Sunday Scripture...

Psalm 33:20

 

Working For The Weekend...

Brynwood Shop Listings

 

I've been biiiiizzzzzyyyy! I spent the past couple of days adding new listings to my Etsy shop, and have already shipped out a few items. You might want to check them out, and I'll be making more hickory syrup today. Monday, I'll be listing up more. (I have to wait for a packaging order to arrive first.) You can visit my shop by clicking the Etsy icon in my sidebar...or directly HERE.

Happy Weekend, friend!

Jeweltone Needlecase...

Brynwood Exclusive Needlecase - Jeweltone - SOLD

 I had a special request, which I created yesterday. It's already in the mail and on its way to a new home. I used a beautiful jeweltone print fabric exterior, gorgeous royal purple linen and overdyed wool interior, and finished with a sparkling lavender button.

If you really love this one, no worries. I have more of all the fabric and will happily make another just like this. I'm also going to add a number of other prints to my shop in the coming days. They'll be perfect for your sewing box, or as a sweet exchange gift for a needleworker or sewing friend. 

I sold every one of the 22 bottles of hickory syrup I made this week. I've decided that I'll be making more to have available in my booth at the Craft and Vendor show on November 21st. If you're local to me, it will be held at the Kewaskum High School, Kewaskum, Wisconsin. I'm also making a batch or two (12 bottles per batch) over the weekend. 

If you're interested in purchasing some of my woodsy, delicious Hickory Hill Farm hickory syrup, each twelve ounce bottle is $18, plus priority postage (because they weigh more than one pound to post). I only charge actual postage, and invoice through my Square account after I have the postage total. Just send an email (or FB private message) my way to reserve your bottle(s).

I'll be having a great time over the weekend, and I wish the same for you.

And, Then This...

The Farmhouse Smells Heavenly

All the hickory syrup I made Tuesday was sold by midday yesterday. It was all either shipped or picked up. Then, I made bread. Homemaking keeps me grounded, sane and happy. 

I'm working on my list for the craft show. It's going to include hickory syrup this year. I'm going to make more on Saturday, but then I also need to build my inventory of wallets, handbags, and totes for my booth. I'm also adding fanny packs (I've heard them called "bum bags", too. lol) and backpacks this year, too.

Today, I'm going to list up some of those fabrics and kits I promised last week. I'm not going to let another day go by without doing that. Right after my coffee.

This Happened Yesterday...

First Hickory Syrup Batch of 2021

 

When your BFF in Georgia asks for a dozen bottles of your homemade hickory syrup, you make time. When all was said and done (with Handsome's help), there were twenty bottles (plus a little extra for us). 

I let them cool overnight, so I can shrink-seal and label them today. I'll also vacuum wrap these for their trip to Georgia, and get them in the mail today. I let my Facebook friends know, and will be packaging up another four bottles to go to other states, too. The other four are available for sale as well.

Today is bread making day (Handsome informed me "we're out"), and I have a custom order to sew. So, if you're wondering why I haven't listed up my wool kits or fabric yet, now you know why. I need a carbon copy of me to accomplish everything on my list. 

Rather than lament my great good fortune to be blessed with endeavors that keep me more than a little occupied, I'm going to put my head down and keep chugging forward to the next task (or the last task I have yet to finish). I'll be making a list today...My October/November "To Do List". (Remember my craft show on November 21st?) Hold on to your hats. It's gonna get intense.

Tuesdays With Tag - Chilly Toes...

Good Boy, Taggart

Hi, Everybody!

Well, the weather is a-changin', and it's makin' my feet cold. Mom chopped my toes over the weekend. She even drew blood! It was awful! I even bled on one toe for a few seconds! She said she was sorry, gave me a cookie, and stopped the bleedin', but she's still surprised when I try to tell her I hate having my toes chopped. DUH! At least she didn't trim the fur on my feet. That would be like sendin' me outside without socks or shoes on. I'd be hoppin' around in the frosty grass.

On a good note, she did do somethin' nice for somebody...the cat! Mom didn't cut Claudette's toes. Nooooo. She just saves that for the dogs around here. She and Dad took us to pick up hay from a local farmer, and then Boo, The Kid and I ran around the yard while Mom cleaned up the Compass Barn and set up real warm places for Claudette (and maybe Leo) to stay safe this winter. We were all really impressed.

