Cheerio, Chums!

Brynwood Needleworks - Retreat Bag and Mug Mat

I finished two more projects yesterday. These are going to a new home, and because the recipient may see this post, I needed to smudge the image a bit.

 

After I know they've been received, I'll share more photographs, without the filters on the images. I'm very happy with the way they turned out, and I'm quite sure they'll be liked and appreciated where they land. 

Kicking It Up With The Double Points...

Brynwood Needleworks - Sherre's Socks, knit through the heel turn

I love those completely lazy days when there are no demands for one's time except by choice. When there's time to put up your feet, take a deep breath and just decompress.

Sometimes, I fill that time with a good book (I got a few new ones this Christmas!), hanging out by the pool with Tag and Bella, sewing on just about anything, or getting busy with my double point needles. Yesterday, I chose the needles.

Brynwood Needleworks - Sherre's Socks

I'm moving along at a pretty good clip on this pair. as I'm nearly finished with the first one. (I just have to finish the toe on this one.) These will go to my sister-in-love when they're finished. I'm sure they'll keep her feet toasty warm on those chilly days or nights in Wyoming.

I'll be working on them exclusively, until I get them both done! Now, where did I put that egg nog?

Merry Christmas!!

Brynwood Needleworks - Liljegrens Christmas 2015

  It's time for our annual Christmas photograph. This year, our beautiful Bella joined our family.  

Direct link: https://youtu.be/YI-E2FYXxq8

 

I'm adding a video I put together from one of the Christmas medleys Handsome helped perform with the Suncoast Concert Band in Sarasota on Sunday, December, 20, 2015. I hope you'll enjoy listening to it as much as I did that day.

 

Merry Christmas from our family to yours.

 

Gifties For The Girls...

Brynwood Needleworks - Triangle Pouch (Bubble Bag)

Each year, the ladies who meet at Paneras make handmade gifts to exchange. Sometimes it's a favorite recipe (Kathy's Greek cookies or Ann's pumkin, apple or lemon poppyseed breads); a crocheted gift (Krisann's crocheted s'mores!), or even Christmas ornaments.

Brynwood Needleworks - Triangle Pouch (Bubble Bag)

This year, I pulled some of my knitting sheep fabric (for the exterior) and coordinating fabric for the inside, and then I grabbed an assortment of zippers.

Brynwood Needleworks - Triangle Pouch (Bubble Bag)

I asked for suggestion from my friends in my Brynwood Facebook group, and settled on Tammy's idea of Bubble Bags (these cute triangle pouches).

Brynwood Needleworks - Triangle Pouch (Bubble Bag)

Each one started with two 6 1/2" squares (one for the exterior and one for the lining), a zipper and a Brynwood label.

Brynwood Needleworks - Triangle Pouch (Bubble Bag)

Fifteen minutes later, I had a completed pouch! By the end of the afternoon Monday, I had sixteen ready to take with me to Paneras last night. (They were a big hit!)

Brynwood Needleworks - Triangle Pouches (Bubble Bags)

One can never have enough little pouches for keeping knitting, sewing, crochet or craft tools...or little accessories or any sort.

In fact, these were so simple to make that I think I'll make more in the next month to donate to our quilt show boutique in February. They're a little like potato chips. It's hard to stop at just one!

Dressed For The Holidays...

Brynwood Needleworks - Christmas Decorations 2015

Handsome and I decorated our home on Saturday. There are twinkling lights, sparkling tulle and vintage touches all around us.

The small music box on the left (red), features a skating Santa and Mrs. Santa who spin to the music and occasionally kiss. It belonged to Handsome's parents and is probably from the 1960s. Santa and the reindeer are newer, but Santa has been with us at least fifteen years.

Brynwood Needleworks - Christmas Decorations 2015

This is the end wall in our living room. We decided to use our fiber optic tree again this year. Freshly cut trees have been on the lots for at least a month now, and we didn't want to bring one in just to have it shed all over the floor in a few days. We'll do "real" tree next year.

Brynwood Needleworks - Christmas Decorations 2015

I'm quite fond of this little tree, though. We add garland, bows, sparkling snowflakes and a few other meaningful treasures.

