November 30, 2016

Farmhouse Update...

Brynwood Needleworks - Farmhouse Back Hall To Kitchen

As we prepare to head back to Wisconsin for December, my "spies" continue to whet my decorating appetite with photo updates. I recently received new images of many rooms in the farmhouse, but I'm only going to share these two with you today. (I'm taking my wide angle lens with me so I can give you more encompassing images of the other rooms.)

Once you enter our "family and friends" back entrance and head up the stairs into the house, you're in our upper back hallway. Of course, from this entrance, you come right into the room that will eventually be our farm kitchen. The first doorway leads to the pantry and the second doorway goes into the room that will become Handsome's study.

Brynwood Needleworks - Farmhouse - Kitchen To Back Hall
 
If you turn around, you can see how nice and bright the back hallway is with the new paint scheme. The flooring will change here (along with the same flooring in the kitchen, pantry and side porch entry area) once we decide what we want.
 
I can't wait to get back to share more images with you. One area that's going to drastically change will be the living room and dining room as the damaged ceiling is removed and repaired. I'll chronicle all those changes, too. 
 
It's going to be a very Merry Christmas is Wisconsin!
 
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November 29, 2016

Willodel Whimsy...

Brynwood Needleworks - Willodel Birdhouse

I finally have a beautiful Willodel creation. My large birdhouse recently arrived and it was everything I hoped it would be. Lucinda Macy is the creative mind behind these beautiful, whimsical pieces, and everything she makes is fabulous.

Brynwood Needleworks - Willodel Birdhouse Detail

I'm sure you've noticed some of the details already, but here are a few of my favorite touches. There is a tiny acorn embellishment at the roof peak, that's a handcarved piece. The main body of the birdhouse is a wonderful aspen, that's silky smooth to the touch.

Brynwood Needleworks - Willodel Birdhouse Detail
 
There's also an acorn cap that serves as a little light fixture at the front door. While all the little adornments combine for a sweet, but so functional, birdhouse. It's sealed and sturdy for outdoor use, with a cleanout door in the bottom to get it ready for the next nesting season. Now, to decide where I can place it (in a sheltered spot) at the farm.

Brynwood Needleworks - Willodel Product Tag

If you've never seen Lucinda's creations, you'll want to click (HERE). You'll love her magical perspective.

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Disclaimer: I have, in no way, been compensated for my post about Willodel...although I wouldn't turn down such compensation from her wonderful studio, if offered. 

November 28, 2016

Tuesdays With Tag - Packin' My Bags...

Brynwood Needleworks - Brynwood's Taggart

Hi, Everybody!
Today's post is gonna be shorter than me!

Mom's been sick, so I've mostly been campin' on the bed with her while she gets better (and I know you don't want to see a picture of that!). She's almost all better, which is good, 'cuz I'm already packin' my bags to travel next week.

We're headin' to the farm, so I'm makin' sure we don't forget my dog food, treats, bed, collar and leash. Don't worry, we remember Bella's stuff, too. Bella hasn't even seen snow before, but I bet by Christmas we'll all be trompin' through the white stuff. I actually love it, so I can't wait. I hope she doesn't need snow booties and a coat. hee hee

We'll be on the road by next Tuesday, so I'll be comin' to you from somewhere north of here next time we chat. It's not easy bein' a travelin' correspondent, but I'm always up to the challenge.

I'd love to stay and chew the bone with you, but I have my own gift list to pull together before we leave. I don't want to forget our grandkids' pups, Duncan and LuLu this year. Of course, Mom's gonna have to wrap their presents. Usin' scotch tape is almost impossible for me. (That stuff really sticks to my fur!)

I'll see you again in seven. 'til then...  
"Chase A Dream - Or A Squirrel".

November 27, 2016

This Week Will Be A Busy One...

Brynwood Needleworks - Farm Kitchen via Pinterest

Rather than having sugarplums dancing in my head, I have visions of the farmhouse and the changes that are underway. I'll see them for myself soon enough, but for now, I pin images on Pinterest and plan how we might decorate different areas for the holidays. Isn't this a festive room?

