Goodbye 2020!...

Brynwood Needleworks - Goodbye Old Year

 Happy New Years Eve, friends.Time to put 2020 in the rearview mirror.Bring your loved ones (and sweet memories) with you.
Cheers to a better year ahead of us.

Studio Time...

Brynwood Needleworks - "Flora and Fauna" Zip Bags

I finally spent a few hours in the studio over the weekend. It was really nice to concentrate on a project, and then work until I completed it (them).

 

I created two "Flora and Fauna" cork zip bags for our granddaughters. I placed their handknit socks inside each one, along with a few other goodies. They'll be able to use them for anything they'd like. Makeup or art supplies. Who knows?

 

We'll see them on January 3rd, and I'll look forward to their reactions when they seem them. Both are nature girls, so I think the print on the cork fabric will be a winner. I backed each one in a different color cork (and lining print) so they'll be able to tell them apart.

 

Baking cookies again today. Simple pleasures. Homekeeping, and creating with love. There's really nothing better. 

Tuesdays With Tag - I Was Awesome!...

Brynwood Needleworks - Corgi and Deer via Google

 Hi, Everybody!

No, this isn't me...but it could have been!

Christmas Day, we all went to visit our grandson and his folks. It was a great day. There were food smells galore, and Bella and I got lots of attention. We were sad that our buddy, Duncan wasn't there, but he passed over The Rainbow Bridge last June. They've been dogless since, so they were happy to have a little dog hair in the house again. We really enjoyed ourselves.

Late in the afternoon, #1 Son thought he'd help out Mom by lettin' me outside to do my business. I was kinda crossin' my stumpers for a little while, so I appreciated the break. He and I headed outside, when...there it was. Big as life. A deer in their backyard. Bold as brass, I tell ya.

Well, you should know me well enough by now. I wasn't gonna let this opportunity go by. The chase was on. Deer headed West, and I was as close behind as these little legs could carry me! To the Hunt!!!

I ran through trees, leaves and the wooded area behind #1 Son's house, and then the next door neighbor's, and then the next-next door neighbor's, and before I knew it, the deer was out of sight and I was standin' next to a frozen creek. I'm thinkin' that the deer jumped over it to make his getaway, but I wasn't gonna try that. I act like I'm a big dog, but I know my limitations, and all of a sudden, I was alone in the woods next to a creek, and it was gettin' dark.

I looked to my right and to my left. I heard Mom hollerin', but with the woods I wasn't sure where it was comin' from. At first, I thought she was somewhere right behind me, but then, the direction changed and I thought she was callin' from somewhere else. I admit it. I was confused. I could see lights from somebody's back yard, so I decided to go left toward the lights.

Well, dang! That wasn't our house! I didn't smell a single thing that was familiar. I was so confused, I just started runnin' around in circles in that backyard, tryin' to figure out what to do next. Then, I saw some people. They said, "Hi", and I ran right to them. I asked if they knew my Mom, but I don't think they could speak Corgi. They scooped me up and put me in their car! We didn't go anywhere. They just kept me there so I'd be safe, I think.

Next thing I know, I saw #1 Son. The people heard him calling for me from his car, so they called him over. Then, they gave me to him so he could take me home. I was happy to get in his car. I figured by now, Mom must be really worried. It was dark and cold, and she was still standin' on the street (still hollerin' for me to come home) when we drove up to her and told her I was in the car. She got in and we all drove home together. 

 

Dad and Grandson were in their own cars right behind us. #1 Son had seen them, and let them know he had me with him, so they could call off the search, too. We all got back to the house, and I ran right inside to find Bella. I needed a little drink of water, too. I was parched from all the excitement.

We stayed a little while longer, and then Dad said it was time for us to drive home. About an hour later, we drove up our driveway and into the garage. We all went in the house, and Dad gave Bella and me our dinner. 

