I Was Clueless...

Fortnight Game Image - Brynwood Needleworks via Web

I'm seriously clueless when it comes to online gaming. I've only played two adventure games since we first got our computers in 1984, and they were "Myst" and its sister game "Riven?". Nothing since.

When I was at the Birthday party for my twin great-nieces, I had a conversation with one of my great-nephews. He was pretty interested in the quilt I made for his brother last summer (HERE). I asked it he wanted a quilt, too, and he said he would.

I asked him about his interests, and he said "Fortnight. Fortnight. Fortnight. Fortnight..." and one other game (which I promptly forgot). ugh.

I went online that night to see if I could locate any Fortnight fabric. That was obviously his first choice, right? I couldn't find any. So, this great aunty thought "Game of Thrones". lol 
 

Brynwood Needleworks - Game of Thrones Fabric

I went to Etsy's site, and immediately found three fabrics that I thought would be perfect. I told his daddy about it right before the fabric arrived in the mail, and he said, "Aunt Donna, Game of Thrones isn't an actual game. It's a series (movie. Whatever) on tv." Then he giggled at me.

Brynwood Needleworks - Minecraft Game Image via Web

I said, "Well, P. told me two different games and I could only remember one." To which he replied, "The other game is Minecraft." Oh, for pity's sake. How lame am I? 

So, I went back to Etsy in search of Minecraft fabric, and although I found some, I wasn't really thrilled with my choices. I've decided instead to print out some of the images of the game that I found online, and I'll print them out onto fabric. I'll use fabrics I already have to make up the rest of his lap quilt.

I'll likely resell the Game of Thrones fabric. I've never seen that show, and have no other use for it. In the meantime, I'll begin making my nephew's quilt today. (His Birthday party is March 9th.) I'm still shaking my head, but I'm glad it will work out in the long run.

Are you wondering why I'm not printing out Fortnight images? Well, it seems there's been a problem with hackers frightening and bullying kids who play the game online. When I talked with my nephew about an article I'd read, he told me he'd shown one of the images to his son and asked whether or not it had popped up on his screen when he was playing Fortnight. His son said, "no", but it scared him off the game altogether. I don't think I'll rub it in by making a Fortnight quilt, but I'll ask his dad one more time before I start printing. As crazy as the boy was about the game, I want to make sure I make a quilt he'll love. Minecraft or Fortnight, but definitely not Game of Thrones. (facepalm)

A Perfect Day To Stay Inside...

Brynwood Needleworks - Winter Farm Girl

When I woke up yesterday morning, it was c-c-c-c-coooold outside. It warmed up as the day went by, but it was a perfect day to stay inside and work on my butterfly.

Brynwood Needleworks- My Stitchin' Buddy

Tag is a great, little stitchin' buddy. He cuddled up next to me and put his head on my knee while I worked on my needlework.

Brynwood Needleworks - Butterfly Progress

By the end of the day, I had finished the second top wing section.

Brynwood Needleworks - Top Butterfly Wing Sections

Two halves of the same butterfly. I'm so happy with how they look.  

I'll be working on the bottom left wing part next, but I won't be showing that for a bit. I think I'll wait until it's completed. I have a few other things that need my attention, so I have to set this aside for a little while (or as long as I can be away from it). I'll probably pull it out again when it snows later this week! Mother Nature is a real trickster!

 

Tuesdays With Tag - My Bristly Brushing Stick...

Brynwood Needleworks - Tag and His Bristly Brush Stick

 Hi, Everybody!

Guess what? Mom got me a present and it's not even my Birthday until April!

Now, first, I don't want anybody thinkin' I'm a difficult Corgi, okay? I like my electric toothbrush just fine, but sometimes a guy just likes to chew on somethin'. It was with that in mind that Mom got me this thing. 

It's actually called a Bristly Brushing Stick, and Mom got it on Amazon HERE. She got the medium-size one for me (sizes are based on weight).

