what jumped into my buggy? Aaw come on and take a gander. ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜€

You know I cannot resist anything that is red. The big red pot will be perfect for making soups, or perhaps dying fabric. Or who knows-- it may be used for decorating, but for $3.00 I could not leave it behind. By the way, this was the most expensive treasure I bought. So not too bad. 


Two little Fiestaware mugs jumped into my buggy as well. I could not shoo them away since they were red and yellow. Can mugs be cutie patooties? They are to me. ❤๐Ÿ’›❤๐Ÿ’›

 

To all of those vintage collectors out there. Do you know who made this bowl?  The hand painting reminds me of Blue Ridge Pottery which I collect, but I know it is not that. 

 

Nanny had bowls similar to this . She would serve fresh fried taters in them. Yum Yum! Oh how I miss Nanny's cooking. 

Four little gravevine milkglass cups will be perfect to use anytime of the year. 

Is there more you ask? Well there sure is! 

I found this little mass produced quilted sham for a buck. Of course, this can be used on a pillow, but I will fold it and use it for a shelf or table runner. Cute! Cute! Cute! 

And now to my favorite finds which gave me a nifty thrift high! Vintage games and toys for my toy room. ๐Ÿค—

There is Cooties and Bridg- It , a fully packed Tool Chest and the little bead counting toy. Swoon. Can you hear my heart go "Thumpity Thump!"  American made and made around the 50's . ❤❤❤❤

And in the Cootie box was a little chalkboard set. A little extra something- something. 

Do you remember these little horns that you could get at the Five and Dime stores decades ago? Or am I showing my age? Hee! Hee! 


"Childhood is the most beautiful of all life's seasons." - Unknown


While we are here, let me show you the little toy quilt  I made years ago. It is  being displayed with my rough and tumble Raggedy Annie and Andy that I bought years ago. They have gone through some rough times before they came to live with me. Well, let me rephrase that- they were well loved as all dolls should be. Right?  Now they live in a retirement home where they are loved but looked at. ๐Ÿ˜„

Alrighty now! Since we are in the toyroom. Let's get to playing. 


Like I said at the beginning of my post, I have my crayons out, and today I am going to be coloring up some doodles on fabric. 

 My newest set of doodles are called A Very Vintage Christmas. 

 A little doodle just for you. ❤❤❤


            My doodles are hand drawn and are never perfect. 


I think a small Christmas quilt is in order. Don't you?

A plethora of small embroidered Christmas  quilts. 


So let me show you how I am color tinting my doodles on fabric. I am not sure if it is the right way , but it is how I tint mine. 

๐Ÿงต1. First , I draw the image onto my piece of fabric. Usually , I use a light mechanical pencil. Today I used  a Frixion pen.  NOTE: If you use a Frixion pen before embroidery and you heat set the crayons, the ink will disappear. ( Speaking from experience. ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜œ๐Ÿ˜€)

๐Ÿงต2. Next, I use a white crayon and using small circular motions I color the areas I want to tint. 

Color the areas in want to tint with white crayon in small circular motions. This helps the colors to look a little more vibrant and helps in adding depth.- Well at least in my opinion. 

๐Ÿงต3. Then comes the fun part! Adding the other colors. I layer in colors starting with the light colors using small circular motions. Slowly, I build on those colors with different shades adding depth. 

Ad color a little at a time starting with lights and using darker colors to shade. 

๐Ÿงต4. I then use my colored pencils to add a little deeper shading. I do not have an affinity for any particular  name brand of pencils. Most of my colored pencils came from the thrift store.

More color is being added and the tinting is getting darker( though it will lighten once pressed) 


๐Ÿงต5. When it is time to set the color, I place a pressing cloth and paper towel under and over the embroidery piece . This will pick up the "extra" wax and color when pressed and protects your iron. Remember, if you use a Frixion pen to mark your embroidery lines, it will disappear when you press your piece. If that happens just retrace your lines, and then you are ready to embroider. 

