Island Girl...

Brynwood Needleworks - Father and #2 Son

It began with a conversation with our younger son. He's a carpenter who has flipped homes over the past few years. We approached him about installing a kitchen island for us...and while he was at it, one other cabinet next to the range. 

The project began on Thursday morning, when #2 son brought in all the cabinetry and hardware. Handsome and I ordered custom countertops from a company who produced all the millwork for the home we built seventeen years before we moved to Florida. When it came time to choose the wood, you'll never guess what one of the choices was...

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Hickory Butcher Block Detail

 HICKORY!!!

 

We got the phone call to tell us the countertops were done and ready to be picked up. Handsome drove down to get them, and when the counters arrived, I was beside myself. They're sooo pretty! You've got to know we'd jump at the "hickory" option.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Our Own Talented Carpenter (Our Son)

 

I took a photograph of our hard working, family oriented, talented carpenter. He's our younger son, who flipped homes with his wife for quite a while. He really knows what he's doing!

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Completed Island

 

As the project completed (for now), the sun came shining in the hall window. The island cabinet, countertop and hardware were the focus of this project. I have thoughts about what's next. We purchased cabinets reminiscent of a china cabinet, but that's all I'm going to say for now.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - More To Come!

 

So, every morning we'll come downstairs to this view (for now). I can't stop smiling! I still need to paint the primered beadboard and trim edges, but otherwise it's finished! I'm so happy. Now, I'm an island girl!

Dancing In The Moonlight...

Brynwood Needleworks - Needle Dancing

 Needle Dancing, that is.

I had a long day yesterday. I left home for Milwaukee shortly after noon, and arrived in time for my appointment. I waited an hour before seeing my new doctor, and then went through a number of tests. I left her office near 5:00 pm with a plan of action. Another surgery is in my future, even though I won't have a date until next week.

 

I didn't get back home until after 6 pm, and Handsome had dinner waiting when I walked in the door. I was so grateful, because, truthfully, I was pretty tired by then. We said grace, ate our dinner, and did cleanup. Then, he made a cup of tea for me, and I put my feet up for a little while. 

Later, I went upstairs with my Everlasting blocks and hopped on the bed with the Labradors to stitch for a couple of hours. A perfect way to decompress before bedtime. It worked like a charm and I slept like a baby. 

Our kitchen project is underway, so you can expect to see photos and information soon. I know it's a tease, but isn't it a great way to end this post? I sure think so, and something we can both look forward to! Soon. I promise.

 

Five To Go...

Brynwood Needleworks - "Everlasting" Peony Flower Box 9

I got sidetracked yesterday with a few errands (can't wait to share one of them with you soon!), so I only completed one block. This is the Peony Flower block from Wool Box 9.

 

I used the same threads called for in the pattern, but I think we just used different areas of the Valdani variegated threads. I added small blanket stitch wheel sections at the top of the green stems. I added chain stitch veining on the leaves, and finally, I added closer stitching, radiating the blanket stitch on the pink part of the blossoms.

 

I'm already working on #5, as I count down through the final five blocks. I'll likely have these completed by the end of the weekend. (squeeee!) Of course, I have other things to do before this project will be complete (the center applique' and block), and of course, squaring up all the blocks for assembly. That will all take more time. Of course, I'll share everything as I continue working on this project.