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Showing posts with label Camping. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Camping. Show all posts

Friday, November 6, 2026

Whitney Square - A New Thrifty Quilt Find

 It took some time , but the leaves are finally beginning to change  here in the holler. 



Up on the hill behind the well house , I spy  hints of red, gold and a tad of orange! Aaaw... the beauty of fall. 🍁🍂🍁


Wednesday rain brought a number of leaves tumbling to the ground. Once the trees are bare, Mr. Pinker will mow and mulch the leaves, but for now they are slowly creating a colorful carpet in the holler. 


In September, Mr. Pinker and I visited the small town of Whitney , Texas. I fell in love with this small community a couple of years ago. I was hoping we would spend a night at the campground, but alas we did not. Boo Hoo! LOL . ( You know me and how much I love to camp. ) 

We did go to the antique shops on the square where I found a little treasure to take home- A QUILT!     

EEEH!  That certainly brightened my day!

I am going to call this quilt "Whitney Square" since I bought it on the square.  Real creative name huh? Hee! Hee! Oh well. 😏😂😁 My mind will come up with something different later. LOL

The quilt is full size. 

This quilt is  machine pieced and hand quilted. Most of the quilting is in the ditch.   The backing is a soft muslin.  It is not perfect, but it is oh so charming, warm and snuggly! And most important it  was made with  a whole lot of love! ❤


I would like to think that a sweet Grandma made this quilt using old shirts and dresses  from the family that  were too worn to be used for clothing. I am sure there were lots of memories stitched into this quilt. 
I  can imagine Mrs. Grandma sitting back in her rocker in the late evening with the quilt  on her lap as she quilted by the flicker and crackle of the fire burning brightly in the hearth.  
 
 There are so many lovely fabrics. Of course, I am smitten with the red fabrics. 🤗 ❤



  I believe this quilt block is called The Garden of Eden according to Nancy Cabot in the 1930's.



Newspaper clipping found on Pinterest


 Mmmm.... Look at this scrumptious yellow green plaid! Love it! 


The plaid reminds me of the bright yellow hickory tree which is putting on quite a show of color this fall, but I digress. 




Anywhoo... The backing was turned toward  the front to create a folded binding . If you look carefully , you can see the  stitches used to tack down the binding along the edge of the binding. 


For a mere $28.00 , I could not leave this quilt behind. 


 So what do you think? Did I do good on this purchase?  I consider it a little souvenir from my  trip, plus a reminder of the town that I adore. 

I think it will look charming on Grandpa's old iron bed. When I change out the quilt, I will snap a photo to show you. 


Alrighty, Sweeties, I best get to movin' . Shhh don't tell anyone... but I am already decorating some of the house for Christmas.  

I know . I know . Some of you are saying "Whooa there Nelly! Hold  your Horses! It isn't Thanksgiving yet." Hee! Hee! Well, I have to start early , plus I just couldn't resist the urge  any longer.  I will admit it - I am a jolly weakling. 😁

I haven't decorated the buffet, but the quilt is hung on the wooden  quilt shelf for the Christmas season. 


I watched The Grinch and The Christmas Carol last night! Pull out the candy canes and pour me a cup of hot cocoa!  I am getting ready for Christmas! 

I hope your day is sprinkled with joy , laughter and all things stitchy!  

As Always...

Happy  Stitching and Quilting, y'all

Melisa 

"THRIFT CONFESSIONS: I saw it. I loved it . I have absolutely no place to put it . Bought it anyway.  "- Unknown.    

Hugs and Stitches!!!!🤗🧵❤

Dedicated to my dear sister, Amy who loved thrifting and camping as much as I do.  
 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 Buzzy Bee Parade An early 2025 bee freebie parade.
🌞A Sunny Sunflower Parade- 2026 A parade of sunflower freebies up to September 3, 2026
🌞Autumn Parade March- 2026 Fall Parade A parade of Fall themed stitches and doodles up to September 10, 2026.
🌞 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.
🌞Turkey Trot Thanksgiving Parade 2026- Thanksgiving freebies up to the date of November 2, 2026. More Thanksgiving freebies followed  this date. 
🌞A Christmas in July Parade of Past Freebies- 2026 A Parade of Christmas Freebies up to the date of July 6, 2026. 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
🌞Color Tinting Embroidery Designs - Explanation on how I use crayons to color my designs for hand embroidery. - July 9, 2026

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

Frederique at   Quilting Patchwork Applique for Patchwork & Quilts - Saturday

Donna at Modern on Monticello- Home Matters


Sunday, July 5, 2026

Tractors, Butterflies and New Starts

 This weekend, Mr. Pinker and I roamed where the tractors roared and the trucks rumbled. 



There were even fireworks!  Pop! Pop! Pop! 

   


KABOOM!   




By late evening , we had made our way back home. We only veered off course twice when my eagle eye spotted a couple of thrift stores, but we will talk about that on another day. 
 
I purchased a commemorative" America 250" iron skillet from Walmart. 


In celebration of America's Big 250 🎂 , I started 2 new stitches. 

America Pin Keep was my first start by Asbery's Echoes. This chart was a sweet gift from my dear Joan. She loves all things patriotic and country like I do.  Thank you , sweet friend. 😘 Soon I will be stitching the tree.



I also got a wee start on my simple stitch called "America the Beautiful!" 

Oh bummer! I fell short on my quilting goal of hand quilting 5 blocks in the Pretty in Peach Butterfly quilt for the week. 

This is my 15 a minute or more project for each day. 

But I will give myself a pat on the back for finishing 1 1/2 blocks. 


I will keep it short and sweet. There is unpacking to do and then a grocery list to make. Tomorrow is an errand day. 😏

As Always...

Happy  Stitching and Quilting, y'all

Melisa 

"Good days take time. Fold the days gently.  "-  the Colorful Cottage

Hugs and Stitches!!!!🤗🧵❤

Dedicated to my dear sister, Amy 
 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 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 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 

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 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

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Whitney Square - A New Thrifty Quilt Find