I Bailed...

This is a Christmas photograph of me with my younger brother. Here we are - the eldest and the youngest of the "kids" in my family. This is the best pose we could get of the silly guy. The other photographs are mostly of us giggling and cutting up. He really is a hoot. For the record, he's seventeen years younger than I am. I'll let you do the math. The picture was taken at our mum and stepdad's home yesterday evening when he was in town.

In other news...and in full disclosure...I bailed on sewing this years' Grammie's Jammies. I started cutting them out on Saturday and found myself trying to find anything else to do than work on them. I just didn't have the mojo to sew them. 

I went downstairs and sat in the chair where Handsome was watching a football game. He asked me if I'd finished any pjs yet. I looked at him and told him that I really wasn't enthusiastic about sewing them this year. He looked at me and said, "Then don't. Let's go shopping." He gave me the permission I needed to release me from the task this year. Plus, he gave me a reason to go shopping. I went back upstairs, turned off the iron and the studio lights, grabbed my jacket and off we went. An hour later, I'd found the perfect jammies for our three grands and we were on our way back home. 

Rather than spend the entire weekend and probably Monday in the studio, we were able to get everything done together, and then do some fun things. I told him that I'd finish cutting out the pjs, and I'll sew them up later in January. I'll be waaaay ahead of the program for 2025. I'll sew, wrap, and then set them aside for next Christmas. I'll just put a note on my computer to remind myself where I've put them away until then.

When I had my needlework shop, I'd occasionally have a customer come in and tell me they really didn't want to keep working on their current project. They just weren't thrilled with it, or they we sick of looking at it. It no longer went with their decor, and they'd lost the enthusiasm for working on it. I always counseled them to set it aside. If they looked at it three months from now and still didn't like it, they could donate, trade with a needleworker friend, or just toss it. Our pursuits are meant to bring joy and calm. If they don't, it's okay to set them aside. Apparently, I'd forgotten my own advice. I needed to hear that affirmation from Handsome - and he gave it without hesitation. He's one of the really good guys. 

We both have hair appointments this afternoon, so I'll be wrapping gifts, and getting ready to spend tomorrow and Wednesday with family. I'll put up my holiday verses and greetings up for the next two days, but I'll be back on Thursday to catch up with you. 

Merry Christmas, dear friends. 

May this week - and the coming year - bring you happiness and good health. From our home to yours.

Ellie Loves It!...

Ellie's mama shot a video of her opening her gift today, so you know I just had to share. She was so tickled! I would have shared the video, but her little sister and brother are bouncing around in the background, so I decided to capture some still images to give you an idea of how she liked it.

Once she (quickly) realized what it was, a huge (missing one front tooth) grin appeared on her face. She immediately put it on as a crossbody, and then inspected it further. She opened the zipper and had to show her mama the paw print lining.

You've got to know that I was grinning from ear to ear the entire time I watched the video...and my glee has lasted for hours since then.

This last photograph is sweet Ellie looking at the camera to thank her Aunt Donna for the gift. I'm grinning all over again as I write this.

Her mama, Brianna, told me that Ellie had a date yesterday evening to go to a ball game with her daddy. She asked her mother if she could take her purse with her, and was told she could. The update after they left was that her mom was going to have to "break her heart" tomorrow to tell her she couldn't take it to school with her. sniffle

In Ellie's card, I told her that I had designed and sewn the purse just for her, and that there isn't another one like it in the world. Her mom told me she was feeling extra special knowing that. I've made gifts for Ethan's family before, and as always, I really enjoy gifting them because all of them appreciate the time and effort that went into their creation.

I told Brianna that I know their second child loves kitties. I'm already working on that design in my head, and will make that purse soon, so the next gift won't be late...I mean...extended.

Surprise Mail...

An unexpected package arrived in the mail yesterday from my dear friend in Arizona. Imagine my delight when I found not only an assortment of lovely metallic threads, but these treasures inside, as well.

The book comes with a glowing review from my friend, and I look forward to reading every page (at least once). There's a lovely bookmark inside to mark my place, too. It's been a little anxious around here lately, so the book is going to be a welcome read. I expect it will become quite dog-eared as I work my way through it.

The fabric case behind it was created just for me. When I sent off a recent box, filled with an assortment of fabric to her, she commissioned a local friend to make some things for her using this fabric (which I knew she'd love). Never in a million years did I expect her to ask her friend to create something wonderful for me at the same time. The closure is a large, vintage pendant repurposed for this application. I think it's just perfect! Now, when I use the case, I know that my dear friend will be using hers in the exact same fabric. 

This package made my month, to be honest. Handsome continues to improve and life is getting back to our normal, but I admit, these gifts really lifted my spirits. Thank you, dear C. You knew just what I needed, and this long-distance hug from you is so appreciated. I love, love, love everything! You'll hear from me again soon. xoxoxo

Treasures...

