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Wednesday, December 30, 2020

Frosty Stamp - A Little Winter Freebie

Though there is no snow here yet,  I am dreaming of snowflakes,  and I  am stitching some as well.  Little Frosty  has found him some cardinal friends to keep him company.


I stitched this little winter piece to put on my Dollar General stand that I purchased a few months ago.


Earlier this month, I had posted a little Santa freebie called "Santa Stamp". If you missed it click
here. Doesn't the border make these little stitches look like  a stamps? 



 The Frosty Stamp is the same size, and he has a similar build as Santa with the tiny little legs and boots.  

This stitched up super quick in just a couple of hours. I used the floss I had on hand. I wanted it to match some of my other snowman pieces. Originally,  I was going to stitch the border  and the word "Snow" in red because it matches my living room decor ,but at the last minute changed it to DMC 931.  Other flosses that I used were DMC 801, blanc, 310, 347, and 301, but how fun it would be to use other brighter colors. 

This stitch measures 35 x 35, and I stitched mine on 14 count tea/coffee dyed aida. That brought it to a measurement of 2 1/2" x 2 1/2". 

If you would like to stitch the Frosty Stamp, just check out the pdfs below. I am not a professional designer and do this just for fun . Since I do not have professional software, the charts may print off light; I also have to put each page on separate pdfs. I apologize for that , but I still hope you enjoy them. 

For the instruction, page click here  .


For the color chart, click here .

 

For the black /white chart,  click here



                      


Thank you so much for popping in to check out my Frosty. If you decide to stitch this little guy, I would love to see him. Please tag my on Instagram using #pinkernpunkinquilting or you can always Direct Message me. And as always...

Happy stitching, ya'll

Melisa


Sunday, December 27, 2020

Peppermint Twists , Quilt Happenings and a Free Winter Doodle

 Busy , busy, busy! That is how I would describe the week.  Not only with all the Christmas and family fun, but with a little bit of stitching and quilting as well.  I bet you have been a busy elf as well. 



All through the week, I worked on quilting a small quilt called Peppermint Twists.  It is composed of little hour glass blocks.  Though I just used 3 fabrics in this quilt , it sure is bright and cheerful and will be perfect in my summer decor and of course I will use it in my Christmas vignettes next year too. 


I usually work on this quilt when I go visit mom or while I am waiting for photos to download onto the computer. I have been working on it this Sunday hoping to get all of the blocks hand quilted so I can move on to the border . 

This time of the year is perfect to work on a little snowman quilting. Last year I completed this snowman quilt made from strips of shirtings. 



  Well I wanted another one. Scraps of whites were pulled out of the bin and into the old enamalware pot to choose from. 

   


And I got busy sewing scraps in all directions.

Lots of shirting material in this piece. 

This was sew much fun. I did not have to worry about seams or anything.  Fabrics in my snowmen date from the 40's to present day. Old shirtings and feedsack material were used . 
                                            

 The applique' is done. I have to add button eyes and then decide how I want to set them.  

Pulled some little 1 1/2" strips to make this little "Snowman Door Hanger " from Kim Diehl. Mine is not exactly like Kim's but cute to me nonetheless.  I made mine into a little pocket . So now to find some cute pieces to stuff into the pocket. Hmm I'm thinking a snowman doll. 
                  

Can I interest you in a pot of 1 1/2" pieces? Cutting up a few scraps for future project. 

        

Another little quilt stack. 

My mind has been fluttering with snowflakes hoping we might get  little snow where I live.  So I have been working on oodles of doodles-  doodles of snowmen right now. I decided to work on a little embroidery work.   I am a little rusty  because it has been awhile, but I will improve with each stitch as I go.  These little snowguys are being done in blackwork.  

Here is a few little doodles for you to enjoy if you are interested. You can use them for embroidery, applique, wool applique, punch needle or whatever you heart desires.  What am I going to do with mine? Hmmm. Pillows ? A mini quilt? I don't know yet. 

 Click here for 1st page. 
 Click  here for 2nd page. 


Well time to go back to the quilt room to do a little stitching. I am linking up with Kathy's Quilts for Slow Sunday Stitching and Judy at  Small Quilts and Doll Quilts for Design Wall Monday, Beth at Love Laugh Quilt  for  Monday Making and Cynthia at Quilting is More Fun than Housework for Oh Scrap . Hope you will go check out these awesome ladies' blogs.  A lot of quilters are linking up for some "quilty fun". 
Let's have an awesome week and as always...
Happy quilting, 
Melisa

Hey, ya'll.  I would like to tell you again how much I appreciate you taking the time to visit my blog. You just popping in really makes my day!
I would love to see your work . Tag me on instagram using #pinkernpunkinquilting or direct message. 





