Sunflower Haven - A House Freebie

I did it! I did it! 

Picture me twirling about with my arms high in the air! Hee! Hee!😀

What did I do ? 

Well nothing too monumental , but I finally grew a sunflower! 

My first sunflower 

Isn't it sunny and magnificent?! 

I know. I know . I guess I am overexuberant  for this simple bloom , but goodness, over the years,  I have tried every trick in the book  to grow a sunflower to no avail. 

In celebration, I am sharing Sunflower Haven today!🌻🌻🌻 

It is  a very primitive house. 

Sunflower Haven  was inspired by 2 houses- my Granny's and "a house down the road" from me that was torn down years and years ago.

Sunflower Haven is very prim and almost rustic . It is built on a foundation of stacked rocks like my Granny's cabin with a back addition . Granny had a covered back porch . Her galvanized wash tub hung on the wall on the porch. She would pull it down and fill it water from the well to bathe. She did not have running water. 🤗

"The old house down the road" from me had one addition after another. I always wanted to go into the house to see how the house unfolded inside- it was fascinating on the outside though most people would not give it a second look. 

Anywhooo... "the house down the road "inspired me to create additions to the Sunflower Haven.  If you look carefully, you can see where the additions have been attached to the main house. 

The yard is filled with stately sunflowers. And I could not resist but add a crow or two.  The dark stars and borders which were stitched in DMC 3371 makes Sunflower Haven even more prim. Don't you think? 

Sunflower Haven has 2 wonky crows and lots of sunflowers

Sunflower Haven was stitched on 14 count coffee tea dyed Aida. If you are interested in seeing how I coffee/ tea dyed my Aida checkout the post entitled  Time to Dye.

Nine DMC floss colors were used in the making of Sunflower Haven which includes: DMC 420, 730, 732, 783, 829, 832, 936, 3371 and 3858. 

FLOSS  : SYMBOL  MOTIF:

DMC 420 (O) House logs      

DMC 730 ( G) Sunflower stems,leaves      

DMC 732 (V) Roof

DMC 783 (Y) Sunflowers

DMC 829 (T) Sunflower Center, Foundation stones

DMC  832 (L)  House Logs

DMC  936 ( 1) Roof, Window and Door Sills

DMC 3371 ( • )  Crows, Borders, Stars, Window Panes

DMC  3858 ( R) Door

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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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NOTE: I used 2 strands of 3371 and backstitched a star above the doorway. I did not chart this.  You may or may not want to do the same. 

Well, that's the newest house in the neighborhood. The mustard yellows and primness is a little different from some of my previous homes. But I am quite pleased to have this humble home.  Hmmmm.... I would definitely live here. Maybe take the bedroom on the right side where I could look out the window at all of those glorious sunflowers! What do you think? LOL. 

In the coming days, I will show you a new house in the works. 

Well, I have jabbered long enough about my new house . I am so very grateful that you took time out of your busy day to join me today. 

I wish you a day in which you too are twirling about in glee! Love ya!

As Always...

Happy  Stitching and Quilting, y'all

Melisa 

"Wherever life plants you, bloom with grace.  "- Old French Proverb

Hugs and Stitches!!!!🤗🧵❤

Dedicated to my dear sister, Amy 

 I love and miss you so much.. Love you , Amo. 

🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻

 

Homestead Blessings

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🌞 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- 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

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🌞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. 

🌞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. 

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Paw Paws, Sheep and Quilting

 Muscadines and Paw Paws are getting ripe. 

The Paw Paw is not too pretty , but it is sweet and yummy .

Have you ever had a paw paw before?

There is not much to them, but they are oh so sweet.

The inside of a Paw Paw. 

Each paw paw usually has 6 to 8 large seeds which are about an inch in length. You just have to eat the pulp around the seeds and along the skin of the paw paw.  They are yummy!

If you would like to learn more about Paw Paws check out this article from Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. 

8 blocks pieced and 8 more to go on the  Irish Chain blocks .

Did you notice the Santa fabric? I always try to sneak some Christmas fabric into my scrappy quilts. 😀

Dear  Melva of Melva Loves Scraps blogspot has been hosting a wonderful Stitch Along recreating her Great Aunt Lala's Irish Chain quilt. 

In fact, she shared her final installment of the stitch- along yesterday.

But I am as slow as molasses so I am a little behind. 

I am aiming for 32 pieced blocks in my Irish Chain. 

I will be piecing 2 more blocks today. 

Thank you so much, Melva for sharing this quilt with us. You do so much for the quilting community. ❤😘

Melva's Schedule for Lala's Irish Chain SAL: 

Week 1 Cutting Instructions and Introduction: 

Week 2 Setting Blocks with Cornerstones

Week 3 Frame Setting the Blocks. 

Week 4 Patchwork Set 1

Week 5 Patchwork Set 2

Week 6  5 x 5 Patchwork Blocks

Week 7 Layout and Top

Week 8 Border

Week 9 Sandwich and Quilt

Oh what else can I show you? 

