Border Fabric Chosen...

Brynwood Needleworks - Wooly Critters Project Threads and Borders

 

I had a great time yesterday at Primitive Gatherings, and as expected, the ladies were extremely helpful. Lisa (Bongean, owner and designer of Primitive Gatherings) suggested a few browns for the outer border and binding, and I loved her choice. (See the brown on the right side of the above image.) I purchased what I needed and brought it home with me.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Example of Lisa's Big Stitch Quilting

 

We also talked about colors for hand quilting the different sections of the quilt (when I finally get to that point). She suggested using the "big stitch" technique (and showed me a sample on one of her finished quilts).

I'll cut the border pieces and start working on the applique' pieces that will be stitched onto it. The borders will be added to the quilt after the appliques' are finished, so I'd better get busy!

I'll share more pictures from yesterday when I see you tomorrow. So many beautiful pieces to show you! These are really talented ladies! Let me know what you think about the brown border (and the idea to use the "big stitch" quilting technique). See you tomorrow!

 

Tuesdays With Tag - We Love Babies...

Could I Be More Pathetic Looking?

Hi, Everybody!

This is how I ended my day yesterday. Lookin' just about as pathetic as possible.
I bet you're wonderin' why, aren't you?

Connor and His Grandma

Well, it's pretty simple, actually. Yesterday, Miss Shelly came to visit Mom. She brought her sweet, little grandson with her. WE love babies!!! Do you think we got to play with him? Do you think we got to snuffle him? Do you think we got to sit next to Mom while she did those things?

 

The Traitor Is Holding The Baby

Do you see either of us in this picture of Mom holdin' the little boy?
Well...do you?
   

Prisoners

 

Of course, you don't. Here's why. Bella and I were confined to our kennels...the. whole. time! I spent most of their visit whinin' in my crate. You can see from the picture, just what Boo thought about this. 

 

In her defense, I will say that Mom brought the baby over for us to see. She held him where we could see him, and I actually even licked his hand - while I uttered my most pathetic, little squeak. 

Mom and Miss Shelly explained to us that it won't be long before this little guy will be runnin' around and ready to have fun with us (like his cousin, Eli). Boo and I talked about it and we're really excited about that. We can hardly wait!

 

We're thinkin' that maybe that will be next week. Right? Babies grow real fast, don't they? I'm pretty sure Mom said this little guy was growin' while she was holdin' him! Maybe next time, we'll be allowed to get a little closer to him. That would be nice. I'm gonna count the days 'til we can play with him. Did I tell you we I love babies?

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

"Chase A Dream - Or A Squirrel".

I'm Getting There...

Wooly Critter Sampler Progress

I squared up and assembled my Wooly Critter Sampler blocks over the weekend. It was rainy on Saturday. Sunday, it was sunny with the wind really picking up, so it was a great weekend to be in the studio.

Note: Don't forget you can click on the images to enlarge them for a closer look.

One Border To Go (With Applique')

 

Now, I'm ready to choose the outer border when I go to Primitive Gatherings on Tuesday. I'm leaning toward a brownish color, but I'll know when I see it, and I'm sure my friend, Kathy will have some ideas, too. I'm liking the way it looks so far, and after all this time (somewhere around two-three years!), it's nice to see it assembled to this point.

I'll be doing some homekeeping today. Laundry and vacuuming are calling, and I may even see Shelly's grandson this afternoon, too. Fun times! Tag will be here tomorrow. See you again Wednesday.

 

Sunday Scripture...

web image

 

Finished "Doxie" Kirby...

BW "Doxie" Kirby Bag in Dachshund Fabric and Cork

I created this yesterday in black cork and colorful dachshund fabric. I think my client chose colorful and fun fabrics for this bag. Don't you agree?

"Doxie" Bag Dog Lining

The same fabric that was used on the outside, was used on the inside. As with all the Kirby bags, there are two inside slot pockets. They were done in the same fabric.