 

I have a treasure shelf in my studio that's filled with things made by dear, creative friends or some of my own work. Some were from blog friends who no longer post, or some who do infrequently, but with whom I'm still in regular touch. 

 

Especially when I'm not able to create, looking at these treasures reignites my creative fire, or just makes me happy.
 

 

My friend, Dawn Edmondson of The Feathered Nest blog and SewManyRoses on Etsy created the sparkling snowman on the pink box (upper left). My friend, Mary Wadsworth created the oak leaf tree (along with a Kes ornament and B for Brynwood ornament) almost as soon as I began blogging. I love all of them. The David Winter piece, called the Crofter's Cottage, was a gift from our (then) boys when I collected many of the pieces. I only have about four left that hold a special place in my heart, and this is one of them. The Harris Tweed Rabbit pincushion  - available as a pattern - and the embroidered teddy bear are both my own creations. I still have the boy bear on my To Do list.

 

I have a Longaberger jar that I turned into a pincushion, filled with wooden acorns that were a gift from my talented designer friend, Bren Riddle of Brenda Riddle Designs. Bircornus done in cross stitch by my New Zealand friend, Marrianne who I met through Ravelry and still have nearly daily contact with. The top one of the stack is my own piece.

Then there's the needle felted Corgi from my friend Marion (who still has Tag's brother, Trip) , a polar bear I just had to have, and the snowman I did during one of our monthly craft days. The white teddy bear was made by Margaret B from Canada. It's fully jointed and weighted, and I love it.

The bottom shelf has the acorn egg cup with the wonderful squirrel and acorns that was a special commission I requested of my friend, Susan Pilotto of Mouse Droppings blog. She's also on Facebook and Instagram, so you can see her current works. She also made the wee mouse on the other end of the shelf sitting on a tuffet created on a wooden spool. I've previously shared a gorgeous, big heart trio with my monogram and another mouse that she also made for me. That one hangs on the wall above my computer. They all make me smile.

The items in between those two pieces are all acorns in one form or another...pincushions I've made, gifted felted acorn-topped pins, and a tin with an acorn cross stitch piece that my faithful blog friend, Marilyn gave me last fall. Each and every piece holds a special place in my heart, and is displayed in this most prominent place where I can enjoy them daily. 

These are not the only gifts I've received over the years, and they're all displayed somewhere in our home. Most are in my studio, but they're definitely not confined to those rooms. There are the gifts from my friend, Jody, who always manages to find the perfect pieces for me to use in the kitchen. Dear Sherry has painted wonderful pieces for me that are on display. I have a really fun sewing mouse that is laden with sewing ephemera, created by my blog friend, Ann many years ago. I wrote about her HERE. That mouse sits right next to my computer. I always try to share these gifts in posts, but I don't always include the gifter's name, in case they'd rather remain anonymous.

There are so many blessings that surround me. When I'm busy with work and have no time or energy to play, these are just some of the pieces that remind me why I've continued to blog, create and share my life with you these past fourteen years. 

 

I'm so blessed, and truly one lucky girl. Thank you to all who fill my life with joy - your comments always make me smile, and your gifts are memories I'll always hold dear.

Mark Your Calendars...

                        

March 15, 2023

14th Blog Anniversary Giveaway! 

 

Hard to believe it's algready been 14 years since the first post I ever wrote here. Since then I've written 5,039 posts, and received over 1,529,589 comments that were left for me! I try to tell you often how much your stopping by to visit means to me, and Number Fourteen seems a good time to put together a little drawing.

 

I'm going to launch the Anniversary giveaway period on March 15th, and close it on March 22nd. Mark your calendars. You won't want to miss it!

 

I'll see you again in seven. 'til then... 

"Be A Good Dog."

 

PS. Not as an afterthought. Always in my heart and on my mind. Today, Dad would have celebrated his 90th Birthday. Instead, he's celebrating Birthday #3 in Heaven. I miss you, Dad.

 

All That Glitters...

...is a royal pain in the butt! This is the quilt I did as a favor to my sister, Di. The fabric she chose for the backing has a glittery finish, and it "sheds". I've got glitter all over my studio, my clothes, and who knows where else! 

This is a Christmas/fairy-themed piece, and Diana did all the piecing. She's a beginner, and I'm very proud of how she calculated all her blocks and measurements. I've suggested she toss it in the washer and dryer to purge some of the glitter before she gifts it, so the recipient isn't a sparkly mess, too.

Now I can get back to my own projects, and things I want/need to do around the house. Tonight is Handsome's first concert in the park for this season. I'm hoping the forecasted rain doesn't come to pass, so we can be outdoors, as opposed to a large pole building facility at the fairgrounds. Either way, I'll be there to enjoy watching my guy play again. It's going to be a great night, and yes, I'll take pictures to share.

