New In My Shop...

Brynwood Needleworks - Cork "Grab & Go Clutches"

Now stocked in my shop...Brynwood "Grab & Go Cork Clutches" in Vintage Hibiscus or Monsteria (fern) patterns.

Brynwood Needleworks - Cork "Grab & Go Clutches"

Each one measures a spacious 9" x 6.5", and will easily hold an iPhone 6 Plus, along with your other essentials. They come with their own removable cork wristlet straps.

Brynwood Needleworks - Cork "Grab & Go Clutches" Backs

These are the backs of the current clutches, in the same position as shown in the photo above. If you prefer a green or brown back on the Vintage Hibiscus, preference is given as they're available.

Brynwood Needleworks - Cork "Grab & Go Clutches" Lining

I used a beautiful coral-colored starfish patterned fabric for the inside lining of the Vintage Hibiscus clutches,

Brynwood Needleworks - Cork "Grab & Go Clutches" Lining

 

or, if you choose the Monsteria cork clutch, the lining will be a soft grey-colored starfish fabric. 

If you've never felt cork fabric before, you'll love how wonderfully soft and tactile it is. Cork is anti-microbial, hypoallergenic, sustainable and water resistant. Some people call it "vegan leather", but I'm calling it what it is...fabulous, gorgeous cork. I'd love to ship one to you. You can see my listings HERE.

 

Tuesdays With Tag - I'm Published...

Brynwood Needleworks - Tag's Book

Hi, Everybody!

I'm so excited to talk to you this week. I'm a "published author"!

Brynwood Needleworks - Tag's Book

Mom used an online service called "Cutest Blog On The Block" to print out all my weekly blog posts.

Brynwood Needleworks - Tag's Book

She's made blog books of her stuff before, but this is the first time she's done a book for me. This one has every post I wrote in 2016 between the covers. All of my thoughts, adventures (and dry wit) are preserved for posterity!

Brynwood Needleworks - Tag's Book

It begins the first week in January and ends with my last post in December. Mom even put a fun picture of Bella and me runnin' in the snow at the farm, on the back cover. What a great end to a great year...and a great book!

Hey! I just realized that next year's book will have an entry about this year's book. How cool is that? Just let me know if you want my autograph. hee hee

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

"Chase A Dream - Or A Squirrel".

Prepping Labels...

Brynwood Needleworks - Labels In My Vintage Tin

We had our Open House yesterday, so I was away from home most of the afternoon. When I got home (to a sparkling clean abode!), I decided to do some prep work for my bag projects. In addition to setting up my d-ring tabs for my next batch of Grab & Go Clutches, I had some label prepping to do, too.

This is how I store them (until I have too many to put fit). I use a vintage English Huntley & Palmer children's biscuit tin that I've had for decades. The froggy on the lid is from "The Wind In The Willows", one of my favorite childhood stories. I even have a vintage copy of the book, which I would have shown you, but it's already packed to go to the farm.

Brynwood Needleworks - Prepping Labels

Even my label setup is production style now. I start with my woven labels from CustomCoutureLabelCo on Etsy. (In fact, I just placed another order with them.) Then I take long 1.25" strips of natural cork. I make the strips from scraps leftover from making bags, wallets and my other cork pieces.

I use a glue stick to secure the labels - centered on the width of the strip(s) - and about .75" apart, lengthwise. Once they're glued down to the strips, I set my machine to make tiny stitches and sew each one to the cork. I cut them apart when I'm finished and into the tin they go!

Today, I'll cut the pieces and assemble the parts to make new Grab & Go Clutches. Once they're finished, I'll list them up in my shop.

Brynwood Needleworks - Mug Mats

Just a reminder that there's still time to sign up for our March Mug Mat Swap. You can read about it HERE. I've put together a list of those who have already signed up, and we've have a nice group so far. There's always room for more, so if you'd like to join in, just email me using the link in my right side bar. Be sure to put "Mug Mat Swap" in the subject line so I don't miss it.
 

Sunday Scripture...

Brynwood Needleworks - FaceBook image

  Thanks to my friend, Lucy G. of The Farmer's Attic,  for sharing this on her FaceBook page.

Number 62...

Brynwood Needleworks - 61 - Cairn Terrier Crossbody WalletSet

Number 62 is a commission piece. My client wanted a Cairn Terrier embroidered on cork with a plaid lining. The terrier designs are from a collage of sketches, which were separated to highlight single poses.