I imagine all the projects that will (eventually) come out of my northern studio, and dinners we'll share with family once our new kitchen is installed. We probably won't do any of those things this year, but we'll have plenty of farmhouse holidays to look forward to in the future.

Brynwood Needleworks - Babylock Imagine

You may notice that this isn't Miss Evvie. I sold her last spring to someone who would give her more regular work than I did. After she was gone, a gentleman contacted our guild offering items for sale following the death of his wife. This Babylock Imagine was on his list, and it was a steal at his asking price. I immediately called him, and Handsome and I picked it up the same day. I figured that, if I was only going to use my serger a few times a year, this was a worthwhile investment.

I managed to pick up Handsome's bug and spent the better part of last weekend in bed trying to get better. (He's much better, thanks.) As usual for me, the cough remains, but it won't keep me out of the studio. I have gifts waiting to be created and a deadline certain. This week will be a busy one.
 
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P.S. Don't forget my shop sale this week. Click (Here) to learn more.

November 26, 2016

Sunday Scripture...

Brynwood Needleworks via givememyinspirationalquotes.com
 
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November 25, 2016

20% OFF In My Shop...

Thanksgiving Sale at Brynwood Needleworks
 
This is my way of saying "Thank you" to everyone who reads my blog and supports my shop through the year. I'm offering 20% off every purchase in my Brynwood Needleworks shop through Friday, December 2nd. Click HERE to shop.

I'm heading back to Wisconsin next weekend and will close my shop while I'm away, so this will be your last chance to purchase something from my shop until after the new year.

Thanks again for always being here with me. I appreciate all of you. 

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November 24, 2016

Love Never Dies...

Brynwood Needleworks via Pinterest
 
It's been two years today. 
It seems like yesterday...and forever.
I miss you, Mom.
 
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November 23, 2016

Happy Thanksgiving...

Brynwood Needleworks via FaceBook
 
Brynwood Needleworks  via FaceBook
 
From our family to yours...
 
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November 22, 2016

For Christmas Eve...

Brynwood Needleworks - 2016 Grammie's Jammies Fabric Choices
 
I've been busy sorting through fabrics and making my choices for many of my 2016 Christmas projects. These are the fabrics I chose for this year's Grammie's Jammies.

The golden floral coordinates on the left are for one of our granddaughters, and the bunnies/floral coordinates are for the other. The black fabric with musical notes and motifs is for our soon-to-be, 15 year old grandson. Choosing fabrics for him is getting more difficult. But I have a cute story to tell you about that.

When we were together with him and his parents in October, I told him that he'd be hearing from me soon, so that I could get his annual "stats" (measurements) to ensure his jammies would fit him. I teased him and said, "Do you want Power Rangers this year?", knowing full well that he'd long ago outgrown "kiddie" prints. He smiled the smile that always melts my heart and said, "Whatever you choose, I'll love, Grandma." sigh 

I've been making a new pair of pajamas for each of our grandchildren every year since they were born. When we send our packages north, we mark which ones are to be opened Christmas Eve, so they have their jammies to wear to bed that night. Now that they're 15, 12 and 8, it warms my heart to know that they've come to look forward to them. The very best part is when they love them so much that they don't want to change into regular clothes on Christmas Day. Then I know I've scored a home run.
 
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November 21, 2016

Tuesdays With Tag - Bella's New Perfume...

Brynwood Needleworks - Brynwood's Taggart

Hi, Everybody!

I have to tell you about Bella's new perfume! I noticed it for the first time last Saturday, and it sure got my attention. It was mezmerizin', I tell you. I asked Bella what it was called. Did I tell you she's been learnin' Spanish? Yup. She whined a little bit and replied, "Estoy En Celo". 

What the heck kind of a name is that for a perfume? She couldn't just go with "Bella", "B", "Black Dog", or "Boo"? She picked "Estoy En Celo"?

