Magical Monday

News Alert ! News Alert! 

Whewww! All is well! 

The Mysterious Case of the Missing Santas has been solved.

 Mr. Pinker and I searched every nook and cranny the other day for my missing cross stitches which are usually stored on a certain shelf but  to no avail . Then  yesterday I pulled out my Christmas  cross stitch bins and  low and behold there they were!   Who would have thunk? Hee! Hee! Well not me! 🤪🤣🙄

Obviously, some sneaky elf  slipped them in the bins. Now I ask you,- Why would Christmas cross stitches be in   Christmas cross stitch bins? Hee! Hee! 😁😂  Silly me. 

In 2 shakes of a lamb's tail , I high tailed it upstairs to deck the buffet with more Santas. I was certainly a jolly gal!  

Mr. Pinker just shook his head ."Like I told you, " he said "You would find them in plain sight. "  

I will continue decking the halls with my stitches this week. I still have a couple of trees to decorate including the Barnyard Tree. 

Loads and Loads of stitched pieces are making their way out of the bins

Oh , but I have lots of other Christmas fun in the works! 

A few years ago, I purchased a bag of pieced Christmas fans that were begging to be put into a quilt. 

Thrifted pieced fans ready to be appliqued. 

Well, you know the story- they went straight to the quilt room and placed on a shelf to be forgotten.

 Then a few months ago I picked them up and moved them to the camper as a project for when I was on the go. Well that never happened so the other day, I asked Mr. Pinker to go down to the camper to get them and lickety split he did. 

 

I was grinning ear to ear when he brought them up to the house to me. "Today is the day!" I shouted. 

I have never made a fan quilt before. I measured the arch and ended up cutting my pink background fabrics 10 1/2" squared.

Background fabric is 10 1/2"

 

This will be a long term, slow stitching project and will be great for this winter when we are  camping, but for now I will work on a few blocks each week. 

 

Three blocks completed. Woo Hoo! 

Alrighty, Sweet Peas, I am off to see what I can get into. I am sure I can muster up some kinda trouble. How about you?  

Have a magical day! 

Isn't this snowman the sweetest? 

 

 As Always, 

Happy  Stitching and Quilting, y'all

Melisa

Thank you for the sweet visit. 

"Christmas is a magical time of the year .  " - unknown.

Hugs and Stitches!!!!🤗🧵❤

Dedicated to my baby sister, Amy. Love and miss you, Amo. 

On the finishing table is the Prairie Schooler piece that I stitched years ago in colors that remind me of my daughters. 

🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃 

 Other Posts That Might Strike Your Fancy!

🌞Parade of Homes- Early 2025 parade of home freebies.

🌞 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 Patriotic Start

Good afternoon, Sweet friends! It is a beautiful glorious day! 

A perfect day for a patriotic start! 

I have my fabric coffee/ tea dyed and a fabulous chart called "America Sampler " from The Calico Confectionery. This was a darling gift from my sweet friend, PJ. Thank you so much, PJ.🤗 You know I love anything patriotic.   😘

We recently saw these Air Force planes on display in a park. I had to take a photo of them for my daughter.  May I tell you that I am so proud of her service? 

 Have I told you that I have a plate addiction? !  Sssh! Don't tell anyone? Hee! Hee! 😄 I found 3 new patriotic plates on my recent thrifting venture. 

The first is a vintage Capitol plate . 

I paid up for this little decorative plate. A whole dollar. LOL. But it has good memories already attached to it  which I may tell some other time. 

For 50 cents a piece, I could not leave behind 2 vintage blue patriotic transferware saucers. 

The first blue plate  is Liberty Bell. 

It is a Bicentennial plate from Avon. 

The 2nd was Independence Hall. 

Another Avon plate. Hmmm , I wonder how many bicentennial plates were made? I will have to research that.  

But I do believe all of these plates will make lovely additions to my patriotic decor this summer.  Now don't you tell Mr. Pinker that I slipped in a few more plates that I will show later. Hee! Hee! 

My latest Prairie Schooler finish is Santa with a Walking Stick. 

Well that's it for me, Sweeties. Have a great afternoon. 

 As Always... 

Happy  Stitching and Quilting, y'all

Melisa

"The red , white and starry blue are freedom's shield and hope. " - John Philip Sousa

Hugs and Stitches!!!