"Doxie" Pocket Paw Print Lining

 

My client asked for paw print fabric to line the pockets, and I think it worked out well with the dog print.

This order will be on its way today, and then I'm turning my attention to assembling my Wooly Critter top. I want to be ready to choose the fabric for the outer border when I go to Menasha on Tuesday.

What do you have planned for the weekend? I'll be assembling the quilt top and then I think I'll get a little stitching done. I want to fine tune my needlework "chops" in preparation for Lexington in July. Have a great weekend!

My Latest Score...

Brynwood Needleworks' Singer Table

Could anything be more perfect for a studio located in a 100 year old farmhouse? I used to have about a dozen vintage Singer sewing machines when I had my needlework shop, but when I closed it, most of my machines went to live with a friend.

I've kept my eyes open for a treadle base, hoping to have a table top made for it when I found one in great condition. I didn't really want to have to use a wire brush to clean it up, though.

Table Top - Seller's photo

 

I finally found exactly what I've been searching for, at a perfect price...and it already has a beautiful walnut top. I brought it home and now it's in the studio. It's another Facebook Marketplace score!

 

Brynwood Needleworks Table In The Studio

 

Until spring (when I open my studio door to let the fresh air in) it will sit right here. I've got it butted up to my Jane table, to give me a bit more working space while I'm making wallets and bags. For now, it's just perfect where it is.

Under My Needle...

Brynwood Needleworks - Blue Crystal Pincushion

 

I caught up on my current orders yesterday, and just as I was leaving the studio, my phone pinged to let me know I had a new order. I'm always excited to see what my clients liked well enough to order. This was what she ordered.

 

Today, I'm making a custom Kirby Crossbody bag for a dog-loving client, and then I'll make the Blue Crystal Pincushions. These orders will both ship out tomorrow. 

 

I only have one more of this pincushion container in my studio, so I'll make both of them up today. (It's one of my favorites!) The last one is listed HERE in my shop.

 

Wooly Critters Blocks

 

My next project will be to start assembling these blocks into a quilt top. I'm still debating whether or not I'm going to hand quilt this piece. The border will have applique'd flowers all around, so I've got plenty of time to make up my mind. 

 

I'd like to have the blocks assembled by Sunday, and I'll be able to choose my border fabric when I head to Primitive Gatherings on Tuesday next week. Fun! Fun!

New In The Shop By Noon...

Brynwood Needleworks - Quilter's Cork Kirby

It was a very busy, long day yesterday. This Limited Edition Bag will be listed in my shop today (no later than noon.) In addition to the fabric shown on the bag, I'll offer the additional fabrics shown above. I'm also going to make a few matching Bryn Clutch Wallets by the end of the week. 

If you love this bag, please order early. I only have a limited quantity of these fabrics, so when they're gone, they're gone.

Brynwood Needleworks - Quilter's Grab & Go Clutch

I also finished the sample for the Quilter's Grab & Go Wristlet. I will also offer this fabric in the Crossbody bag (and will create to order).

Project For A Friend... (Not finished yet)

Finally, I've been working on a custom set for a friend. The rest of this set will be completed today. I'd better get back to work. Watch the shop later this morning, when the new items will be added to my listings.

Tuesdays With Tag - Turkeys...

Yard Inspectors

  Hi, Everybody!   When you read my headline today, you were thinkin' I meant us, weren't you? Actually, I meant wild turkeys. The fat, feathered kind.
 

The Culprits

They started grazin' down the field out in front of our house. It's owned by our farming neighbor who lives east of us. (North is to the left of this picture. South is to the right.) They marched north to south, lookin' for stuff to eat. 

Bella actually saw them first. We heard her growlin', and then barkin' from our livin' room. I had to run in there right away to see what the ruckus was all about. There she was...up on the sofa. The hair was up on her back, lookin' out the front windows. She was peeved. 

I couldn't let her carry on alone, so I may have tossed in a warnin' bark (or two) of my own, while I was decidin' what to do next.

