Blog Archive

Thursday, April 9, 2026

A Day of Junkin' and Quiltin'



My newest apron. 
  I went junkin' the other day, and it was a delight! 😀

Welcome,  Sweet friends and Happy Happy Thursday! 

Mr. Pinker and I took some stolen moments the other day to get away from all of the hustle and bustle . Where did we go? Well the thrift stores of course. And let me tell you ! I was in Heaven! 

Tin Heaven that is! I hit the mother load in reproduction tins and by golly,  I loaded my buggy down with one tin after another. 

All of the tins were just a dollar. Can not beat that with a stick! 

"Did you get all of the tins?" asked the cashier. 

"Nope, but I sure wish I could have! " I said with a grin.

 

I then went on to explain how Mr. Pinker and I each had grandparents that once owned  old general stores, and that we like to recreate that "general store" look with advertising tins, signs and such.    My Grandpa's and Granny's store was in Fulton County , KY in the early 1920-1940's. Mom said it was on stilts. According to Granny , she and Grandpa would have to pull items off the floor if a flood arose. I sure would have liked to have seen the old store. 

Anywhooo... Back to the junkin. Not only did I come home with tins, but on the Dime Table , I found some hand painted ceramic birds, a small lamb and a vintage Mother's poem.  

Treasures from the  "Dime Tables" at the thrift store. 

And to top it off I found a bit of enamelware. I was one happy gal to say the least. 

What else has been going on? ....Hmmm well I finished Block 4 in Melva's Little House on the Prairie SAL.   

The Shoo Fly block is one of my favorites. Oh what fun I had at the machine. 

 

Since I was showcasing the Shoo Fly block , I pulled out my vintage "bug sprayers" that my sweet sister gave me. She liked rusty crusty vintage items like me. 

Four blocks completed . Now it's time for me to work on Block 5 Rails. Eeeh! Another favorite block to work on!  Melva released it last Thursday. 

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

Remember, that Melva's Stitch Along is free until the end of the event. So run don't walk over to Melva's blog and join in.  It is always a joy to see what Melva is working on ; plus on Sundays she does a Sew and Tell Link Party , another fun event.

Alrighty Sweeties, that is my rambles for today. I am changing out my Easter decor for Spring so I will continue working on that today. 

Spring Farmhouse  and  1869 Spring Chick Crock.

Thank you for joining me today. I am sorry I have been so scarce lately. As many of you know, we have had some family illness and have been caregiving here lately.  Please be patient with me as I try to get into a "new" groove. 

Have a fabulous day and remember to do something that you love even if you have to sneak in a few stolen moments. Love ya'!😘

As Always...


Happy  Stitching and Quilting,

 y'all

Melisa 

"Kindness can transform someone's dark moment with a blaze of light. "- Amy Leigh MerCree 

Hugs and Stitches!!!!🤗🧵❤

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

I also picked up some Sugar 'n Cream yarns at the thrift store.  Yummy colors. 

 🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷

 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 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

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.

Brenda at Songbird Designs for Monday Musings

Judy at Small Quilts and Doll Quilts for Design Wall Monday

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


40 comments:

  1. Hi Melisa, great finds! I have the green LifeSaver tin also in my kitchen. Think I brought it from a long ago holiday.
    Have a great day,
    Gabi

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    1. Oh how fun, Gabi. These are my 1st Lifesaver tins. The colors were too cheerful to pass up. The little tins come in handy too for storage. Thank you for the sweet visit. Hugs.

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  2. A fun thrifting trip, indeed. So many fun finds - enjoy! Cute blocks for the sew along. I'm glad you had a chance to get out and do some fun shopping. Big Hugs DarleneJ

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    1. Aaw thank you so much, Miss Darlene. It was so good to get out. We didn't get to stay out as long as we liked but any day thrift shopping is good day. LOL. Big Hugs from the holler.

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  3. Hi Melisa, what great finds! Love all those tins. Enjoy your day !

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    1. Hola Annelies que nombre tan bonito!!!!! soy Dianet NO me conoces pero tambien soy seguidopra de la amiga Melisa y solo que ria saludarte y comentarte qu eestoy tambien como tu enamorada de estas bellas latas!!!! y es que Meli SIEMPRE encuentra lo mejor!!!!!
      Abrazos

      Dianet del blog ¨Parchesdeamor

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    2. Aaw thank you so much Annelies. It was good to get out and about and I was thrilled to find the tins. I am not sure where I am going to put them, but I will find a place in the near future. Hugs.

