A Patriot's Log Cabin- A Patriotic 250th Year Freebie

  Mr. Pinker and I are going out to eat today. It will be a nice treat as we wrap up a busy, busy  week. I have spent much of my days sitting outside  stitching, quilting and of course gardening. While Mr. Pinker has been hustling and bustling with doctor's appointments, yard work and cleaning the garage. So yep , I think I am ready to go out for a good lunch. No cooking for this old gal. NO SIREE! Hee! Hee!   

What's your lunch and dinner plans? Anything special? 

 Next week is  the last week of school for the grandkiddos. They are certainly excited for school to be out, and I bet the teachers are too. Hee! Hee! I am sure the grandsons will stay busy with all sorts of summer activities like ball , fishing and traipsing out in the woods. I am certainly looking forward to spending more time with them. 

But I guess I should get to some stitching . Shouldn't I? 

Today, I wanted to share with you a new house stitch. It is a simple house called  "250 Years - A Patriot's Log Cabin" or as I often call it the  "1776- 2026 House". 

As I stitched this house, I thought of my distant "several times great" grandfather  who  was an Irish born Revolutionary War soldier, Grandpa Higgins.

 With a fire in his belly and freedom in his heart and  mind, in  September of 1780, Grandpa Higgins enlisted in the Continental Army in Virginia.   He went on to fight bravely in at least 2 battles including the Battle of Cowpens in South Carolina  in January of 1781 and the Battle of Guilford Courthouse near Greensboro, North Carolina. 

Mini Flag Sampler , A Patriot's Log Cabin, and  peek of Summer House 

Grandpa Higgins served our  country  proudly until  1783 when he was discharged . Afterwards he was given a grant of land in North Carolina for his service as many soldiers were given in payment of their service . 

Grandpa Higgins  lived a long happy life and instilled hard work, dedication,  and patriotism into the minds of  his large  family . In fact, many of his children and descendants have served in the military  during times of peace and times of unrest.   My daughter is just one of them. 

You know I am  one proud Mama! 🤗❤

The Marcher of the Flag a piece I stitched for my daughter. 

But Grandpa Higgins is not the only Revolutionary War hero that I am so fortunate to be descended from. There are many others that fought bravely for our great country . ( I have created other houses in memory of them. ) 

Are you a descendant from a Revolutionary War patriot?   Or have you or family members served to protect our great country?

 If so , I am deeply grateful. 

"250 Years - A Patriot's Log Cabin" , Mollie William's Homestead,  
Freedom Saltbox Lucinda Hawkins Liberty House,   and The Blue House

I stitched "A Patriot's Log Cabin" on 14 count Aida that I tea/ coffee dyed. 

Ten DMC floss colors were used in the making of "A Patriot's  Log Cabin" including:  DMC 353, 355, 356, 519, 610, 745, 930, 937,3799,  and Blanc 

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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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Well Sweeties, that is just one of the patriotic houses that I have been working on this year. I am far behind on posting house stitches, but I have been working on them. I will trickle them out throughout the year.  

Thank you so much for dropping by for a Friday visit. Now let's all pile up in the car and go out to eat! Hee! Hee! My tummy is rumbling! 

As Always...

Happy  Stitching and Quilting,

 y'all

Melisa 

"America is what she is because she is guided by all three - learning, faith and freedom. "-Ronald Reagan

Hugs and Stitches!!!!🤗🧵❤

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

 🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷

 

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

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🌞 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

🌞Let's Dye Some Fabric- A tutorial on my process of dyeing Aida using Rit dye. 

"250 Years - A Patriot's Log Cabin" and Summer House 

Kitten in the Corner and Bees

 Hip! Hip ! Hooray! Today is Little House on the Prairie Day!  Well, at least it  is for me. 

Melva at Melva Loves Scraps  posted Block 8 in the Little House on the Prairie Sew Along last week. Soon I will be pulling out my fabrics and will be piecing away. 

But wait ! Wait!  Let me show you Block 7 which is called Kitten in the Corner. 

This was an easy peasy block to piece, and it whipped up in 2 shakes of lamb's tail. 

Remember-  there is still time to join in on the Sew Along. Just hop over to Melva's blog, and in a wink of an eye, you can be piecing away. 

