It's Finished!...

Brynwood Needleworks - A Penny Gathering - My Center Block Version

 

Don't be shocked. I didn't do anything except relax and stitch yesterday. I took my time, and had a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon completing my center block for A Penny Gathering. 

 

This is my own version, having chosen different colors from the other blocks I assembled, and adding my own embroideries.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - A Penny Gathering - My Version Center Block - Full

Here's a "bird's eye view" of the entire block. I'll need to square up all the blocks, including this one, and then make all those half square triangle blocks. I'm not ready to sit at the sewing machine quite yet, but I'll cut the fabrics in the next few days to prepare for that day. I'm happy to have accomplished this much for now.

 

On another note: The subscription service that's sent my daily posts to you via email has been discontinued. If you're used to receiving my posts to your inbox every day, you'll want to sign up again either through the link below today's signature, or via the link in my sidebar. 

 

I'm not big on change, so I was a bit peeved when I realized that I'd have to figure out something different, but I think this new service will work as seamlessly as the previous one. At least, I hope it will. Apologies for the inconvenience, and thanks, always, for being one of my faithful readers.

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(Really) Slow Stitching...

Brynwood Needleworks - The Center Block

Normally, I'd have this block easily completed over a weekend. Normally. I'm going to blame my recuperation and the meds for my slooooowww stitching. I even found myself removing something I'd already completed. sigh I'll continue to work on it as I'm able. 

I'm glad Tag will be visiting with you tomorrow. I'll be back on Wednesday.

Contemplating Half Square Triangles...

Brynwood Needleworks - Here's What I'm Thinking

 

I'm probably overthinking these one inch half square triangles, but knowing I have to make about 240 of them has me weighing a few options. I'm thinking these are the colors I'm going to substitute for those called for in the pattern. 

 

One of the reasons is because I'm too cheap to purchase quarter yard cuts of each of the fabrics that were in the original line - if I can find them. The other reason is that you know I always like to personalize my work so it won't look exactly like all the other ones that were created from the same pattern.

Brynwood Needleworks - The Bigger Picture

If you look at the photo of the finished quilt, you can see that all the HSTs are bordering the larger center block, and again bordering the smaller blocks around the perimeter of the center. The only thing I have that includes all the fabrics in the line is the assortment of 2-1/2" little charms. No way they'd make up into the quantity I need. I have to decide whether or not I should bite the bullet and purchase yardage from the line, or change my game plan. I'm inclined to go with what I have.

With that in mind, I went into my fabric room and started "shopping" my own inventory. I pulled these fabrics. The top four fabrics on the stack (above) would be joined into the HSTs with the light fabric on the bottom of the pile. As you can see from the original pattern, each 1" block has one light half and one colored half. (Don't forget you can click on my post photos to enlarge them.) Mine would be half of that bottom fabric, with the other half being one of the other four. 

I think the effect is to end up with a more subtle, natural set of borders around the floral blocks. Can you imagine my vision? What do you think? Am I on the right track? I may choose one more fabric, as I need a total of ten strips of the darker fabrics to pair with ten strips of the solid, light fabric that's on the bottom. Maybe a brown, or even a gray? I'm actually getting excited about getting started on them. 

A Penny Gathering Center Block...

Brynwood Needleworks - A Penny Gathering - Center Block

I haven't worked on this small quilt for a while, so I thought I'd set up the center block. That way, it's ready to stitch when I am (likely, later this week).

 

After I complete the center block, my next step will be to create a number of half square triangle (HST) blocks (each measuring 1" square finished!). Those blocks will be a border all the way around the large center block. Then, The small floral blocks are sewn into position around the center motifs.

The embroidery won't take me all that long, and I'm really looking forward to making those mini HSTs. Yep. I'm really looking forward to doing that. Uh, huh.

There'll be more once that much is done, but I'll tell you about it when I get to it.The finished quilt only measures 27" square, so there's a lot of detail packed into a small project. I'll work on this one for a while. until I need another break, and go back to working on one of the other unfinished projects. I'm not sure having these multiple projects in progress is a good thing or a bad thing. What do you think?

A Penny Gathering Update...

Brynwood Needleworks - My Version - Primitive Gatherings "A Penny Gathering" Small Blocks

 

I thought you'd like to see my finished small blocks for the Primitive Gatherings quilt I've been working on. These are for "A Penny Gathering"...with all the wooly bits done correctly now. I haven't trimmed them down from 6" square to their final 5-1/2" square, but I'll do that soon.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - "A Penny Gathering" Layout

As you can see from the photo on the pattern, I'll be working on the 10-1/2" square block that will go in the center of this layout next. They don't show up very well, but after that I'll be creating a lot of 1/2" half square triangles for two small borders, and then the outside border with the vines.

I still have a little way to go, but I'm having lots of fun working on it! I'll be sure to share more photographs when I get to the next section.

Time For A Slight Detour...

Brynwood Needleworks - A Penny Gathering Blocks In Progress

I worked at my studio sewing table yesterday, all the while watching videos on my iPad as I stitched. I finished this block late last night, and now I've hit a snag. I have three more blocks to set up, but I don't have the fabrics I need for the required "look". I know. It's hard to believe, if you've seen photos of my fabric studio. I'm just waiting for word that the newest Wool Box is ready for pickup, and then I'll be making a road trip!

 

In the meantime, my turtle batik fabrics have arrived, so I'll be preparing the fabric(s) to turn into travel and hobo bags for current orders. I'm going to make two sets of the turtle bags. That way,  I'll have one of this popular set in stock and one for the current buyer. I also have a couple others to make in fabrics I have in stock. It will be fun to be making a few bags again. I've missed it. Updates soon!

