Nantucket Table Runner Top...

Nantucket Table Runner Top

I completed the top for the table runner I'm making as a gift. There are two more blocks just like these that make up the entire top. Each block is 16" square, for a length of 64", which will be perfect for their large table.

I'll finish the putting it together today. I'm going to use black for the binding, but I'll decide what will be on the back side when I do the assembly.

I'm going to get it quilted today, too, so it will be ready to wrap and gift. I hope she likes it!

 

Table Runner Fabrics...

Nantucket Table Runner

I finally decided my direction for the birthday gift I'm making for our daughter-in-law. We traveled to Nantucket as a family years ago, and she was always taken with the island. She has whale decor all over their home, so as I hung out in my fabric room trying to choose fabrics, this whale fabric got my attention.

Once I pulled that fabric, the other fabrics fell in line as they were perfect coordinates. I also have a canvas in classic Nantucket Red, and I'm debating whether or not to make that the backing. I'm still mulling that over.

Cutting and sewing begins today, and I'll share photos tomorrow. I may make a second one for my shop, too  we shall see. 

I'll be adding more items to my shop this week, too. More fibers and books, and perhaps a kit or two. Be sure to check back the end of the week for new listings.

 

Corgi Earrings...

Hidden Glen Designs

In addition to the great weekend with friends, I came home on Saturday with these gorgeous Corgi earrings created by Judy's friend, Paula. 

She made many sets like these (and some cute Corgi butt ones) because she thought the FastCAT event was only for Corgis. As I it was an all-breed event, she didn't take them with her to sell. She gave these to me as a gift, and wouldn't let me pay for them. 

She doesn't have an Etsy site yet, but we did discuss it because she had questions about setting up a shop. She showed me all the different, wonderful styles she creates, but right now she only sells at local vendor events. If she eventually opens an Etsy shop, I'll be sure to share a link with you.

I think I'll be contacting her soon to see if she'll make some Labradors for me to wear when Handsome and I compete our girls this summer. I can only imagine how cute they'll be!

I've pulled fabrics for our DIL's birthday gift. I'll share those tomorrow.

 

Friendship and Fast Fur...

Goodness, we had fun last weekend! I met up with Judy, her husband, their friends Bruce and Paula, and dogs, Elvira and Thumper. 

Judy was gracious enough to take the time to explain the process, and then we watched Elvira earn her 43rd ribbon, while Thumper earned number 7.

After every event, Judy's tradition is to slip the pups into something cute; clip her Bluetooth speaker to her belt, and play each dog's "theme music" as they pick up their awards.

Watching them earn their awards was great fun, but watching them collect them was just adorable.  

We gathered and put our lunch plan together before heading to Judy's friends' home for our barbecue meal. I left for home a respectable time later.

After Judy's dogs compete for more points Sunday morning, they'll be leaving for Tennessee. We exchanged hugs and goodbyes, and I left.

Once I was back home, I told Handsome all about FastCAT competitions. He was intrigued. So after getting a It more information from Judy, we went back down Sunday morning with Bella and Carly. 

We couldn't take one and leave the other home, so we entered Bella in the non-official fun run.  Her time to run 100 yards chasing a lure was just over 10 seconds each time. She reached 19 (plus) miles per hour, having never done it before.

Pretty impressive for an 11 year old, right? When she wasn't running, she was still amped up at the prospect. That's our girl.

Carly was pretty impressive, too. Once she understood the assignment. She ran the 100 yards in 9.2 and 9.5 seconds, and she got up to 22 mph doing it! By the time each of the girls accomplished their two runs, we were all a muddy mess. 

You know what that means. The back of my Explorer was a muddy mess, to say nothing of the girls. Baths were in order when we got home, and thank goodness I thought to put towels down to avoid having my car looking the same.

Handsome and I discussed how this could be perfect for us and the dogs. We're not quite fit enough for agility or hunting anymore, but this was right up our alley - plus, both girls loved it! We're definitely going to enter more in other events areas of the state.

I have an appointment this afternoon, so I'm going to enjoy my cuppa and get busy. I also decided what I'm going to do for a table runner  more on that tomorrow.

 

Sunday Scripture...

 

1 John 2:2

FastCAT Day...

Elvira

Today's the day! I'm driving about an hour south to watch this sweet girl run her competition. Just look at the joy in her face! I'll be meeting up with my friend, Judy from Tennessee, along with her two Corgis, Elvira and Thumper.