Dedicated to my sweet Baby sister, Amy . I love you, Amo.  ❤

Other Links that Might Strike Your Fancy! 

🌞 2025  A Parade of Homes- A Parade of Home themed freebies. 

🌞Time to Dye- How I tea/ coffee dye my fabric- the messy version. 

🌞 2024 Hearts and Stitches Valentine Parade- A parade of Valentine stitches up to the date of Feb. 3, 2024

⭐ Root A Toot Toot Patriotic Parade- 2024 Parade- of cross stitch freebies up to May 25, 2024

A Sunday Visit

Good Sunday morning, Sunshine!  Howdy Do!  

How has your weekend been thus far? I hope you have been enjoying every minute of it.   Have you been quilting , stitching or just seeing what the days allow?   

We have been basking in the sun these last few days.  Thankfully, the wind has died down compared to the other day. Goodness, was I a windblown mess. 😂

Our truck camper way off in the distance. 

I was in awe at the beautiful moon the other night! Wow! Was it ever so spectacular! 

Much of the time Mr. Pinker and I explore the beautiful landscape that surrounds us. 

Before going into town the other day, Mr. Pinker cleaned out the fridge and used up the remaining fresh veggies and meat. This had onions, olives, chicken, quinoa  and whatever else he could find- quite tasty if I do say so. 

In the mornings, I have been quilting on Flaming Butterflies. 

And the other day, I broke out in a happy dance when I finished "Santa With  a Tree" by The Prairie Schooler from " A Merry Mini Surprise "  booklet no. 215.  I am stitching the Santas on 14 count rustico oatmeal Aida that I purchased at the thrift store. I wish the whites showed up in the photo like they do in true life. 📷❄❄❄Oh well- so it be. 😁

 A Merry  Little Christmas, a free pattern  from Bunny Hill Designs  is  still in the  hoop. 

Some of you may remember that I changed the embroidery to "A Very Merry Winter" so I can leave it out through the winter season. 

 I am hand quilting around the motifs. Today I will quilt the tree with curvy pine branches. 

 

The other day, I cut out lots of little 1 1/2" strips , and then...

... laid out a few for the 1st block in the  free  "The Sewing Room" 2025 BOM by Jennifer at Elefantz Designs . 

And today I will work on the embroidery.  I do believe this will be the perfect stitch to enjoy on the Slow Stitching Sunday . Don't you? 

 

Sunset on January 16, 2025 from camp

Now onto the plans for the week. 

Did I Get'r Done... Well   -  Last Week's Goals were.. 

✅🌞1. Work on Flaming Butterflies quilt

✅🌞2.Work on Winter Stamp SAL

INTRODUCTION- January 1st

BORDER `  -   January 4th ( Saturday)

 HEADER-  January 6th ( Monday)

STAMP 1 January 8th ( Wednesday)    

STAMP 2- January  11th (Saturday)

STAMP 4-  January 15th ( Wednesday)

STAMP 5-  January 18th ( Saturday) 

I will be sharing stamp 6 tomorrow! Eeeh! 

 

✅🌞3. Work on Travel journal

✅🌞4. Work on Bunny Hill  A Very Merry Christmas

✅🌞5. Work on  "The Sewing Room" 2025 BOM by Jennifer at Elefantz Designs 

✅🌞6.  Whatever Strikes My Fancy! 

Yee Haw! I completed my goals for the week!  Excuse me while I do a little hoedown! 

Hmm.... What Should I do This Week? 

🌞1. Work on Flaming Butterflies quilt

🌞2.Work on Winter Stamp SAL

🌞3. Work on Four patch quilt

🌞4. Finish Bunny Hill  A Very Merry Christmas

🌞5. Explore and Have Grand Adventures!  

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Well Sweeties, that is what is going on in my neck of the woods.  Before I let you go- I have I reminded you lately how awesome you are? You sure are!  Thank you for making this gal as happy as a lark. ❤🤗😘

I hope to get back in my blogging routine when I return. I am still hopping back and forth on Mr. Pinker's computer for typing and mine for photos. The compressed air did not work to unstick my keyboard- that means a new laptop when I return. Oh bother. LOL . I will be able to respond back to your sweet messages then. Thank you for understanding. 

Have blessed and wonderful day and...

 As Always, 

Happy  Stitching and Quilting, y'all

Melisa

Thank you for the sweet visit. 

