Pinker n Punkin Quilting & Stitching

Thursday, June 18, 2026

The Log Cabin is Built- Little House on the Prairie Sew Along

Like many of you, these last few weeks, I have had my ax rotary cutter out, and I have been chopping away on little calico and country printed logs- building the most delightful log cabin blocks in Melva's Little House on the Prairie Sew Along .

Every 2 weeks, I would wait on pins and needles for Melva to issue the new pattern- each block created in honor of Laura Ingalls Wilder and her family's journey to the prairie and beyond.

On June 4th , Melva shared the final steps to complete this country quilt.

I chose the Furrows layout for the log cabin blocks.

I knew immediately that I wanted to use the beautiful fabric that dear Susan sent me a few weeks ago in a blessing box. Thank you , dear Susan. 🤗❤

Beautiful fabric sent to me from Susan. I used this for the inner border.

The light tan fabric with delicate blooms was perfect for the inner border.

The tan calico fabric from Susan was perfect for the inner border.

" The cozy house, the firelight, the music, the love and laughter were all there to make the darkness and the cold outside seem far away. " Laura Ingalls Wilder

On Melva's Caroline quilt, she used 28 scrappy rectangles for the outer border and then added additional fabric to extend the borders. I decided to do the same. On her Laura quilt , she used fewer scrappy rectangles.

28 rectangle wrap around two corners and along the side of the quilt.

Red calico fabric was used to extend the borders.

May I say that I am in love with this quilt? ! Hee! Hee!

Because my blocks are a little larger than Melva's, I was thinking the other day, if I added a 6" border to each side, I could make the quilt large enough to put on my full size bed. I think I will keep an eye out for the perfect fabric. If I find something that suits my fancy , I may go for it and add the borders. If not, I will place this beauty in the hoop, and I will hand quilt it.

Susan also sent me some gorgeous Donna Dewberry fabric. I think I will some of this in the backing.

Thank you so much , Melva for sharing your talents, stories and for all the things that you do for the quilting community. You are a treasure. And thank you , my beautiful friends for visiting me and for cheering me on. It really has kept me motivated and focused.

REMEMBER: If you are interested in learning more about Melva's Little House on the Prairie quilt or any of her designs, visit Melva at Melva Loves Scraps Blogspot. Melva has such a beautiful blog where she shares her quilting and camping adventures and a link party each week. In fact don't forget to visit the Little House on the Prairie Link Party at Melva's so you can see other quilters' Little House on the Prairie quilts. They are a feast for the eyes.

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

Block 9 Prairie Rose - May 21, 2026

Assembly- June 4, 2026

Graphics from Pinterest/ Artwork from Garth Williams

I am next going to be frolicking in another set of log cabin blocks which were gifted to me from dear Penny- in Aunt Leona's Log Cabin quilt. 🤗❤

Now tell me what are you working on right now?

As Always...

Happy Stitching and Quilting,

y'all

Melisa

"The true way to live is to enjoy every moment as it passes, and surely it is in the everyday things around us that the beauty of life lies. "- Laura Ingalls Wilder

Hugs and Stitches!!!!🤗🧵❤

Dedicated to my dear sister, Amy and to my Granny who lived in a little log cabin deep in the woods. Granny lived a simple but wonderful life though times were hard. I love and miss both of you so much.. Love you , Amo and Granny. ❤❤❤

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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

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

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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.

Melva at Melva Loves Scraps for Little House on the Prairie Sew Along

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

Frederique at Quilting Patchwork Applique for Patchwork & Quilts - Saturday

Joy at Days Filled with Joy for Home Matters

Wednesday, June 17, 2026

A Farm Visit and A New Vintage Quilt

The sun is shining and the birds are singing. It is going to be another beautiful day. Would you like to go out to the pig barn with me as I go check the bees? Aaw come on. I sure would love the company plus I will bring a new quilt that we can sit on afterwards.

Let's go! 😀

Eeeh! Look who is here to greet us. Right at the gate! "Scooch over kiddos we are coming through."

These calves are as thick as thieves and are always together.

"Now don't give us the evil eye, little fellas and gals". Aren't they the cutest? They are as gentle as lambs.

Oooh, before we head up on the hill. Let me show you #49. Her light brown eyes are amazing!

Alright we will visit with the bovines later , lets see what the buzzers are doing.

It is pretty hot . Isn't it? The bees think so too. Look they are bearding which means they are gathering on the outside of the hive in order to keep the hive ventilated.

Right now we have 9 hives - all have been captured in the wild.

Now let me show you my newest thrifty find that Mr. Pinker bought for me while we were out camping.

I am calling it Big Red or Feedsack 81 Patch. Swoon! 🤗❤❤❤You know me and my love affair with the color red.

It is composed of eighteen-81 patches alternated with large red square blocks.

The fabrics are feedsacks and are so colorful and whimsical. Each patch or square measures around 1 1/2" finished.

Some 81 patches contain a modge podge of feedsack and shirting fabrics.

And some 81 patches are simply composed of 2 different fabrics.