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    3. Aww sweet Dianet, you always brighten my day. I have been thinking about you and was wondering if you had a lovely trip with your Mom. I hope you did . Warm hugs and Blessings.

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  4. Block 4 looks fantastic, Melisa. It looks like you had a successful thrifting adventure.

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    1. hola es muy cierto son unas bellezas todas!

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    2. Aaw thank you so much, Robin. The block was a delight to piece. I am having a ball working on this quilt. It is bringing back lots of fond memories watching Little House as well. Hugs.

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  5. Looks like you hit the motherlode of tins, Melisa;))) They sure do look neat!! Your blocks are lovely all together...nice work--good luck with your caretaking--hope all goes well soon..
    hugs, Julierose

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    1. Oh gosh, I did, Julierose. I really should have got the other tins, but hopefully they will find a home with someone else who will enjoy them . The Shoo Fly block whipped up pretty quickly. I think the next one will too. Thank you for the sweet visit. Hugs.

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  6. I don't know anything about your family illness, but I'm so sorry and am offering prayers for you. I'm glad you were able to take a break and have some fun. Your finds are wonderful - it is the best feeling ever to find things in a thrift shop!

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    1. Oh thank you so much, Linda. It has been a hard month but it is a blessing to be with loved ones in their time of need. It was nice for hubby and I to get away though and to find a few thrifty finds made the day even better. I hope you have been having a great week. Hugs.

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  7. That was a haul for you with those tins!

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    1. LOL it was, Vicki. Hubby asked if I needed another buggy and that is when I knew I better get out of there before I finds something else. Hee! Hee! But it was a great day. Thank you for the sweet Thursday visit. Hugs.

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  8. Aren't those tins fun?! Love seeing them. Glad you got out for some thrifting. Your block for the Little House SAL is really pretty, too. I'm loving your colors for this project! Sending good thoughts for your family members. Hugs! 🩷

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    1. LOL, Diann I was jumping for joy when I saw the price of them so of course I couldn't resist. I like to decorate and of course store things in them so they are a good addition to my collection. Isn't Melva's SAL so much fun? I love seeing your blocks too. I am hoping to catch up this weekend. We shall see though. Warm hugs.

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  9. What a productive trip! I liked your finds from the dime table! What an interesting story about your grandparents general store on stilts! What a sight that must have been!--TerryK@OnGoingProjects

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    1. It sure was a good trip. We also got to go out to eat which is always a treat. I love scouring the dime table. Sometimes I find a little treasure , sometimes not. I thought the lamb and the Mother's poem was darling. I would have loved to have visited Grandpa's store. I still have his adding machine and typewriter and some of the handwritten receipts and IOU book.- They are treasures. Thank you for the sweet visit, Terry. Hugs.

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  10. What a cute apron. Sounds like you had a great day at the thrift store. Love the colors and patterns of material for your quilt squares SAL. Have a great day. K from NY

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    1. Oh I was thrilled to find the apron, K. I usually do not see aprons that often in my local thrift store . I like to wear them too especially if they have pockets. I am loving Melva's SAL . Thankfully, I am using fabrics from my stash. I hope you had a beautiful day. Hugs.

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  11. good morning sweetheart Melisa.
    thank you for your wonderful post this morning. i love your tins. i need to move to your state so i can go "thrifting" with you and Mr. Pinker. i guess it isn't very nice of me to invite myself, but you are the queen and king of thrifting. i want to go. i want to learn.
    i am so very sorry that you are dealing with some family health issues. i pray everything gets resolved very soon. i am praying for your strength. tomorrow i have my knee replacement surgery and i am a nervous wreck right now. ho hum!!!
    i jammed my printer so i can't print the Spring Farmhouse, but as soon as my daughter gets here, with her very skinny fingers, i hope she can pull the stuck piece of paper out of the paper tray. my fingers are like large sized sausages. yikes!!!
    i have lots to do today so i best get a move on. i would love to stay and review all your past blog posts. it would be much more interesting than my dealings for the day. darn printer!!!
    have a wonderful, blessed day beautiful Melisa.
    lots of love and a great big bear hug is coming your way.
    stay safe. stay strong.
    Debra Broyles

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    1. Hola soy Dianet seguidora fiel de este blog y de la amiga Melisa . Lei que estabas enferma de una rodilla y que mañana te operaran. Solo queria desearte UNA FELIZ Y PRONTA RECUPERACION ya que yo hace muchos años sufri de un acciedente auntomovilistico y se cuanto se sufre de esos dolores. Pero nada amiga LO PRIMERO ES LA SALUD y lo demas puede esperar, Tu cuidate mucho y recuperate pronto ah! y NO dejes de decirnos como te encuentras si? estare pendiente de ti. Un abrazo sanador de tu nueva amiga

      Dianet del blog Parchesdeamor.