Saturday, December 26, 2020

A Little Bit of Stitching

Santa arrived ! Fortunately, noone received coal, but instead loads of presents. The grandchildren jumped in glee as we arrived to watch the grand opening of presents. Wrapping paper was flying and boxes popped open. What a joy to see Christmas through children's eyes. Santa visited me too. What did I get?  Well some Farmhouse decor and Pioneer Woman pieces.  

A livestock metal sign, a rooster stool and enamelware cake stand. 
Love Pioneer Woman pieces . 

I have not figured out where I am going to put these pieces yet. 

 I have to admit- very little stitching has gone on here this week. How about you?  

I was able to get in some last minute finishing before Christmas though. I finished IStitch Designs "Joyeux Noel" freebie into a little pin pillow and tucked it in an old wooden salad bowl filled with mini glass ornaments.  Behind it, is  my 2019 finish of Little House Needlework's Country Christmas . Also on the table is my Santa Clause Sampler  which is  stitched  on some very crispy 14 count aida.

 
My dear friend, Georgia, sent me a complimentary chart from Stitchy Kitty called "Winter Blues"  . I was not familiar with Stitchy Kitty, but is such a cute design. I am using  the floss that I have   on hand and am stitching it on 14 count tea/coffee dyed aida. The flosses that I am using are  DMC white, 311, 932 , a mystery blue ( lol I have lost the label) 3753 , 310 and 798. I can not wait to finish this piece. 
"Winter Blues " by Stitchy Kitty" I'm  using what floss I  have on hand. 

I also began a new little design.
A sneaky peek. I am loving the colors so far. 

My youngest daughter bought me a few charts for Christmas. I am so anxious to start  one . Which one will it be? Hmmmm! 
"Winter Holiday"  is my first Mill Hill Kit. I always marvel at Illionoisstitcher and Crossinstitches365 on Instagram's Mill Hill stitches.  I just wonder " Can I do that?" Well now thanks to my daughter , I am going to try. 


I am hoping next week will be a more productive week for stitching, but I have a bedroom to paint and Christmas to take down. So we will see.  

Well I am hopping off to do a little stitching for the evening. Thank you so much for visiting. Have a Happy New Year. And as always...

Happy Stitching, 

Melisa

Monday, December 21, 2020

Feeling Very Blessed

Happy Monday and First Day of Winter. The countdown is on until Santa comes . I have to admit Christmas has come early for me , and I am feeling so blessed. 
This pretty winter card was sent to me by my dear friend, Robin. Isn't it a pretty country farmhouse scene? Love the little kitty in the window.  I wonder if that kitty is eyeing the little birdies. Hmmm. 


I am so grateful for all of the warm Christmas wishes and blessings that have been sent to me through Instagram, my blog and by mail. I can not tell you how much your thoughtfulness means to me.  I have met so many wonderful, kind stitchers this year. Your friendship, support , likes , encouragement, and visits have meant so much. 

I wanted to share a few of my sweet cards and Christmas gifts with you. These warm my heart and will be treasured. 

 

My sweet  friend , Georgia ,sent me this Santa card with a complimentary chart from Stitchy Kitty. It is called "Winter Blues" and is going to be a fabulous addition to my winter decor. I  enjoy stitching snowmen so much and usually bring out my collection after Christmas. This little card will fit right in with my Santa collection too. 




This lovely elegant card was sent by my dear friend , Nancy. Nancy always has such amazing stitches and her finishing is superb. She stitched me this darling snowflake ornament. She even added beading which gives it a bit of glitz.  Isn't the lace trim so pretty too?  


My friend Patience sent me a box of treasures. She hand knitted the pretty dish cloth which I now have on display next to my sink.  She also made me a project bag which will be perfect for my Christmas projects. 

Patience stitched me this sweet little birdie and love the finishing fabric she used. It is finished in a perfect pillow ornament.  I will enjoy this piece on display year round. 
She also made me this cute ornament filled with all kinds of vintage sewing treasures. 
What a fun little ornament . She even added little jingle bells inside . This will stay out all year on my vintage treadle. Love it and how creative. 


Patience also found these vintage Merry Bells and the sweetest Hallmark baking bear ornament. Patience knows that I enjoy little knick knacks and these fit right into my decor. 

I received a box from  my sweet friend Robin who also has been notoriously known for spoiling me. Lol. As I opened and peeled back the tissue paper, little surprises awaited. 


Robin stitched me this beautiful "Merry Christmas " ornament with a stocking and a little gift. It was trimmed with the prettiest cording. 


Robin knows that I have a love for strawberries since my family owns a strawberry farm. She sent the sweetest chenille strawberry pincushion and a handmade strawberry needle minder created by Michelle L. Palmer. The artwork is is amazing and so detailed. 