 

We loved our Christmas Day visit with our family, but I have to admit. That deer gave me a little more excitement than I bargained for, and I was sorry to give Mom a scare. I don't think I really thought out all the consequences. 

 

I'd like to think I'd know better next time, but truthfully...I'd probably be just a stupid if there ever is a next time. I mean...really...who can resist the thrill of the chase? I really don't think Mom or Dad will give me the freedom to do that again. They'll probably insist that I go out on a leash when we're away from home from now on. I guess I asked for that, didn't I?

One more thing...today is Mom and Dad's anniversary.

Happy 36th, Mom and Dad! 

I'll be a good boy today. I promise!

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

"Just Do It...but not on the rug."

 

My Next Project(s)...

Brynwood Needleworks - Flora and Fauna Cork Fabric

I actually paced myself for Christmas creations, knowing that I had a little extra time (based on scheduled gatherings). I knew that I didn't have to have everything made by December 25th, so I held off on my plans for this fabric until this week.

 

I'm going to make two zippered project bags with this nature-themed cork. They can be used for everything from makeup to lunch! I'll trim them differently, so the ladies receiving them will be able to tell them apart.

 

I'll be in the studio today, and will share photographs on Wednesday. You know who to expect tomorrow. I'm hoping he'll tell you exactly where he explored on Christmas Day, but I'm not holding my breath. You just never know what he's going to over share. lol 

 

Can you even believe that this is the last week of 2020? I'm ready to move on. Are you? Have you planned a New Year celebration with someone you love? As usual, Handsome and I will be home, but I'd like to plan a little something different. Do you have any good ideas for me?

Sunday Scripture...

Brynwood Needleworks via biblestudyonjesuschrist.com - Revelation 21:5

Christmas Day With Family...

Brynwood Needleworks - Long-Overdue Family Time

 

Christmas Day was a great day to spend with family this year. We drove to our elder son's home and shared a meal with him, our daughter-in-love, and our grandson. Handsome and I have been missing our sons, their families and our grandchildren this year, so we decided that we wanted to be with them over the holidays. 

Our son made a fantastic beef stew (he's a great cook!), our daughter-in-law made a delicious, family tradition dessert, and we opened gifts. The best part was just being able to spend time together, in person. Priceless.

Brynwood Needleworks - Christmas Elf

Tag and Bella came along with us, too. Bella was actually more content in a kennel while we were there, and this elf threw us a real curveball. sigh

Our son thought he'd save me the trip outside, so he took Tag out about a half hour before dark. What he didn't expect was the deer in their yard. Tag immediately lit out after the deer, and although I might have been able to turn him, our son didn't stand a chance. 

Once we all realized what happened, the troops mobilized. We all put on our coats, some got in vehicles, and scoured we the neighborhood. They live near a marsh, so I was walking on the road, hollering calling for my dog. It was well after dark when our son drove back home with Tag in the car with him. Grandson and Handsome were in their vehicles behind our son's vehicle. He'd seen them and let them know he had Tag. 

Apparently, Tag chased the deer all the way to the creek, and then (where he might have turned north and come to me) he turned south away from where I was standing on the bridge. Our son's "backyard" neighbors found him running around in their yard, and put him in their car while they attempted to reach his owners. They heard our son calling for Tag, and flagged him over.

They allowed as how Tag was so cute, and he "looked pretty festive". They knew he wasn't abandoned, and didn't even ask a ransom to hand him over to our son. lol I was just glad to have him back...and only slightly peeved.

All-in-all, we had a wonderful day and (as usual), Tag managed to make himself the center of attention. We drove home, blessed and happy to have spent much-needed quality time with family. We need to do it more often. Our hearts require it. Everyone needs family hugs, and we got an extra large dose of them this trip.

Merry Christmas, 2020...

Brynwood Needleworks via menwhobelieve.com - Isaiah 9:6

Thank you for sharing a little of your time with me each day. Although 2020 has been challenging, we've found joy in simple and small things.
Wishing you love and peace as we Christians celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. 
 Merry Christmas from our home to yours,

Yesterday's Efforts...