Brynwood Needleworks - Christmas Decorations 2015

Tucked among the branches of this little tree are remembrances of dogs past...the last card we had with Kes and Fezzik, turned into an ornament; and the ornament that is a memorial to those beloved pets now across the Rainbow Bridge. They're always with us.

Brynwood Needleworks - Christmas Decorations 2015

There is the lighted, ceramic tree, painted and decorated by my fraternal grandmother and given to me, her eldest grandchild. It's one of my treasures.

Brynwood Needleworks - Christmas Decorations 2015

Two nutcracker stand sentinel on our makeshift mantle. One is actually a tower of containers that were previously filled with holiday treats. It was a gift from our old friend, David. The smaller nutcracker was tucked into a beautiful holiday floral arrangement I received one of the first years we lived here. More memory keepers.

Brynwood Needleworks - Christmas Decorations 2015

There are Christmas stockings for each of our family members - sons, daughters-in-love, grandchildren and each other. Some are hanging behind the tree.

The personal stockings that Handsome and I hang each year are from our childhood. Our stockings aren't in this picture. They're in the photo above, hanging on either side of the television.

I think I was about seven years old when I received mine - as a Christmas gift. It was made by the sister of my father's best friend. Geraldine placed each sequin and trim piece with love and care, and I treat it the same way...when it's stored eleven months of the year and when it's hung every Christmas.

Brynwood Needleworks - Christmas Decorations 2015

This is the first year I've displayed my music boxes in years. Each was a gift from my father over four Christmases. They all play a different holiday tune. I think I'll add to the collection from now on, and share them with our grandchildren when the time comes.

Brynwood Needleworks - Christmas Decorations 2015

This Santa mug and pitcher set is our oldest family Christmas piece. Our home isn't fully decorated until this set is on display. These are the "real" deal, not reproductions. They belonged to Handsome's parents and were used for egg nog or Tom & Jerrys each year. I'm sure we'll give at least one toast to his parents on Christmas Day from this set.

Brynwood Needleworks - Christmas Decorations 2015

This is our new tradition.

Last summer, I purchased the quilt that I dubbed the "Kingston Quilt" from a sweet lady named, Ann. She also offered this beautiful nativity set to me, and I was immediately taken with it. This set was in her family for years, and it was treated with tender, loving care all that time.

From this year forward, our family will be its caretakers. Someday, it will be passed to a member of our family who will love and treasure it. Isn't that really what the holidays are made of? Shared memories, shared traditions and the joy found in making new ones...The true meaning of Christmas that lives on in the hearts and minds of family.

We really are dressed for the holidays. 

I Finished By My Deadline...

Brynwood Needleworks - Arts Ambigram Retreat Bag

I did it!!

I met my deadline, and today I'll ship the gifts to Wisconsin.

Brynwood Needleworks - Arts Ambigram Retreat Bag

Do you know what an "ambigram" is? This retreat bag has an ambigram on the front. This way it reads "Arts", but...

Brynwood Needleworks - Arts Ambigram Retreat Bag

this way (upside-down) it reads "Craft". It's completely fitting for the recipient, and I'm very happy with the way it turned out.

Brynwood Needleworks - Grandson's Jammies

I finished Grandson's Grammie's Jammies, too. The pants are camo paw prints and the short-sleeved top is a soft, cotton jersey knit. I know he'll have soft, cuddly jammies to wear Christmas Eve from Grandpa and me.

We'll send along homemade treats for each of their family dogs, too, so no one will be left out. I'll get everything wrapped and boxed, and then take them over to the UPS Store.

Then, it's time to get our Christmas tree. I see tree trimming and decorating the house on our weekend agenda.

Swoon Scarf Neck Cardigan...

Brynwood Needleworks - Scarf Neck Cardigan

Another project on the Christmas List "Finished" pile!

This was made from the Swoon pattern "Scarf Neck Cardigan" (FREE at Swoon (Click HERE for the sewing patterns page and scroll to bottom.)

Brynwood Needleworks - Scarf Neck Cardigan Fabric

I used a luscious lycra/jersey knit blend purchased from Nancy's Notions a couple of years ago. I bought it to make t-shirts, but it was perfect for this project. It has a wonderful drape for a cardigan.

Brynwood Needleworks - Scarf Neck Cardigan French Seams

All the seams are finished as French seams so there are no exposed edges. All that was left to do was turn the ham and top stitch.