Judy texted me when they arrived at their Wisconsin destination, and informed me that she brought Tennessee  barbecue with them for lunch tomorrow and her host extended an invitation to me. Authentic Tennessee barbecue?! You don't have to ask me twice. I'm in!

I don't have a photo to share of Thumper today, but I'll definitely snap a few pics to share on Monday...plus more of Elvira. It seems like forever since I've seen Judy, so I'm really looking forward to our reunion. I'll be sure to get people photos, too.

Gotta go. I don't want to be late for the races! Have a great weekend.

 

Table Runner Time...

One of our daughters-in-law celebrates a birthday next week. She uses table runners all the time on their main dining table, and I've gifted her seasonal runners in the past to adorn it. So, I think it's time to make a new one for her. I'm leaning toward one of these.

I'm also going to be seeing a dear friend, Judy (from Tennessee) this weekend, as she's going to be in Wisconsin for a competition event. Her corgis run in FASTCAT, which is a timed running event. Each dog individually chases a lure and is the only one on the course. I'm not sure of all the rules, but I think they get two chances to achieve their best time. I'll tell you more about it after the weekend, and there will be photos!

I'll be a spectator for her two dogs, plus get the added  bonus of visiting with her. When I'm home, I'll be sewing. I may do one of these patterns, or I may decide to do a pieced runner. Either way, I'll quilt it when it's done (by mid-week) and finish it in time for our DIL's birthday. I'll definitely share what I decide with you.

Enjoy your weekend, friends. I'm sure looking forward to mine!

 

April ATC Assignment...

 

I hadn't intended to participate in the Treasures ATC Swap For a while, but when I saw the theme for April, I couldn't resist. You probably have a pretty good idea what I have in mind.

I'll be working on them this week, as I get a chance. Another classmate passed Easter weekend, so I have another funeral to attend tomorrow. 

Today is a catch up day for me. I have a number of things on my To Do list...ship orders; laundry; and tidy up my studio (again). If you're looking for me, I'll be at home. See you tomorrow.

Available For Purchase...

 

All Brynwood Baby Baptism/Confirmation/Quinceañera Brooches are now available for purchase. Click THIS LINK to purchase. You can make individual selections via link. 

Oh, My Heart...

Completed Brooches

 

....and my ladybug, and my acorn! I'm so happy with how they all turned out. These are all magnetic, so pinning these brooches to a garment won't be necessary. 

Reverse of Brooches

Of course, all of these have a second magnet included, but I wanted you to see that each one has a Brynwood signature acorn, as well as my name and year created. 

I also shared a short video on Instagram, so click HERE to watch it and catch all the sparkle. I'll be creating an link today to purchase these directly from my blog because they're separate from my sale items. 

What's next, you ask? Your guess is as good as mine! See you tomorrow...

Easter Blessings..

 

Revelation 1:18

Adding The Bling...

 

Brynwood Ladybug WIP

All I have left to do is apply the red chipping so it's sparkly. Once that's done I can cut all my brooches free and create the brooches. I'll do that this weekend. Next week, you'll see finished brooches!

Happy Easter Weekend!

Good Friday...

Good Friday 2026

Reflecting on His sacrifice this Good Friday.  

Ladybug, Ladybug...

Earlier Ladybug Brooches

I actually didn't get much any needle dancing in yesterday. Handsome had a doctor's appointment for a wellness checkup, and I needed to get a few things for an Easter project, so we went out together. (One vehicle, remember?)

By the time we got home it was late afternoon, and I had orders to pack for tomorrow's mail.

So, I thought I'd remind you what the ladybug brooches look like. The one I'm making now will also have a magnetic back. I'm doing the same for the baptism brooches, specifically to avoid the pin backs on babies.

So, I'll plan to get some stitching in again today. After all, this ladybug isn't going to stitch itself!

 

No Fooling...

I've never celebrated April Fool's Day, and frankly, I'm too old to start now. I'm going to celebrate April and Spring instead...sprinkled with a little needle dancing. 

Happy April!  

 

Acorn Brooch...

I finished stitching my acorn brooch last night. You'll notice the drawing for the oak leaf is larger than what I made. I decided the first one was a bit overpowering, so I sized it down.

I got all my planned baking done, too. Bread, hamburger and hot dog buns, and a batch of molasses cookies. The cookie recipe was new, and I must have over baked them (even though I used the time called for in the recipe.) Handsome likes crisp cookies, but these are hard. I prefer chewy, so these definitely missed the mark.