Brynwood Needleworks - French Baguettes

 

I went to Neenah (WI) first thing yesterday to pick up something special my niece's husband created for me, and of course, had to duck into Primitive Gatherings just down the road before heading back home. I had an order waiting there for me, so I saved the postage by picking it up. I also stopped at Hobby Lobby for a few things I needed, and turned for the farmhouse.

 

When I got back home, I mixed up the dough for French bread. I'm serving lasagna tomorrow, so I thought a baguette would be nice on the side. We'll be seeing our elder son, his wife, and our grandson on Christmas Day. Our son is making beef stew, so I offered to bring bread to the meal. After the dough was mixed and going through the first rise (30 minutes), I decorated the Christmas bell cookies with a lovely buttercream frosting I tinted red and green. Then, I set them aside so the icing could set up.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Santa Cookies

One of the things I bought at HobLob was a small vial of pink luster dust. I decided Santa needed rosy cheeks and pink lips. Don't you think it's an improvement?

Sending wishes to you and yours this Christmas Eve. Thank you for sharing a little of your time with me each day. Wishing you love and peace as we Christians celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

More Cookies...

Brynwood Needleworks - Gingerbread Cookies

I made cookies again yesterday. I didn't count how many dozen I actually made (and Handsome is my taste-tester when I bake so sometimes cookies magically disappear lol), but I estimate I made about six dozen cookies (normal sized) and another dozen of the little gingerbread kids.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Black Lab and Corgi Cookies

I took my time, so even though I began around 10 am, I didn't finish what I managed to decorate around 9 pm.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Santas

All the cookies were decorated with royal icing, except the Santas. These were made with a cookie mold, so I wanted to maintain the detail. I used edible, silver luster dust, painted on with quickly evaporating vodka, and then royal icing berries and Santa's eyes, painted on. Lastly, I used an edible paint pen for the leaves.

Brynwood Needleworks - Christmas Bells (Still Need Icing)

I also made Christmas bells, but they'll be iced with regular cookie icing later today. I ran out of gas before I'd finished last night. 

I'm grateful that Handsome handled all the lifting (I have containers for 20# of flour and sugar, and a 5# lifting restriction until March. I couldn't do any other this without his help.) While I decorated, he came to the kitchen and did dishes for me, too. Even so, I was gassed by the time I was finished...and that was even taking breaks throughout the day. 

I'm making French bread and lasagna today. That way, I won't be doing any more work or cooking until after Christmas. I'll just put my feet up and relax the rest of the week. The best part, is that there are finished cookies that will be part of the gifts we share with loved ones over the holidays.

 

Tuesdays With Tag - Christmas Greetings...

Brynwood Needleworks via minted.com

Merry Christmas from our home to yours,Tag, Bella and Carly 

Making Popcorn...

Brynwood Needleworks - Crochet Popcorn!

 

You aren't going to believe what I was doing this weekend! Well, okay. I guess the pictures might be giving it away - or if you follow me on Facebook, you'll already know I'm kind of addicted to this. I'm crocheting popcorn!!

Brynwood Needleworks - Crochet Popcorn Detail

 

I happened upon this while grazing around in the crafting groups, so I went on the hunt for instructions. I found a pattern, and a video tutorial. While I have no issues reading knitting patterns, I admit I've been a visual learner from the start, where crochet is concerned. If you're like me, HERE is the link to the video tutorial I used. 

I've already ordered 8mm red, wood beads that I'll be using as spacers to create next year's crochet popcorn garlands.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Holding Crochet Popcorn

I'm holding a couple in my hand so you can get an idea of their size. I used worsted weight cotton yarn called Sugar 'n Cream in white. I purchased worsted weight wool, but I didn't feel that they held their shape as well, so I went back to the Sugar 'n Cream.