 

It's a beautiful, soft and comfortable fabric that's almost fleecy on the inside (but much less bulky). I think the recipient will be able to wear it any time of year, and it'll pair with anything from jeans to dress slacks, skirt or a perfect LBD (Little Black Dress). I can't wait to hear what she thinks of it.

Today is my "deadline" day. I have two projects left before I can wrap and package everything that needs to be there by Christmas. I have a few other projects to make to ship, but it's not necessary that they be there by Christmas Day. I can finish those and ship next week to arrive later.

Grandson's jammies and one other gift are what I need to finish today. Gotta run. I'll be in The Workshop!

Gentleman's Shaving Kit...

Brynwood Needleworks - Gentleman's Shaving Kit

I've completed another Christmas gift shaving kit.

Brynwood Needleworks - Gentleman's Shaving Kit

"A Gentleman is Well Prepared. 

A Gentleman is Well Mannered. 

A Gentleman is Well groomed."

Brynwood Needleworks - Gentleman's Shaving Kit

I hope the recipient loves it.

I Could Start A Zoo...

Brynwood Needleworks - Retreat Bag - Bear

 I completed three projects from my list over the weekend.

Brynwood Needleworks - Retreat Bag - Bear

I machine embroidered (well, actually, Destiny did) this design onto black vinyl before sewing together a Retreat Bag. (It's like a shaving kit for men, or a makeup kit/project bag for women.)

Notice my brand new, custom zipper pulls? Wooden oak leaves, with my Brynwood logo name on them, couldn't be more perfect for me. They arrived in time to use them first on my gifts before I use them on pieces for my Etsy shop.

Brynwood Needleworks - Retreat Bag - Interior

 The interior is quilting cotton in a great outdoor pattern from Riley Blake.

Brynwood Needleworks - Retreat Bag - Back

 I embroidered my logo on the back, too.

Brynwood Needleworks - Grammie's Jammies - Be A Sloth

I completed two pairs of Grammie's Jammies. I'm calling these "Be A Sloth", and they're especially made for a certain someone who is currently "sloth crazy". I wish I could be there when she opens these Christmas Eve so I could see her reaction!

Brynwood Needleworks - Grammie's Jammies - Be A Sloth

This is the set, made to her measurements.

Brynwood Needleworks - Grammie's Jammies - Hedwig

This is the fabric for the second pair I made over the weekend.

Brynwood Needleworks - Grammie's Jammies - Hedwig

Can you guess what the theme is for the gifts she will receive from us this year? I loved working on this idea.

 

One more pair of jammies to make today, and I'll be finished with those for this Christmas Eve. I'm making great headway on my list. I had hoped to get the topstitching tutorial done for today, but that will have to wait until later in the week. I need to get the rest of the projects checked off my list first.

Tag will be here tomorrow. Goodness knows what's on his mind these days! I'll be back on Wednesday. If you're looking for me, I'll be sewing.

Tuesdays With Tag - Decoratin' Bella...

Brynwood Needleworks - Taggart

Hi, Everybody!

You've been readin' about how Mom and Dad are gonna decorate this year.

Brynwood Needleworks - Web Image - Labrador Christmas

I was on Mom's FaceBark page yesterday and I had an idea. I remembered that I
have a collar just like the ones these guys are wearin', so I ran into the entry cabinet
and dug it out. (psssst. Does that dog at the head of the table remind you of anybody?)

I got a brilliant idea!! I decided to do a little decoratin' of my own, too!

Brynwood Needleworks - Christmas Bella and Tag

This year, I'm decoratin' The Black Dog! hee hee

Cool thing about puppies...they're easy to prank!

Brynwood Needleworks - Christmas Bella

Hey! Wait a minute.

You aren't supposed to look this good, Bella Butt!

Brynwood Needleworks - Christmas Bella

Stop that!

You're lookin' too darn cute!

Brynwood Needleworks - Christmas Bella

This didn't go at all as I planned.

I was hopin' that she'd look as silly in this as I did last year.

Can you say "epic fail"? sigh

I can see I'm gonna have to work a little harder at this.

Gimme a week. I'll see what I can come up with.

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

"Chase A Dream - Or A Squirrel".