I didn't taste the cooled results until after I'd sent some up to Shelly. I sent her a message apologizing, and she sent back a reply that made me laugh. She (graciously) said she considered them "dunkers". I promised to send up replacements when I go back to my old recipe.

Today's my work day, so I won't be stitching, but I am going to finish the ladybug this week. 

One more thing...I've decided to run my shop sale one more month. No April Foolishness here. No code needed. Everything in my shop will still be 40% off, plus I'll add more items soon. 

I'd better get ready for work. See you tomorrow!

It Was A Stitching Weekend...

Five Finished Hearts

I completed the stitching on the heart brooches this weekend. As soon as I complete the acorn and ladybug, I'll turn them all into brooches. (I'm repeating myself, aren't I? Sorry.)

Acorn Brooch WIP

I almost finished the acorn, but this one required a lot of careful placement of each stitch on the bottom of the acorn to form a proper brick stitch. 

I had my eye appointment Friday morning. It's been four years since my last checkup and I got great news. I was diagnosed with mild cataracts last time, and they've stayed the same since then. I have no other issues, except I need a slightly stronger prescription. So it's no surprise that - even with my magnifier light - my eyes got a little tired yesterday. Otherwise, I would have finished this one, too. 

Closeup of Brick Stitch on Acorn

I'm planning to take my frames back to the clinic today to have them order and install my new prescription. Then, I'll be baking bread today. I'll stitch between rises. I'll definitely finish the acorn today. The ladybug will be last. Gotta run...

Happy Monday, friends. 

Sunday Scripture...

 

1 Samuel 1:19

Crystals Are Here...

 

My crystals arrived yesterday, so I'll finish this brooch today. It's going to be so sparkly! I wish I could capture how the light bounces around when it hits these crystals. 

I'm also going to work the ladybug and acorn over the weekend, and then I'll cut out and turn them all into brooches next week. It's going to be a fun weekend. 

Two More Baptism Brooches...

 

Brynwood Baptism (or Quinceañera) Brooches

I danced all day! (Needle dancing, that is.)  I loved the idea of a Quinceañera brooch, so I've created some that are extra sparkly to appeal to that potential customer.

I should have the crystals I ordered soon, so I can finish the last heart. I also drew a ladybug and acorn on this calico, so I'll do those over the weekend. 

I knew this week was going to whiz by, but gosh, has someone actually sped up time? Who can I complain to about this? Not that I am a complainer by nature, you understand. 

I have an eye appointment this morning, and a few hours of work tonight. What do you have planned this weekend?

Another Month, Another Gathering...

Front (l-r) Al, Bruce, John and Brad. Back: Mary, Donna, Deb B, Cal, Lisa and Dave

No married couples yesterday, but these old friends shared a lot of laughter over dinner. We were all saying what a blessing it is for all of us to be able to spend time together. 

We talked about classmates who'd passed in the last month, as well as a few that are pretty sick right now. It reminds us just how fortunate we all are to be in good health. 

There were discussions about upcoming vacations, as well as reports on recent destinations. A few of us homebodies listened intently, but then agreed "there's no place like home" for us. Even so, we can't Wait to hear about our friends once they're back home. We'll look forward to that next month. 

The next dinner date is set. We hugged and said our goodbyes, and all headed home. Until we see each other in April...

Too Comfy...

Work was fast-paced and fun yesterday. Handsome came to pick me up and we decided to have a light dinner there before  coming home  (No dinner dishes to wash. Yay!!)

My plan was to come home, change clothes, and have a hot cuppa before adding some new shapes to the fabric currently in my hoop. I got all the way to sitting down with a hot cuppa. It was just what I needed. Next thing I knew? You guessed it. I'd nodded off.

HSo rather than showing you what I didn't do, I'm sharing a photo of the inside of an interesting old tin I've had for ages. This is where I keep the containers filled with beads, goldwork fibers, and/or threads used in whatever is currently under my needle. Perhaps next time, I'll show you what my entire setup looks like when I'm working.

I have a hair appointment this morning, and a classmate dinner this afternoon, but I'll definitely find time in between to draw a few shapes onto my calico. 

The weather is supposed to be beautiful today, so I just may set up on the porch to get a little fresh air as I needle dance. I hope you have a great day!