The Girls and I might be envious if we didn't get to eat and sleep in the house, but we happened to hear a little bit of conversation between Mom and Dad. She said somethin' about the cat comin' in when it's really, really cold this winter. Dad said he wondered when the subject was gonna come up. He didn't say "no", but he didn't say "yes". 

Mom said we'll wait to see how things go once the snow falls and it gets real cold. Claudette is happier outside, and Mom will make sure she's happy and fine if she stays in the barn. I sure hope so, 'cuz I'd be losin' sleep if she's in the house all the time! I think it would only take her a couple of days to establish herself as head of the house. UGH! Keep your paws crossed that we don't have to let her in for the winter. I don't even want to think about it!

I'll see you again in seven. 'til then..."Corgi On, Corgi Strong!" 

Offerings...

Primitivie Gatherings Wool Kits

Weather changes had my hands revolting last weekend. No needlework. No listing on the computer (or even my phone). No breadmaking. I spent most of the weekend taking ibuprofen and rubbing my hands. Basal joint arthritis stinks. Period. It hurts like the blazes one day (or three), and disappears for months with no recurrences. This was a flare weekend. This too shall pass.

In the meantime, I took a few photographs of wool kits I'll be offering for sale. These are Primitive Gatherings kits that I know I won't be stitching, so I'm not going to keep them in drawers when I can send them off to new homes.

Primitive Gatherings Wool Kits

These are only four of the kits I'll be offering. There are more. They're complete with all the wools (and patterns) needed to make the pieces shown on the patterns. I'm going to offer them here for my blog friends first. 

If you're interested in any of these, please send me an email (or leave a comment below). I'll have more photos for each kit that I can share, and I'll list prices, too. Now, one thing to know is that some of these kits came in my Wool Boxes, and aren't available for sale on PG's website yet. They were exclusive for Wool Box subscribers for at least a few months before they're made available to the general public.

Tag will be here tomorrow, but I'll share the rest of the kit information on Wednesday (along with prices, in case you're shy about contacting me without knowing the price ahead of time). After listing them here, I'll list them on my Brynwood Facebook page next. So, if you're really interested in one or more, please contact me asap. Remember, you can click on the images here to enlarge them for a closer look now. I'll be back Wednesday!

Sunday Scripture...

Psalm 136:1 via a Facebook friend

Mother Nature's Weathermen...

Wooly Bear Weather Predictions via Instagram

Have you seen any wooly bears yet? I've seen more than a few looking to settle in for the cold weather. It was in the 30s night before last, and in the 40s last night. 

Claudette's sleeping in the little insulated, fleece-lined fabric "igloo" I bought for her, and I've enveloped it in a little quilt, too. She's still sleeping on the front porch, but I'll be moving her into the Compass Barn before too long. I check on her every night before I go to bed, and she's all curled up, purring for me. I think it's her version of "Thanks, Mom!"

Anyway, I've seen two versions of wooly bears so far. Number Two and Number Three. That works for me, if we can expect a moderate or mild winter. So, I'm going to keep looking, and if I've got my phone handy, I'll take a few photos, too.

After all the snow we had last year, a mild or moderate winter would be nice...especially since Handsome is going to stay home from Florida this year. Fingers crossed, okay?

Catching My Breath...

Wild Prairie Fleabane From Our Yard

I was so busy yesterday. Haircut, grocery shopping, deliveries, home, and unload groceries...I was gone most of the day, so when I got home, I just wanted to put my feet up and enjoy a cuppa tea after I was finished. 

So, that's what I did. I brought dinner home with me (ready made), so Handsome made a cuppa for me, and we watched baseball. Our team isn't in the playoffs, but after watching baseball all season, I realized I love watching the game even if our team is out.

My day didn't go as planned. I'll get back to work today, and I'll make up for lost time. I got good rest last night, and I can tackle my tasks refreshed and with enthusiasm. It's just what I needed. Listings coming soon!

Studio Tasks...