 

When You've Made A Mistake...

Brynwood Needleworks - Right and Wrong

I was feeling pretty chuffed to have been moving along so quickly with my "A Penny Gathering" blocks. Then, I realized I'd made a mistake. The block on the right is the incorrect one. The block on the left is my new (correct) block. In the photo, I was still stitching on the appliques', but it's finished now, and looks the way it's supposed to.

See, I was in such a hurry to get to the stitching part, I only realized after I'd finished the block, that I'd cut my stems too thick - and actually spread out my design more than I should have. As a result, it looks much "clunkier" than the correct block. All fixed now.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - And Then I Found Two Three More

 

I continued working on more blocks all weekend, and thought I only had three left to do. I was wrong. After I pressed all these finished blocks, I photographed them, set them aside, and then went to work on the last three.

I realized one of them has thicker stems. ugh AND, when I was editing this photograph, I saw that the bottom right corner block is also wrong (x 2). Firstly, the circle stem is too thick, and 2) I didn't cross stitch across the stem, as I'd done with all the rest. (insert slightly naughty word here) I always see things in the pictures that I miss in real life.

Likewise for the block directly above it. Stems are too thick. There's one more (not photographed yet) that also hasn't been stitched yet. That makes four blocks, total, that (I think) need to be corrected. I'll go back to the original patterns and double check first, of course.

 

It just means this project is going to take a little longer for me to finish. I don't really mind. I've seen the finished quilt, and I know it will be worth the effort to have it done right, so that's what I'm going to do. I think I have what I need to make new blocks, but if not, the next Wool Box should be ready to pick up this week at Primitive Gatherings, and I'll purchase what I need when I go to get mine. Who doesn't love a little road trip? Especially when there's a little shopping when you reach your destination?

 

These "wrong" blocks won't be a total loss, either. I'll assemble them with other fabric and probably finish it as a small table mat. I think it will make someone happy, and my efforts will not have been wasted. 

I'll share more of the right blocks as I finish them. Tag will be back with you tomorrow. He'll tell you what's been going on with the four-legged residents this past week. You won't want to miss it.

 

It's The Weekend...

Brynwood Needleworks - Weekend Wishes

I hope you have a great weekend with loved ones. Handsome and I will be home with the pups. I'll be stitching, and hope to have my "A Penny Gathering" blocks completed by Monday (except the larger center block and borders).  

Still Stitching...

Brynwood Needleworks - Two More Penny Gathering Blocks

I had my appointment yesterday morning, and came back home to stitch afterward. I finished one block, and nearly finished a second. (I admit. I was really spent after a strenuous PT session and fell asleep in my chair while I was stitching. Don't judge.)

 

I'll be playing with needle and thread again today. I'll finish this top block (dark stems and leaves to do yet), and then pull one or two more new blocks to work on. 

 

Isn't it wonderful to spend the day just playing? I think so.  Call me one blessed and lucky girl.

So, I Sat & Stitched...

Brynwood Needleworks - Stitching Pennies

I realized I needed to order fabric for one of my upcoming client projects, so I took care of that first. Then, I pulled out my prepared blocks for "A Penny Gathering", and started stitching. I actually stitched all day! It was a rainy/snowy/rainy day, so it was perfectly suited to staying in the studio. Pure bliss.

Therapy first thing this morning, and then I'll get right back to this when I get home. This project is moving right along!

 

Penny Gathering Blocks...

Brynwood Needleworks - First Blocks For My "Penny Gathering" Quilt

I stitched these three blocks on Thursday evening and Friday. Three down. Nine more to go - if you don't count the larger center block and the borders. 

 

Handsome and I are going to do a little yard work today, and then I'll get back to stitching on this set. Enjoy your weekend!

 

First Four Finished...

Brynwood Needleworks - PG "Dragonfly Dreams" Blocks 1-4  

These are the first four blocks of the latest Primitive Gatherings Wool Box project. This will have more blocks that will eventually become a quilt. 

 

They arrived in what was supposed to be my last subscription box, as I intended to let someone else have my spot. When I saw them and knew they were the first of more to come, I immediately jumped back into the program. I can't wait to see what the rest of the blocks look like, and I'm looking forward to stitching all of them.

For now, my stitching is up to date with these blocks, and I'll make it my plan to stitch future blocks as soon as they arrive, so I don't get behind on this project.

Brynwood Needleworks - 75 yard roll Heat n Bond Feather Lite Fusible

There's another thing I'd like to share today. I've been going through a lot of fusible bond with my wool projects, and up until now, I'd swear by a product called Soft Fuse™. I like that it is really lightweight, and it doesn't gum up my needles when I stitch through it.

When I was at Lisa Bongean's home for Sit & Stitch, she shared nice-sized pieces of this Heat n Bond Feather Lite™, and after trying it, I'm a convert. I went online and found that I could purchase it (at a reasonable price) from Walmart (online only), so I ordered it.

Brynwood Needleworks - Package Info Heat n Bond Feather Lite Fusible

The price couldn't have been better. At $104.58 a box (with free shipping) this averages out to $1.40/yard. If you use fusible for your applique' - especially wool applique' - you know you go through a lot of fusible. I snagged a box to sit on my cutting table, and I won't have to worry about running out for a while. I thought you might like to know about the savings, too.

I've started working on the 2018 "A Penny Gathering" blocks now. I'll show you how I'm coming after tomorrow. Tag can't wait to update you on Bella and Carly and how out pack is doing now that the puppy has returned. I'll see you Wednesday!