February 28, 2021

Sunday Scripture...

1 Peter 5:5 - Brynwood Needleworks via Facebook Friend

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February 27, 2021

R & R...

Brynwood Needleworks - Dresser Baby

I mailed all the gifts to the "Be My Valentine" Giveaway winners yesterday morning. Then, I spent the rest of the day stitching and visiting with Handsome. 
 
The pups are getting reacquainted, and yes, Bella is still being standoffish. She'll come around, but it's going to take a little time and patience. For now, we're all going to spend the weekend resting and relaxing. I'll share my projects on Monday.

Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend.

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February 26, 2021

They're Home!...

"He Also Serves Who Stands And Waits" - Brynwood Needleworks

Handsome made it to just north of Atlanta on Wednesday night. That was about 450 miles from where he started that day in Florida. When we first spoke yesterday, he was just driving into Chattanooga. By about 2 pm, he called to tell me what an easy drive he was having, so he was going to try to drive the rest of the way home (nearly 1,000 miles). 
 
I told Bella and Tag that "Dad and Carly" were coming home so their senses went into high gear the rest of the day, as they reacted to every little outside sound they heard.

Two weary travelers drove in the driveway around 10:15 last night, and the excitement began. Carly remembered home, but Bella didn't recognize her daughter. (The smell was "off".) Two females can get a little testy with each other, and Bella decided to get snarky with her kid.

We were ready for it, so there was no fighting. Carly was submissive. Bella was growly with her hair up. We put an immediate stop to the posturing, and kenneled Bella and Tag. Every time Carly went to her mom's crate, Bella started growling and barking. Carly dropped down and just put her nose near the kennel until we called her away. She was trying to make friends with her mama again.

We can see that it's going to take a little while for the girls to settle back in together. We'll remain the "alpha pack leaders", so the posturing will disappear soon enough. For now, Tag and Carly will be kenneled at night. Bella will sleep on the bed with us so she knows she hasn't lost her status in the pack. Tag doesn't care. It's just another girl to chase around. 

After all the shenanigans, Handsome and I were able to greet each other and he could tell me about his trip. I gave him a light dinner, as he'd driven straight through, and we turned the lights out shortly after. God heard me, as I'd spent two days "praying Handsome home". Before I closed my eyes, I thanked Him for answering my requests. Now I can sleep soundly, knowing that all is right in my world again. My heart is home.
 
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February 25, 2021

The Next Block...

Brynwood Needleworks - Working On My Next Block

I've started working on my third block in this series. Stems are finished, and I did the blanket stitch around the leaves. Flowers are next, but probably not until later today.
 
I have my first physical therapy appointment this morning, in an effort to "fix" what's still "broken". Once a week for up to four weeks. If this doesn't work, there are still options, but it's been nearly eight months. I stitch and work on projects so I can focus on something other than my frustration with this ongoing issue. Fingers crossed that this works. We shall see.
 
Handsome is halfway home with Carly. I'm looking forward to having them back. We've all missed them both. If he's got the wind at his back, he may make it home tonight. Otherwise, we'll welcome them home tomorrow. Bella and Tag will be beside themselves when he and Carly finally get here. I'll be pretty happy, too.
 
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February 24, 2021

A Productive Weekend...

Brynwood Needleworks - Primitive Gatherings "New Beginning" Pincushion
 
 I've been busy.

I spent most of the weekend stitching. I completed this sweet pincushion from Primitive Gatherings. It's called "New Beginning". I chose a "redder" colored wool because this color is often seen on Wisconsin deer in the spring.

I filled this pincushion with crushed walnut shells. It's my favorite filler for pincushions because it's heavy and keeps the pincushion from scooching around my work table. (Yes "scooching" is a real word. lol)
 
Brynwood Needleworks - Wool Box - Dragonfly Dreams Block
 
This is the first block I completed from the Wool Box. The finished project is called "Dragonfly Dreams", but no one knows what it will look like when it's done.
 
Brynwood Needleworks - Wool Box - Dragonfly Dreams Block

This was the second block I completed. Don't you love the colors? I'm going to stick with the Wool Box subscription just so I can get more of these blocks!

 
On another note, I was contacted by MA yesterday, asking that I draw a new number for the third giveaway gift from the "Be My Valentine" Giveaway. She lives in Canada and asked that I give the gift to a domestic commenter instead. The new winner was chosen via Random.org, and the result is below. (Yes. I screencapped on the correct computer this time!)