"Life is meant for good friends and great adventures. " - Unknown. 

Hugs and Stitches!!!!🤗🧵❤

Dedicated to my baby sister, Amy. What I wouldn't give to have you by my side . How you loved adventures!   Love and miss you, Amo. 

I am delighted when I find a heart rock even if it is imperfect. A sweet sign. ❤🤗

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Yikes! A creepy crawly! Thankfully it was not real! Hee! Hee! How funny to see this in the middle of nowhere. 

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 

Other Links that Might Strike Your Fancy! 

🌞 2025  A Parade of Homes- A Parade of Home themed freebies. 

🌞Time to Dye- How I tea/ coffee dye my fabric- the messy version. 

🌞 2024 Hearts and Stitches Valentine Parade- A parade of Valentine stitches up to the date of Feb. 3, 2024

⭐ Root A Toot Toot Patriotic Parade- 2024 Parade- of cross stitch freebies up to May 25, 2024

I Heart the Desert!

♭♮♭"My heart's tonight in Texas though I'm far across the sea,

The band is playing Dixie and there's where I long to be." ♮♭♮

Oh, I do love Texas, but right now my heart is a little further west.  💓💓💓 For I trucked on down the road and made it to a little secluded desert camp where lots of stitching is taking place. 

I finished "Santa With A Tree" from Prairie Schooler- A Merry Mini Surprise

A lovely sunny day to you, Sweet friends. Welcome.  How are you doing on this fine winter day?  Me? Well I am fine and dandy.

 Are you participating in Angela at So Scrappy's RSC 2025 challenge. I try to participate each year, but fall short of completing my quilts.  You know me- I get distracted by any happy handsome squirrel that comes my way.  

Anywhoo, I am trying to meet the challenge this year ; in fact, I meant to post this on Friday, but I was out galavanting around. Hee! Hee! 

The first project- "My Heart Quilt".    I only  have a few pink fabrics to work with so  I gathered a few and cut out some little hearts to applique.

"Where are you going ? " asked Mr. Pinker as I walked away from the camper. "

 I am going down there to take photos of my heart blocks." 

"How are you getting down there?", he asked . 

"Oh, I already have my path scouted out . " 

  I quickly walked down a less steep embankment to a sandy wash to spread out my heart blocks.  

These do need a good pressing , but that will have to wait. 

There is not much variety in the fabrics so far. But alas, this is what I have to work with. I will add a few different colored pinks in my next appliques.  

This is one of my camping projects that I enjoyed working on last year as well.  

Progress in January 2024

I decided that I need around 18 hearts of each color or thereabouts. Just a few more pink heart to applique, and then I will  sit this project aside until next month.  

As I surveyed my pink blocks, Mr. Pinker came down the embankment . "Nice looking hearts.  Do you want to explore this area?" 

"Now you know I am always up for an adventure!" , I  said with a smile.  I quickly gathered my hearts and stuffed them in my bag. 

Mr. Pinker and I enjoyed walking among the desert plants and looking at all of the critter holes and dens. "Anyone in there?" Thank goodness no critters crept out.  

We saw a number of footprints in the sand. I am not sure what critter made these prints. Do you? 

 We had a critter visit the outside of our camper and get into the garbage sack the other night. Thankfully , not much was in there and Mr. Pinker was able to clean it up lickety split. We did move the camping bag up to the truck camper ladder so nothing could get in it. 

 

After walking for a bit, we made our way back to camp. I was delighted to see a darling hummingbird visiting my feeder.  

I sat down and watched the little hummer as I stitched on my individual Winter stamp borders. 

Well, Sweeties, that is what is going on here? Quilting, stitching and a whole lot of nothing! Hee! Hee! 

Have an awesome day!  

 As always...

Happy  Stitching and Quilting, y'all

Melisa

"Be led by the dreams in your your heart. " - Roy T. Bennett

Hugs and Stitches!!!

Dedicated to my sweet Baby sister, Amy . I love you, Amo.  ❤

Pink strips are also being cut into 1 1/2" strips. Hmmm, I am thinking small 4 patches one of my favorite blocks.  

January 4, 2025 sunset

 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

Kelly at My Quilt Infatuation for Needle and Thread Thursday- 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

Angela of  So Scrappy  for Scrap Happy Saturday

I am still limited on internet access and the ability to respond right now. I hope to get back in the groove when I return.  Love ya'!