Hmmm ... Well

Last month I finished "Gratitude " in the Little House Sheep Virtues series which was gifted to me from sweet Donna. Thank you dear friend. I am loving these.

I am stitching the Sheep Virtues as one piece with 5 stitches separating each design.  The fabric is 14 count Aida which I tea/coffee dyed. 

It is time to move on to the next group of ewes . This chart is called "Kindness" .

 

Well I best get to work if I am going to catch up with Melva. Hee! Hee! If you are in the neighborhood , drop by . I have an extra machine or two and with all of us we can whip those blocks out in 2 shakes of a lamb's tail. 😀🐑🐑

Have a fantabulous day! 

As Always...

Happy  Stitching and Quilting, y'all

Melisa 

"Begin each day with love and joy in your heart.  "- 

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!

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🌞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

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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. 

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

Angela of  So Scrappy  for Scrap Happy Saturday

Joy at Days Filled with Joy for Home Matters

Melva at Melva Loves Scraps for Sew & Tell- Sunday

Judy at Small Quilts and Doll Quilts for Design Wall Monday

My 2020 Country Patriotic Thrift Hutch 

Plum Street Sampler has a darling patriotic freebie called "Happy Birthday , Mr. President " in her blog post dated February 18, 2018. 

NOTE: After trying to download "Happy Birthday, Mr. President" , I found the link does not go to the chart. I am not sure if Paulette is aware or if she will fix the link in the future. But it was a darling design. 

💙💙💙 BLOGGER BLUES 💙💙💙

Oh dear, Blogger is  "glitching" again. I am not receiving updates on my Reading List. So I do apologize if I miss any of my sweet blogging friends posts. I am trying to pop in to see if you post each day.  

A Little Bit of This and That

It's that time! 

For the kids to pack up  their books, pencils and paper.

Old school books ready to be leafed through. 

For the teachers to dust off the chalkboard. 

Old children's chalkboards

And for Mamas to celebrate!  Yeehaw! 😀😂

My daughter joked that she would be at school with the kids as soon as the doors opened. 😅

It's Back to School Time!!!!

A Sunday quilt stack all ready for school time. 

Well it is for some kiddos. Our grandsons' first day of school was last Friday. The Little One was thrilled to pieces that he got the teacher that he wanted ( She taught his brother a couple of years ago. ) 

Do you remember the excitement of the first day of school? Carrying the latest trendy Trapper Keeper , a school box of crayons, pencils and scissors?   

⭐ "Reach for the stars."   ⭐

2024 Back to School Display. 

🍎"Encouragement is oxygen to the soul."- George M. Adams 🍎

I sure do wish all of the students and teachers a wonderful school year. 🤗

ON TO QUILTY NEWS! 

Buttercream fabric and a plethora of scraps is what I am using on Melva's  free Quilt Along called Lala's Irish Chain SAL. 

Y'all, I will be honest. I am a bit behind not only on my quilting but on my stitching too . Still, I am plugging right along though.  😊

Melva is recreating her great grandma Lala's antique Irish Chain quilt and has invited us to sew along. It is a nine week sew along and like all of Melva's SAL ; it is sure to be loads of fun. In fact, she is sharing stories and photos of her Great Grandma Lala. I do hope you will hop over to visit, Melva. 

Melva's Schedule for Lala's Irish Chain SAL: 

Week 1 Cutting Instructions and Introduction: 

Week 2 Setting Blocks with Cornerstones

Week 3 Frame Setting the Blocks. 

Week 4 Patchwork Set 1

Week 5 Patchwork Set 2

Week 6  5 x 5 Patchwork Blocks

Week 7 Layout and Top

Week 8 Border

Week 9 Sandwich and Quilt

WHAT ABOUT CROSS STITCHING?

 Well, in other news, I fully finished  Tomatoes into a pin pillow with a scrap of fabric and some crocheted lace.  I shared this stitch a few months ago, and it has been waiting in the wings patiently to be finished. 

Now onto the Plans for the Week

This past week I was out of commission due to a fall , but hopefully, I will be moving around better and  will have the strength to do a little more. My mojo has been waning as well. Does that ever happen to you? Anywhooo... I will keep the "To Do List" short and sweet . 

Hmm.... What Should I do This Week? 

🌞1. Work on Melva's QAL

🌞2. Embroider September's Roundabout. 

🌞3. Begin a new saltbox cross stitch.   

🌞4. Quilt on Pretty in Peach Butterfly quilt.

 

As you can see I am not going to overdo it  this week. Hee! Hee! But I am sure more projects will come into play. They often do. 

Thank you for taking the time to join me on this lovely day. 

 

As Always...

Happy  Stitching and Quilting, y'all

Melisa 

"some of the best discoveries are made when we simply try.  "- 

Hugs and Stitches!!!!🤗🧵❤

Dedicated to my dear sister, Amy  who loved to host "Back to School Bashes" for the kiddos. I do miss those times. 

 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. 

🌞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 

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