Congratulations, Bonnie Biggers!!!

I already have your address, so you won't need to email it to me.
(Thanks again for your generosity, MA.)

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February 23, 2021

Tuesdays With Tag - Happy Birthday, Boo...

Brynwood Needleworks - Greetings For The Birthday Girl
 
 Hi, Everybody!

I've received photographs of Miss Carly and planned to write about The Kid today, but I have to write about her mama instead. Yesterday was Bella's Birthday, and I can't write a post without wishin' her a Happy Extended Birthday.
 
Brynwood Needleworks - The Birthday Girl
 
 Our Best Girl is now SIX YEARS OLD!!!

Her day began with a bang. Mom let Bella and me outside to do our business, first thing, as usual. Except...there were two squirrels munchin' bird food in the kitchen garden. Boo smelled 'em, so she went around from the porch to the kitchen garden. 

Instead of jumpin' up onto the porch and runnin' away like they did on Sunday mornin', they ran out right in front of Bella! Not smart. Boo was right on their tails, chasin' after them through the deep snow. It looked like a cartoon. Everybody runnin', but no one had much traction. The first squirrel had a head start and got away pretty quick.

Bella almost caught the (slower) squirrel when they got to the retainin' wall, but she and the critter both jumped off the wall and kept runnin'. The two of 'em got to the big maple tree about the same time, but that squirrel made it there a half step faster, and zoomed up the tree before Bella could grab it. Mom was about havin' a stroke!

Black Dog was still pretty proud of herself, and she hung around the base of the tree for a little while. She didn't want to miss another pursuit, just in case that squirrel was foolish enough to come back down. 

Mom decided to take the squirrel food over to the maple tree (were their nest is), so we could avoid future incidents. I'm sure the squirrels will appreciated it, too. They won't have to run through that deep snow to eat.
 
Brynwood Needleworks - Bella

Our Birthday Girl spent the rest of the day lyin' around, havin' treats, and barkin' at the slightest sound...just in case. Mom gave her lots of affection, too. It's a pretty perfect kind of Birthday if you're a dog.

Dad's headin' back home this week. He should be here with The Kid by the weekend. We're actually all lookin' forward to it. We can't wait to see what she looks (and smells) like! Next week's post will definitely be about her, but this week, it's all about our Birthday Boo.
 
I'll see you again in seven. 'til then...
"Corgi On, Corgi Strong!"

February 22, 2021

And The Winners Are...

Brynwood Needleworks - Giveaway Gift #1
 
 I usually have the Random Number Generator Screenshots to share to "prove" winners, but there on my other computer. I ran the numbers Saturday night on my desktop, and I'm writing this post on my laptop. You'll have to take my word for it this time. So, without further delay, here are the winners...

Comment #10
SUNNY
 
Brynwood Needleworks - Giveaway Gift #2
 
 Comment #12
JUDI
 
Brynwood Needleworks - Giveaway Gift #3

 Comment #2
MA

Congratulations to the winners!
Please send an email to me with your name and address so I can send your prizes. 
(As promised, there'll be a little extra "something" with each prize.)

One More (Important) Thing
For Everyone Else Who Entered -

I'd like to send a little Valentine gift to each of the other entries as a thank you for leaving a comment and for following my blog. Please send an email to me with your name and address, putting "Giveaway" in the subject line. I'll send a gift to you in return.

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February 21, 2021

Sunday Scripture...

Brynwood Needleworks - Isaiah 46:4 via Compassionuk.org

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February 20, 2021

Aren't They Pretty?...

Brynwood Needleworks - Floral Pennies In Progress
 
I'm having so much fun stitching these floral pennies. They were part of a recent Primitive Gatherings Wool Box, and will be a continuing project for the next year (at least).
 
Brynwood Needleworks - Color Version Floral Pennies
 
The "official" project is in this light background, multi-color floral colorway. There is also the option to use the floral penny or to use small circles to create a floral design. I chose the floral (as you can well see).
 
Brynwood Needleworks - Neutral Version Floral Pennies
 
Lisa also showed us the neutral pennies that she was making, and they really appealed to me. So, I've pulled these wools from my own supply and will do these in tandem with the colored ones throughout the process. 
 
