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.

🌞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- 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 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

🌞Color Tinting Embroidery Designs - Explanation on how I use crayons to color my designs for hand embroidery. - July 9, 2026

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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 

Friday Happenings

It's Friday! It's Friday Yeee Haw! It's Friday!

 Good morning, Sweet friends . How are you on this lovely fall day? 

I have had a long week of cleaning and organizing in the quilt room. Slowly but surely, I am making progress, but I will spare you the photos of the room bulging of stacks of fabrics and UFO's galore. 

QUILT ALONG ALERT! QUILT ALONG ALERT!

Kathleen Tracy of Sentimental Stitcher is hosting a Scraps Stars QAL. She posted the introduction information and tips on making star points in her October, 2, 2026 post. 

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This week, I have been working on Little House Needlework's Sheep Virtues. A sweet gift from dear Donna.  ( Thank you Donna. I am loving every stitch. 🤗)

Sheep Trifle

Today , I will work on the sheep and the border.  I am stitching the Sheep Virtues as one large piece. There are 5 stitch spaces between each design. 

Time to move onto the sawtooth borders in "Oh My Stars and Pumpkins" , a sweet gift from Cheryle.💗 Thank you , Cheryle ; this is bringing me so much joy. 

 

A wavy line was handstitched in the tan border using an off white thread. 

Soon it will be time to turn down the black binding and whip it into place. 

Oooh Let me show you a couple of my thrifty finds from a couple of weeks ago. 

While in Texas, I picked up a vintage pottery pitcher from the 1990's and the darling crocheted pumpkin. 

The pitcher was made by Ellis Pottery from Marshall , Texas. The family began their business in the late 1800's.

Ok Sweeties, that is my update this week - cleaning, stitching and quilting. Now I best put on my apron and head back to that quilt room. There is more cleaning to be done. 

As Always...

Happy  Stitching and Quilting, y'all

Melisa 

"I can't get finished cleaning up my room because I get distracted by all of the cool stuff I find.  "- unknown

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.

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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. 

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🌞Autumn Parade March- 2026 Fall Parade A parade of Fall themed stitches and doodles up to September 10, 2026.

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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

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Oh My Stars and Pumpkins

"Whatcha' working on? " asked Little Mrs. S., my youngest daughter.

"I am quilting up a storm, " I replied. 

Little Mrs. S. smiled and went back to work as I quilted away .

 Mr. Pinker and I  have been visiting Little Mrs. S. for the last few days, but after a long and delightful visit we have made our way home. 

Little Mrs. S. has decorated her side table with pumpkins for the fall season. 

" One row  quilted and two more to go!" I shouted as Little Mrs. S. retreated to her home office. She gave me a thumbs up and disappeared.

This  darling quilt  was sent to me from sweet Cheryle. Thank you , dear friend . I am enjoying it so much. ❤🤗

I think I will call it "Oh My Stars and Pumpkins!" 

I am quilting swirls in the pumpkins using a taupe thread.

 

Time to move the hoop and tackle another row. 

Autumn Patchwork  is all stitched up. I shared this little design a few weeks  ago inspired by the sweet quilt Cheryle sent me. 

Autumn Patchwork  was a CHOOSE YOUR OWN COLORS chart. If you are interested, here are the floss colors I used. 

FLOSS  : SYMBOL  MOTIF:

DMC 301 ( C) Rail Blocks

DMC 437 (W) Nine Patch blocks, Center block 

DMC 601( X) Pumpkin  Stem

DMC 730 ( V) Border

DMC 921(B) Corner blocks, Pumpkin

DMC 3371 ( • )  Border, Nine Patch blocks , Rail blocks

Pretty fabrics from Hobby Lobby. 

Little Mrs. S. and I spent a few days shopping. I picked up some yummy fabrics. 

And...

This fall plaque at Hobby Lobby which was 40 % off. 

 A small piece from Hobby Lobby . 

I thought the backside would make a good finishing piece for a small piece of cross stitch.

I may take the sticker off the backside and use it as a cross stitch finishing piece. 

AND...

I picked up a few skeins of floss. 

Alrighty, I still need to unpack and work on the dreaded laundry pile and then-- maybe then I can squeeze in some stitching  time. 😁

Have a wonderful evening. 

