Because I Love You...

Brynwood Needleworks - Label By Lillalotta on Etsy

I'm so glad I ordered these labels from my friend, Anna Barrow and her Lillalotta shop on Etsy. She's done quite a few labels that I purchased and loved, but I think this one's my new favorite.

Brynwood Needleworks - Brynwood Baby Label

I commissioned these labels about ten years ago. I use them on my baby projects. I'd share the link with you, but alas, I can't remember who created them for me.

Brynwood Needleworks - Flannel Backing Fabric

They're both sewn to the back of this "Ellie" quilt. I've created it for my great-niece, Elizabeth. This is the nickname her parents gave her.

Brynwood Needleworks - Done and Done!

So I thought it would be cute to add a sweet pink elephant, and hand embroidery to the quilt I wanted to make as a gift for her first Birthday. The party is this weekend at a park on the other side of the lake from where we live.

No. We don't live near the lake, but if you look at a map of Wisconsin, you'll see the large lake in the southeast quadrant. That's Lake Winnebago. We live about ten miles east of the eastern shore of the lake, while Ellie's parents and grandparents live on the other side of the lake on the western side. Many Wisconsinites navigate the state referencing Lake Winnebago.

Anyway, I digress...This is for my great niece. It's done. I'm going to toss it through the washer and dryer so it's nice and soft. (I want her to be able to cuddle it from the second she gets it.) Then, I'll wrap it up so I can give it to her.

Bring on the party hats. I'm ready now!

 

Quilt Embroidery Finished...

Brynwood Needleworks - Ellie Quilt Embroidery Detail

Yes. I was called for jury duty yesterday. If you have read my blog long enough to know a few things about me, one thing should be apparent by now. I do not like to sit idly. Ever.

We were informed in our service package that we would be leaving our belongings in an unsecure room if we were selected to a case, so I left my phone, any project, book, or anything that I could use to amuse myself while waiting. I arrived at 8 am on a cloudy, rainy day, but the precip was light, so I didn't even grab my umbrella.

We were welcomed and told that the clerk was going back upstairs (in the courthouse), to pull a random list of those who would be called for the initial "voir dire" (pronounced vwaa deer) - a Latin term for the preliminary examination of a juror or witness. That was a 8 am. We all then cooled our heels for a mind-numbing two and a half hours before the judge appeared in our room.

He explained that, faced with an imminent jury trial, the plaintiff caved and made a deal with the court. We were excused with the thanks. The best news is that I haven't received another letter for service before the end of this month, so I am now exempt from service for four years! So, with a smile on my face, I followed the other people outside.

It was still sprinkling lightly, and our designated parking lot was more than a city block away. As this line of people followed the sidewalk along the river behind the city/county building, we were about halfway on our trek when the sky opened up and it absolutely poured. There was no way to go except forward.

By the time I got to my car, I was soaked to the skin. My shoes were waterlogged, and my hair was dripping in my face and down my neck. On a positive note, I earned a whole $30 for my attendance for the morning. sigh

Brynwood Needleworks - Ready To Layer And Quilt

 

When I got home, I went upstairs, changed my clothes and dried my hair. Then, I pulled the color I wanted from my Anchor™ floss assortments, and stitched my great-niece's name (actually Elizabeth's nickname) onto her Birthday quilt top.

 

Now that I've finished the embroideries, I'll layer and quilt today. I should be sewing on the binding before dinnertime. Ahhhh, to be back to busy hands. Happy me!

 

Tuesdays With Tag - What A Little Suck-Up...

Brynwood Needleworks - Say "Cheese".

 Hi, Everybody!

Mom got called for jury duty today, so I'm flyin' solo. As long as I'm on my own, without my "editor" lookin' over my shoulder, I can give it to you straight today. I can tell you the truth (as I see it) about a certain, diminutive version of The Black Dog. She's exhaustin'!

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Posturin' Puppy

Doesn't matter what time of day...Dad lets her out of her kennel, gives her her ball while the rest of us try to relax, and this nonsense gets started! Harassin' and obnoxous-in' non-freakin'-stop! 

First, Boo gets to chewin' on this thing, and when Mini Boo tries to take it back, her mama growls and sets her back on her heels. Most kids would get the hint, but not this little terrorist. Nope. She goes right in for the prize. Failin' in capturin' the target, she starts slinkin' and slidin' in to find an openin'.

Brynwood Needleworks - A Teachin' Moment

Once she gets her needle-sharp choppers on it, she tries to stand for the advantage. That only works until her mom decides whether or not to give it up, or continue a teachin' moment. She always reminds her little gnat who's in charge, after all (like here).

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Look What I've Got!

Sometimes, she lets Carly-Butt "win". Once that happens, of course herself brings it back to brag about her victory. Yeah. For now, Tiny Tot. For now.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Yep. She's A Suck-up.

 

Of course, she often frustrates Dad with the volume level durin' these wrestlin' matches, so he'll tells her to knock it off. Bein' a puppy who wants what she wants when she wants it, she'll soon be right back at it, but...

She always stops long enough to remind Dad how stinkin' cute she is. Mom taught her "High Five" to get Milk Bone treats. We all line up in the kitchen, sit, and wait our turn to High Five for our treat. Smart puppy learned that one lightnin' fast. Soooo. She runs over, plops her furry hinder down on the rug, and offers up her right paddle to Dad. He laughs. All is forgiven, and there she goes again.

Honestly. What. A. Suck. Up!

Well played, Carlita. Well Played.

Even I have to offer up some props!

 

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

"Just Do It...but not on the rug."