Brynwood Needleworks - Liljegren's Suncoast Bella

I ran back to the studio and I asked Mom what it meant, 'cuz I'm not real interested in learnin' to speak Spanish, so she'd have to translate for me.
 
 "Hey, Mom. What does "Estoy En Celo" mean?"
"Why, Tag. Wherever did you hear that?"
"Bella said that's the name of her new perfume! What does it mean?"
Mom started laughin'. "Oh, dear, Tag. It means "I'm In Heat", still laughin'.
 
Not knowin' why she was laughin', I asked her to explain. She told me I'd better sit down, 'cuz it was gonna take a while. Long story short, she told me that Bella's perfume is the kind that's gonna get stronger over the next couple of weeks, and that it might kind of bother me after a while. 
 
She told me I was gonna have to be careful around Bella. She's a little touchy right now. She has to stay in her kennel for a couple weeks, and she doesn't really like it. Then she said somethin' about "cramps". (Guess that explains the whinin'.)

I gave up. I don't think I want to know anymore. I think maybe I should go to Uncle Mike's until this "heat" thing blows over. I'm gonna go find Dad and see what he thinks. Either way, it's gonna be an interestin' couple of weeks.

I'll see you again in seven. 'til then...  
"Chase A Dream - Or A Squirrel".

November 20, 2016

Making A List..

Brynwood Needleworks - Fabrics

I started working on my Christmas list over the weekend. Handsome is feeling much better (thanks to the wonders of modern medicines) so I organized the studio to prepare for my Christmas sewing. I chose fabrics for a gift for our "Potter Crazy" elder granddaughter, and decided on a design for her gift(s).

Brynwood Needleworks - Fabrics
 
Granddaughter #2 loves sloths. I pulled fabrics for one of her gifts, too. I guess I'll share my list with you. It's subject to change, but it gives me a starting place.
  • 3 Sets of Grammies Jammies
  • 5 Children's Nap Quilts 
  • 2 Brynwood Clutch Wallets
  • 4 Project Totes
  • 2 Cross Body Handbags
  • Homemade Cookies/Candies
As I said, I may add or subtract from this list as I work my way through it, but this is a beginning. I'll also be purchasing a few items from others, and we always do something special for our sons.

I guess I'd better get busy today. If you need me, you know where I'll be. Tag will catch up with you tomorrow.
 
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November 19, 2016

Sunday Scripture...

Brynwood Needleworks via thewowstyle.com
 
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November 18, 2016

It's What We Do...

Brynwood Needleworks via hdwallpapers.in
 
We have a saying around here. "It's what we do" is a sentiment Handsome and I have taken to heart our entire married lives. It covers our interactions with each other, and that one takes care of the other always, but especially when one of us is sick or needs a little extra TLC.

I had planned to start Christmas gifts yesterday, but Handsome has been under the weather since Wednesday night. He was worse, so I called his doctor and we decided he should go to Urgent Care to see what's going on. Turns out he has acute bronchitis, and because we've both had pneumonia, we know that lungs aren't things to be messed with. I also know just how crummy he must be feeling.

Rather than spend time in the studio, I decided to do some things that had to be done to take care of my beloved. Delay is not denial, and I have time to get my projects done for Christmas. He is more important, and if I need to, I can always purchase from other creatives this year to flesh out our gift-giving. 

I guess I should write out that annual gift list first, anyway, so I can show you what I hope to finish by December 24th. I'll work on that and give you the list by Monday. If Handsome is feeling better today, I might even get something started to show you then, too!

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November 17, 2016

Three For The Shop...

Brynwood Needleworks - Brynwood Flow Blue Clutch Collection

I finished this collection and they're now available in my Brynwood Shop (HERE).

Brynwood Needleworks - Flow Blue "Nesting" Clutch

Michelle Palmer fabric on the exterior flap and interior, has been paired with renewable and vegan cork fabric from Portugal.

Brynwood Needleworks - Flow Blue "Sparrows" Clutch **SOLD** (Thank you!)

