Happy Halloween...

Brynwood Needleworks - Full Moon via Collective-Evolution.com

We let the black dogs and Tag out Thursday morning, and Bella immediately spotted interlopers in the yard by the old apple tree. We had an adult black and white cat, and one of this year's black kittens (who live up at Andy and Shelly's house).

 

I had to swear to Handsome that I haven't been feeding them-which would attract them here. (I haven't!) They were immediately dispersed, without harm, by Bella, with Carly close behind out of curiosity. Kitten literally flew up into the apple tree, while the adult ran to the safety of the woodshed. I think that one has established winter accommodations in the woodshed, so I did admit that, as long as it was going to be there, I placed a nice, comfy bed inside (which I've seen him using).

As soon as Bella and Carly were called back to the house, black kitten made tracks for the woodshed, too. I'm sure that once it felt like it was safe to do so, the kitten scooted back up to her mama at Shelly and Andy's, and away from the scarey black dogs. All in all, it was pretty exciting.

Although there's plenty of candy around the farmhouse, (What can I say? We each have a sweet tooth - or four! lol) we don't get any trick or treaters around here. Do they visit your house? Are you having a little family party? Do you have black cats (or dogs) at your house? 

Whatever you do, or however you might celebrate, take a moment to look outside an enjoy that gorgeous autumn moon. It's simply magnificent!

An Interesting Visitor...

Brynwood Needleworks - The Habitat

 

This is what "The Habitat" looks like on our property this year. This is where we take all our yard waste - grass clippings, fallen branches, and leaves - when we're working outdoors. After the new porch was built, I had to rethink the feeding station, as we didn't want the critters coming up onto the concrete. This seemed like a good alternative...away from the house, and of course, the dogs. 

 

Adding more clippings this year helped cover up the little tunnels and cubbies that the opossums and chipmunks seem to favor. I imagine them sleeping warm and dry when winter finally takes hold.

I added the covered feeder that the largest opossum, "Biggie" marked as his own last winter. I decided to raise it up on a small barrel planter to further keep the contents dry when the snows arrive.

I've been taking down birdseed that the bluejays and cardinals (and chipmunks) can enjoy now. I've also taken down a few treats to see whether or not the opossums were still coming around. (They are!)

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Late Night Visitor

Since turning the trail cam on again (and finding that I'm still having issues with the camera! grrrr), I've managed to capture three opossums (Biggie, Ralph and Squirt); two raccoons (although there may be more, only two come in at a time); and...this elusive visitor!

I have the date and time set on my camera. This young coyote was photographed once, and by the time a minute had passed for the next photo, it had left. Minutes later, the opossums were back in frame.

Last summer I was thrilled to catch a deer on the camera, and this year, a coyote. We heard them all summer, sometimes quite close, but in spite of the fact that I had the camera out, I never saw one on the camera...until now. Interesting was the fact that we never heard the pack that night. Just this curious loner stopping by.

I'm going to have to find out what's wrong with my camera, but I've still got it out because even a bad picture is better than nothing. I may need a new camera, and if that's the case, it sure won't be a Browning model again. (Remember all the grief this one gave me within the first month I had it? It was a gift from Handsome for Christmas, and was nothing but trouble. He was so upset! I finally got a new replacement from the company. Here we go again.)

For now, I'm going to download my images every day to see what other wondrous critters stop over for a visit. I'm like a kid, nearly giddy when I see each and every one of them. I'll be sure to share more as I capture new - or returning - faces.

Master Bedroom - A Work In Progress...

Brynwood Needleworks - Farmhouse Bed

You thought this was done already, right? In February, 2018, I wrote a blog post about the Paul Bunyan bed and bedroom set we purchased for the master bedroom. While it's a beautiful set, this bed has, lately, been almost impossible for me to get into at night. That's mainly because of the issues related to my recent surgeries. (I wrote about this beautiful set HERE.)

 

Well, obviously, I need to be able to get into bed at night without having an issue, so Handsome and I discussed options. The Paul Bunyan bed is a queen size bed, and while it fit in the master bedroom, the whole set definitely took up more space. We even discussed painting the set to make it appear smaller, but in the end, the height of the mattresses was still an issue. Let me say that changing the depth of the mattresses wouldn't make a significant difference because of where the rails are set to hold them.