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    2. Oh sweet Debra. I have been thinking about you all week and have been keeping you in my prayers . I know surgeries can be so worrisome, but you will do just fine, dear. Please do keep me posted when you feel up to it. Will you come home tomorrow? I am sure you would rest better at home , but the doctors know best. Oh those darn printers - they can be so frustrating can't they? LOL. I have my fair share of "fights " with mine. Now you take care and remember you will be in my thoughts and prayers. Warm hugs and Blessings.

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  12. Hola mi bella y dulce Meli que delicia poder visitas esas tiendas de antiguedades donde hay tantos objetos añorables!!! es una dicha tener esa suerte... como me gustaria a mi poder hacerlo!!!! pero ni modo por el momento me conformo con disfrutarlo a travez de ti y de tus anecdotas que son mas que hermosas como esas latan tan bellas que por ciertro son otras de mis debilidades y que aunque NO tengo muchas es otra de mis colecciones que poco a poco pienso ir aumentando. Porque vale la pena!!! Y sobre la historia de tus abuelos que bello que recuerdes y des horra a esas personas maravillosas que son los pilares de tu familia. Y como dice la amiga Debra jajaj tambien me gustaria irme contigo de compras de segunda mano!!!! y deseo que su operacion de rodillas sea positiva y muy pronto este al 100% Suerte amiga Debra!
    Y a ti mi dulce meli espero y deseo de todo corazon que tus familiares MUY PRONTO ESTEN BIEN DE SALUD y les envio a todos ellos un fuerte y calido abrazo sanador. y UN BESO bien fuerte con mi cariño para ti.
    Tu fiel amiga
    Dianet de parchesdeamor

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    1. Happy Thursday, sweet Dianet. It is so good to hear from you. Oh I do wish you and Debra were here too. We could have a grand old time shopping , stitching and chatting the day away. Wouldn't that be just delightful? Thank you so much for the well wishes for dear Debra and my inlaws. I truly believe warm thoughts and prayers make all of the difference. I wish you the most lovely and productive weekend. I am sure you are stitching away on beautiful projects. Lots of love and big hugs.

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  13. Dear Melisa, you always have a knack for finding the best bargains.
    I'm a fan of tin cans, and your collection keeps growing. 😍
    It's absolutely charming.
    Hugs from Spain

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    1. Oh thank you so much, dear Isabel. I feel like I am lucky to find a few bargains here and there. Slowly but surely my tin collection has grown. Years ago I put them away in the attic , but decided to put them back on display. Here of late, I have been adding more and more to the collection. They make me smile. LOL Have a blessed day. Hugs.

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  14. I'm sure your family,y appreciate your help in their time of need.

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    1. Aww thank you so much, Jenny. I always say it is a blessing to be with family and friends when they are in need. They have always been here for us. Warm hugs .

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  15. Wow, that was some haul! You found some great treasures. I love the term “junking”. Glad that you were able to enjoy some time away from dealing with the health issues.

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    1. I was over the moon with the simple treasures that I found. Fortunately , we have found some great places to thrift shop over the years. It was a good day to get out and enjoy the day. Thank you for the sweet Thursday visit and have a fabulous weekend. Hugs.

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  16. I’m a fan of enamelware too!! Most of mine are cookware and bowls and I’ve given most of them names. My 5 quart Dutch oven is “Dutch”. My frying pan is “Tuck”. My teapot is “Tea”. You get the idea. Happy Spring hunting and stitching!!

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    1. Oh how cute to give your cookware names. "Dutch , Tuck and Tea"- sweet as can be . I named my mixer "Lizzie" . LOL. If you have to be in the kitchen you might as well make it fun. Right? LOL. I was over the moon to pick up these few enamelware pieces for a song. Thank you for the sweet visit, Kellee and for making me smile.

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  17. Sounds like a great day! We had a country store in our family too. Fond memories!

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    1. Oh it was, Brenda. Any day visiting a thrift store is a good day for me. LOL. How fun that your family also owned a country store. I bet you do have many fond memories of the good ole' days. Have a wonderful weekend. Hugs.

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  18. What treasures you found! I have a few tins scattered around my kitchen, too, but I woulld never attempt to keep up with you. Haha The enamelware is special and always makes me think of the little bowl & mug set I have of my grandpa's.

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  19. Squee.,, you found some great tins!!!
    and your quilt blocks are amazing!

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