A Purpose Such As This...

Brynwood Needleworks - Dressed In Joy Dresses & Dolls

 What a fun day I had yesterday!

Brynwood Needleworks - Dressed In Joy Dresses & Dolls

I created four dresses for our Dress A Girl ongoing effort...these three, and

Brynwood Needleworks - Dressed In Joy Dresses & Dolls

 this last one, which I put the final touches on right after we ate dinner.

Every time I finished a dress and doll, I carried it out of the studio to show Handsome for his critique. He chuckled when I held each set up for him, and said they were all so darned cute.

I took pictures of the dresses before I remembered to put the Dress A Girl labels on them, but it was simple to add one to each pocket before I packaged and labeled them for donating. Putting the labels on them is the final touch, and I won't let any of our dresses head off to our Ambassador without making sure each dress has one.

Brynwood Needleworks - Dressed In Joy Doll

I had so much fun making everything. Sewing the hair on the dolls was especially amusing to me. I wasn't sure what each one would look like until the hair was sewn into the seam and turned right-side-out.

Our group often shares techniques, and now many of us are sewing heads to bodies prior to stuffing them. It takes one step out of the instructions on the pattern from the Dressed In Hope group. The last thing left to do is sew a decorative stitch seam across the bottom of the doll and then it's done.

Brynwood Needleworks - Dressed In Joy Doll

 Each one wears fabrics matching the dress to which it belongs.

Brynwood Needleworks - Dressed In Joy Doll

Some have short hair...

Brynwood Needleworks - Dressed In Joy Doll

Some have long hair. Each one has a unique personality like the little girls who will eventually play with them.

I hope that the little girls who receive them will love them as much as I loved making them. In fact, I'm looking forward to the next sewing day when I make more to send to parts unknown.

Brynwood Needleworks - Dressed In Joy Doll

We've set our next deadline, which will come in the new year. I've called it the "Valentine's Dress Drive" and all dresses and dolls will be due here (at Brynwood) by February 13, 2016. I set our goal for 300 dresses with dolls, and the dressmakers have already said we can surpass that number. What an incredible group we have!

If you're interested in sewing dresses or dolls, or donating supplies (like fabric, stuffing or ribbons) to our cause, please ask to join our Facebook group, Dressed In Joy - Brynwood Needleworks. There are so many ways you can contribute to our effort even if you don't sew.

I'm so honored to be a part of this project. I think it may be something I've been working toward my whole life. Maybe this is one of the reasons I learned to sew when I was only 11 or 12. A purpose such as this.

Replenishing My Creative Juices...

Brynwood Needleworks - Linen "Butterflies & Roses" Project Tote

When I have a lot on my plate, I'm known to back away for a bit to regroup.

Brynwood Needleworks - Linen "Butterflies & Roses" Project Tote

I shared my project list last week, but got way behind (my self-imposed)  schedule when some other really fun options came into play. Getting back to my studio to jump right into those projects was going to take a little extra effort.

Brynwood Needleworks - Linen "Butterflies & Roses" Lining

When this happens, I usually start with a few smaller projects that can be completed in a few hours or an afternoon. What I came up with was particularly fun.

Brynwood Needleworks - Linen "Butterflies & Roses" Twill Tape

I love my "collection" of linen fabrics and custom made twill tapes, so I started there.

Brynwood Needleworks - Linen "Believe In Yourself" Project Tote

Before I knew it, I had two completed project totes, and a head full of ideas for more designs. These are perfect for toting around needlework, knitting, or crochet projects - or they can be used as tool bags to carry sewing items.

Brynwood Needleworks - Linen "Believe In Yourself" Project Tote

I chose some of my favorite fabrics to use as linings, and added a removable strap to make each tote into a larger wristlet. So, you could even carry your cell phone, wallet and a few extras in them for everyday use.

Brynwood Needleworks - Linen "Believe In Yourself" Lining

It was fun to choose all the components, and then create these two projects.

Brynwood Needleworks - Linen "Believe In Yourself" Twill Tape

 They're both listed in my Etsy shop, and my mind is clear and focused.   Nothing works better than taking a little creative breather for me. Now, I can get back to my studio to work on the items on that list I made. 

Tuesdays With Tag - Bella's Doin' Great...

Brynwood Needleworks - Tag at Sommers'

Hi, Everybody!

Guess who I saw last week? We went to Uncle Mike's and saw BELLA!

Brynwood Needleworks - Liljegren's Suncoast Bella

We got out of Dad's truck and there she was! Just sittin' waitin' for us to say "hey"! I couldn't believe how big her butt is now! 