Brynwood Needleworks - Cairn Terrier "Stacking" Pose Embroidery

The standing pose was chosen for the outside flap. I chose colors that resembled her pup's coloring. (I was provided a photograph of her sweet dog, but I didn't ask for permission to share it with you, so I can't do that.)

Brynwood Needleworks - 61 - Cairn Terrier Crossbody Wallet Interior

The interior is green plaid, and the credit card slots are cork. I chose a paw print fabric for the lining of the coin compartment. (And, although you can't see it in this picture, even the snap on the security tab has a paw print!) My client chose a sitting pose for the embroidery on the interior side of the flap, along with her pup's name.

Brynwood Needleworks - 61 - Cairn Terrier Crossbody Wallet Back

 

Every piece I create bears the "Brynwood" signature. I choose only the finest materials. My cork fabric comes from Portugal and has a fabric backing, rather than rubber used on some corks. I also choose high quality hardware, and cotton or canvas fabrics for linings and trim.

Brynwood Needleworks - My Cork Fabric Selections

I have a nice selection of colors and patterns for the pieces I create, and look forward to adding to my assortment. I'll be using these colors to create new items for my shop in the near future. In case you're not familiar with cork, let me tell you about it.

Cork is anti-microbial and hypoallergenic. It's also washable! My wallets can be wiped clean with a damp cloth, and come treated with Scotchgard© from the manufacturer, but it it's really soiled, you can hand wash it in cold water with a mild detergent. (I'd remove the zipper pull first.)

Cork also feels wonderful, and isn't brittle at all. It's soft to the touch, and really unlike any other material. In humid climates, like here in Florida, it's actually better than leather. It won't get moldy either (that's the "antimicrobial" feature)!

As you can tell, I'm really sold on this fabric. I know that pieces made from it quickly become favorites. I only have one cork crossbody piece available in my shop right now. They sell almost as quickly as I can make them! (I only have the one Vintage Hibiscus Crossbody left from the first five I made!)

I'm busy with homekeeping today. We have an Open House tomorrow, so I have things to do to get ready for it. But afterward, I'll be preparing more cork for crossbody wallets, and I'm going to make a few handbags. I need a new one for myself, too!

Time to go. The sooner my work is done, the sooner I can play!

I'm In The Studio...

Brynwood Needleworks - Sewing Station

I've stepped out of my studio (and my new, comfy chair), so take a second to let you know what I'm doing today.  I'm completing orders, and setting up new projects to stock into my shop.

We have an Open House on Sunday, so tomorrow we'll be getting prepared for showings again. Today, I need to finish my work so I won't feel guilty about doing something else over the weekend.

Tomorrow's post will be sharing some of my finishes. But, today, I'd better get to work. Lots to do. I wish you could join me to keep me company. It's always more fun with friends.

Meet Miss Sadie...

Brynwood Needleworks - Singer 600e Sewing Machine

In 2016, our quilt guild had their most recent quilt show. (Our next one is in 2018.) One of the fabulous features of our show is our Boutique. Guild members make and donate everything from pincushions to thread catchers to aprons and placemat & napkin sets. Members also donate fabric scraps (4" square and larger), magazines and books related to sewing and quilting, and even used tools.

I was heading out of the Boutique after making a few purchases and passed this machine on my way out. I asked one of the ladies working behind the checkout table if it had been sold yet. She told me it was still available. I got out my checkbook and immediately paid for it.

Brynwood Needleworks - Singer 600e Sewing Machine

This machine is a vintage Singer Touch & Sew Model 600E. I've cleaned her up and named her "Sadie".  She and Kenny are going to get on famously. Hazel moved to a new home last fall, so Sadie will take up the slack.

Brynwood Needleworks - Singer 600e Sewing Machine Attachments

She came with a full array of accessories. All of her presser feet, ruffler, sole plates...everything was included.

Brynwood Needleworks - Singer 600e Sewing Machine Stitch Cams

 

In addition to the cams that came in the original attachments box, there was another box of cams (they each represent a specialty, decorative stitch that adds to the machine's stitch assortment), and finally, a full box of additional bobbins.

 

The table that Kenny has been sitting on wasn't made for Kenmore machines, so he was never "bolted in". However, Miss Sadie is a perfect fit, so she'll be installed into that table, and Kenny will get a new-to-him table after we move him to the farmhouse. 

Both machines will be helpful when it comes to my bagmaking endeavors, so I want to make sure they're completely comfortable. Sadie will get a spa date in the near future, but for now, she'll just hang out with Destiny, Kenny, my little Janome, and me in the studio.

