Blog Archive

Sunday, October 18, 2026

Butterflies and Candy Corn- A Halloween Sampler Freebie

 Hey there, Punkin and a very Happy Sunday to you! How are you doing on this fine Sunday morning? I hope good. 


 Hmmm ... 🤔 Where are all of those golden yellows, burnt orange and crimson red leaves? 🍂🍂🍂Sigh.  They are not here in the holler yet. 


We still have a lot of green leaves for it to be mid October.


But my burning bush is changing colors to bright red, and it is putting on berries. 


Watch out when looking up in the trees. Kerplunk! The black walnuts are falling to the ground. The husk will be good  for dyeing  fabric. 

Walnuts are beginning to fall. 

My sweet friend , Alex sent me some  beautiful vintage calico butterflies to applique. 

There are 12 pretty butterflies ready to be appliqued. 

My mind has been fluttering as to how I will set them. But I will wait to tell you my plans when I do a little more digging in my sewing room for background fabrics. I do know I want this to be my 2027 butterfly quilt for my sweet sis. So I am very excited. Thank you dear, Alex. I was brought to tears. 🤗❤

Meanwhile Berries and Butterflies is stalled .


Why ? you ask.

Well I am on a mission to finish the  Pretty in Peach Butterfly quilt.  

Pretty in Peach quilt top - December 2025


A cable design is being quilted in the borders. 

Around and around the borders , I go. Soon this quilt will  be ready to be bound. 


Candy Corn Plant Sampler is all stitched . 

Candy Corn Plant Sampler and Pumpkin Blossom Inn

A thrifted frame is perfect as a temporary finish until I find a frame that fits the sampler better.

 
To make it fit, I simply framed the sampler with bits of leftover fabric strips. 

Hmmm... What do you think? Do you think we can shoo those crows away so we can pick some candy? Hee! Hee!
 
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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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OOPS / CORRECTION-  Oopsie  Daisy- I made a mistake on the charts. Please note if you decide to stitch this piece. The crow on the top candy corn near the letter "C" is missing one stitch in the beak which  is stitched with DMC 645. 

NOTE: I made a mistake and left off one stitch in the top crow's beak. 






Well, that's the Sunday Happenings in the holler. A little bit of this and that and a whole lot of nothing. 😀
I will be sitting down and working on a new house stitch today and working on my Halloween Stamp sampler. 
Thank you for taking time to visit me today. I always enjoy when you drop by to keep me company.

 Have I told you that you make my day special? Love ya'! 😘

As Always...

Happy  Stitching and Quilting, y'all

Melisa 

"The best part of one's life is friendships.   "- Abraham Lincoln 

Hugs and Stitches!!!!🤗🧵❤

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

🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃


 

Patriotic plates purchased while thrifting in Arkansas. 

Other Posts That Might Strike Your Fancy!


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

🍂🍂🍂🍂🍂🍂🍂🍂🍂🍂🍂🍂🍂🍂🍂🍂🍂🍂🍂🍂🍂🍂🍂🍂

A thrifty find while in Arkansas. -Eeeh!  A vintage plate!
 

The thrift store had a number of vintage plates probably from one person's collection. This one had a little note attached. 


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. 

Frederique at   Quilting Patchwork Applique for Patchwork & Quilts - Saturday

Kathy at Kathy's Quilts for Slow Stitching Sunday

Kate at Life in Pieces for  Stitching Stuff ( Sunday) 

Cynthia at Quilting is More Fun Than Housework for Oh Scrap - Sunday 

Melva at Melva Loves Scraps for Sew & Tell- Sunday

Brenda at Songbird Designs for Monday Musings

Judy at Small Quilts and Doll Quilts for Design Wall Monday
Carol at Quilt Schmilt  for To Do List Tuesday 







51 comments:

  1. Yes, I believe we can shoo away those crows and enjoy the candy! That note was a sweet find on the vintage plate.

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    1. LOL A little bit of candy corn is always a treat come Halloween time. I do love seeing little notes attached to vintage pieces. It makes them even more special. Thank you for the sweet visit, Terry. Hugs.