Use a pressing cloth  and/ or napkins to protect iron . This also absorbs excess wax as the piece is heat set. The colors will lighten. 

While the grandsons are here today, I will be lounging at the pool working on the embroidery work of this little beauty. 

Sooo... tell me. Have you ever color tinted your embroidery work? And do have any nifty tips and tricks to share? Inquiring minds want to know. Hee! Hee! I am always excited to learn something new . Aren't you? 

Well Sweeties, I am off to play. I wish you the most delightful day. And remember - Stay young at heart! 

As Always...

Happy  Stitching and Quilting, y'all

Melisa 

"What one loves in childhood stays in the heart forever.  "- Mary Jo Putney

Hugs and Stitches!!!!๐Ÿค—๐Ÿงต❤

Dedicated to my dear sister, Amy who remained a kid a heart even into adulthood. She was always up for an adventure and never let grass grew under her feet. 
 I love and miss you so much.. Love you , Amo. 

๐ŸŽ„๐ŸŽ„๐ŸŽ„๐ŸŽ„๐ŸŽ„๐ŸŽ„๐ŸŽ„๐ŸŽ„๐ŸŽ„๐ŸŽ„๐ŸŽ„๐ŸŽ„๐ŸŽ„๐ŸŽ„๐ŸŽ„๐ŸŽ„๐ŸŽ„๐ŸŽ„


 Other Posts That Might Strike Your Fancy!

๐ŸŒžParade of Homes 2026- Early 2026 parade of home freebies.

๐ŸŒž2026 Love Parade- A Parade of Previous Valentine Freebies- Valentine themed stitches up to Feb. 4, 2026.  
๐ŸŒž Root A Toot Toot Patriotic Parade Early 2024 patriotic freebies. 
๐ŸŒžA Berry Nice Parade- A Look at Past Berry Freebies 2025Early 2025 berry Freebies. 
๐ŸŒžA Buzzy Bee Parade An early 2025 bee freebie parade.
๐ŸŒžA Sunny Sunflower Parade for 2025 A parade of sunflower freebies up to July 24, 2025
๐ŸŒžPumpkin, Leaves and Autumn Please- A Fall Parade 2025 A parade of Fall themed stitches and doodles up to September 8, 2025.
๐ŸŒž A Stomping Stamp Parade 2026  A parade of stamp cross stitch design freebies up to June 2, 2026

๐ŸŒžTime to Dye-  2024 post on how I tea/ Coffee Dye my fabric. 
๐ŸŒžPin Pillow Tutorial - 2023 post on how I finish my pin pillows with chenille trim. 
๐ŸŒžA Spooky Parade - Halloween freebies up to October  4, 2025. More Halloween pieces followed this date.
๐ŸŒžTurkey Struttin' Thanksgiving Parade 2025- Thanksgiving freebies up to the date of November 3, 2025. More Thanksgiving freebies followed  this date. 
๐ŸŒžA Christmas in July Parade of Past Freebies- 2026 A Parade of Christmas Freebies up to the date of July 6, 2026. More Christmas Freebies followed this date. 
๐ŸŒžA Chilly Parade of Winter Stitches 2025- A parade of Winter themed freebies up to the date of Dec. 21, 2025
๐ŸŒžLet's Dye Some Fabric- A tutorial on my process of dyeing Aida



























 














Wednesday, July 8, 2026

Baubles and Four Patches

 Did you hear?! Did you hear?! 

Joy at Days Filled with Joy  is generously offering a free redwork Block of the Month,  and it has already started! 

Fabrics chosen for Floral Baubles

  It is called Floral Baubles! Isn't that cute?


 The first block came out on June the 10th and may I say it is as cute as a button. 


First Floral Bauble complete and the 2nd star is pieced. 


There will be nine blocks, and she will post them the 2nd Wednesday  of each month.