I think the best thing about this project (aside from the fact that they really do look like popcorn) is that it's something I can pickup up any time, and I can work on it from now until next year to add something really wonderful to our Christmas tree when I'm finished.

If you're a crochet afficionado, I hope you'll give it a try and let me know what you think. I can't wait to get the beads, and have enough popcorn to start making my first garland! You know I'll show you when I get to that stage!

I got a few other things done over the weekend, but this week Handsome and I will be preparing the last of our gifts. I'm going to be baking, and Handsome is making his last minute purchases and preparations, too. Are you ready yet, or do you still have more to do?

 

Sunday Scripture...

Brynwood Needleworks - Matthew 2:10 via Pinterest

Yesterday's Visitor...

Brynwood Needleworks - A Visitor At The Farm - Coyote

Handsome and I were drinking coffee and visiting first thing yesterday morning when he looked out the window past me and asked if I could see the deer in the north field. I got up and looked out the window, and said, "I'm not sure that's a deer.". Then I went and grabbed my binoculars for a closer look.

 

As I was looking through the binocs, he said he thought I was right. Further investigation revealed a beautiful coyote. We watched it for quite a while as it snuffled and frolicked in the field. Bella sat (mostly) quiet (occasionally uttering a low growl) the whole time. (Of course, I had to sneak out onto the porch to get a picture to share with you, too!)

 

After a few minutes, Mr. Coyote moved across the field and into the tree line to spend the rest of the day expoloring as they do. I'll be looking at the trail cam today to see if our visitor decided to stop by the Habitat for a bite to eat before moving on. 

How wonderful that we have such a variety of wildlife moving through the neighborhood. There's room for everyone here. All the critters have a purpose, and I like that we can move around each other without the need to hurt them. The older I get, the more I appreciate the pure acts of seeing and enjoying. Another blessing from the farm.

A Little More Show & Tell...

Brynwood Needleworks - Kathy D.'s Cross Stitch and Wool Work Flag

 

I thought you might like to see a few more projects from Wednesday's Show & Tell with the Sewcial Sisters. 

Kathy D. has been a busy needleworker! She created a wool project from one of the Wool Boxes. It's a beautiful, embroidered flag. She also cross stitched three village pieces and a Santa piece. Rather than make pillows or frame them, she mounted them to fabric-covered, acid-free matboard, created easels, and finished them with cording. Isn't it a perfect way to finish these beautiful pieces?

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Gorgeous Sheepy Project Carriers

 

I'm in love with these project carriers. Aren't they great for containing a wool project in progress? The sheep are all preprinted on flannel. This is one of Lisa B.'s fabrics (Primitive Gatherings). I love the clear vinyl on the front of the carrier so you can see the sheep in the back - and you'll be able to see whatever project is inside, too! They close with zippers. Sweet!

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Lisa's Reindeer Quilt Design

Lisa B. has been sewing and stitching like a mad woman, as she's preparing projects for upcoming books. I'm in love with her reindeer, as well as her "love and peace" Christmas theme wording. This one is already a pattern/kit available in her shop (and online).

 

The Sewcial Sisters really had a fun party. We missed the ladies who couldn't come, but the ladies who were there sure had fun! Next year, we'll all be together again. Until then, we'll all be working on our projects for the next gathering.

A Day With Friends...

Brynwood Needleworks -Kathy's Sheepy Drum Pinkeep

I had so much fun at the little Christmas gathering yesterday. During Show & Tell, Kathy D. shared a drum pinkeep she made for Lisa B. She used Lisa's Farmhouse Gatherings fabric line, and incorporated one of Lisa's sheep. She embroidered a different needlework stitch over every seam between the fabrics.

Isn't it adorable? Kathy's needlework skills are impeccable, and Lisa loves it. I can see this one ending up as a Primitive Gatherings' class and/or pattern. Don't you think so?