Bristly Brush Stick Instructions

The pictures explain it almost as well as I could! The deal is that she puts dog toothpaste on the bristles and in the reservoir, and I get to chew on it for five or ten minutes. In the end, I get a little gnoshin' time, and pretty pearly whites.

Brynwood Needleworks - I Got This

 

 

It didn't take long at all for me to get the hang of it. I did a bunch of lickin' at first, but in no time, I was chewin' away on it. It made great squeaky noises, too. Mom said she could hardly think straight! Anyway, I figure my teeth will be sparklin' by the end of the week.

Just so everyone knows, neither Mom nor I are gettin' anythin' free, and we're not gettin' paid to mention this product. Mom just thought it might be fun for me to have a toy that actually does somethin' hygienic for me while I'm playin' with it. You know...Corgis just wanna have fun! I've gotta go now. I'm gonna see if she'll let me play with it...I mean...brush my teeth again.

 

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

"Live Like Someone Left The Gate Open".

 

Stitching On A Blustery Day...

Web Image - American Gothic With A Twist

Goodness, it was windy yesterday! We had gusts to 51 miles an hour, so this image of a windy American Gothic seems appropriate. It was a perfect day to stay inside, so, with the exception of making sure the birds had seed, and Tag's potty breaks, that's exactly what we did. 

Brynwood Needleworks - Butterfly Wing Progress

This is what I accomplished yesterday. It's slow and exact work, but it's also very "zen" and satisfying. I finally called it a day when it was difficult for me to see the subtleties of the thread colors. I think I'll stick to daylight stitching when I'm working the color changes.

Brynwood Needleworks - Side By Side Wing Progress

 

I thought it was best to place the wings side-by-side so that the pattern is similar (but not necessarily exact). As perfect as Mother Nature is, I don't think I have to make each side exactly the same. That's my excuse, and I'm sticking to it!

Not only are the color changes subtle in the spots along the edge of the wings, but you may be able to see that the wings progress from black at the edges to shades of royal and navy blue as I progress to the wires on the ends. I need daylight to distinguish the colors as I go.

I'll check the feeders first thing, do a few other indoor tasks, and then Tag and I will settle in, so I can continue my embroidering today. With the cold, continued wind and icy roads, I can't think of a nicer, safer place to be than right here in the farmhouse.

Sunday Scripture...

Brynwood Needleworks via Web

 

Fluffing The Farmhouse...

Brynwood Needleworks - Farmhouse Dining Room

 

All my plans for the weekend fell apart yesterday. A group of high school friends were planning lunch in our hometown, but we're expecting a winter storm, so friends from Madison were the first to cancel because of the weather. The rest decided to wait because the whole state is going to be under a severe weather watch.

Likewise with my plans to attend the Milwaukee Symphony with Daughter-in-law #1. I didn't want to be on the road at midnight in light of the forecast. (Driving home on Sunday looks to be even worse.) I'm actually hoping the weather comes now, as I really am bummed about the concert we'll be missing (MSO performing Rachmaninoff's "Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini" - known to some as the theme from Somewhere In Time.)

Frustration usually sends me into a cleaning/furniture-moving frenzy, and yesterday was no different. I began by moving things around in the kitchen. I'm not going to share photos of the kitchen just yet because I have a project to finish in there first. 

Then, I moved a few things around in the dining room, along with changing out the decor for Spring. Spring is just around the corner, isn't it?

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Farmhouse Living Room

 

Afterward, I cleaned and moved a bit of the furniture in the living room, too. The curtains in the windows are temporary. I've purchased a gorgeous white linen (about 24 yards, to be exact) to make curtains for this room. 

 

My plan is to make them long enough so I can mount the rods about three inches from the crown molding.The rod brackets will sit far enough apart so that when the curtains are open, the curtain will clear the inside edges of the windows.

 

Oh, and the magnifier lamp and floor lamp (seen in the top image of the living room collage) aren't supposed to be there. They're usually next to one of my chairs for stitching, but I actually forgot to move them back before I took the picture. sigh. I didn't see them until I was writing my post. ack!

