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Friday, November 6, 2026

Whitney Square - A New Thrifty Quilt Find

 It took some time , but the leaves are finally beginning to change  here in the holler. 



Up on the hill behind the well house , I spy  hints of red, gold and a tad of orange! Aaaw... the beauty of fall. 🍁🍂🍁


Wednesday rain brought a number of leaves tumbling to the ground. Once the trees are bare, Mr. Pinker will mow and mulch the leaves, but for now they are slowly creating a colorful carpet in the holler. 


In September, Mr. Pinker and I visited the small town of Whitney , Texas. I fell in love with this small community a couple of years ago. I was hoping we would spend a night at the campground, but alas we did not. Boo Hoo! LOL . ( You know me and how much I love to camp. ) 

We did go to the antique shops on the square where I found a little treasure to take home- A QUILT!     

EEEH!  That certainly brightened my day!

I am going to call this quilt "Whitney Square" since I bought it on the square.  Real creative name huh? Hee! Hee! Oh well. 😏😂😁 My mind will come up with something different later. LOL

The quilt is full size. 

This quilt is  machine pieced and hand quilted. Most of the quilting is in the ditch.   The backing is a soft muslin.  It is not perfect, but it is oh so charming, warm and snuggly! And most important it  was made with  a whole lot of love! ❤


I would like to think that a sweet Grandma made this quilt using old shirts and dresses  from the family that  were too worn to be used for clothing. I am sure there were lots of memories stitched into this quilt. 
I  can imagine Mrs. Grandma sitting back in her rocker in the late evening with the quilt  on her lap as she quilted by the flicker and crackle of the fire burning brightly in the hearth.  
 
 There are so many lovely fabrics. Of course, I am smitten with the red fabrics. 🤗 ❤



  I believe this quilt block is called The Garden of Eden according to Nancy Cabot in the 1930's.



Newspaper clipping found on Pinterest


 Mmmm.... Look at this scrumptious yellow green plaid! Love it! 


The plaid reminds me of the bright yellow hickory tree which is putting on quite a show of color this fall, but I digress. 




Anywhoo... The backing was turned toward  the front to create a folded binding . If you look carefully , you can see the  stitches used to tack down the binding along the edge of the binding. 


For a mere $28.00 , I could not leave this quilt behind. 


 So what do you think? Did I do good on this purchase?  I consider it a little souvenir from my  trip, plus a reminder of the town that I adore. 

I think it will look charming on Grandpa's old iron bed. When I change out the quilt, I will snap a photo to show you. 


Alrighty, Sweeties, I best get to movin' . Shhh don't tell anyone... but I am already decorating some of the house for Christmas.  

I know . I know . Some of you are saying "Whooa there Nelly! Hold  your Horses! It isn't Thanksgiving yet." Hee! Hee! Well, I have to start early , plus I just couldn't resist the urge  any longer.  I will admit it - I am a jolly weakling. 😁

I haven't decorated the buffet, but the quilt is hung on the wooden  quilt shelf for the Christmas season. 


I watched The Grinch and The Christmas Carol last night! Pull out the candy canes and pour me a cup of hot cocoa!  I am getting ready for Christmas! 

I hope your day is sprinkled with joy , laughter and all things stitchy!  

As Always...

Happy  Stitching and Quilting, y'all

Melisa 

"THRIFT CONFESSIONS: I saw it. I loved it . I have absolutely no place to put it . Bought it anyway.  "- Unknown.    

Hugs and Stitches!!!!🤗🧵❤

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

🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃


 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 Buzzy Bee Parade An early 2025 bee freebie parade.
🌞A Sunny Sunflower Parade- 2026 A parade of sunflower freebies up to September 3, 2026
🌞Autumn Parade March- 2026 Fall Parade A parade of Fall themed stitches and doodles up to September 10, 2026.
🌞 A Stomping Stamp Parade 2026  A parade of stamp cross stitch design freebies up to June 2, 2026

🌞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. 
🌞Ghosts, Goblins and Jacks Galore - 2026 Halloween Parade - Halloween freebies up to September 16, 2025. More Halloween pieces followed this date.
🌞Turkey Trot Thanksgiving Parade 2026- Thanksgiving freebies up to the date of November 2, 2026. More Thanksgiving freebies followed  this date. 
🌞A 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. 
🌞A Chilly Parade of Winter Stitches 2025- A parade of Winter themed freebies up to the date of Dec. 21, 2025
🌞Let's Dye Some Fabric- A tutorial on my process of dyeing Aida
🌞Color Tinting Embroidery Designs - Explanation on how I use crayons to color my designs for hand embroidery. - July 9, 2026

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

Donna at Modern on Monticello- Home Matters


Thursday, November 5, 2026

A Thankful Thanksgiving Hutch Tour

 Good morning, Sunshine and Welcome. I am dreaming of roasted turkey, Mom's delicious Southern dressing, potato salad and all of the fixins'!