Brynwood Needleworks - Farmhouse Bed

I have loved the double size farmhouse bed since I purchased it before we'd even moved into the house. The downside of this bed is that, my dear husband is 6'5" tall, and a double bed is too short for him. We do have a queen size bed in another bedroom, so we have sleeping options.

In light of the fact that I'm likely to have another surgery, I need a bed in which I'm comfortable (I sleep alone post-op), and the farmhouse bed fits that parameter. So, a week ago, the Paul Bunyan bed left the second floor (thanks to my dear nephew's help), and the farmhouse bed returned to the master bedroom.

The rest of the dark bedroom set will be moved out, as soon as I find adequate vintage pieces to replace the dresser and armoire. Then, we'll sell the entire set as the guest room is too small for it. My vintage dressing table will also come back into this room.

Usually, I have a larger table next to the bed, but with winter coming, I don't want my chair blocking the radiator. The little plant stand will function perfectly as a surface for my overnight water bottle, and my eye glasses. 

I'm not sure I like the Wyeth print so high above the bed, so that might move into the fabric room when it's finally turned into the future guest room. We also brought the side wall lamps with us from Florida when we moved here. They've been stored safely until now. We've mounted them on the wall, and they function perfectly next to the farmhouse bed.

Once the entire bedroom is finished in keeping with the farmhouse look, I'll be sure to take more photographs to share. For now, I have a completely comfortable place to sleep and rest. I have a lot of sorting to do...mainly clothes (sheesh! How did I accumulate so much?), but there are other things, too, and then I can finish up. I can tell you there are lots of pieces that will be donated and shared.

One other piece I need is a nice bookcase. I love to read, and most of our books are still in boxes - tucked where they'll stay dry and safe until we have bookcases. I miss our Florida library room, and hope we can figure out the best place to do that here. For now, a bookcase in the master bedroom would be a nice start. 

I have so much inspiration from which to draw. I save photos that I find on Pinterest or online from favorite blogs. I'm not in any hurry, so I have time to edit and end up with what we really want. I like that this is a work in progress. Once of these days it will be complete, but I'm going to enjoy the process...the journey...until we get there.

The Last Blooms...

Brynwood Needleworks - Hollyhocks In The Snow

I think these will be the last blooms for this year, but we're supposed to have warmer weather (into the 50s) toward the weekend and into next week. So, you never know. These are some of the heartiest plants we have and they are in a southern, protected exposure.

Handsome and I will be taking out the screens, and washing windows this weekend. The hollyhocks will be trimmed down for the winter, and the last of the porch decor will be stowed away until next spring. Perhaps we'll have more autumn left to enjoy, but we know winter is right around the corner.

Tuesdays With Tag - Not Dressin' Up This Year...

Brynwood Needleworks - Tag and The Girls

 Hi, Everybody! 

If you look real close you'll see snow in those leaves. We're sittin' on freezin' grass. It's crazy! It completely surprised us this weekend, and The Girls are beside themselves. Carly keeps wantin' to run around like a goofball.

Mom had this "fun" idea to dress us up for Halloween again this year, but truth is, The Kid would never stand still for that. She's a real live wire, and Mom told me (in confidence) that she just wasn't up to the challenge. I get it completely, because Mini Boo pretty much wears me out, too. 

Mom's lucky to have even gotten this picture of the three of us. She uses her secret weapon: animal crackers in her pocket! We all know she's got them, so when she tells us to "sit", we sit!

Brynwood Needleworks - Tag On Break

Anyway, as much as I would have loved to dress up for you with the two black witches, it "ain't" happenin' this year. Maybe we can pull it off next year, after Carly gets schooled by Uncle Mike. 

 

Oh, on that front, Dad is plannin' to take her to Florida next weekend, after Mom's doctor's appointment. Boo and I will stay here with Mom, so Dad can visit some of our Florida friends before he comes back home. We think he's due for a little "musician quality time". 