I dusted and vacuumed, so the room will be clean and comfortable when I sit and stitch on my butterfly as the snow flies. That's my plan. Clean house, groomed Corgi, and a weekend of needle dancing. Bring on the weather. I'm finished fluffing.

Tuesdays With Tag - Special Edition...

Brynwood Needleworks - Tag and Bella

 Hi, Everybody!

I'm back again this week with a special post to wish a Happy Birthday to our special girl.

I decided to do a little musical tribute to Bella. Enjoy!

Brynwood Needleworks - Baby Bella

I've grown accustomed to her face

She almost makes the day begin,

Brynwood Needleworks - Tongue Out Boo

 

 I've grown accustomed to the tune

She whistles night and noon

Brynwood Needleworks - Tag and Bella

Her smiles, her frowns, her ups and downs

Are second nature to me now

Like breathing out and breathing in

Brynwood Needleworks - Liljsgren's Suncoast Bella

I was serenely independent and content before we met

Surely I could always be that way again, and yet

Brynwood Needleworks - Our Beautiful Bella

 

I've grown accustomed to her looks

Accustomed to her voice, accustomed to her face.

Brynwood Needleworks - Bella (her Second Birthday)

 Well, you're four now.

Happy Birthday, Bella.

I wish we were together to celebrate this year, but I know Dad will make your day special.

Have a great day. Dad, Mom and even I love you.

 I'll see you again in seven a few, 'til then...

"Live Like Someone Left The Gate Open".

 

Enough Already...

Brynwood Needleworks - Let It Snow Door Hanger

 

This piece has been hanging on the back door since last November. It's hung on the door the whole time we were in Florida. It's hung on the door until yesterday.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - February Snow Storm

When Tag and I got up yesterday morning, it had already begun to snow (again). We went outside, and while I shoveled around the "friends and family" door, he frolicked in the yard. He loves the snow.

Brynwood Needleworks - February Snow Storm

It continued to snow until late day. It was windy, making it difficult for the birds, who hung close to the feeders and the shelter of the porch. I especially love when the mourning doves line up on the porch rails, but they're skittish, so just my passing by the windows sends them to flight.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Spring Wreath

We're expecting more snow on the weekend, but I have plans to attend a concert in Milwaukee with Daughter-in-Law #1. I really don't want the weather to ruin our Saturday evening with the Symphony. 

I really don't mind the snow, but I'm not especially anxious to drive in it either. So, I'm thinking, if I take down the "Let It Snow" decor it might send out a new message, right? 

Time to hang up a Spring wreath. Let's see if it helps turn the season from snow to daffodils. Or at the very least, maybe it will push off the bad weather until Tag (he'll stay at our son's house with Son and Grandson in case we need to stay overnight) and I get back home late Saturday or early Sunday. wink

 

New Cork Colors...

Brynwood Needleworks - Peacock, Kiwi and Teal Cork

New cork fabric colors have arrived in the studio. Soon, I'll be creating new bags, wallets and accessories in these gorgeous hues, just in time for Spring!

Brynwood Needleworks - Peacock, Kiwi and Teal Cork

 

If you have Madeira threads in your sewing supplies, these cork colors are very close to these thread colors; Peacock = Color 1290, Kiwi = 1169; and Teal = 1280.

I'm looking forward to cutting into these and making some new beautiful bags. I'm going to be debuting a few new styles, too! I think you're going to love them.

Tuesdays With Tag - February Follies...

Brynwood Needleworks - Taggart

 Hi, Everybody!

Thanks for stoppin' by today. Have you got a minute for me to tell you about my week?

Great!

Brynwood Needleworks - Chasin' A Leaf

A few weeks ago, we had grass showin' through here at the farm. Then, just like that, we've got scads of snow again! Mom and I took a hike around the place so I could play outside.

