September 8, 2010

A Joyful Obsession...

I was really busy yesterday! I finished the Williamsburg Consort pillow project, so I'm set to go to Virginia now. (Well, except for packing, cleaning the house before we leave because I don't like coming home to a messy house, and last minute errands.) I'm happy with the way it turned out, and hope that this, too, will generate more for the scholarship fund.

I shipped out some orders and my September ATC for the Blissfull ATC Swap group, and then late day, I got a phone call to tell me that the quilt I made for our master bedroom is quilted and ready to pick up. I'm not sure I'll have time to bind it before we leave on our trip, but if I do, I'll photograph it on our bed for you.
I finished this project, too. I can only give a peek right now. I will be shipping it out today, and hope that my Victorian Cuff Swap partner likes it. Once she receives it, I promise I'll show you the entire finished cuff. It's going to a new blog friend living in England, and goodness, I sure hope she loves it!
One of the comments I received yesterday on my giveaway post was this one from Lisette:

Ok, what would I like to see in a next entry. I would really love (t0) hear why you are so crazy about the acorn.

Hugs,
Lisette

Thanks for asking! I've always been a country girl, preferring a quiet woodland path of a nature walk to the hard concrete sidewalks and noise in town. I always found myself gravitating to the oak trees on my explorations. I love their size, majesty and beauty. They convey feelings of age and protection to me.

When I conceived my design business, Brynwood Needleworks, Kes' grandmother, Bryn was the inspiration for the name. Memories of those oak trees with their acorn treasures inspired one of my requirements when I hired our friend, Bob Fehring (who owns Artel' Design Studio in Waupun, Wisconsin) to design my logo.That was in 1989, and since then, I can't pass up anything "acorn" without considering whether or not to add it to my collection. Even the real ones that are regularly sent to me from my blog friends are prized gifts . I add them to a beautiful, big vase in the studio where they are precious reminders of old and new friendships. My friend, Michelle Palmer, coats hers with gel medium to keep them dark and shiny. I think I'm going to do that, too (after I get back from my trip).

So, Lisette. There you have it. My explanation for a joyful obsession...just one of many collections! Thanks again for asking!I'm overwhelmed with your kind comments and entries in my 500th Post Giveaway! I have been reading every single comment and want to thank everyone for your lovely words. So much so that I have another surprise for you...

If, in the course of doing this giveaway, we reach 500 friends (followers), too...I'll add a second drawing for a second lap quilt! I'll chose another fabric collection and post it tomorrow - just in case.

So, if you haven't done so yet, and you're so inclined...please share my giveaway on your blog. Not only will you earn another chance in the drawing, but if we get to 500 followers, you'll also earn a second opportunity to win a lap quilt. hee hee Are you happy yet?

16 comments:

  1. Hi Donna, loved hearing how your name came to be. I have an oak tree in my backyard that I'll have to post for you, it's so big I won't be able to get it all in one photo. Truly lovely except for when all the leaves land in the pool! ha ha. Congrats on your milestones, I'm putting your give away button on my sidebar,
    big hugs and lots of love,
    Debra

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  2. That is such a great story! I was always wondering since I read your blog.
    Did I really write "the hear" instead of "to heart"? Duh!
    Well, I was kind of tired after work when I wrote it so I have an excuse!
    Hugs,
    Lisette

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  3. Love the story of the Acorn and the name. Thanks for sharing!!!

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  4. Love your acorn story! And your pillow is beautiful. I especially love the musical instrument fabric.

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  5. I too loved reading the story of how you named your business. Your acorns from Missouri will be on their way soon!
    Jane

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  6. I love your thoughts on the acorn! Very sweet! I love pinecones and find myself unable to pass them up! ♥

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  7. Have a safe and fun trip! I'm planning a Virginia trip myself for October.
    Goodness, who wouldn't LOVE anything you create? You put so much care and art into everything...just sayin'.
    I'm already a follower but sure hope you get lots more so I have a second chance LOL.
    (())
    Francie

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  8. Have a safe fun trip. I know you are glad to have another project completed and already thinking of the next. Great story about the acorns.
    Debbie

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  9. I enjoyed your acorn story. When I was growing up, we have oak trees around and of course, lot of acorns. I always played with them, if the little acorn caps came off, they turned into Fairy Cups, or I could stick the sharper end of the acorn into soft ground to become legs for a small Fairy table, maybe covered with some leaves, or a small piece of bark :) Lovely memories!

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  10. Donna, I've been reading here how you love acorns. There is an etsy store that sells the cutest little acorn charms:
    www.dimestoreemporium.etsy.com
    I just bought some from her for adding to my pillows.
    Hugs, Diane

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  11. I don't think I'll ever look at an acorn again without thinking of you.
    Brenda

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  12. I am one of those that cleaning the house is always the last thing before leaving town, because a clean house is the first thing to which I want to return!
    Loved hearing how and why you named your business and selected the acorn as your trademark. I happened to be on a walk last fall, and gathered some acorns. I was so sad when many of their little tops fell off. Any suggestions on keeping them intact, or do I just resort to glue?

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  13. Love the pillow and love the great story behind the "you" and so glad to know it too. Funny how we all relate things like acorns and bunnies to people we know and love. ;)
    4 sleeps.
    xx, shell

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  14. I love how your pillow turned out. I have several oak trees in my yard and I will think of you when I see the many acorns as they fall. You can hear them hit the roof of the house when we get a strong enought wind. I enjoyed the story that you shared. Have a great trip. Your Missouri Friend.

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  15. My, such talent you have.
    I am very anxious to see your swap. Those jewels look beautiful.

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Thank you so much for leaving a comment today. I'm using new settings on my comments so that I'll be able to respond to your messages to me. Be sure to come back to see my replies!

Blessings, Donna