I think I got my "gardening bug" from my Granny.
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Welcome, Sweet friends and a very lovely Tuesday to you.
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| Last year's tansy blooming |
My Granny lived in a little log cabin "on the mountain". I think I have told you about her before. She had electricity , but had to draw her water from a well. Granny loved to grow flowers. Back then there were no "gardening stores," and Granny did not have much money to spend on plants and seeds anyway. Granny just used what she had. She would look at what grew around her in the woods and transplant it into her small flower pots and log trimmed flower beds. Granny would plant in just about anything whether it be an old kettle , tin cans or whatever she had at hand . And goodness, did she have a green thumb. She could make anything grow.
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| 2025 Wild and Woolly garden in bloom. |
Though she never showed me how she grew the "wild plants " that she foraged, her enthusiasm and quaint small gardens inspired me in my own endeavors at gardening.
Over the last few weeks, I have been talking about the Summer Stamp Stitch Along. In fact, I showed you a sneak peek of all of the stamps in previous posts.
As I have been working on my larger sampler, I have been debating on which stamp goes where. Well, I decided why not start off with "And the Garden Grows" as the first stamp. Of course if you are stitching the large sampler, you can place the stamps wherever you like.
As with each stamp, I am stitching them twice. Once as a pin pillow and 2nd in the large sampler . The sampler is stitched on 14 count Aida which will fit in an 8 x 10 frame .
I trimmed the little pin pillow with thrifted white chenille yarn that I doubled and twisted. I simply tacked it down along the seams.
"And the Garden Grows" was stitched with the following DMC floss colors: 223 , 356, 722, 782, 815, 898, 926, 930 (border), 3345, 3346, and Blanc.
Again I used what colors I had at the time so please use whatever floss colors you like if you decide to stitch this little stamp.
If you notice in the directions , I list how many times the floss is used in this particular chart. Some are used in only a few stitches so you may want to substitute them out. I stitched "And The Garden Grows" while on vacation, and at the time, I had a limited floss palette to choose from.
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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.
SUMMER STAMP SCHEDULE
April 2nd Summer Stamp Introduction
April 7th Stamp Stamp Border
April 14th Summer Stamp Header
April 21st Summer Stamp 1
April 28th Summer Stamp 2
May 5th Summer Stamp 3
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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| Flower garden from years past . Flowers are planted in all kinds of containers. There is my grandbaby in the corner. Of course his toys are strewn . He is having a fun day at his Mae Mae's ( That's what he calls me. ) |
Sometime this week, I will be posting how I dye my fabric in small batches using Rit dye and next week I will share Stamp 2 as the Summer Stamp SAL continues on.
As Always...
Happy Stitching and Quilting, y'all
Melisa
"I hope you are a wildflower in a world of roses. "- unknown
Hugs and Stitches!!!!🤗🧵❤
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Adorable!!! I am super crazy about all the blocks. Can't wait to see how you dye your fabric with the Rit Dye. Enjoy your Tuesday. Happy Hugs, dear friend, DarleneJ
ReplyDeleteAaw shucks thank you so much, dear Darlene. This little stamp made me excited about growing season. I have a batch of fabric dyeing right now. Fingers crossed it will turn out well. Enjoy your day , sweet friend. Hugs.
DeleteI look forward to seeing how you dye your fabric. I have bought some dye but not sure how to use it at the moment. I love your yellow fabric and the first stamp is so gorgeous! 😁🤗xx Barbara @Flashinscissors 🤗💕xx 💐
ReplyDeleteOh thank you so much, Barbara. I was quite pleased how the fabric took on the dye. I am excited that you are planning to dye some fabric yourself. Thank you for the sweet Tuesday visit. Have a blessed day. Hugs.
DeleteThose flowers really make you feel summer is coming! Enjoy your day!
ReplyDeleteOh they do, Annelies. I look forward to when my own flowers will be in full bloom. I hoping to draw in more butterflies, birds and wildlife. Have a blessed day. Hugs.
DeleteI don't remember my grandmother growing a garden, but my mother did. Up until her back got so bad she couldn't work in the yard, she would always have the prettiest flower beds. The summer sampler is off to a good start. Happy stitching this week.
ReplyDeleteAaw such sweet memories of your mom gardening. I bet her flower gardens were beautiful. Was there any particular flower or plant that she liked to grow? Thank you for dropping by for a visit, Kate. Hugs
DeleteI'll admit I'm collecting the summer sal for later, as I have 2 or 3 other projects going on. I did follow suit and bought some yellow aida for it. ;-) Looking forward to seeing how you dye your fabric. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteAaw I am so happy you are putting the stamps on your Stitchy list. Oh I completely understand about having a lot of projects in the works. Sometimes we got to whittle those down before we can begin a new one. Right? Have a beautiful day, Donna. Hugs.
DeleteMy grandfather was the flower gardener at his home, grandma was a houseplant. His garden was alive with flowers, so pretty, especially the peonies! Memories are so nice, your grandchildren will remember days spent at your home too. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteAaw such warm memories of your grandparents and their garden. It sounds like your grandpa enjoyed the outdoors. I looked at peonies yesterday. I have thought about adding them into my garden. Thank you for the sweet visit, Gretchen . Have a blessed day. Hugs.