Production Sewing Tuesday...

Five Adult Bib Fabric Combinations

 

I got a request at about 4:30 on Tuesday afternoon for a couple adult bibs with pockets across the bottom. I knew they would make life easier for the recipient, so I chose my fabrics, pulled the pattern from my cabinet and started cutting them out. 

Rather than just "a couple", I pulled fabric for five bibs. This is the pattern we used in Florida when our guild, the Disconnected Piecers Quilt Guild in Port Charlotte) used to make them for nursing homes and for the guild sales boutique at our quilt shows. The only difference was that the pattern didn't call for the bottom pocket. I simply measured two pieces of fabric by the width of the bib and cut the bottom curves to match the curves on the bottom of the main bib pieces. That way the pockets had linings. 

I set all the pieces up and proceeded to production-sew the five bibs, and by 10 pm Tuesday evening, all five bibs were cut, sewn, ironed, topstitched, and had the velcro closures for the neck tabs sewn in. I neatly folded, stacked, tied with a ribbon, and wrapped for the recipient.

They were delivered yesterday. I managed to take these photographs before packaging them so I could share the combinations with you. Handsome suggested at least one of them should be "whimsical fabric", so that explains the dog fabrics. Do you see the corgis? (Hint: You'll see them in the closeup photograph of the dog fabric below. They''re orange and white, and located next to black and white dogs where they appear.) Below are closeups of all the combinations.

Fruit and Navy Print Fabrics

 

Butterfly and Fern Print Fabrics

 

Shellfish and Bandana Print Fabrics

 

Whimsical Dogs and Pawprint Fabrics - See The Corgis?

Fruit and Green Print Fabrics

I'm so grateful that I'm able to accomplish a small job like this as quickly as I can for the benefit of someone else. I know they'll be used and appreciated. I've already offered to make more (which I'll likely do in the next week) so that when some are in the laundry, there are still options for clean ones to use. 

Today, I think I'll plan out a new stitching project. I'll let you see what I decide on tomorrow.

January DeClutter Goal Reached...

January Accomplished!

 

Goal: 22 Items • Actual: 53 Items

Last year, I pulled a number of bolts of fabric that were coming out of my studio - one way or the other. They were first previewed by a friend for trade and/or donations. These were bolts that weren't chosen. 

My second option was to list them for sale, but after stumbling over them in my fabric studio for nearly three months, I decided to give them to another worthy cause. My younger sister has taken to quilting! Just before Thanksgiving, she came to visit me so that I could give her some pointers. She ended up creating seven beautiful quilts for her grandchildren. Now she has the "bug", and I want to help fuel her new interest.

Before she left the farmhouse yesterday, we loaded 45 bolts of fabric into the back of her vehicle. She was thrilled to have all that fabric, and she said her head was just swimming with ideas for new creations...from napkins to quilts. She couldn't have been more grateful, and I was happy to regain the floor space.

I also pulled a few items from my closet (with more planned for February), and some duplicate kitchen tools are now in a donation box that I'll add to until the box is full. Then, I'll be taking that to St. Vincent de Paul to benefit others.

I'm feeling pretty good about now. My fabric studio is pure chaos, so I'm going to continue pulling fabrics for preview, sale, and donation. I'm going to pull notions, as well. I think February is going to be busy, but I'm excited to think about how fabulous my creative spaces will be once this is done.

Gifts From Krisann...

Brynwood Needleworks - All About Acorns

 

When Krisann sends a package, I can always count on finding the most perfect surprises inside. Imagine my glee when I opened my package to find a "box of acorns"! (I placed them on a beautiful acorn doily, embellished with acorn artwork done by my talented friend, Michelle Palmer.)

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Acorn Thanks

This lovely acorn dish, while appearing wonderfully vintage, is more modern. I don't love it any less for its youth. I love the colors, the textures, and its size. This sweet dish now sits on my dressing table.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Vanilla Nutmeg Soap

  When I saw (and smelled) this box, I couldn't wait to see what would be inside.
 

Brynwood Needleworks - Vintage Bath Bar

  This is vintage, and even though it's not new, it smells just as sweet as the day it was made.

There was one more gift in the box - an acorn stuffie for Tag (or Bella or Carly) - and that was swiftly stolen by one of said dogs. That was really appreciated, too!

I'm always grateful for Krisann's friendship, but her surprises always warm my heart. I hope she's as tickled with the packages I send her way. Long distance hugs from one grateful friend to another.

Thank you, dear KA. I love my surprises!

 Smooches,650 

Their Gifts Are Finished...