There's still a little crust on top of the snow, which is good, 'cuz it was deeper than I'm tall around most of our yard! That crust kept me from disappearin'. I might have needed a snorkel to breathe!

Anyway, I saw somethin' scootin' across the snow, so I had to run and check it out. I thought it might be a mouse, but it was just a leaf slidin' on top of the snow. Drat!

Brynwood Needleworks - Tag Loves Snow

I ran in the back yard, and then I ran down in the front yard. I sure was gettin' some good exercise. I don't hang around outside much when it's real cold, and well...it's been real cold lately. This day was in the 20s (Mom told me), and it was downright balmy, so we made the most of it!

Brynwood Needleworks - Hot On The Trail Of...Somethin'

I even ran around the wood shed, 'cuz I was sure there was a critter hangin' around up there. I mean, maybe it was a woodchuck, or a woodchuck, or who-knows-what? There were a lot of tracks and scent, but I never did see anythin'. It musta been sleepin'.

We were outside for quite a while. I even got frost on my...um...whiskers. But, you know what? I'd do it all over again in a flash. You wanna come next time?

Brynwood Needleworks - Bella, Dad, and Lucy

Oh! Oh! I don't want to end today's post without givin' a long-distance shout out to my sister-from-another-mother in Florida. February 22nd (Friday) is Miss Bella's Fourth Birthday!!

She'll be celebratin' with Dad and Uncle Mike on her big day. She'll be fetchin' and swimmin' and runnin' all day. Then, they'll go back home to hang out with Uncle Eric, Aunt Becky and Lucy Fur. You know what that means, right? I'm not gettin' any Birthday cake!

Even so, I wanna wish The Black Dog a happy Birthday. Mom and I wish we were there to dress you up silly, and sing the Birthday song to you!

Brynwood Needleworks - Tag's Tired

 

I spent yesterday with Mom and our great nieces, "The Twins". They just celebrated their third Birthday, and they're pretty rambunctious. I love little kids, so I was in my happy place. They did wear me out, though. I think I'm gonna take a nap. You'll excuse me, won't you?

 

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

"Live Like Someone Left The Gate Open".

 

Slow Going...

Brynwood Needleworks- Top Left Wing Progress

 

I admit, there was only a portion of the weekend spent needle dancing. I did a few homekeeping tasks, as well as making sure the bird feeders were filled, and Taggart got a little romp in the snowy yard.

 

However, I did spend a little time working on the butterfly wing(s), too. After anchoring the edge that stabilizes around the wing base, my next step was to stitch all around the inside of the design with more black silk thread. I finished the top wing, but not the bottom one. I'm going to complete one part at a time, so I'll finish this top wing before I do the bottom one. 

 

In case you're wondering, the little threads and knots sticking up around the design are anchor points for the thread as I stitch. Having them on top makes it easier to snip and remove them as I stitch up to them. That way, I know where the tails are underneath to also anchor those threads as I do my work.

 

I also completed a special order, but I won't be able to ship it out until tomorrow. President's Day Holiday, don't you know. No mail service today. 

 

Tag will tell you about his romp tomorrow. I must admit, I got a teeny peek, and he's got some cute photos to share with you. What a clown!

 

Sunday Scripture...

Brynwood Needleworks via BibleLoveNotes.com

 

Anchoring The Wings...

Brynwood Needleworks - Attaching Armature To Wing Parts

 

I'm nearly finished attaching the armature to the left wing parts. Once I finished covering the wires, I had to stitch them down as the first step to preparing to fill in with silk threads. 

 

I only have to complete about an inch of anchor stitching on the top wing part on the right side (above) that I didn't get done last night. I'll do that this morning, and then I can begin the next steps. 

My goal is to complete my butterfly by the end of February. I do have orders to make and ship, and a few other projects on my agenda (including sending off our tax documents to our accountant), but I'm on a roll now, so I think I can do it. In fact, I may even get it finished early, if I put my nose to the grindstone! Let's see.