 

Number 61 Finished...

Brynwood Needleworks - 61 - Batik Crossbody Wallet and Straps

Black cork is one of my favorite colors. 

It always looks so classy when it's assembled.

I finished this one on Monday, but Tag told me I couldn't share it with you yesterday. He's pretty defensive when it comes to his Tuesday's posts.

Brynwood Needleworks - 61 - Batik Crossbody Wallet

 

The interior is red batik, and there's a beautiful starfish fabric inside the coin comparment. The credit card compartments are created with cork, rather than fabric. 

I'm meeting with my client to deliver it today. I'm pretty sure she's going to love it. I'll definitely use this combination, too!

 

Tuesdays With Tag - Baby, You Can Drive My Car...

Brynwood Needleworks - Bella Truckin'

Hi, Everybody!

It's me, Tag. I'm writin' about Bella this week.

She's been beggin' me again, so I thought this today would be a good time.

Brynwood Needleworks - Bella

Dad likes to leave the windows open on the truck when he works outside (or loads up his drums and stuff). Usually, Bella will snuffle around the yard lookin' for pinecones, but if he opens a door, or she's manages to catch him goin' in or out, she'll hop right up there! She kinda looks stylish when she sits in the driver's side. (You better not tell her I said so!)

Now, if you look real close, you'll see a black spot toward the back of her tongue. Uncle Mike told me that, somewhere in her bloodline is a dog named, Twig. All his descendants have that tell-tale black spot. So if you've got a black spot on your tongue, you don't even need Ancestry.com. (Just so ya know.)

Brynwood Needleworks - Bella "Wanna Ride?"

Look at that face. Really. Even I have to grudgin'ly admit she's easy on the eyes. You should see her reaction when she realizes that she's simply a seat warmer, 'cuz Dad isn't going anywhere or taking her along. She can pout and whine like a pro! hee hee

Brynwood Needleworks - Bella, Checkin' out

All that moochin' to go for a ride takes a lot out of a girl. She really needs her beauty rest, and I don't want to get in the way of that! (Cheeky dame even gets up on my leather sofa!)

I'll be back next time. I know you come here to read all about me, so I don't want to disappoint. 

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

"Chase A Dream - Or A Squirrel".

Finishing Number 61...

Brynwood Needleworks - 61 - Batik Crossbody Wallet Parts

I started working on Number 61 for a client, and will finish it today. This one is black cork with red floral batik. Of course, I'm using my newest favorite antique brass hardware, too.

Brynwood Needleworks - 61 - Batik Crossbody Wallet Parts

 

The credit card section, exterior, wristlet and crossbody strap are already finished. I'll make the zipper section and then assemble everything together. I'll be starting something new by noon!

Sunday Scripture...

Brynwood Needleworks - Web Image

 

Number 60...

Brynwood Needleworks - #60 The Wanderer Traveler's Wallet

This is my 60th wallet! This is The Wanderer Traveler's Wallet...and it's one of my favorites to make. I love the map fabric paired with the cork, and then I add a machine embroidered compass to the flap. I think it's a classy crossbody, for sure!

Brynwood Needleworks - #60 The Wanderer Traveler's Wallet Interior

 

Number 60 is already on its way to a new home, and I'm moving to number 61. It's good to always be looking forward, and I certainly am. 

Of course, there'll be some Balance this weekend. The Packers are playing on Sunday, so we'll be going to a Packer party, hosted by friends, to cheer them on. Go, Pack!

Good Morning, Handsome...

Brynwood Needleworks - "Handsome" Spoon

One day, while "exploring" Etsy, I came across a shop called "Sweet Mint Handmade". The first image that came up was a handstamped spoon that screamed "Buy Me!". Honestly, if I get screamed at, I listen. I immediately made my purchase, and anxiously awaited the arrival of this piece. It was here in no time at all.

Brynwood Needleworks - "Handsome" Spoon

I gave it to Handsome on Tuesday afternoon. My guy loves cereal for breakfast, so aside from the sentiment stamped in the bowl of the spoon, it was appropriate from a utilitarian perspective. He loved it (and actually used it yesterday morning)!

 

Chloe (the creative face behind Sweet Mint Handmade) has no idea I'm writing a blog post about her shop. I'm in no way compensated for my endorsement (for the 10¢ it's worth. lol), but when I love something, I like to share it with you. 

 

Take a little virtual excursion over to her shop HERE, and enjoy checking her out. I know I'll be going back for gifts in the future! (pssst. She does custom wording, too! squeeeee)