Packaged and Posted

I spent an entire day in the fabric studio. I measured, cut, folded, packaged, labeled, and ledgered. Once the appointed fabrics were handled, I boxed, weighed, posted and sealed them for shipment. 

Today, I'll be taking the other fabrics I pulled off the shelves to photograph and list in my online shop. This is hard work. Not because it's labor-intensive, but because I see these fabrics again and remember what I love about them. So far, I'm resisting any temptation to put them back on the shelf. I remind myself that they really should go to homes where they'll be used, and not just loved and looked at by me.

I have a hair appointment mid-afternoon, but then I'll continue my task. I should have everything listed up by the weekend, but you'll be able to see them as they're listed, starting later today. Who knows, you might just find something you like!

This and That...

Moonrise

I got a lot accomplished yesterday. A little laundry, taking care of the pups (as Handsome is still having debilitating back issues), and even painted the door thresholds. 

The paint had nearly worn the thresholds down to bare wood, and they looked neglected. I couldn't have that, so I took the wire brush and sanding paper to them, got down on my hands and knees, and painted them. Claudette was very curious, and decided to "help" by lying down in front of my knees while I bent over with the brush. I couldn't have done it better without her. You'll have to take my word that it's a vast improvement, as I didn't take a single photograph.

I did, however, take this photograph two nights ago as the moon was coming up over the farmhouse. I thought the moon was beautiful shining through the trees.

Cheeky Boo

I'm so happy I thought to put a clean quilt over the chaise portion of our next sectional. The girls really want to lie all over the entire piece, but we decided they'd be relegated to this single area. There's a lot of "no" being uttered right now, because they don't understand why they can't get up wherever they want (as they did before). We'll do our best to hold the line. (I'm sure they'll do their best to wear us down.)

Tuesdays With Tag - You'd Be Impressed...

Livin' The Dolce Vida

 

 Hi, Everybody!

Are ya sick of cat stories yet? I sure hope not, 'cuz I've got a doozy for ya today!

Don't Let The Cute Face Fool Ya

Kitty Puss has sleepin' quarters on the front porch these days, so we all get to see quite a bit of each other. Mom feeds her there (as Leo is sometimes in the barn now), and Mom even goes out at night to say "g'night" to her. It's all very mushy and sickenin' if you ask me.

Stretch Pants

This is why Mom nicknamed her "Stretch Pants". She does this every. single. time. she sees Mom. Maybe it's some secret kitty kurse. Who knows? But, she also sits on the porch posts and meows when breakfast or dinner are late. Seems she's a demandin' diva, too.

She does like the affection she gets from Mom, though. I mean, who can blame her? Mom gives great snuggles. So, Claudette has found a way to say thanks that's a bit more demonstrative than merely purrin'.  It's AWESOME, too!

This cat has taken to bringin' dead mice to Mom. Well, not always whole mice. Sometimes it's just the head, or other parts. I told you it's awesome! Mom gets so grossed out that I can hardly stand it! She keeps tellin' the stoopid cat that it's really not necessary to show this kinda gratitude, but cats will be cats. Next day, there's another one!

In Claudette's defense, we're all thinkin' that these are mice that are already hangin' around the house, and are gettin' ready to move in for the winter. We can't have that! We've had winters where we had to listen to chewin' mice at night. Mom got some mouse repellent that works great (and is non-poisonous and safe around all the other critters), but the cat is our "Perimeter Defender".

I've been hangin' out with her more and more. She's kinda growin' on me, but she gets mondo brownie points for grossin' out Mom. It's a job I'll happily share! Thanks for bein' so entertainin', Kitty Puss. Major awesomeness in my book. Really. I'm sure even you'd be impressed!

I'll see you again in seven. 'til then..."Corgi On, Corgi Strong!" 

Gobsmacked...

The Sectional We Ordered

Last time I told you about our new sectional, we were expecting it to arrive in early November. Did I tell you that it's built by a Wisconsin company? Well, I got a text last Thursday asking whether or not we'd be home today.

That's right. I contacted the furniture store (Ashley's Furniture) and confirmed that we would be home, and they told me that the sectional will be delivered this afternoon! We were gobsmacked! The definite advantage of buying American - and Wisconsin-made! 