  

  " It is the sweet simple things of life which are the real ones after all. " - Laura Ingalls Wilder

Melva's Little House on the Prairie Sew Along Posts:

INTRODUCTION of the Little House on the  Prairie Stitching Along - January 29, 2026

Block 1 Maple Leaf- February 5, 2026

Block 2 Native Star- February 19, 2026

Block 3 Harvest Basket- March 5, 2026

Block 4 Shoo Fly- March 19, 2026

Block 5 Rails- April 2, 2026

Block 6 Snowflake- April 16, 2026

Block 7 Kitten in the Corner- April 30, 2026

Block 8 Heart- May 7, 2026

3 more Four Patch Fun blocks were pieced- my leader/ ender project. 

I received the sweetest blessing box from my dear friend, PJ . 🤗🍯🐝  Now isn't the  little pitcher and creamer set as cute as a a button?  I sure think so.  PJ knows me ; she knows I love all things patriotic or bee themed. Thank you so much , sweet friend. 🤗😘 This darling set will be dancing around my bee displays in the living room and then to the kitchen as summer progresses. 

Speaking of bees, a new house is in the works- Bee Haven Cottage. I still have a few stitches to unpick and restitch, but I will get to those in due time. 

Bee Haven Cottage in the works.  In the background are Spinning Hearts  and Honey Jar- From the Mason Jar Series 

Meanwhile I am heading to the cutting table. There are fabrics to be rifled through and scraps to be cut.  Snip! Snip! 

Enjoy your day, Sweet Peas. 

JUST A BLOGGING NOTE AND WOE: Boo Hoo!  Blogger is on the fritz again. It is not showing me when some of my blogging buddies are posting. Please forgive me if I miss a post. Hopefully, the glitch will be worked out soon. 

I know Jeanna at Slammin' the Screen Door has had the same problem. 

Has anyone else?   

As Always...

Happy  Stitching and Quilting,

 y'all

Melisa 

"The smallest feline is a masterpiece. "- Leonardo Da Vinci

Hugs and Stitches!!!!🤗🧵❤

Dedicated to my dear sister, Amy  who adored kittens. She always had a cat in her life. I hope you are surrounded by the most beautiful fur babies in Heaven.  I love and miss you so much.. Love you , Amo. 

One of Amo's cats. 

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Amy's flowers are blooming. 

Other Posts That Might Strike Your Fancy!

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

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🌞 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

🌞Let's Dye Some Fabric- A tutorial on my process of dyeing Aida using Rit dye. 

 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

Joy at Days Filled with Joy for Home Matters

Brenda at Songbird Designs for Monday Musings

Beth at Love Laugh Quilt  for Monday Making

Judy at Small Quilts and Doll Quilts for Design Wall Monday

A Thrifty Starburst Quilt

The other day when Mr. Pinker and I went over to the neighbors I took along one of my most recent thrifty finds that I bought in February while camping.  As we were driving in the woods, Mr. Pinker stopped the side by side and said , "There is the perfect spot for a photo shoot! Over the creek!" 

By golly, I think he was right. 

This was a quilt that I purchased at a Goodwill when  I was making my way back home from our camping trip in Arizona .   Hmmm... I think I will call it Starburst. 

Isn't the machine quilting magnificent? The design really gives the quilt a punch. 

I paid a mere $5. 99 for this beauty! Can you believe it?! Goodness, I couldn't have snatched it up quick enough.  I am very happy to have this beauty in my collection. 

I will keep it short and sweet today and leave you with a couple of more photos from the woods. Thank you for dropping by today. 

old farm equipment

We made our way deep into the woods . It was a beautiful day. 

 I hope you have a lovely day !

As Always, 

Happy  Stitching and Quilting, y'all

Melisa

Thank you for the sweet visit. 

"I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than the trees.  .  " - Henry David Thoreau.

Hugs and Stitches!!!!🤗🧵❤

Dedicated to my baby sister, Amy who loved to explore the woods. Love and miss you, Amo. 

"Under the Blueberries" House stitch  is in the works. 

Sunflower Strut Stamp- Summer Freebie

 Hello , Sweet Friends. This is just a quick drop in to share the latest Summer Stamp called Sunflower Strut. 

Two sassy crows are strutting their stuff near a large glorious sunflower. 

Sunflower Strut was stitched with the following DMC colors:  310, 782,  898, 930, 3345, and 3799. 

Sunflowers and Crows and Sunflower Mason Jar

If you are interested in how I dyed my 14 count Aida, I shared the process in a previous post entitled Let's Dye Some Fabric

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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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If you missed any of the previous posts in respect to the Summer Stamp SAL , below is a schedule with links back to the appropriate posts.  