Additional leftover Half Square Triangles are gathered for a future project. 

Linda at Texas Quilt Gal Blogspot shared her progress on Joy's Floral Bauble in her June 25th post. Her block is looking awesome! 


My latest thrifty finds for only $.77. They will look cute on my wee Santa mug tree. 



Joy is also sharing a free Classic Sampler QAL. Eeeh! This is exciting!  Joy says this is  beginner friendly and gives all of the details in her introduction post for the sampler. 

First block complete in the Classic Sampler QAL.


JOY'S CLASSIC SAMPLER QAL
Sampler Introduction- July 1, 2026

 I have done Joy's QAL and SAL's before, and they are a delight!   I think Joy is going to keep me busy! How about you? 

Sunflower Haven is my newest start. I will work on the house today. 
 

That is what is going on in the holler on this fine Wednesday afternoon. The grandsons will arrive in a few short hours for their weekly sleepover. So I better get to the sewing machine before playtime. ๐Ÿ˜€ Have an awesome day! 

As Always...

Happy  Stitching and Quilting, y'all

Melisa 

"Start now. Start where you are... Start with your hands shaking. Just start.   "- Unknown

Hugs and Stitches!!!!๐Ÿค—๐Ÿงต❤

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

๐ŸŽ„๐ŸŽ„๐ŸŽ„๐ŸŽ„๐ŸŽ„๐ŸŽ„๐ŸŽ„๐ŸŽ„๐ŸŽ„๐ŸŽ„๐ŸŽ„๐ŸŽ„๐ŸŽ„๐ŸŽ„๐ŸŽ„๐ŸŽ„๐ŸŽ„๐ŸŽ„


 Other Posts That Might Strike Your Fancy!

๐ŸŒžParade of Homes 2026- Early 2026 parade of home freebies.
๐ŸŒž2026 Love Parade- A Parade of Previous Valentine Freebies- Valentine themed stitches up to Feb. 4, 2026.  
๐ŸŒž Root A Toot Toot Patriotic Parade Early 2024 patriotic freebies. 
๐ŸŒžA Berry Nice Parade- A Look at Past Berry Freebies 2025- Early 2025 berry Freebies. 
๐ŸŒžA Buzzy Bee Parade An early 2025 bee freebie parade.
๐ŸŒžA Sunny Sunflower Parade for 2025 A parade of sunflower freebies up to July 24, 2025
๐ŸŒžPumpkin, Leaves and Autumn Please- A Fall Parade 2025 A parade of Fall themed stitches and doodles up to September 8, 2025.
๐ŸŒž A Stomping Stamp Parade 2026  A parade of stamp cross stitch design freebies up to June 2, 2026

๐ŸŒžTime to Dye-  2024 post on how I tea/ Coffee Dye my fabric. 
๐ŸŒžPin Pillow Tutorial - 2023 post on how I finish my pin pillows with chenille trim. 
๐ŸŒžA Spooky Parade - Halloween freebies up to October  4, 2025. More Halloween pieces followed this date.
๐ŸŒžTurkey Struttin' Thanksgiving Parade 2025- Thanksgiving freebies up to the date of November 3, 2025. More Thanksgiving freebies followed  this date. 
๐ŸŒžA Christmas in July Parade of Past Freebies- 2026 A Parade of Christmas Freebies up to the date of July 6, 2026. More Christmas Freebies followed this date. 
๐ŸŒžA Chilly Parade of Winter Stitches 2025- A parade of Winter themed freebies up to the date of Dec. 21, 2025
๐ŸŒžLet's Dye Some Fabric- A tutorial on my process of dyeing Aida 

  A lily in bloom

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. 

Jennifer at Inquiring Quilter for Wednesday  Wait Loss- Wednesday

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

Frederique at   Quilting Patchwork Applique for Patchwork & Quilts - Saturday

Joy at Days Filled with Joy for Home Matters

Popular Posts

Catching up on UFO's