I have started to leaf through my cookbooks searching for recipes for the holiday season. 

This year Mr. Pinker and I plan to host the Thanksgiving celebration here at the house. For the last few years , we have been cooking a number of dishes and taking them over to Mom's as that is where most of the family gathers for the  major holidays. Well this year, Mom , Dad and the rest of the family will take a short jaunt down the road to my house. 

So I do have a lot of planning to do. Turkey Time will be here soon! Gobble ! Gobble! 

Pumpkin and Bittersweet Sampler , Blessed and  TURKEY TIME is an Erica Michaels freebie which was posted on her Facebook on November 13, 2018 .


Meanwhile I have been decorating the house for the grand occasion. 

First up -  the teeny wooden hutch Mr. Pinker constructed decades ago.  It is all "Turkey-fied" ! Hee! Hee! 



It is filled to the  hilt with all things Thanksgiving related. 


There are gravy boats and...


Lots of pretty thrifted plates in autumnal colors. 



There are turkeys... AND

Primitive Hare's freebie "Give Thanks"

TURKEYS!...



AND EVEN MORE TURKEYS!


And I must not forget the Pilgrims. 



Be Ye Thankful

Nestled here and there are sweet reminders of family and friends. Indeed, I feel very blessed. 💛❤🤗


I am looking forward  to the hustle and bustle of the next few weeks as we prepare for the holiday. 



There are lists to be made and groceries to be bought.
And I do have to rummage through my plates, platters and bowls as well. Oh my! Hustle and Bustle! 


Old Fashioned Corn Pudding
INGREDIENTS:
SERVINGS:  4-6
3 eggs , beaten
2 Tablespoons of honey
1 cup of milk
1 1/2 Tablespoons of flour
1 can of cream style corn
2 Tablespoons of melted butter
1/2 teaspoon of salt
Dash of allspice

DIRECTIONS:
Combine honey and milk; add gradually to the flour , stirring until smooth. Add eggs, corn, butter and salt. Mix well. Turn into greased 1  quart baking dish. Sprinkle with allspice. Place baking dish in a pan of hot water. Bake in preheated oven at 300 degrees for 1 hour 45 minutes or until the custard is set. 



 Will you be cooking for Thanksgiving?  What yummies are your favorites for the holiday season?

I  guess I best get back to searching through my recipes. I am so very grateful for the sweet visit. 

Have a fabulous day and enjoy the hustle and bustle ! 

As Always...

Happy  Stitching and Quilting, y'all

Melisa 

"Thanksgiving gets me all warm and tingly and all kinds of wonderful inside.  "- Willard Scott

Hugs and Stitches!!!!🤗🧵❤

Dedicated to my dear sister, Amy  who loved the hustle and bustle of the holidays
 I love and miss you so much.. Love you , Amo. 

🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃

 If you are interested in seeing any of the previous Thanksgiving hutch tours , just click on the links. You will see a lot of the same things, but just arranged different. 



If you would like to see the 2020 THANKSGIVING HUTCH  click here. 



Tuesday, November 3, 2026

Persimmon Seeds and Aunt Ruth's Autumn Farmhouse- A House Freebie

 The wild American persimmons are getting ripe! Do grab one! They are sweet as candy. The catch is  you have to pick them when they are ooey, gooey,  mushy ripe!  Otherwise the high amounts of tannins in the unripe persimmons will cause your mouth to pucker and your  mouth to become bitterly dry. Ugh.   So ripe ones it is! 


Little Mr. F. , the youngest grandson , was excited to see the persimmons seeds that were being dried out. 

I am going to plant a few and try my hand at growing some for the farm. 

Anywhoo... he quickly grabbed a couple and took them to his pappy to have them cut open.

A couple of persimmon seeds are cut to see the design in the center of the seed. 

Hmmm... Is it a knife or a spoon?  It looks like the persimmon seeds are predicting a cold snowy winter if I am not mistaken.  Brrr! 

PERSIMMON SEED PREDICTIONS:
Knife:  A bitter , freezing winter with biting, cutting winds
Fork:  A gentle mild winter with little snow
Spoon:  Heavy snow that will require a shovel




Thanksgiving

Yesterday, I worked my fingers to the bone decorating for Thanksgiving. The countdown is on. 
Shall we take look! 