The quilt is hand pieced and hand quilted in 1/2 inch to 1 inch rows.

Oh so pretty! I can just imagine a grandmother sitting on the back porch quilting away on this beauty.

And look at the backing! Just gorgeous- well at least in my eyes.

The backing print.

So what do you think? A pretty good find. Right? I think this would be a fun one to reproduce.

Let's spread it out in the shade , relax and watch the gals graze for a minute. Shall we?

Ooops I see where a little repair work was done. 🤗

I find it endearing. ❤

There is sweet Ginger.

Don't mind Edna today. She is not a morning gal. Hee! Hee!

Edna did not want to socialize today. Bless her heart.

I guess I better stop chatting. It looks like it is nap time for the babes.

Thank you so much for keeping me company at the farm today and for taking the time to see my latest thrifty find.

Ginger and many of the calves will be moved to another section of the farm soon. But Edna will still be in this section with a cow or two. Soon it will be time to bale hay here.

Have a sun shiny day, Sweetness.

Yesterday's new start is Heart in Hand Needleart's Imprints Love and Heart, in memory of my sis. This darling chart and the gorgeous needleminder was sent to me from my sweet friend, Karen. I will be working on it throughout the week. Thank you , dear Karen. ❤🤗😘

As Always...
Happy Stitching and Quilting, y'all
Melisa
"Live like someone left the gate wide open. "- unknown
Hugs and Stitches!!!!🤗🧵❤
Dedicated to my dear sister, Amy who loved the farm and all of the animals.
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 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.
🌞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

🐮🐮🐮🐮🐮🐮🐮🐮🐮🐮🐮🐮🐮🐮🐮

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

Tuesday, June 16, 2026

Canning Season Summer Stamp- A Summer Freebie

Good morning, Sunshine and welcome.

One of my bright beautiful zinnias.

Canning season is upon us. Soon some of us will be pulling out our mason jars, lids and spices. We will be gathering fruits and vegetables and will be spending many hours laboring away in the kitchen, savoring the summer's harvest. In fact , some of you may have already began putting up preserves , tomatoes and such.

Our garden is a little late this year. But the blackberries are beginning to ripen.

We are still waiting on the blueberries, but soon the vines and bushes will be filled with delectable berries .

Do you like to can ? We usually can tomatoes, zucchini, squash, pickles, relish, jalapenos and fruits for jams and butters. Our pantry looks mighty nice come winter time.

The little red pot holder is my newest find from an estate sale. So precious

Blueberry and Apple Butter Recipe From the vintage Ball Blue book published in 1932

Use tart apples. Remove stems but do not pare apples. Cook in sufficient water to cover, until soft and press through a strainer. Use equal parts of berries and apple pulp and 1/2 as much sugar as fruit. Cook the butter until it is thick and clear . Seal immediately in hot , clean Ball jars.

Tomato Marmalade

From 1932 Ball Blue Book

1 quart ripe tomatoes

1/2 cup cider vinegar

1/3 cup sugar.

1 teaspoon of salt

1 teaspoon mixed spices

To 1 quart ripe tomatoes, skinned and sliced, add 1/2 cup cider vinegar, 1/3 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon mixed spices. Cook mixture slowly until it is thick , stirring to prevent burning. Pack into clean, hot Ball jars. Seal immediately.

Canning Season is the 9th stamp in the Summer Stamp SAL.

Canning Season was stitched using 10 DMC floss colors including: Blanc, 782, 815, 898, 930, 926, 3052, 3345, 3346, 3799 .

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 Sunflower Strut

May 19th Summer Stamp 5 Summer Quilt Stamp

May 26th Summer Stamp 6 Pink Lemonade

June 2nd Summer Stamp 7 Home Tweet Home

June 9th Summer Stamp 8 In the Apiary

June 16th Summer Stamp 9 Canning Season

June 23rd Bonus Summer Stamp 10

June 27th Final Reveal

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It is hard to believe that the Summer Stamp SAL is nearing an end. Goodness, I have had a lot of fun. I hope those who have joined me have enjoyed it too. But wait! We still have 1 more stamp- the Bonus Stamp which I will share next week. And then I will share the final reveal of the sampler finished with all of the little pillows.

Well Sweeties, I best get out to the garden. It is not as lush and pretty as last year- so I will spare you the photos. Hee! Hee! But hey, maybe you would like to join me as I hoe out the weeds in the wee okra patch? !😉😀 I have plenty of hoes, plus we could whip that chore out in 2 shakes of a lamb's tail. Hee! Hee! Hmmm any takers? ( I think staying in and stitching sounds way more fun. How about you? )

Have a beautiful day.

As Always...

Happy Stitching and Quilting, y'all

Melisa

"Happiness is homemade."-

Hugs and Stitches!!!!🤗🧵❤

Dedicated to my dear sister, Amy. Happy Heavenly 44th birthday, Amo.🎂❤💗 . I love and miss you so much.. Love you , Amo.

🍉🍉🍉🍉🍉🍉🍉🍉🍉🍉🍉

Other Posts That Might Strike Your Fancy!