Brynwood Needleworks - "Beauty & The Beast" Twin Bags

 

I woke up yesterday thinking I'd better make a decision and go with it. I decided to make two, 5 year old-sized purses for the twins. What better theme than a prince, a princess, and a castle? I had "Beauty & The Beast" fabric in my studio, and in no time, I was sewing away.

If you notice the colored tabs at the top edges of each bag, you can see which colors cork I chose for the backs. Red for one, and a lime green for the other. The tabs are for the d-rings to attach the shoulder straps.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - "The Beast's Castle" Bag

"The Castle" is backed in red cork, and even has a little "Chip" tea cup and saucer charm!  

Brynwood Needleworks - "Beauty & The Beast" Bag

"Beauty & The Beast/Prince" is front and center on the second bag, with a "Mrs. Potts" tea pot charm.

I'll tuck a little $$ gift inside, of course, because I never gift a bag without money in it. All the bags and wallets I sell contain a lucky penny inside, but I'll add a little more for the twin's Birthday gift bags. Add a Birthday card, and wrap them up. Now I'm ready for the party on Sunday!

 

Birthday Gifts...

Brynwood Needleworks - Birthday Gifts

Yesterday was a quiet, restful day. I'm recuperating well, but the incision was extensive, and it's pretty painful right now. The burden was made lighter by the gifts and greetings received from friends and family.

 

I heard from all our grandchildren and their parents, and my elder nieces sent greetings, too. I received a stunning poinsettia from our grandson and his folks, as well as a beautiful bouquet in yellows and whites from my BFF, Lee. My aunt baked a delicious pound cake for me, along with a gift bag filled with chocolate. I'm so grateful for their thoughtfulness.

 

I also received a beautiful sunflower mug mat and card from a blog friend, Dorothy in Canada. What a lovely surprise, my dear! Your workmanship is impeccable and I so appreciate the sentiments in your card. Thank you!

I can't think of a happier way to heal from my "birthday surgery". Thank you all so much for remembering me. I haven't answered your messages on my Birthday post (yet), but I will soon, I promise. I appreciate every good wish and kind word. I sure am a Lucky Girl.

 

Nearly Finished...

Brynwood Needleworks - Patriotic Sunset

 

Some days just don't go as planned. I got up early and made poolish (my starter) for foccaccia. Then, read emails over my morning coffee. My plan was to sit and stitch yesterday to finish my special chicken. My back had other plans. Sometimes, it goes out for no apparent reason whatsoever.

I took a mild (mostly ineffective) pain killer, and settled in with a heating pad (which helped), to stitch. I almost finished my stitching, but not quite. I'll finish today, and then sew it together. I'll take a photo to share with you on Monday, but not today. boo

 

This past week, indigo buntings added their bright blue plumage to the yard. We also have one large crow that has taken a shine to the feeders I place near the lilac bushes. I think crows are extremely cool, so I hope this one will continue to visit over the summer.

As the sun set last night, Handsome and I noticed that the sky looked rather patriotic in its shades of red, white and blue. I set my exposure for the sunset, so it's too dark for you to see three deer in the field, too. There's always something wonderful to see at the farmhouse.

 

Here's hoping my back leaves me alone today. I have too much to do to just sit around. Wish me luck!

Announcing All Winners...

Brynwood Needleworks Giveaway Winners!

 Finally! The drawing is officially closed and I'm ready to announce the winners.

I won't hold you all in suspense. Just scroll down to see if there will be a prize on its way to you!

Of course, in order for me to send it along, please make sure you contact me (email in my sidebar), with your full name and address. I can't mail it unless I know where it's going. Right?

You can double check to make sure you're the winner by going back to the original post. After each of the comments there is a number. Just check to make sure your name and comment number match.

So, without further ado...Here are the winners!

Brynwood Needleworks - First Prize

 QUILTING TANGENT!

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Second Prize

 JILL

Brynwood Needleworks - Third Prize

LAURA DOWDALL

Brynwood Needleworks - Fourth Prize

 TPOTT

Brynwood Needleworks - But, Wait! There's More!

  Scissors - 2 winners.

 NANCY

 MILLIE   Spoolers and Sewing Machine Tools

CARLA

Needleworker's Set with Finger Lamp

MARILYN

Brynwood Pens - 7

KAREN M.

SUNNY

BARBARA H.

JOYCE LM

SHIRLEY C

ANDREA H

DOROTHY

 

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE WINNERS!

 

Thank you to all who left comments for me. I read each and every one, and want to tell you how much it meant to me that you took the time to tell me how you feel about blogs and blogging these days. I wish I could give everyone a gift, but I promise I'll do another giveaway this summer.

 

You've truly inspired me to continue to visit with you every day. Whether you comment or not, I'll know you're out there, and I'll think of you fondly with every post.

Blessings,

PS. Don't forget to email your information to me asap so I can get your gift in the mail to you!