We don't know if you're plannin' to Trick or Treat this year. If you do, please stay warm and safe. Mom said she's gonna make some tasty treats for us right here at home. I think we'll be just fine.

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

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

 

Apple Saucing...

Brynwood Needleworks - A Perfect Day To Make Applesauce

 

Handsome and I finally set about turning our apples into applesauce this past weekend. It rained the later part of the week, so we decided to wait a few days. 

 

Saturday, we put the first peck of apples into our two slow cookers and let them stew the morning away. We had those jars canned by dinnertime, and started the second peck after that. We let them cook until we headed up to bed, and then turned them off overnight.

First thing yesterday, we started up again, and decided to put the other half bushel into our large Nesco™ roaster because it had a larger capacity. By late afternoon, all the apples were jarred and water bathed...and there was snow on the ground.

Brynwood Needleworks - Our First Snow Day

 

The day began cool enough, and the forecast brought promised flurries. At first, the temperature kept the snow from sticking. It just melted on contact, but it got cooler as the day progressed, and the snow finally started to collect. 

Brynwood Needleworks - Our Front Yard

I took these two photographs of the yard right before dark. By nightfall, we had a dozen quarts, plus four pints of slow cooked applesauce in the pantry, and a nice blanket of snow in the yard. I'd say that's just about perfect.

Sunday Scripture...

Brynwood Needleworks - Colossians 3:17 via internet

The Colors of Autumn...

Brynwood Needleworks - The Colors of Autumn

I've been looking at images of quilts lately. Most of these happen to be photos taken by a friend of her home. I find myself drawn to the golden orange color in most of her quilts. (She changes out quilts from her vast collection for each season/holiday.) I think I need to make (at least) one in this color for the farmhouse.

I need to choose the pattern, and then pull fabrics from my copious fabric "collection" before I list more fabrics in my shop. 

What do you think? Are you as taken with this color as I am? Do you already have a fall quilt at your house? I'm suffering serious quilt envy here. I'm going to create something in this color soon...and definitely before next year!

Alice's Teacup Pincushion...

Brynwood Needleworks - Alice's Teacup Pincushion

I'm making six of these teacup pincushions right now. I have a custom order for five of them, and will keep one for myself. After that, I don't have any more of the parts (dormouse, matching rose teaspoons and the little clock buttons) to make more. In fact, I tried to purchase more of the little mice (which I painted brown), and I guess they're collectibles. They were going to cost me $30+ each!!

So, the majority will go to my client, and one will stay in my studio. Usually, I keep the first one of a new design. This time, I'll keep the last one. I'm going to get these finished, and then I'll be shipping them off to my client. They're so much fun to make! I mean, who doesn't enjoy a tea party?

The Smell Of Fresh Baked Bread...

Brynwood Needleworks - Fresh Out Of The Oven

 

There's nothing quite like the aroma of warm bread lifting throughout the farmhouse. It lingers on a cold day, and promises a tasty meal to come. Such was our day yesterday. 

Four fresh loaves of Farmhouse Sandwich bread, perfectly baked, with just the right crunch in the crust. Seeing Handsome's reaction always makes me smile.

Monday afternoon we drove over to the local orchard to get a bushel of LindaMac apples (hybrid Macintosh, as they were out of Macs). So, today, the farmhouse will smell of apples cooking down. Soon the pantry will be filled with more jars. We'll have Autumn all Winter in the form of delicious applesauce. 

 

The best part? Handsome helps. This is a project we always do together, and we both enjoy the work. After all, more hands make the load lighter, and the task easier. Right? Right!

It Was A Good Day...

Brynwood Needleworks - Happy Me

 

I got out yesterday for a much needed haircut. I always feel better after a good trim, and as I've been mostly housebound, a visit with my girlfriend (and hair stylist) Wendi, was just what the doctor ordered. I wanted to capture my good "do", so Handsome took my picture. That laughter was all for him.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - BW Grab & Go Crossbody Bag

I also got in a little sewing time. I needed to fulfill an order for a Vintage Hibiscus Grab & Go Crossbody. I added a matching keychain, as the order is going to a good client. Time in the studio (sewing/creating) always makes me happy.