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  2. You are always coming up with some neat ideas for Halloween - a candy corn tree is right up my alley! Love those little things - and the ones that have candy corn-type pumpkins too!
    It's so nice to see a note behind something that belonged to family. I must remember to start doing that with many of my things for the kids - especially with dates and maybe a little info if there's room. Sunday blessings!

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    1. Aaw thank you so much, Donna. Wouldn't it be nice to have a candy corn tree? Hee! Hee! My mom writes little notes on pieces and dates them. It is always fun to look back on pieces like that . I am trying to do the same thing especially of things that have been handed down- maybe my girls will like them someday. Have a lovely week, Donna. Hugs.

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  3. No colorful autumn leaves here either, but we often don't see them till the last week of October and then the first windy day in November they are all gone. Enjoy finishing up the current butterfly quilt and making plans for the next one. Happy stitching.

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    1. That is usually the case for us too, Kate. I would like to enjoy some autumnal colors for a spell though. I am surprised that we have so many leaves considering the drought that we are in . Thank you for the sweet visit. I hope your day is delightful. Hugs.

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  4. We have no sign of autumn here, but it is always in November here in north Texas. We are having cooler weather though! That candy corn sampler is really nice Melisa! It makes me sad to read that note on the back of that pretty plate. Mom used to put notes like that on things. :( But it is being loved again by you, so I shouldn't be sad!

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    1. We were in Texas a couple of years ago around this time and it was so warm. It is good to hear that you are enjoying some cooler temps. compared to what y'all have had. Yes, it makes me sad to see the notes too. There was a whole collection of plates that I know came from the same person. I wish I could have brought them all home, but chose my favorites. My Mom does the same thing and now I find I am doing it too. Have a blessed day and thank you for dropping by. Hugs.

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  5. The sample you're sharing today is beautiful.
    Happy Sunday!
    Hugs

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    1. Aaaw thank you so much , dear Isabel. I had a ball stitching it and it stitched up quickly. I hope your week is off to a lovely start. Warm hugs and Blessings.

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  6. Other than our weather turning noticeably cooler Friday night, we don't have many signs of autumn here either. The dogwood trees do have a bit of red on them. Even up in NC last week there was not much evidence of the leaves turning beautiful colors, though there were a few with a hint of yellow. I was really hoping to see some color! What a fun candy corn sampler! You always find the best thrifty things. Love those plates. I look forward to your Pretty in Peach finish and seeing you work on your new butterflies for 2027, as well as Butterflies and Berries. Thanks in advance for sharing with us at Monday Musings. Have a wonderful week, my friend. Hugs, B

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    1. How interesting that things are still pretty green in NC. It makes you wonder how our winter season will be doesn't it? Hopefully, it will be mild. It was hard to leave these little plates behind for such thrifty prices. It is always a joy to add to my patriotic vintage plate collection. Thank you for the sweet visit, Brenda. have a beautiful day. Hugs.

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  7. Your are definitely not letting your fingers set idle;) There are a few colorful trees in the neighborhood but over all the other trees look a bit drab. With the wind the last couple days there is a lot less leaves on the trees. I think the acorns have been falling for a month or more!

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    1. Oh I am trying to stay busy though some days I feel as if I am spinning my wheels. LOL. It seems like this year we are not getting a good display of autumnal colors. I am sure the winds will take down our leaves soon. We shall see though. Thank you for dropping by, Vicki. I hope your week is off to a lovely start. Hugs.

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  8. We are starting to have falling leaves Missouri but they are brown - no colorful leaves yet. The calico butterflies will make a lovely quilt. I can't wait to see Pretty in Peach Butterfly Quilt when you finish it. I love the Candy Corn Plant Sampler. Candy corn was my grandfather's favorite. It will be special when I stitch it. You have given so many adorable patterns - thank you! You have the best finds while thrifting. The plates are great and the note is very special. My grandmother used to put little notes on items also. Thanks for the visit. Have a great day.

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    1. Aaw what a sweet memory of your grandmother. I hope you have some of her treasures in your own collection. My Mom does the same thing and now I have started to add notes so my girls know what some of the pieces are. Oh bummer on no colorful leaves. A pop of yellow, red and orange would be wonderful to celebrate autumn. I do believe that we will not see a display of color as well. I hope you enjoy the little sampler, dear Alicia and would be a sweet piece in memory of your grandfather and maybe put his birthyear on it- wouldn't that be special? Thank you for brightening my day. Warm hugs.