As Always...

Happy  Stitching and Quilting, y'all

Melisa 

"family where life begins and love never ends.  "- 

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 Chilly Parade of Winter Stitches 2025- A parade of Winter themed freebies up to the date of Dec. 21, 2025

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🌞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

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 

Donna at Modern on Monticello- Home Matters

A Foyer Filled with Crows!

 Crows, Crows and More Crows!

Welcome, Sweet friends and Happy, happy Thursday! 

Do you think you are up for another country clutter tour today? 

Aaaw come on. It may make your head swim and your eyes cross . LOL, but I promise you there is a whole lot to see.🥴🤪🤓 

Hmmm... How much can I cram into a small space? Well I whole lot Hee! Hee! 

Let's go check out the thrifty shelf dressed in its "Autumn Glory!"

Lots of stitching and vintage items on the old shelf.

A whole lot of crows came to roost for the fall season in my little foyer including the darling crow stitch. Hmmm... Think! Think! Think! 🤔 Here we go again! My mind escapes me. Do you know what this stitch is called and who is the designer?

UPDATE: Thank you to all my stitching friends who reminded me of who the designer was of the crow stitch. It is called "Salem Event" by Irena Veber sold by Oleysa at More Little Stitches.

Usually I hang Blackbird Designs freebie called the "First Offering" in the foyer, but not this year.

My little thirfted bookcase was filled to the brim with my old brown pottery and other treasures.

There are bowls layered in bowls with little stitches including an old acorn stitch and Pumpkin Crow .

There are checkerboards, stacks of plates and brown pitchers.

The little checkeboard pumpkin was painted years ago using a thin wooden pumpkin form found at the Dollar Tree. The little Harvest Crow was a freebie from 2009 that I stitched years ago from Pinterest. You can see the chart on Robby's blog called Cash Strapped Crafting.

More crocks and bean pots with little doilies and rolled quilts.

Salt and Pepper shakers, old utensils and a vintage tin completes the fall look.

The darling Old Dutch Cleanser tin was a gift from sweet Gail. Swoon. I love it! Thank you, Gail. 😘🤗

Oh, yes the shelf is filled to the brim! Can I add one more thing? Hmmm.... I am not sure. 😁

A little pumpkin and doily sits perfectly for the harvest season on an old potato masher.

In the pitcher is Heart in Hands' "Harvest Alphabet". I think that is what it called. Oh gosh, my mind is failing me again.

In the teeny cedar chest is a freebie called "Just A Little Autumn" from San- Man Originals.

Below the cake stand is the "Sunflower 1869 Crock". I don't believe I have shared it yet.

More crows, pumpkins and gourds on Granny's old drawer that is used as a shelf.

Little Bits Pumpkin Haul

Amber bottles are a favorite to display during fall season.

Harvest Home was finished on a thrifted tin plaque.

The warm glows of orange , yellow and browns warms my heart for the fall season.

Most of the items have been collected or crafted over the years. Lots of memories are displayed on those old bookcase.

So that is my fall shelf in a nutshell.

Overflowing, yes! But I sure am happy with it!

If you would like to get a closer look at the quilts hanging in the foyer, check out last week's post The Changing of the Quilts- Autumn Crows.

Do you have a favorite area that you like to decorate for the Fall season?

As Always...

Happy  Stitching and Quilting, y'all

Melisa 

"Autumn has arrived. I hear it in the whispering of the leaves.  "- Anujj Elviis

Hugs and Stitches!!!!🤗🧵❤

Dedicated to my dear sister, Amy  who enjoyed all that Autumn had to offer.

 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- 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.

🌞Ghosts, Goblins and Jacks Galore - 2026 Halloween Parade - Halloween freebies up to September 16, 2025. More Halloween pieces followed this date.

🌞 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. 

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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

🌞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

Mr. Pinker and I have been thrifting as we travel. I picked up a small Pyrex bowl along with some doilies .

Are you familiar with this Pyrex pattern? The pretty peachy pink will be perfect for spring decorating to add to my vintage Christmas decor. For a $1.99, I couldn't leave this sweet bowl behind.

The doilies match the bowl perfectly and were just fifty cents. Have I told you , I have an addiction to doilies? LOL