I'd say it was a very good day!

Tuesdays With Tag - Out In The Wild...

Brynwood Needleworks - Out In The Wild

 Hi, Everybody!

We had a perfect weekend here at the farm. Even when it rained, we had fun runnin' around. Mom and Dad worked outside, so we got to enjoy the weather, too.

This is our favorite patch of grass and stuff to run through. I think other critters hang around here, too. It's always full of great smells. We're not sure what they are, but they smell really interestin'.

Brynwood Needleworks - Fabulous Fall Colors

 

The trees are lookin' pretty and they smell good, too. Boo and The Kid actually ran up into the woods, so Dad had to go up and get them back into the yard. Boo even found somethin' disgustin' to roll around in, so Dad had to wash her neck and shoulders. It was AWESOME!

Brynwood Needleworks - Racin' Retrievers

That little girl loves tormentin' her mama and me. Most times, it's better if she stays away from me, 'cuz she gets in my face and she's like a gnat. She won't leave me alone until I growl at her, and then she runs circles around me and starts all over again. gaaahhh! Kids these days.

 

Dad decided to wait a while to take her to Florida for trainin'. Mom has another doctor's appointment the end of the month, and Dad wants to wait to see if she needs another surgery. Soooo, I have to put up with Mini Boo until after then. I gueeessss...It's a good thing I have a strong constitution. A lesser beast would be cryin' in the corner. Not me, though. I'll stay strong. Don't worry about me.

 

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

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

 

Generosity Abounds...

BBrynwood Needleworks - High Chair

 

Welcome to a new week. Handsome and I got a lot accomplished over the weekend. We cleaned up the yard, mowing and pulling weeds, cutting a few low apple tree branches, and adding the yard trimmings to The Habitat. 

 

Biggie and Squirt (two of last year's opossums) have already appeared on my trail cam, so I'm fortifying their hidey-holes in The Habitat before the weather gets bad. I've also found a little black cat living in the wood shed, so I moved a kitty sleeping tower (with snug compartments, covered by a nice warm towel) to make him or her more comfortable.

Then, on Saturday, I got a call from our lovely neighbor, Mary Jane. She had a treasure in her attic and wanted to know if I'd like it. It was the high chair that her husband used as a child. He's been gone a number of years, but she was sure this chair is older than the 1940s.

Brynwood Needleworks - Bella, Checking Out The High Chair

I told her I'd love to have it for the farmhouse, so I went and picked it up yesterday afternoon. It rained Saturday right after we finished mowing the yard, so yesterday was a much better day to move any furniture.

When I brought it into the house, Tag and Bella were both very curious. Carly wasn't interested in it at all.

Brynwood Needleworks - High Chair

There are a few "upgraded" parts on the chair. There are newer bolts on the hinge for the tray, replacing the originals, but the old belt/strap to hold a child in place is still on the leg of the chair. There's also so old bandage-type tape that was used to fortify one of the tray arms. I'll be investigating that to see about a suitable repair. I've got some good wood cleaner, so I'll definitely clean up the soil from being stored in the attic, and the wood will look good as new. 

 

It's actually quite petite, compared to modern high chairs. The highest point on the chair is probably only 33" or so. It is lovely, and I'm so grateful for the generosity of neighbors and friends. For now, I'm going to use this sweet chair as a plant stand for my vining phylodendron plant. I'll share more photos after I get it all spiffed up.

Have a great week, and remember, 

If you can't be with yours loved ones these days, please pick up the phone and call them.

I know they'll appreciate hearing your voice.

Stay healthy and safe.

xo

Sunday Scripture...

Brynwood Needleworks - Galatians 5:13

The Last Blooms Of Autumn...

Brynwood Needleworks - Farmhouse Fall Blooms

I found a few hardy blooms left in our kitchen garden yesterday. The hollyhocks have already gone to seed, but each day, I'll see a beautiful blossom waving outside our kitchen windows. The lavender is still throwing out new flowers, and there are even new morning glories climbing the hollyhock stems. Even Mom's daisies offer up a couple of sweet goodbyes to summer.

