Voila!...

Brynwood Needleworks - Holz Fabric "Bella" Tote

And just like that, the commissioned Bella Tote is finished! I got a bee in my bonnet yesterday and decided to stick with it until it was finished. 

I made of cup of tea in my go cup (safest way to drink tea in the studio), made my way upstairs and started cutting fabric around noon. By 3:30, I was finished. They're never difficult to make. I just had to get my head in the mood to sew. Once I started, it was a breeze.

Brynwood Needleworks - "Bella" Tote Interior

 
One thing...I always sew up the turning seam by hand. I'd hoped to go right to a little needlework after I finished the tote, but discovered as I sewed that seam closed that the burned tip of my index finger doesn't hold a needle well right now. It feels like I have a leather button on it, which makes everything awkward. Plus it's a little sore, too.

Instead, I got out my castor oil/frankincense mixture, rubbed it into my fingertip with a little left over, and then covered it with a bandage. Castor oil has such wonderful healing properties (I use it on my sore knee all the time, and it offers great relief), that I'm hoping it will do its magic to help heal my finger faster. I sat down to read instead.

Today is the end of January already. Hard to believe, isn't it? I already know the theme for the next ATC exchange, so I'll probably work on those over the weekend. I did get another new book, and this one is going to really bowl you over! I'll share it with you tomorrow. Happy Friday!

Lazy Bones...

Handsome has been gone two days, and this is all I've managed to accomplish in the studio. I've pulled together all the fabrics and accessories I need to sew up the Bella tote. Yep. That's all. 

I really am going to get started today. I'll get everything cut out, and then my plan is to sew until it's done. I do have a hair appointment, but will work before and after that. Wish me luck!

Next Up...

Black cork and Tim Holz fabric will be the main fabrics for my next project...a recently commissioned Bella tote. My plan is to make this on Monday after I get home from taking Handsome to the airport.

This morning I'm driving to Portage for our monthly Craft Day, and I'm taking along a wool needle felting kit to work on. We were all asked to bring a project for needle felting, so mine is a small red fox. I'm not sure how far we'll get with it, but I can always finish it once I get home.

After our morning of crafting, we'll be celebrating Annabelle's Birthday with a tea party. Belle is Adrienne's daughter (generation four of my friendship with Linda's family). I'm not sure whether or not I should bring a tea party hat, so I'm going to take one along, just in case. I'm planning to wear a dress, too, which (in light of the current weather) I may come to regret. Fingers crossed that's not the case.

I'd love to stay longer and chat, but I don't want to be late. I hope you have a lovely Saturday and Sunday, and I'll be back on Monday with all sorts of news to share.

Di's Patriotic Bella Tote...

Di's Patriotic Bella Tote

You know how I dislike cutting out the pieces for new projects, right? I usually cut one day and sew the next. Yesterday was different. I cut and completed the tote for my sister in a few hours, and man, was I chuffed when it was finished.

So, here's the tote I made for her. She wanted it to be highly patriotic, so I combined navy and red cork, eagles and flags on the exterior pocket, and "America" and flags on the interior.

I sent photos to her when it was finished, and she whooped she was so tickled. She'll be in town today, but I'll likely see her in the morning when she comes out (with Grace!!!) to pick it up. She's excited to get her tote, and I'm equally excited to meet Grace (her new Corgi). I'll be sure to have Bella and Carly crated so no one bullies the puppy.

Yes. I'm still doing laundry. It's wonderful to have a second (and first) story clothes chute to the basement, but it can be a shock to see what's accumulated when you go into the basement. I'm going to keep after it until its all done and put away...and the basement it back to normal. 

I want to make curtains for the basement windows, too, so once the laundry is finished, I'll probably get after that project. I want something that will let the light in, but won't allow views into the basement from outside. I'll probably just choose a white cotton muslin. No frills. Just something practical and simple.

That won't happen until next week for sure. In the meantime, I'll work on my needlework in between loads of laundry. I work tonight, and then I'm off until Tuesday. I'm sure I'll accomplish something between now and then! 

Happy Weekend!

Getting Busy...