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    2. Thank you for the suggestion to put my grandfathers birthyear on the sampler. It is a wonderful idea and I am doing. My sister loves the idea also. You are amazing.

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  9. Fall in the holler looks like a beautiful time of year! I love the candy corn sampler - thanks for sharing it with us. I hope you get lots of quilting done on the Pretty in Peach butterflies today!

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    1. Aaw thank you so much, Diann. It is nice that we still have leaves though they are not as colorful. It is still fairly warm here too which I am digging since I love being outside. Oh I do hope to finish Pretty in Peach this week. This quilt has taken way too long. LOL. Have a blessed and beautiful day. Hugs.

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  10. Our leaves here in southern Illinois are a little further along than yours in changing colors but we still have plenty of green too. Love your Candy Corn Plant Sampler. I hope you have a great weekend stitching away!

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    1. Oh how interesting, Susie. I love to see and hear how the trees are looking in different areas this time of the year. Has it started to cool down there yet? Thank you so much for the kind compliment on my sampler . It was a delight to stitch. I wish you the most lovely week. Hugs and Blessings.

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  11. Falling black walnuts sounds like an adventure to dodge them this time of year as they fall! I'm curious to see how those pretty butterfly's are worked into a quilt. Needle turn? Stitching around..... I'll be patient and see what you come up with. The other quilts are pretty as well. Enjoy your Sunday!

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    1. Oh they are, Deb. We are surrounded by walnut trees. It is an ankle turning adventure to walk through the yard too. LOL. Oh yes, I will needleturn the butterflies. I previewed some background fabric last night. Now to see if I have enough . Thank you for the sweet visit. Have a lovely week. Hugs.

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  12. Candy Corn Plant Sampler is already a winner. Thanks for sharing. Have a wonderful stitching Sunday, Melisa!

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    1. Aaw shucks, thank you so much, Ivani. It was a delight to stitch. Now I am wanting to stitch another quick sampler. Have a blessed day. Hugs.

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  13. I always enjoy seeing your creative projects! Your photos and crafts are beautiful and what a lovely vintage plate!

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    1. Aaw Linda, you are so very kind. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. It is always a joy when you visit. Have a beautiful day. Hugs.

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  14. Candy corn sampler is too cute. Love me some candy corn!

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    1. LOL it is hard to resist candy corn this time of the year isn't it? Hee! Hee! Thank you so much for the sweet compliment, Therese. I am so very grateful that you dropped by to see my humble stitches. Have a fabulous week. Hugs.

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  15. Candy Corn Plant sampler is a fantasy of perfect things. CC is one of my favorites. I was noticing how beautiful the trees are in their Fall finery the other day while driving. So many different shades of all the colors. i never tire of seeing them. What a precious note to find on the back of that plate. Bet her trip with James was something special.

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    1. Oh how wonderful to see Autumn beauty on display- it makes the drive to your destination that more delightful. I am hoping we will get a little color, but I expect the winds will chase the green leaves off their branches once they arrive. Thank you for the sweet visit, Ginny. I hope your week is off to a lovely start. Hugs.

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  16. Such a thoughtful gift, sending you the vintage butterflies. You will treasure them, for sure.

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    1. Oh I will, Jenny. I have been previewing background fabric over the weekend. I would like to find enough so I can start kitting this project up. Alex is a sweetheart to think of my. I wish you a lovely and blessed day and thank you for dropping by. Hugs.

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  17. I am enjoying your blog so much and always look forward to hearing from you. I love what you share. I am impressed by your talent and live the life I wish I had through YOU. Thank you so much.

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    1. Aaw you are the sweetest. Your compliment was so heart warming and touching. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for bringing a big smile and hug to my day. I cannot thank you enough for spending just a few minutes out of your busy day with me. It really means the world to me. I wish you much love and blessings. Hugs.

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  18. We’ve been dodging the falling walnuts as well as the ones underfoot for a while now. Our burning bush is burning too. The birds like to eat the berries. More cute cross stitch projects! Gail at the cozy quilter

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    1. LOL I think dodging those underfoot is the worst. Don't you, Gail? Thankfully , we have plenty of squirrels that love those walnuts and they have already started chowing down on some. Hmmm... I am going to have to watch my burning bushes to see if the birds are visiting them. Thank you for the sweet visit. I have a lovely week. Hugs.