The fabrics have been treated Scotchgard™to protect them, and the cork is waterproof and easily cleaned with a damp cloth.

Brynwood Needleworks - Flow Blue "Wren" Clutch

Each of these wallets features a different little bird from Michelle's Flow Blue fabric collection. You already know I love blue and white china, so this fabric line really spoke to me.

Brynwood Needleworks - Flow Blue Clutch Interior

The inside is cheerful and bright. Who wouldn't smile every time they opened their wallet?

Brynwood Needleworks - Flow Blue Coin Compartment Fabric (matches Shoulder Strap)
 
I even added a third fabric inside the zippered coin compartment. (You'll even find a lucky penny inside!) 

Brynwood Needleworks - Flow Blue Clutch Accessories
 
Each wallet will arrive with a cork wristlet and key fob; and a shoulder strap that matches the inside of the coin compartment. Each can attach to the d-rings I've installed to each side of the wallet under the flap.

These are the first three wallets in the Brynwood Flow Blue Collection, but I won't add more before Thanksgiving. (It's time for me to start working on Christmas gifts!) Thanks for looking! xo
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November 16, 2016

Flow Blue Clutch Wallet Collection...

Brynwood Needleworks - BW Palmer Flow Blue Clutch Collection

I'm doing the assembly for my first three clutches in my  Flow Blue Collection, combined with cork fabric. I'm using fabric designed by my friend, Michelle Palmer. I've chosen a new smaller closure on these wallets. I didn't want them to take away from the little birds on the flaps.

Brynwood Needleworks - BW Palmer  - 52 - "Flow Blue Clutch -Wren" Exterior

The first of three is done, and once I finish the other two today, I'll complete all the straps and key fobs and then list them up in my shop.

Brynwood Needleworks - BW Palmer - 52 - "Flow Blue Clutch -Wren" Interior

I expect they'll all be listed by this evening. If you're a Michelle Palmer fan (or a fan of blue and white china), like I am, I think you'll love this line.

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November 15, 2016

Farmhouse Update - Studio Space...

Brynwood Needleworks - Farmhouse Studio Space

I love getting farmhouse updates! Many thanks to Shelly and Aunty Margaret for snapping progress photos for me as these decor changes take place. Isn't it amazing how a room can be transformed by paint?

The countertop is original to this room. I haven't yet decided whether or not I'll do one of those countertop paint treatments yet. I have to see it now that the room is painted before I'll make up my mind. The carpeting will be taken out, in favor of more maple plank flooring that will be revealed and refinished.

This is one of two rooms that will become my northern studio spaces. This room was used as an upstairs kitchen when Shelly's grandparents lived downstairs and she, her parents and siblings lived upstairs. I decided that I wanted to keep the cabinetry in this room (because I know it will be useful for my purposes.

Brynwood Needleworks - Farmhouse Studio Space

I'm referring to this upstairs room in the farmhouse as my "southern (exposure) studio room". I can see the driveway and up the hillside from the window and doorway to the airing porch from here. I'll be keeping my sewing machine(s) in this room, favoring the southern view with its year-round, brighter natural light.

Right across the hallway is the room that will be my second studio room. That room has windows that look to the north of the property (what is in corn for a portion of the year), and also toward the hillside behind our house. The northern room will serve as my fabric and cutting space. I'm not showing it yet because there's paneling on the walls that has to first be removed (in December) before it can be painted. You'll get to see that room's "before and after" once it's painted.

Brynwood Needleworks - Southern Studio Space
 
Meanwhile, my southern studio is arranged for showings (another of which we had yesterday). I find that I need to be more organized so I can easily put my current projects away if we get the call that someone wants to view this home.

I'm going to be packing up more fabric as I prepare for our eventual move. All these shelves will go into the north studio space at the farm. It's really fun planning where things will go...and of course, I'll also have some things that will be with me in Florida until we're back in Wisconsin full time. I guess I'd better get more boxes!

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