Now that the pantry is nearly finished (Jeff will be here soon to install hardware), it's time for me to again turn my attention to the upcoming show. I've already started some new projects, but this year I'm going to have a larger selection of wallets and bags. 

I have some unique prints planned for wallets, featuring a nice range of Kaffe Fassett wallets. I'll list the available ones in my shop after the show. Of course, I'll show them to you first, in the event you'd like to purchase one early.

I'm also going to create more keychains, little zipper pouch keychains, and zippered pouches. Then, I'll have a few Nocturne Overnighter Bags, Ensemble Bags, Bella Totes, and large Kirby Crossbody Bags. 

On the needlework side, I'll be offering embroidered pendants, pinkeeps, and project bags. If I have time I'll add some new items created from vintage quilts, too. I'll wait to tell you more about those in case I don't get to them for this event.

My friend, Cindy has graciously agreed to help in my booth again this year, and I'm looking forward to working with her. We always have a great time together.

So, if you live anywhere in the West Bend, WI area, mark your calendar. I'd love to see you on February 10th at the Washington County Fairgrounds Pavillion.

I'm working at my other job from 10-4 today, but I'll show you another project bag I'm working on. It also features a Michelle Palmer drawing front and center. I think you'll like this one! (Think Valentine's Day!) I have to get going. I'll see you again tomorrow.

Bellas For The Show...

 

Sorry for the crummy photograph, but I took this at 2 am when I finished all the exteriors for seven new BW Bella Totes. They're all cork combined with sewing-themed fabrics. 

I'll do the linings this morning, and then I'm finished sewing for this show. The rest of the day will be spent adding the inventory to my Square listings and cleaning up my display pieces. 

I have a class reunion committee meeting tonight, and I'll load up my Explorer tomorrow morning. Tomorrow is set-up day, and my friend, Cindy will help me today and again Saturday at the show. We're both really looking forward to it, and I'm mostly happy that I'm finished sewing for a while.

I'll share better photos of these bags tomorrow, and then I'll slide into the weekend. We'll have precipitation all day today, but as long as the forecast holds for tomorrow we'll be good for loading into the exhibit hall. 

I have a little more to do in the studio today, so I'd better take care of the critters and grab something for breakfast. See you tomorrow!

Busy Weekend...

Brynwood Needleworks - Wooly Critters Sampler Quilt Top

So tickled to be nearly ready for quilting on this top. My Wooly Critter Sampler quilt (Designed by Linda Hohag - Brandywine Designs) only needs a few small touches and it will be ready to head to the quilter.

I began this quilt in January 2014, although our Coffee Club at Sandy's Quilt Shop purchased our patterns in 2013. It's difficult to believe that this quilt has been six years in the making! I enjoyed every second of Linda's lovely designs, and would recommend this project to every quilter who loves applique'. This was my first wool applique' quilt, and I'm sure it's not going to be the last.

Brynwood Needleworks - Custom Order - Brynwood Union Jack Bella Tote

 

After spending most of Saturday in the garden (with the red neck to prove it!),  I had a custom Bella order to make. So, Sunday, I played in the studio and made this one. It's going to a new home today.

I'm going to see my Dad again today. Our visits these days are a blessing, and I look forward to them, even though it involves three hours of driving to get to his home and then back to the farmhouse. While I'm visiting with Dad, Tag will be preparing his blog post for tomorrow. Perhaps puppy updates? You'll have to come back to see.

My Girls Are Busy...

Brynwood Needleworks - Doxie Bella Tote

 

I would have completed this bag today, but I'm waiting to hear back from my client about a fabric preference for the back of her tote. She purchased one of my Bryn Clutch Wallets featuring the dachshund, and decided she wanted a tote to match. I've got two doxies featured on the front, and will finish this up as soon as I hear from her.

 

I'm also working on a Corgi tote and wallet set, and that will be my last commission for pre-Christmas. I'm running the machine embroideries on Destiny, while Jane does all the sewing. We're three busy bees.