She's seven months old, and Uncle Mike told us that she's on somethin' called "self-feed". Mom said it means that they put her dish down and it's always full of food. WHOA! Where can I sign up for that program? You can tell that Bella hasn't been pushin' back from the table. She's really bulked up in the three weeks she's been at school! (She's not fat. She's just gettin' bigger.)

Brynwood Needleworks - Tag, Watching Training At Sommers'

Mom and Dad sat down in spectator chairs and I got a front row seat - on the chain gang! - to watch Uncle Mike put Bella Butt through her paces. She's been a great student since she got there. Maybe even as good a student as I was! (Maaaaybe)

Brynwood Needleworks - Bella's Workout At Sommers'

When new students go to Uncle Mike's school, they have to start doing the borin' stuff like heelin', comin' when we're called, lyin' down (which we all pretty much hate, but do anyway), and then we get to do fun fetchin' stuff, too.

Uncle Mike said Bella's a quick learner like her daddy, Goose. He was a five-time Master Hunter and Master National by the time he was fifteen months old. (I guess that's pretty good.) I looked at Dad a couple of times, and he was smilin' a lot!

Brynwood Needleworks - Mike Sommers Praising Bella

Uncle Mike is real big on praise for a job well-done...

Brynwood Needleworks - Handsome, Bella and Mike

and Mom got proof that Dad actually does smooch on his dogs. If I could get him to take selfies with me, I could prove it, too, but this is good enough for now. 

Dad's gonna be travelin' back and forth a lot between now and when Bella comes back home. Mom and I might go sometimes, too, but it's not easy for me to just sit around when all this trainin' stuff is goin' on. I love Uncle Mike and I always wanna show him that I haven't forgot what he taught me. Mom and I might just hang out here at the swimmin' pool. I sure don't wanna distract Bella from her studies. (Like that's gonna happen! She's pretty focused on her work.) 

It was good seein' her, Uncle Mike and Aunt Joanne. It's always fun visitin' and hangin' out with them. I'll look forward to our next visit, but I'm happy lookin' at our pictures of Bella for now. Hey! Do I hear snacks bein' offered? Gotta run!

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

"Chase A Dream - Or A Squirrel".

Some Days Are Dresses; Some Days Are Socks...

Brynwood Needleworks - WIP Socks

  Little girl dresses are cut out, along with the coordinating dollies... I have a wallet and tote on-deck to donate to the Florida Corgi Picnic... I have special gifts I'm making for all the dressmakers for our inaugural "Dressed In Joy" project... my guild challenge project (due in Nov.) is still simmering in my head... and I still haven't placed the sleeves into the wedding gown muslin!

I had all sorts of things planned for last weekend and life happened. Instead of making dresses, we had multiple showings of our home! Our realtor, Mary, has been busy, busy and we're reaping the rewards. The result was that we had to vacate the premises and find other things to do during that time. My list would have to wait.

It's a good thing I have portable projects! Handsome, Tag and I headed out and I took my sock project with me. I'm behind schedule on those, too, but managed to get close to closing up the toe on my first one. 

 

I can tell it's going to be a busy week, and as always, Life is good.

Sunday Scripture...

Brynwood Needleworks Sunday Scripture courtesy of stokemyfire.com

A Handful of Strawberry Blossoms...

Brynwood Needleworks - Strawberry Blossom Sachet

This will go in the mail to its new home on Monday. 

Brynwood Needleworks - Strawberry Blossom Sachet

  I'll enjoy it until then.

Brynwood Needleworks - Strawberry Blossom Sachet

Strawberry blossoms...

Brynwood Needleworks - Strawberry Blossom Sachet

Ribbon Roses and Ruffles...

Brynwood Needleworks - Strawberry Blossom Sachet

filled with crushed walnut shells and lavender buds. A sweet-smelling finish for Saturday.

New Project Bags On The Way...

Brynwood Needleworks - Custom Tapes From Logo

New custom tapes created from my Brynwood logo and motto have 

arrived, along with new fabrics. You know what that means?

Brynwood Needleworks - BaaBaa Tape and Fabric

New custom project totes will be on the drawing board...

Brynwood Needleworks - Tapes For Project Totes

  and in my shop very soon!

My Latest Strawberry Sachet...

Brynwood Needleworks - Strawberries and Roses

I've been working on another commission (when I'm not knitting or sewing dresses for little girls). You know I don't like to just sit around! This one is for someone special who loves collecting strawberries.