She also sent this wool and metal snowman. Isn't he so stinking cute? 

My dear friend, Christina sent my this gorgeous card and some Licorice Red floss. I am thinking this floss is going to be used in a January 1st start. Did you know red is one of my favorite colors, Christina? 

Now who can resist a Christmas tractor? No not me. Joan who loves country farm house decor like me sent me this card. This is a piece to be framed. The vintage Farmall reminds me of the one my dad had when I was little. I used to stand on the hitch as dad drove through the field. Lol. Good memories. 
I wish you could see the glitter on this pretty card sent to me by my dear friend Stacy and look at the wreath on the hitch. How cute? How pretty this card would be with my truck tree. 


Thank you so much, ladies for the beautiful cards and gifts. Your friendship is a treasure. 

And thank you all again for visiting and bringing me a lot joy during this challenging year. Have a very Merry Christmas and wishing you all many blessings throughout the New Year. As always...
Happy Stitching, 
Melisa



 

Sunday, December 20, 2020

Strip Piecing, Four Patches and Quilt Happenings

It has been awhile since I have posted a quilty update. I have been quilting; I promise!  For the last few weeks on Sunday , I have been enjoying seeing all of the fabulous quilts on IG in the #sundayquiltstacks . Linda @quiltsinthebarn has been hosting this hashtag.  So much eye candy to see - I hope you check Linda and the hashtag out. 

I have been posing little stacks of quilts. I haven't ventured into pulling the big quilts out yet. 

The quilt behind the ironing board was completed in the mid 2000's and is one of my favorites. It was displayed years ago in a local Parade of Homes in an historical church with other quilts. I felt very honored to have this little quilt on display. This summer I had it displayed in the kitchen which made that area even cheerier .

 I pulled this little rocking chair into the house to get a little paint job. My sister had found this in the trash, and she knew I would do something with it. I originally had it on my porch and thought about putting a flower pot on it. It was a little broken down and needed some work done on it.  I ended up deciding to bring it in the house, making a few minor repairs , and painted it country blue. Now the grandbabies can not sit in it , but it is perfect for displaying a few small quilts. Here the little chair is in the kitchen with a little Homespun Elegance stitch on top. That little stitch will soon find its way to the tree. 

The first project on the agenda for the week was binding. Some quilters do not like binding, but I do not 
mind it all. It is a easy no brainer project to work on while riding down the road or while I visit family members. I got several quilts bound. The first was this small mug rug size quilt "In the Meadow We can Build a Snowman" . I embroidered this a couple of years ago and just pieced and quilted it this month. 


I pulled out a 2019 project- a stripped pieced Christmas tree quilt. I had only one more block to quilt. . 
Well I got that complete earlier this month and completed the binding. I love it. The only regret is that I did not make it bigger so I could hang it above the buffet, but  I could always make another one.


Strips of fabric were sewn on paper and then cut out into triangles and then appliqued down. A lot of the pieces were from the scrap bins, and even some of the girls's clothing is included.  The background fabric was from my Mom's stash from the 1980's .  Mom made Christmas aprons out of it. 






Finally the Santa Mug Little Quilt received it's binding, and now it is on display with the Santa mugs.  I posted the Santa Mug Doodle in a previous post. Click here to see it. 

A little red and green quilt was pieced last month. I sewed the binding on and now have it completed ready to be added to the Christmas quilts.  


Underneath the red quilt is the Rudolph quilt. The Rudolph fabric is from a nurse scrub shirt that I found at the Goodwill earlier this year. I fell in love with the fabric and knew I was going to make a quilt. I stewed over what pattern to use in order to get the most out of my fabric. I finally settled on the  "  Puss in the Corner" Quilt block pattern.  It is a lap size quilt but when finished will go in the kitchen over the bench. However for now  it is in the hoop ,and the quilting has begun. I do not expect to finish it until next year. 


1 1/2 inch green strips are being cut and little four patches are being made. I haven't got a plan yet for these.  I do know it will be a little quilt.

I am linking up with Kathy's Quilts Slow Sunday Stitching. Pop over  to Kathy's blog and see what she is up to and  visit other quilter's as well. Lots of fun going on over there. 

I am also linking up to Small Quilts and Doll Quilts for Design Wall Monday and Love Laugh Quilt for Monday Making. These blogs are awesome with oodles of inspiration.  Hope you visit. 

There is more going on in the quilt room, but  I will save that for another post.  Thank you for coming by to visit and as always...


Happy quilting, ya'll. 

Melisa

I would love to see what you are up to in your quilting adventures . You can always Direct Message me in Instagram.