In the end, I'll have two complete sets to finish the projects. As yet, Lisa's kept that end result to herself. I'll look forward to seeing what she has up her sleeve.
 
Don't forget, tomorrow at 11 pm is the last day to enter my "Be My Valentine" giveaway!! The winners will be announced on Monday. Good luck, all!

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February 19, 2021

A Creative Day...

Brynwood Needleworks - Primitive Gatherings/Moda "Create" Case
 
I think I've shared this Moda case before, but I pulled it out yesterday for a reason. I decided to "fit out" the interior, so that when I use it, the contents don't rattle around inside. These cases (I have two) were created by Moda specifically for Primitive Gatherings, and feature one of Lisa's fabric lines.
 
Brynwood Needleworks - A New Interior
 
I added a fabric interior, sewing one of the fabric pouches I purchased from Michelle Palmer to the fabric before attaching it to cardboard for the lid. Of course, a squirrel is a perfect subject for a case in which I'll "squirrel" a project in progress. When I sewed the pouch to the fabric I used for the lid lining, I didn't sew  the top area behind the pouch, creating an extra pocket. I can use it to hold supplies, patterns, or other items. My Brynwood needle keep is magnetized, so it holds tight to the lid. I even added a tiny round tin to hold the Valdani threads I use on the pennies.
 
Brynwood Needleworks - Michelle Palmer Artwork Pockets
 
The sweet chipmunk pouch can hold more supplies, or in this case, some of the extra wool penny circle sets.
 
Brynwood Needleworks - Primitive Gatherings' Penny Flowers
 
So, a recent Wool Box came with the kit to make either circle flowers or these. I like the shape, so I'm going with these. The fabrics and colors are indicative of the color scheme for an ongoing project. By the time you read this, I will have finished the embroidery on all of them, so I'll show them to you tomorrow.
 
Brynwood Needleworks - Flower Pennies - Second Version

When we were at Lisa's yesterday, she showed me a second colorway she was creating. I have plenty of wools, so I decided to do the same. Maybe I'll work on these today. They work up pretty quickly! More pictures of these tomorrow.

Remember: The "Be My Valentine" giveaway ends at 11 pm Saturday night. Dont' forget to enter the drawing!

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February 18, 2021

A Sewcial Sisters Day...

Brynwood Needleworks - Seaside Garden Table Mat Detail

It was a beautiful day for a drive up the Fox River Valley to go to Lisa's yesterday. 2020 took its toll on many, and isolating was especially difficult for those of us who thrive on interactions with like-minded friends. There are still some who are staying away, so our Sewcial Sisters group was small, but we enjoyed our time together.
 
The only thing I had to do on the Seaside Garden table mat was the blanket stitch outside edge, so that's what I worked on. I had it finished in time for Show & Tell. 

The sweet, little chick pincushion is a vintage piece that belongs to Lisa. She loaned it to me, along with two others, that I might try to stitch my own, using this as an inspiration. It's really tiny, measuring approximately 2" wide by 2" tall. If you have a copy of her Quilter's Journal (like the one I'm offering in the "Be My Valentine" Giveaway), this wee chick pincushion is shown on one of the pages.
 
Brynwood Needleworks - Lori's Completed "Cottage Garden" quilt
 
Lori has been busy! Not only did she applique' and sew together all the blocks for the "Cottage Garden" quilt (which was part of the Holiday Wool Box), but she also hand quilted it!! I'm inspired to do this one. It's beautiful!
 
Brynwood Needleworks - Lori's Completed "Old Friends" Table Mat
 
She also completed the "Old Friends" table mat that was another kit from the Holiday Wool Box. We were all pleasantly surprised to see how large it is. (Yes. I have this kit, too.)
 
Brynwood Needleworks - Kay's Completed "Live A Simple Life" Quilt
 
Kay completed Lisa's design, "Live A Simple Life" quilt. (So far, all the above photographs are Lisa's designs (Primitive Gatherings) and this kit is available on her website. This is an all flannel and wool quilt, and it's really something to behold in person.
 
I'm sure the Holiday Wool Box kits will eventually be available to purchase, but they aren't yet. Lisa usually holds off a few months as the wool boxes are exclusive to the subscriptions for a period of time.
 