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SUMMER STAMP SCHEDULE

April 2nd  Summer Stamp Introduction

April 7th  Stamp Stamp Border

April 14th Summer Stamp Header

April 21st  Summer Stamp 1 "And the Garden Grows" 

April 28th Summer Stamp 2 Summer Harvest

May 5th  Summer  Stamp 3 Summertime Treat

May 12th  Summer  Stamp 4

May 19th  Summer Stamp 5

May 26th Summer Stamp 6

June 2nd Summer Stamp 7

June 9th Summer Stamp 8

June 16th Summer Stamp  9 

June  23rd Bonus Summer Stamp 10

June 27th Final Reveal

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I will keep it short and sweet  today.  Have a beautiful sun shiny day! 

As Always...

Happy  Stitching and Quilting,  y'all

Melisa 

"When one has tasted watermelon, he knows what the angels eat."-  Mark Twain

Hugs and Stitches!!!!🤗🧵❤

Dedicated to my dear sister, Amy who loved to work on the farm and loved being out in nature . I love and miss you so much.. Love you , Amo. 

  🍉🍉🍉🍉🍉🍉🍉🍉🍉🍉🍉

 Other Posts That Might Strike Your Fancy!

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🌞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

🌞Let's Dye Some Fabric- A tutorial on my process of dyeing Aida using Rit dye. 

A peek into the wild and woolly garden as of May 10, 2026

A Look At the Garden

 "Are you expanding the garden? " asked Mr. Pinker as he studied the moved creek rocks in the front yard. 

This past week I began adding mulch to some of the garden. 

"Aaah, you noticed," I replied with a twinkle in my eyes. 

Some of you may remember that a couple of weeks ago I told you that I decided to expand the long wild and Woolly garden along the edge of the driveway , but had not broke the news to Mr. Pinker yet.😀😁 

The garden is beginning to fill in. Weeds need to be pulled though. 

"Doesn't it look good? " I sais as Mr. Pinker moved closer to see more of what was going on. 

"I just moved it a couple of feet out,  " I chimed. 

Lilies and purple Majesty is in bloom. I have been removing the hostas. 

Mr. Pinker nodded. " It always looks good," he replied "as long as I can get by to mow. 

" I am hoping to fill it with all kinds of flowers like marigolds, cosmos, zinnias ..." I looked over but I could see Mr. Pinker's eyes were glazing over. "Hon? Are you listening? " I asked. 

"Sure, Sure" he  replied as he snapped out of the "I don't care about the flower garden state of mind". 

"What are these ?" he asked . 

" Oh well, these are snapdragons,"  I said with a smile .  " This is my 1st year growing them so I am seeing how they like this area. " 

"And my coreopsis is in bloom. See" I said as I pointed to the bright yellow flowers which are about to spill over into the driveway. 

" This looks like a good place for snakes," he said. 

Oh bother, I am losing him again. I thought. Hee! Hee!  

"No snakes here, Silly, " I replied "...Just lots of wild and Woolly plants.  Besides, I am going to thin some of it out ( maybe Hee! Hee! )" . I studied the ground as I imagined a scaly snake slithering out from beneath the lirope. Eeek! 🐍😨 Hmmm, I think he is right. 

But to not be deterred I continued on. " Now come see my Stella  De Oro Daylilies in bloom. " Mr. Pinker promptly walked down the driveway to gaze at the flowers. 

"Is that another redbud growing? " he asked as he  peered down at the ground. 

"Yep" I will be moving it some time or another. 

 "Well it's looking mighty fine," said Mr. Pinker as he turned away to head to the garage. 

Here and there metal garden art is tucked away like the metal butterfly. 

"Hey,  wait a minute , Buster, " I exclaimed.  "I need you to help me in my ' Amy's Garden' ." And with that I gave him some clippers and we began the task at hand - cleaning it up for the season. 

Amy's Garden is on a steep chert hill that we are trying to beautify which is a hard task . 

That is the state of the Wild and Woolly garden at the beginning of May. I will share more photos in the coming weeks and months as things develop. Meanwhile , I best get back to work. There are more teeny marigolds to transplant somewhere. I mean I have 100's of them which to my delight seeded from last year. Yee ! Haw! 

And I better watch out for any snakes that might be lurking. Mr. Pinker has me on my toes now. 😂

Lots of volunteer marigolds waiting to be transplanted. 

Thank you for the sweet Wednesday visit. 

Happy Gardening, y'all

Oreo says "Howdy and y'all come back now! " 

As Always...

Happy  Stitching and Quilting, y'all

Melisa 

"In nature, nothing exists alone.  "- Rachel Carson

Hugs and Stitches!!!!🤗🧵❤

Dedicated to my dear sister, Amy who was just beginning to explore her gardening skills. 

 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 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