I jumped up to see what was botherin' her so darn much. and it took me a second (man, she's got good eyesight!), but once I saw the movement, I knew what her problem was. There were those birds.

They're pretty bold

They even crossed our road and headed up the hill. Actually, the bird over there in front was the only one that crossed over. He was headin' up the road, nibblin' on grass and seeds on his way. He realized he was alone about the time he was a quarter of the way up the hill. He stopped, turned around and scurried back down to the rest of the group. He was really fast! (Of course, he wasn't as fast and Bella - or me!) Mom laughed out loud.

Ahem!

 

There was other interestin' stuff last week, but this is the story I picked for you today. It's time for breakfast, so I have to leave you for now. Corgis don't ever want to miss a meal, and I have to admit I'm 'specially peckish this mornin'. 

 

"Come on, Mom. Bring on the Fromm, please."

 

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

"Chase A Dream - Or A Squirrel".

It's A Sewing Week...

Brynwood Cork Fabric Selection

 

It's going to be a busy week in the studio. I'm going to be sewing cork projects for my shop. These are the current cork fabrics I'll be using to make Kirby Crossbody Bags, Bryn Crossbody Wallets, Grab & Go Clutches and Crossbody Bags, luggage tags, and a few other smalls. (I have a natural/navy paisley print, too. Hmmm. Not sure how I missed that for the picture!)

If you've been thinking about a bag for yourself or as a gift, please let me know. I'm happy to work with you to create a custom piece to your taste. 

We're supposed to get some rain, ice and snow over the next day or so, so the best place for me to be is in the studio. I'll be showing you more on Wednesday. Tag will be back tomorrow. Gotta run!

Sunday Scripture...

Web Image

 

Spring Pincushions...

Brynwood Bunny Trio Pincushion

I've listed some new pincushions in my shop...all with a spring theme!

Brynwood Bunny Trio Pincushion Detail

 Ceramic bunnies in a cabbage patch...

Birds In A Basket Pincushion

Two birds in a basket...

Birds In A Basket Pincushion Detail

 with a pretty pink rose, and

Bunny Egg Cup Pincushion

 and a bunny family in a flower garden,

Bunny Egg Cup Pincushion

 with a little purple button tucked in the ruffles.

All the pins are included with each one, too.

These can be found in my shop.

 

Fly Away, Kirby...

Kirby Crossbody Bag

I finished this commission yesterday, and it will ship to its new home today. I used solid black cork fabric, with monsteria (leaf) print cork for the center panel. I can't get enough of this bag...to the extent that this is the style I carry.

Kirby Crossbody Lining Detail

 

I used starfish canvas fabric for the lining - another favorite. I used a new black/antique bronze zipper tape, and really like the way it finished out. I'm looking forward to using it in future projects.

More cork on the cutting table today. Next week, I'll be debuting the projects I planned to take to Florida for the quilt show booth. I'll also explain how those plans changed. 

Playing With Cork...

Brynwood Cork Luggage Tags

 

I played with my cork yesterday, and decided to show you what I'm working on. Don't look for perfect stitching on these. I was playing, but not using my edge stitch foot on my machine. Obviously, it's a foot I should keep handy!

Each tag is made with cork on each side, and a heavy duty vinyl window stitched on the front. They'll also have a tiny, belt-like strap in matching cork.

Anyway...Now that I've created my templates, I'll definitely be making more in different cork prints and colors to list in my shop. I'm just waiting for buckles to arrive so I can make the straps to attach these to luggage, etc. I'll share photos of the completed tags early next week.

 

Valentine's Day At Our House

 

Handsome gave me a beautiful card and box of chocolates for Valentine's Day. Of course, he knows my favorite variety is Whitman's. Once empty, what better box is there for a needleworker, but one that says "sampler" on the outside? I just use my labelmaker so I know what each box holds after I put them up on the shelf. It's a gift that keeps on giving...the best kind!