Brynwood Needleworks - Kathy D's Completed Christmas Quilt

Kathy D. made a wonderfully colorful Christmas quilt. Different designers contributed the block designs. I'm embarrassed that I can't remember the name of this quilt. Kathy's needlework, applique', piecing, and quilting skills are ribbon-worthy. (I'm sure when there are quilt shows again, I'll be sharing photographs of her with her ribbons!)
 
I came home late afternoon to two dogs who were anxious to get outside, and then get fed. It's always nice to feel needed. lol 
 
I think I'll spend today setting up a few more projects. I can stitch this evening as I listen to podcasts or videos. Doing the cutting and fusing now will give me lots of options to work on later.
 
We're on the downslope of this week already. I hope you have something fun planned for the rest of this week. I'm continuing to pray for my Texas friends. Our weather is slowly warming to a tolerable temperature. I hope the same happens for them.

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February 17, 2021

Let's Dance...

Brynwood Needleworks - 2021 Primitive Gatherings Designs

Needle dancing, that is.
 
I'll be stitching with the Sewcial Sisters in Menasha today. I set up some of Lisa Bongean's designs from a recent Wool Box to work on. Now I wish I were still subscribed for future boxes! I have so many projects to do from the last two years of Wool Boxes, I decided to give someone else my spot. (Lisa limits the box subscriptions, so she always has a waiting list.)
 
I'll just have to wait longer to get the rest of the designs. I love the colors she's chosen for this line. 

I've completed the stitching on the Seaside Garden table mat, too. I'll share that one with you tomorrow. It really turned out pretty.


Now, if you don't know about it, there's still time to enter my "Be My Valentine" giveaway. Entries close at 11 pm Saturday evening. You can go to my giveaway post HERE to enter. (US and Canada only, please. I love my overseas friends, but I know you'll understand that the postage costs have skyrocketed, making it ridiculously expensive to ship anything. I'm so sorry.)

It looks like our deep freeze may be on its way out. We're expecting warmer weather for the rest of this week. (Don't get too excited. I think we'll still be under 30º F., but that's a lot better than -10º!!!) 
 
I'm praying for my friends in Texas who are experiencing both frigid temps and a grid failure. At least we have reliable heat and lights. Some people have moved out to their vehicles and are running them 10-11 hours at a time in an effort to stay warm. Please keep them in your thoughts, too.
 
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February 16, 2021

Tuesdays With Tag - Again?...

Brynwood Needleworks - Taggart
 
Hi, Everybody!
 
It's been one of those weeks. Mom said I've been looking altogether too frowsy, so a few days ago, she took me aside and subjected me to some groomin' abuse. Jeepers. Once she gets goin' it's hard to make her stop.
 
Brynwood Needleworks - I'm Almost Bare!

She said it was too cold and snowy to do this outside, so she made me stand still for way too long and started pullin' out all my fur. You'd think she planned to make a whole new corgi judgin' from all the hair that's no longer stuck to me.
 
From the looks of all that fur on the floor, you'd think I'd be totally bald. I've got Mom wonderin' how come I'm sheddin' like this in the middle of winter (and especially since it's recently been so dang cold). Don't ask me. I don't know, and I really don't mind if I'm a little blurry. Plus, this way, I can leave little tufts all over the house - kinda like a callin' card.  

I'd like to think she's done with this for a while. I mean, seriously. Brush. Brush. Brush. "Stand still, Tag!" Brush some more. An insultingly tiny treat afterward, and then the big, noisy fur sucker machine to get the fine fur up off the floor. Next thing you know, she'll be cuttin' off my toes again!
 
How's a guy supposed to get his beauty rest? Maybe she could give Boo some attention for a while? I double dog dare her! Bug someone else for a change!
 
I'll see you again in seven. 'til then...
"Corgi On, Corgi Strong!"

February 15, 2021

So Close...

Brynwood Needleworks - Seaside Garden - Detail

I nearly finished! All I have left is to embroider the fly stitch down the center of all the green stems, and then tidy up some of the other stitches.
 
Brynwood Needleworks - Seaside Garden by Primitive Gatherings
 
Once that's done, I'll attach the backing and stitch around the outside edge. Then, I can call this one complete.

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February 14, 2021

Sunday Scripture - Happy Valentine's Day...

1 Corinthians 13:13 Brynwood Needleworks via compassionuk.org

 Happy Valentine's Day!
 
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