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Inside My Gift Package

 

Lisa had gifts for each of us today, too. We got to choose a gift bag from under her tree. I chose one near the back, and as everyone was looking in their bags, I pulled all the tissue paper out of mine to find this note at the bottom. I showed it to Lisa and she said, "Follow me!". (Of course, I did.)

 

Brynwood Needleworks - My Christmas Gift

 

When she pointed out my gift, I actually started crying. I was so surprised, and I've actually seen some of these that I really loved. I was still crying when I walked back into the kitchen where the rest of the ladies were waiting. One of them said, "You know the right person got the gift, when they're so happy they cry." I think I needed this party even more than I realized.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Home For Christmas

We haven't decorated a lot this year, but I do have a little display on the dining room - and now I have a focal point behind my favorite bead tree. Next year, I'll probably hang it on the wall, but this is where I'll keep it this Christmas. 

 

It was the perfect day spent with like-minded friends, and this is the memento that will bring it to mind for years to come.

Ready To Party...

Brynwood Needleworks - Christmas Sheep Cookies

 

I originally planned to make sheep and quilt block cookies for the small gathering I'm attending today. Truthfully, I knew I wouldn't have the stamina to decorate the two different cookies (I'm only two weeks post op today!), so I opted to make just one of them this time.

As it was, the cookies mixed and baked in no time at all. It took me three hours to decorate 2-1/2 dozen. By the time I was finished...I was gassed. I made a cup of tea and put my feet up. I'm pleased with the results, and I think they'll be appreciated by the ladies today.

Rather than make another dish to pass, I signed up to bring a savory snack. I cheated. Handsome and I went to the store yesterday, and I chose a bagel dip (to serve with New York bagel chips), and a spinach dip (to serve with nice bread crisps). 

I'll be with the Sewcial Sisters today at Lisa's house on the lake. There are a number of the ladies who won't be attending because they're being Covid-cautious, but most of the people who'll be there have been sticking close to home this entire year, as we have. I'm sure we'll be just fine, and I personally need some socialization. I haven't been to many of the gatherings all year, and I'm missing my friends. A Christmas party is just the thing.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Finished Pink Socks

The pink socks are finished, too. I finished them on Monday night. Now to decide what to work on next. 

Tuesdays With Tag - I Knew It Was Comin'...

Brynwood Needleworks - My Serious Look

 

 Hi, Everybody!

 

I hope you're all busy, little elves, gettin' ready for the Fat Guy to come down your chimneys! I'm bein' especially good, 'cuz I know I'm bein' watched all the time. I'm hopin' for fun stuff in my stockin'! I bet you are, too!

Brynwood Needleworks - Hangin' With My Boo

 

The sun's shinin', and better yet, The Black Mama Dog and I got to hang outside for a while. We knew it was bound to happen. It's December in Wisconsin, after all. So, even though there have been light dustin's of the white stuff before now, temperatures were high enough to keep it from stickin' around...until last weekend.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Bella Runnin' In The Snow

 

Last Saturday night, it started snowin' before dark and kept snowin' all night. Dad said we got about 5" of snow! We're lucky Mr. Andy came and plowed out our driveway, and helped Dad shovel, 'cuz the doctor told Mom she's not allowed to shovel snow for the rest of this winter. 

 

Here's my perspective...I'm draggin' my ground tackle through the cold stuff again. It's kind of humiliatin' actually. Sloggin' hither and thither - especially when it's the kind that's perfect for makin' snowmen. That's the heavy, wet kind.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Bella, Snow Dog

 

Smarty pants can run all over (bein' beautiful, I might add), and just look! The white stuff isn't anywhere close to her belly button. sigh

Brynwood Needleworks - Stickin' On The Driveway

The best I can hope for is to stay close to the plowed driveway. I keep gettin' stuck in snowbanks if I don't. Is it Spring yet? I'm gonna tell Dad we should start packin' the truck so we can go to Florida to be with Carly. I think I need a vacation.

 

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

"Just Do It...but not on the rug."