THE COUNTDOWN

23 days until   Thanksgiving
51 days until Christmas AND...
 59 days until 2027

2022- Three Year IG Anniversary Chart and Priscilla Ewe


Gingered Fruit Salad
Gingered Fruit Salad must be made at least 1 day ahead for flavors to meld. 
SERVINGS :8 
INGREDIENTS:
1 can ( 20 )ounce pineapple chunks , drained 
1 package of frozen unsweetened peach slices, thawed ( 16 oz)
1 cup coarsely chopped fresh pear ( 1 medium pear)  
1 medium apple coarsely chopped
1/4 cup of honey
2 Tablespoons orange juice concentrate, thawed
2 teaspoons ground ginger
DIRECTIONS
In a large bowl, combine first four ingredients. Ina small bowl, stir together remaining ingredients. Pour over fruit; toss until well blended. Cover and refrigerate 8 hours or overnight. Serve chilled. 


Later in the evening , I fully finished a new house for my neighborhood. It is called Aunt Ruth's Autumn Farmhouse.


 I cannot tell you how much fun I had stitching this one. And it actually stitched up pretty quickly. 😀

It has all the things I love- a quilt , pumpkins and a quirky struttin' gobbler! 


 This little house joins the other Thanksgiving houses that I have made over the years. 

Next up I will be working on a Christmas house.

I am curious. 
Are you stitching for Thanksgiving? 
I always like to add one or two pieces each year. I do love Thanksgiving. I have so many fond memories of celebrating the holiday with my family. 




Anywhoo.... Aunt Ruth's Autumn Farmhouse was inspired by hubby's Aunt Ruth who lived in a quaint little farmhouse built in the early 1900's  on the family tobacco farm .  It was a warm and cozy farmhouse filled with joy and love. The walls were decorated with family photos and like my Granny-  in her older days, Aunt Ruth moved a bed into the living room come winter time to stay warm by the fireside. 

 I have only visited a few times, but it is a home filled with so much charm. 


Aunt Ruth's  Autumn Farmhouse was stitched on 14 count coffee/ tea dyed Aida, and I only used 9 DMC  floss colors to stitch the farmhouse which includes: 
DMC 301, 610, 739, 829, 830, 833, 919, 922, and 950. 

OUTLINING THE HOUSE: 
To make the house stand out on the 14 count coffee/ tea dyed Aida, I outlined the sides of the house with 2 strands of DMC 610.

Each side of the house is outlined with DMC 610. 

🧵🧵🧵🧵🧵🧵🧵🧵🧵🧵🧵🧵🧵🧵🧵🧵🧵🧵🧵🧵🧵🧵

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. 

🧵🧵🧵🧵🧵🧵🧵🧵🧵🧵🧵🧵🧵🧵🧵🧵🧵🧵🧵🧵🧵🧵














 
Well Sweeties, I guess I have carried on long enough . I am so very grateful that you dropped by to see my new house today and to listen to my rambles. I am not sure what I will get into this afternoon.  I know that I do want to work on a new Christmas house so maybe that should be on the agenda.
Have a lovely day and...

As Always...

Happy  Stitching and Quilting, y'all

Melisa 

"Any day spent with you is my favorite day. So today is my new favorite day.  "- Winnie the Pooh

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 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 Buzzy Bee Parade An early 2025 bee freebie parade.
🌞A Sunny Sunflower Parade- 2026 A parade of sunflower freebies up to September 3, 2026
🌞Autumn Parade March- 2026 Fall Parade A parade of Fall themed stitches and doodles up to September 10, 2026.
🌞 A Stomping Stamp Parade 2026  A parade of stamp cross stitch design freebies up to June 2, 2026

🌞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. 
🌞Ghosts, Goblins and Jacks Galore - 2026 Halloween Parade - Halloween freebies up to September 16, 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. 
🌞A 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. 
🌞A Chilly Parade of Winter Stitches 2025- A parade of Winter themed freebies up to the date of Dec. 21, 2025
🌞Let's Dye Some Fabric- A tutorial on my process of dyeing Aida
🌞Color Tinting Embroidery Designs - Explanation on how I use crayons to color my designs for hand embroidery. - July 9, 2026


This old Baker's Table came off of Aunt Ruth's Farmhouse side porch off from the kitchen. Here it is all decorated for Spring in 2021


The handles on the baker's table is made of old spools. Aunt Ruth had clothes pins stored in the drawer and mason jars stored underneath. 
The drawer now houses tapered candles . 

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Whitney Square - A New Thrifty Quilt Find