We'll be sitting pretty by this evening, but I won't share photographs until I make the curtains and they're hung. (I bought the rods on Friday.) Rods will be hung this week. Then I can measure how long the curtains will need to be and get them made. 

I thought I was excited about November 1st. I'm dancing like a happy little homemaker right now! Yippee!

Sunday Scripture...

Isaiah 43:2-3 via Elijahnotes.com

After The Storm...

After The Storm

  

We had rain most of the past week, and after the rain rolled through on Thursday, this was our view from our porch. Do you see the double rainbow? It was beautiful - and HUGE!  That's a hickory tree in our front yard (to the left of the image). 

While there are lots of hickory nuts on the tree, this year the leaves turned all blotchy, and the nuts have yet to drop. The trees on our south tree line have been dropping nuts for weeks. Andy picked up ten five-gallon buckets in one day. That means, I'll get lots of shells for syrup if I need them. (I'm planning to make syrup this weekend!)

Sunset After The Storm

As the sun went down behind the woods, the western sky was equally glorious. Days and nights are cooler. Trees are changing color, and daylight is getting shorter. Such is Autumn in Wisconsin. I love this time of year. It's my favorite season.

A Productive Thursday...

BW Embroidered Heart

I stitched into the wee hours yesterday morning, because I was so enjoying this process. I just kept threading my needles. This is a closeup to share the detail. 

The heart was machine-embroidered, but all of my embellishments were added by hand. I even added seed beads to this one, to simulate dew on the leaves.

Completed Embroidered Heart

After I completed the embroideries, I mounted the piece into a wooden embroidery frame. I backed it with a beautiful pink felt. I think my friend is going to like my treatment of the embroidered heart she mailed to me. I'm glad I found it so I could finish and return it to her, even being this late.

BW Bryn Retriever Wallet Using Black Cork

I also made another wallet for my BFF, Lee. I made the first wallet for her was when I was just dipping my toe into wallet/bag making. It was long enough ago to have been "B.C." (Before Cork). I learned a lot since making that first one. Even so, she's still using it and I have to admit, I was surprised at how good hers still looked.

Completed Bryn "Retriever" Wallet

 

By the time I turned off the lights last night, I'd completed everything except the final pressing and thread trimming. She and her husband raise and train retrievers. Their first Golden was one from our Sammy's litter. They continued her bloodline, and her ancestors are now hunting all these years after our sweet girl passed. They also raise and train Labrador retrievers, but her dogs are usually Goldens.

Interior of Brynwood Bryn "Retriever" Wallet

 

I like using lighter lining to make it easy to see the contents. I used cotton, along with cork fabric for the interior.

I'm having lunch with my BFF on Sunday, so I'll have this wallet wrapped up and ready to gift to her. I can't wait to see her face!

Hearts and Flowers...

Colors for Heart and Flower Embroidery

 

This is a long-overdue project that I'm now finishing. While we were still in Florida, the embroidered heart was sent to me and I was asked to embellish it in some way...my choice. Well, I'm ashamed to say that I promptly misplaced it...until yesterday.

I'm going to complete it now, maybe better than I could have finished it before. You know I'm going to embroider a flower into the design. I'll add a few other embellishments while I'm at it, and I'll share it with you tomorrow.

Button Bouquets...

Button Bouquets - The Original and My Version

I managed to get a little playing in two nights ago. I couldn't wait to share this sweet project with you!

 

Inspirations Magazine - Issue 111

I recently received the latest issue of Inspirations Magazine. (I have a subscription, I love this periodical so much!) I adore the cover project (the little macaron coin purses, but the kits to make them are a little lot expensive. Even so, there are plenty of projects between the covers, and the Button Bouquets are just one of them.

 

Inspirations Article and Instructions For Button Bouquet Projects

I didn't have the larger rings on hand, but I did have some that are just a bit smaller. They'd have to do, because I wasn't going back out to get larger ones. I even love the projects they share for utilizing the Button Bouquets once you've created them.

 

My Version

 

So, I sat down and chose my materials to make one of my own. I have another idea how I'll use mine, but that's for another time. I don't think it's bad for a first effort. I'm already looking forward to choosing new colors to make more. (I'll get larger rings soon enough.)