DeleteBlock 1 for the Summer SAL is lovely, Melisa. I always enjoy reading your stories and memories that you share here on your blog.
ReplyDeleteAaw thank you so much, Robin. My mind often wanders back to the good ole' days and spending time with my grandparents. I find myself to be a lot like both sets of my grandmas. LOL Have a beautiful day. Hugs.
DeleteSweet little flowery stamp block! 🌷💐
ReplyDeleteAaw thank you very kindly , Susie. It was a joy to stitch and got me in the mood for beautiful spring and summer flowers of my own. Enjoy your day. Hugs.
DeleteI always enjoy reading about your memories. Your granny was amazing. She would be proud of you for your garden forays and tickled pink that she was the inspiration for that sweet block one of your SAL!--TerryK@OnGoingProjects
ReplyDeleteAaw thank you so much, Terry for bringing a smile to my day. I do think Granny would admire my little gardens. I even have some of her plants that I transplanted from her garden to mine decades ago. I wish you a delightful day. Blessings.
DeleteI know that I just have to stitch the little 'Summer' pillow for sure. But I love all the little stamps so we will see what happens!
ReplyDeleteAaw thank you so much Vicki. I have to admit, the little summer pillow turned out better than I expected. I hope you enjoy stitching it as much as I did. Thank you for the sweet visit and have a wonderful day in the quilting room. Hugs.
DeleteWhat a sweet photo with your grandson playing. Your garden has that English cottage-y look that I love! That top Wild & Wooly one - was that the one you expanded? My Granny Mitchell was a bit like yours. She nurtured wild gooseberry bushes and made the best gooseberry pies ever made on planet Earth. Sometimes I think Heaven for me will be a continuous spring flower and veggie garden with cats and gooseberry pies. Thank you for the stamp - I still haven't started mine, but I'm going to make myself start tonight!
ReplyDeleteAaw thank you so much Linda. When the grandchildren are here , they pull out all of the outdoor toys and go to town. LOL which I am sure you understand with grandchildren of your own. Oh yes the top photo was my Wild and Woolly garden before expansion. I bought more seeds to plant in it yesterday. Dare I expand even more? Hee! Hee! You have such warm memories of your Granny. Did you get your pie baking skills from her? Gooseberries are so delectable. My parents had one plant and the berries were amazing. But I have never had a gooseberry pie. It sounds delicious. Thank you for dropping by. I wish you a wonderful day. Hugs.
DeleteYou have shared such happy memories. You remind me to stop and reflect. My paternal grandparents had a huge flower garden and an orchard with cherry, apple, peach, pear, walnut, and pecan trees with grape vines, red and black raspberries. It was a great place to play hide and go seek. My maternal grandparents had a huge garden with vegetables and flowers. My parents and all my mother's family had large gardens and everyone got together to pick and preserve the havest. Of course all the kids helped - it was great fun. And The Garden Grows Stamp is perfect - I started the header over the weekend. Thanks for the Summer SAL. Alicia
ReplyDeleteOh my those are happy memories, Alicia. I can imagine the wonderful orchards and the delectable fruit .It sounds like you had a grand time playing among the trees and vines. You reminded me of my own grandsons playing hide and seek among the muscadine vines. I love hearing of family stories especially where the family gathered together to get chores and tasks completed. I know those chores were hard work , but in the end the warm memories of family working hand in hand and being together are the best . Aren't they? Thank you for bringing a warm smile to my day, Alicia. Warm hugs and blessings.
DeleteI love the story about your granny. You've definitely gotten her green thumb. I'm looking forward to stitching this week's stamp and sharing it on Friday. Enjoy your week, sweet friend.
ReplyDeleteAaw thank you so much, Jeanna. My Granny lived a hard life but made the best of everything she had. I enjoyed visiting her on the mountains. We never knew what kind of adventure she would lead us into. I hope you enjoy stitching the little stamp. I am so delighted you will be joining me. Hugs.
DeleteYour post today brought back so many sweet memories of my mom's flowers gardens. Many times when I would come to visit she would be out back weeding or cutting flowers. She loved cosmos the most. Loved their bright colors and how they would wave in the breeze. Thank you for reminding me of her.
ReplyDeleteAaw , I am so touched that this post brought back such fond memories of your mom and her gardens. It sounds like she was an amazing gardener. I can imagine all of her beautiful cosmos swaying in the breeze. I imagine her gardens attracted beautiful birds and butterflies too. Thank you so much for sharing her story with me. You have inspired me to plant more cosmos seeds today. Years ago I had a nice Cosmo patch and the finches adored them. Have a beautiful and blessed day and thank you for the sweet visit.
DeleteThank you. I have tears in my eyes right now reading your response. I miss my mom so much.
DeleteI love your blog and am astounded that you give away all of your patterns. It's generous of you.