The weather is turning cooler at night, and soon daytime temps will drop, but my kitchen garden will hang on as long as it can, sheltered on the southern exposure of our home. If the weather permits, I'll be cleaning up the weeds and moving a few plants before the ground freezes. I love this time of year.

I'm Having So Much Fun...

Brynwood Needleworks - Fabric Offerings

I was on my feet all day yesterday (again). I've listed up a lot more fabrics, and will likely do the same thing today. I'll begin my day by sending out yesterday's orders, and then prepare more fabric to list...after coffee.

I'm actually having a great time doing this. I'm finding quilt kits (I forgot) I want to sew, more fabrics to release, and a few other things I forgot I had. I can hardly wait to see what reveals itself today! See you later.

So Much Fabric To Share...

Image of Brynwood Needleworks Etsy Storefront

I've been so busy, listing up lots of new fabrics, books and other items in my Brynwood online shop. I'm still using Etsy (for now), mainly because I'm too lazy to do the work to set up my own website. I know how many brain cells and hours it will would take to accomplish that.

Anyway, I've photographed, described, and listed lots of fabric yardage, kits and assortments over the past few days...and I have a lot more to go! I've been selling it almost as fast as I get it listed, so if you're in the market, please check - and check back - when you have time. Just go to www.BrynwoodNeedleworks.com, and it will take you right to my online shop. I'll be adding more all week.

Another UFO...

Brynwood Needleworks - Crossed Wing Collection "Bluebird"

 

As I've been going through my supplies, I locate unfinished projects, decide on what I want to list for sale, and organize what I'll be keeping. I currently have many bolts of beautiful fabric selected that will be listed for sale soon.

As I was sorting, I came across a silk gauze project I began decades ago. It needs to be completed, and I'm going to get back to it very soon.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Crossed Wing Collection "Bluebird"

 

This project is worked in silk thread on 40 count silk gauze. That means forty threads per inch. You can see from my thumb, for reference, that the silk cross stitches are tiny!!! I'm definitely going to need my lighted magnifier to complete this piece. (I needed it decades ago, but there's no way I can stitch this now without one!)

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Crossed Wing Collection "Bluebird"

 

In fact, when I enlarged this image, I can see a number of stitches that I never went back and completed the second half of my cross! Some of those stitches are messy by my current standards, so I'm debating whether or not I'll remove them all and start over!I'll have to decide soon, because it's really bugging my "perfection" gene!

 

I'm looking forward to working on this one...it will be like the "good ol' days" when I had my shop. I'll be happily needle dancing in no time.

Tuesdays With Tag - It's That Time Of Year...

Brynwood Needleworks - Taggart and Bella

 Hi, Everybody!

We're finally gettin' back to normal around here. Dad's home. Mom's happy, and it seems I've always got a black dog sniffin' around my backside. I'm not sure what-the-heck, but she's thinkin' she'll get a treat before I do. Like that's gonna happen. duh!!!

We've been keepin' Mom busy lettin' us out, lettin' us back in (repeat), that she can hardly get anythin' done!

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Bella and Carly

Look at how much that not-so-little black dog is startin' to look like her mom. She loves that green toy in her mouth. She's always carryin' it around and chewin' on it. She's been losin' teeth, so I'm sure it feels good to chew on somethin' like that. (She's fond of little ice cube chips, too.)

The big news is that she'll be leavin' soon (maybe even next week!) to go to Uncle Mike's. She's a fetchin' fool like Boo and me, so she'll love her time away at school. I'm countin' the days! (kiddin', not kiddin') We're gonna enjoy the time together while we can. 

The weather is changin'. The squirrels are runnin' around, tryin' to get the hickory nuts before Mom does. The leaves are fallin' out of the trees, and the temperatures are gettin' cooler. The air smells different. It's a wonderful time of year. Every time we go outside, all we want to do is run like crazy. In fact, that little dog can really cover some ground! She's havin' no trouble at all keepin' up with her mama and me! Believe me when I say she's gonna be ready for school when she gets to Florida. She'll be learnin' like a sponge!

Life is good here at the farmhouse. We hope you're havin' fun playin' in the leaves, too. It's the best time of year for it.

 

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

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