 

 

Our new range arrived on Tuesday afternoon, and I'm just itching to get back in the kitchen, too! I'll be baking bread, and six dozen cookies for this year's Cookie Exchange that my niece hosts every year. This year, it's on Sunday, along with another open house about two hours away. I'll be on the road to make both events!

 

All this to say, I'm going to keep my eyes on my goals for this week. I have lots to do, and it all has deadlines. Photos to follow... 

 

Bella "Nature Girl" Totes...

Brynwood Bella Tote - "Nature Girl"- Feathers

 

I spent the day sewing yesterday. I cut and prepared fabrics to complete four totes. The cutting always takes longer for me that I expect. I wanted to complete at least one tote to show you, so I took this photo last night after I got it done. I'll be carrying this one myself. I love this feather fabric! There will be another to go into my shop tomorrow.

Brynwood Bella Tote - "Nature Girl"- Feathers - Back View

 

The front is the beautiful feather fabric, and the back is soft and supple natural cork fabric. Excluding the cotton feather-print fabric (stabilized to equal the weight of the cork fabric) and the lining, all of the bag is in cork.

 

Brynwood Bella Tote - "Nature Girl"- Feathers - Inside View

 

The interior of the tote is a butterscotch-colored dot fabric, which has also been "beefed up" with more stabilizer. There are two pockets inside, and one on the feather fabric on the front outside. I finished the bag with a zipper closure.

 

Brynwood Bella Tote - "Nature Girl"- Botanical Eggs

The other fabric I'm using is this botanical egg fabric. There will be two of these totes available. The interior is the same as the feather tote, and they also have a zipper closure.

I'll finish these bags today, and then take better photos to list them in my Etsy shop. I'm also working on my new online shop, so until that's complete, you'll still find my handmade items in the Etsy shop.

I'll close for now. I'm heading back to the studio just as soon as I finish my morning coffee. See you tomorrow.

 

Sewing Today...

Brynwood Needleworks - Nature Girl Fabrics For Bella Tote

 

I'm sewing today. I'm going to be making new Bella Totes for my "Nature Girl" line. I'm going to carry one with the feather fabrics, but will also make a second one in that look, as well as the beautiful bird eggs fabric, too. The dot fabric in the lower right corner will be the lining fabric.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Bella Tote

 

In case you've forgotten, this is the Bella Tote style. It will be primarily cork fabric, but the section shown in Orchid Floral cork in the image above will be the feather or egg fabric with a heavy stabilizer backing to equal the weight of the cork.

When finished, I'll add them to my shop (minus mine, of course). I'll share photos of them with you tomorrow. Off to have a date with Jane (my semi-industrial Babylock). Time to play!

It's Almost Show Time...

Brynwood "Bella" Tote

The show is tomorrow, and I'm nearly finished with preparations. I added a new tote to my lineup, and am calling it the "Bella" Tote. In case you haven't noticed, all my bags and totes are named for our female dogs (so far), past and present.

Brynwood "Bella" Tote Zipper Detail

Tag wanted me to call this the "Black Dog", but that's the name of a whole concession on the East coast, so I'm leaving that name alone. wink

This tote measures 15" tall by 19" wide by 5" deep. It has one exterior pocket and two interior pockets. There's a gusseted, zipper closure and is made from beautiful and durable cork fabric.

Someone is going to love this one, but after the show is behind me, I'll be making more (in different prints and colors) to add to my shop. You can treat yourself to your own Christmas gift!

Brynwood "Bella" Tote Pocket Detail

In the limited time I had leading up to today, I managed to complete 22 new "Event" bags, 29 "Grab & Go" clutches (wristlets), 9 "Kirby" crossbody bags, 2 "Bryn" crossbody wallets, and 1 "Bella" tote. Whew!

I would have liked to create more Bryn wallets, but to tell the truth...I'm tired, and I'm happy with my output. This is just my first show. I'm looking forward to more in the next year. I'll have more next time.

Brynwood "Bella" Interior Detail

 

I'll probably grab the key fobs I've had in stock for a while and take those along. If I have time today, I may make a few more of those. We'll see.

 

Wish me luck! I'll share photos of my booth and let you know how I do when I visit with you again on Monday. Fun times ahead!