Brynwood Needleworks - Strawberry Rose Sachet - WIP

I've added new blossoms to this one. Instead of only stitching my usual ruffles, French knots and roses, I've included strawberry blossoms with tiny beaded "strawberries".

The blossoms are dimensional, constructed using bullion petals and French knot centers. I really like the their added effect on this piece.

Brynwood Needleworks - Strawberry Sachet - WIP

I finished all the stitching last night, so I'm ready to start assembly. I'll be stuffing this one with a mixture of crushed walnut shells and lavender buds, and then top it with a little organic cotton to hold everything in place while I stitch the woolen leaves to the top.

It will be ready to use as a sachet, pincushion or just a sweet decoration in no time, and then I'll send it on its way to a new home. Of course, I'll show you photos when it's finished. You don't even have to ask, silly!

Handsome, Tag and I are heading over to see Bella today. We're looking forward to seeing how she's doing at Uncle Mike's Boarding School (Tag's description), and snuggling with her a bit, too.

I'm sure Tag will tell you all about it next week, and I'll get back to the studio when we return. I still have a few things to finish this week! Happy Thursday!

Bless My Socks...

Brynwood Needleworks - Lorna's Laces Sock Yarn

After I finished the Baby Kimono, I was itching to start a new knitting project. I wanted something nice and portable for Tuesday nights with the Fiber Divas (our new name) at Paneras. Socks were the perfect choice!

Brynwood Needleworks - WIP Socks

I pulled a couple of skeins of sock weight yarn from my stash. (Yes. I also have a yarn stash - especially in favorite sock weight. sigh)

This is a limited edition dye lot that I've had for a few years.  It's Lorna's Laces "Spring Forward" colorway, in a superwash wool, nylon blend. It's "bouncy" and soft...everything you want in a new pair of socks.

Brynwood Needleworks - Heel Turn Finished

These make up quickly, too. I prefer the "one-sock-at-a-time", five double-pointed needle method. I started these on Sunday, and I'm already working on the toe of the first sock.

Brynwood Needleworks - Workin' Toward The Toe

I'll finish this sock soon, and then make the second. I should have the pair finished by the end of the week - just knitting at night while Handsome and I watch television together.

I haven't decided whether or not I'll keep them or put them on the pile for Christmas gifts. It's hard to believe I have to be thinking about such things already, but I don't want to be making gifts at the last minute this year, so I'll probably put these aside for someone special.

Tuesdays With Tag - Workin' Hard Or Hardly Workin...

Brynwood Needleworks - Tag On The Run

Hi, Everybody!

I'm on the run today, so put on your sneakers if you want to keep up!

Brynwood Needleworks - Tag is Snoopervising

It's only Tuesday, and already I've had a busy week!

Yesterday I was snoopervisin' while Dad took pictures of his Harley. I decided to just hang out over here, away from the action. After all, I can give Dad my 2¢ worth from here without bein' in the way.

Brynwood Needleworks - Tag The Art Director

I'm helpin'. Really! Well actually, I'm helpin' by stayin' out of the way. You know. "He also serves who sits and waits." It's one of my "wise sayings". hee hee

Dad's decided to sell his Harley. It's not nearly as much fun ridin' it without Mom ridin' along on her Deuce, so he's gonna "move it down the road". More room in the garage for drums, he says!

Brynwood Needleworks - Tag's Still Got It

After Dad was finished takin' pictures, he tossed a retrieve out into our yard. Bella's still in trainin', so I showed him he doesn't need to miss her. I ran right into that HUGE pond in our front yard and...wha? A pinecone? Man! Is that the best he could do? YUK!

All the rain we've been gettin' has put a few ponds into the low spots in our yard. Dad can only mow about half of the grass right now. Good thing it doesn't take too long to soak into the ground. Pretty soon, he'll be able to cut  the grass again.

Ptooey! I've gotta talk to Dad about tossing fun stuff instead of pinecones. He could throw canvas dummies, old shoes or even a sugar cookie! Yeah. A sugar cookie would be great! BOL (That stands for "Barking Out Loud".)

Brynwood Needleworks - A World Class "Derp"

Nice, Mom. I suppose you think this is funny?

I'm not thinkin' this is my best look, but is "Tongue Out Tuesday", so I guess we'll let it slide for this week. I've really gotta have a talk with the photographer. sigh

We're gonna go see Bella on Thursday! I can't wait to see what she's learned. We'll take pictures, so you can, too. Heck, Mom might even shoot a short video! But, I gotta run for now. A Corgis work is never done.

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

"Chase A Dream - Or A Squirrel".