Lovely story about your Granny; my Grand-mere grew flowers in her little "cutting garden" and my Grand-pere had his Victory Garden. I can remember (When I was really little) going out in the Summer's hot sun of an afternoon and picking veggies with my Grand-pere and him telling me all their names and that we would be eating them with supper (never dinner like on Sundays, but daily suppers;))) ). Then I would stand on a little wooden stool with an apron on and "help" Grand-mere cook dinner...[she had a water pump in her sink no faucet in those days. imagine???.]and I even just to this day love to cook,
ReplyDeleteBut enough of my rambling on...;)))
Your Garden stamps are so lovely, Melisa...you are just such a creative soul--Loving your posts...hugs, Julierose
I love hearing the stories of your days with your Grandmere and Grandpere, Julierose. You have so many warm and happy memories . Summer picking at your Grand-mere's reminds me of supper with my Nanny. I bet you were as cute as a button in your little apron helping your grandma cook. Do you have any photos of you at that time? There is nothing like spending time with grandparents is there? Thank you for bringing a smile to my day. Warm hugs and love.
DeleteDear Melisa--I have gotten a good start on my Summer sampler just since yesterday afternoon after my Aida cloth came in the mail--have the top arch piece all in and nearly the first 'box' in--as I was thinking today was the day for the first block--will have to think about the little pillows --but I do believe I have several of your smaller farm style designs I want to do--so may work on them instead for the little pillows--I have one I have done of a chicken on my tea cart in the kitchen and it makes me smile everytime I see it!!! I was in Walmart yesterday and realized I think that is where I got the black slate that you seen on my site--they did not have any more --but had a square one about the same size that I got--they are $2.50 so very reasonably priced!! And you got me into trouble--again---with the Joy cross stitch--I downloaded it and ran it off--thinking--some day-but for what ever reason--it kept bugging me--so found a piece of Aida cloth and sat down and stitched 3/4 of it while watching my Nascar race--on Sunday--and then yesterday I finished it off--did change the wreath a bit--didn't do the long lines-instead sewed tiny beads for the berries and then added a tiny ribbon under the wreath--and that is not the end of the story--by my chair is another piece of Aida and blue threads for another one--one I can keep out all year and not just at Christmas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Big hug, di
ReplyDeleteGood afternoon, sweet Di and Happy Wednesday. Oh, I cannot tell you how excited I am to hear that your fabric arrived and you have started the SAL with me. I do hope you enjoy it. I worked on mine last night hoping to finish Stamp 2 for next week. It warms my heart that you are going to work on the farm stamps too. I do need to add to that collection. Thank you so much for telling me about the blackboard. I immediately went to my Walmart app and put it in my cart. I cannot wait to see your Surrounded by Joy stitch. I have not finished the wreath yet so I am looking forward to seeing what you did. I love the idea of tiny beads for berries. It sounds like you are staying ever so busy. You always keep me inspired and I cannot thank you enough. Have a beautiful day, sweet friend. Hugs.
DeleteCute stitch, Melisa. Your Granny sounds just like mine. She could put a stick in the ground and it would turn into a beautiful bush. I put a stick in the ground and years later...it's still a stick! LOL
ReplyDeleteIsn't it amazing how our Grannies had such skills and talents? I soaked in every minute of spending time with both sets of mine. LOL I had to laugh when you described your gardening skills. Hee! Hee! Oh well , you can plant your own beautiful flowers in your gorgeous quilts that you create. Right? Have a beautiful day. Warm Hugs.
DeleteAnother beautiful stamp to add to the collection!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing!
Hugs
Aww you are so very kind, Isabel. I truly appreciate the sweetest compliment and warm visit. I hope you are having a lovely day. Hugs.
DeleteI'm excited to get started on this first stamp, Melisa! I love it when the flowers start to grow, and there is color and green everywhere. I would always like to be a better gardener than I am, but at least it's fun to try! Stitching some flowers will be an extra bonus this week.
ReplyDeleteDiann, I feel the same way about my gardening- I might not have the prettiest gardens, but I do enjoy trying. I always enjoy when you post photos of your flowers and vegetables. I do wish you a wonderful growing season. I am so excited that you are joining me in the SAL. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Hugs.
DeleteThank you Melisa! I always enjoy your posts! You are very gifted and generous. You are truly a blessing! Margie \TN
ReplyDeleteAaw Margie, you are the sweetest. Thank you so much for bringing a smile to my day. I still get nervous every time I post, but it warms my heart that enjoy my humble ramblings. I wish you a wonderful day. It is nice here in the holler today. I hope you are enjoying a bit of sunshine in your neck of the woods too. Hugs.
DeleteWhat a beautiful block to start off the Summer stitch. Thank you. Loved the last picture with all the floweres and your Little. So pretty. I can smell the flowers.
ReplyDeleteAaw thank you so much, Ginny. Lots of flowers was a must for my summer stitch. I do love them so. I hope that this growing season will go well. I wish you the most lovely day. I am hoping to spend some time at the sewing machine and then in the garden. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteMelisa, thank you so much for this beautiful SAL, I'm finishing the border now and I was about to start with the header, but I think I will jump right in with the stamp 1. I love stamp number 1!
ReplyDeleteHugs