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  19. Pretty in Peach is so gorgeous, Melisa--I just love how it is coming out...beautiful work...;)))
    My little maple tree is now not only pink but also deep red and almost purple--what a treat to look out and see that against the blue blue skies...
    I need to now make binding for my next "little"--my Asian themed table mat...so pretty much stash seeking this week. ...hugs, Julierose

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    1. Oooh your Maple tree sounds amazing, Julierose. Aren't the colors fascinating? I do hope we get a display of colors. I cannot wait to see fabrics you choose for you table quilt. I know you will use something yummy. Have a fabulous week in the quilt room and thank you for dropping by. Hugs.

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  20. Soooo glad you will use the butterflies! 🥰🦋 Can’t wait to see the quilt next year 🤗
    And thank you for another cute freebie!! 🧡💛🤍 How will I ever find time to stitch everything you create for us 😂
    You should come to Maine in fall sometime for leaf peeping and antiquing 😁
    My mom is leaving on Tuesday, then
    things will slow down a bit and I'll finally have time for my blog again. 😊
    Have a great week my friend! 🥰🤗🤗🤗

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    1. Oh dear, Alex, I just love them! I am thinking of making a country quilt in memory of my sis. I already have an alternate block in mind. Oh I bet Maine is just beautiful this time of the year. I can only imagine all of the colors . Oooh and the antiques- eeh! Hee! Hee! I know you are going to miss your Mom dearly when she returns home. I bet you all have had such a wonderful time. Will y'all be able to visit for the holidays? I look forward to your next blog post and seeing all of your pretties. Have a lovely week, sweet friend and thank you for all of your sweetness! Hugs

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  21. Thank you for the darling new design, Melisa! I'm in the "love candy corn" camp so this is perfect. And I look forward to seeing your Pretty in Peach quilt all finished up. Hope your week is a good one! ♥

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  22. You were gifted some pretty butterflies, Melisa. Candy Corn Plant Sampler is adorable. I love how you finished it in the frame.

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  23. Your butterfly quilt is beautiful! I love the strawberry one too! Anytime I I get on my tablet and see one of your emails is a great day for me! You are so busy and creative I just love it! Have a great day. Hugs,

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  24. This is a fantastic resource for anyone looking to improve their skills.

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  25. Is the Halloween hutch banner photo this year’s decor or older? I see a “Boo” with a crow and some pumpkins that I don’t recognize. - Angela

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  26. Melisa, Thank you so much for the wonderful patterns. I’m rather new to your blog. I love the design with the cat, bat and Jack o’lantern containing the Halloween colored candy canes. I believe you called it ‘Treat Delivery’. Is it one of your designs or was it published by another designer? I’ve tried to find the chart and have been unsuccessful.

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  27. I hope everything is okay with you and yours; I've missed your fun blog posts.

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  28. Melisa, what a joyful Sunday post. I loved hearing that your burning bush is turning bright red and putting on berries, even while most of the leaves are still green, and that the black walnuts are dropping with a kerplunk — I could almost hear them. The part that warmed me most was Alex sending you twelve beautiful vintage calico butterflies to applique, and your mind fluttering over how to set them while you finish the Pretty in Peach Butterfly quilt, going around and around the cable borders. Thank you for the Candy Corn Plant Sampler freebie, and for honestly noting the one stitch left off the top crow's beak — and yes, I think we can shoo those crows away and pick some candy. — Mary Faith

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  29. This vintage plate is magnificent.
    And your butterflies—in all their various combinations—are absolutely beautiful... the new ones you’ve acquired will make for a wonderful quilt for your sister. I also love the quilt with the berries, as well as the one you are currently finishing up. It’s such a lovely thing to work on.
    Happy stitching, and best wishes from Viola

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  30. Sorry for stopping by so late. These new appliqué butterflies are adorable, they will be perfect for the next year project. Hourray to finish Pretty in Peach ;) Thank you for sharing and linking up, your sweet Candy Corn Plant Sampler looks fantastic.

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