Current WIP...

This is my current Work In Progress (WIP). I'm making a Birthday cushion for a special little two year old - my great-nephew. His party is on Sunday, and I only just learned that he's a huge Mickey Mouse fan. 

Knowing that, and owing him a cushion for his bedroom (as I did for his two sisters), this will be the perfect design for this sweet boy.

I'll be sure to share photos of him opening his gift - and if possible, catching his mama's expression, too. She really appreciates and treasures the handcrafted gifts her husband's aunty makes for their family. 

I'll get this finished by early afternoon (first I'll press the embroidery - thank you, Destiny - and add a stabilizer to the back of it), and then I have another Birthday party to attend this evening for a dear classmate. It's going to be a busy couple of days, so I'm really glad to be 100% again! I'll share party photos on Monday. Off to the studio now...

Well, That's More Like It!...

Feeling Better, Thanks!

The first thing I did yesterday morning was call my machine tech and ask if he had any insight into why my Jane might be giving me grief (without having to drive an hour away for him to look at her). After running through a short list - and me offering to text a few photos of the offending section of her undercarriage - he asked me if I had more than one bobbin for this machine. When I told him I did, he suggested I rethread the machine, insert a different bobbin, and see if that took care of the issue.

Guess what? It did! I admit, it never occurred to me that the bobbin might be the issue. With that being said, we were back off to the races. All the Nocturnes were finished by mid-afternoon. I spent the rest of the day cleaning up the studio and working on my list (which I admit has been shortened).

I'm so glad I had Kenny to help out in the meantime. It's amazing how a person can get so used to small amenities...like a knee lift and "reverse" bar on a machine. I kept trying to lift Kenny's presser foot with a non-existent knee lift. I giggled every time. Even so, if it weren't for Kenny, I would have lost a lot of time and sewing would have come to a halt.

I'll be making Kirby Crossbody and a few Ensemble Bags today. We'll see how much I'm able to accomplish. I need to get creative, as I'm running short on a few hardware pieces I use. What next?!

I think those who've suggested I need a spa day when this is all done might be right. I can tell you I'm sleeping like a log at night. I'm out nearly as soon as my head hits the pillow. 

Sooooo, coffee first. Studio for the rest of the day. It's a good thing I have a comfy sewing chair! Photos tomorrow. Have a great day!

Ready For The Next Project...

Brynwood Needleworks - Sewing Studio

My studio has looked like it had been hit by a tornado the past few weeks. It was barely tidy enough to find what I needed. Fabric, threads and scraps were flying everywhere. Stacks of partial yardage, bolts to be cut, and strips for straps.

Over the weekend, I really needed to clean things up. I got after the project, picking up; putting away; vacuuming; and moving machines around.

I've been using Jane in a SewEzi table, which is wonderful, but it really vibrates when Jane is working at full throttle. I did a little research, and found a source to purchase the plexiglas insert, customized for Jane, to fit in my original Horn Quilter's Dream cabinet.

I placed an order on Saturday, and then moved Jane into the cabinet, waiting for it to arrive. Until it does, I've attached the portable extension table to it, so I have a larger work surface. The nice thing about my Quilter's Dream is that it has an extension leaf that lifts up on the back side to double my work area. Perfect for quilting, and projects like the recent mask making.

Unfortunately, the opening for the machine isn't large enough for Destiny, otherwise she'd be installed there rather than on the table on the wall. Maybe someday I'll purchase the updated version of the Quilter's Dream. It has an opening large enough to accommodate Destiny, and has a motorized lift which is more heavy duty than the manual one on my current cabinet.
 

Brynwood Needleworks - Sewing Studio

 

The framed pieces were recently returned to me by my dad. I brought them home after seeing him on Friday. He's cleaning out some of his stuff and wanted to give things back to those who had gifted them. I'll be hanging my pieces in the farmhouse once I decide where we want them to be.

 

I have two projects hanging on the (attic) door. Parts of Wooly Critters, and the unstitched blocks that I set up for Primitive Gatherings' Twilight Garden quilt from last year. I'm determined to get back to working on them soon.

 

For now, I'm going to enjoy my tidy space. It never stays this way for long - and yes, there are things that are slated to move out and on to my shop or donation. One good thing about being told to stay home is that I can tackle tasks like this and really make some headway. Of course, if the weather is nice, I may spend some time outside, too. 

 

Tag will be back tomorrow. He's fairly jumping out of his fur to talk with you this week, but I promised I wouldn't give any hints. You'll have to hear it straight from the Corgi's mouth. I'll be back on Wednesday!

Well, That Was Fun!...

Brynwood Needleworks - My Trusty Jane

 

I hope you were on Facebook to see my live video yesterday. Although I do it in my head, I'm not going to criticize my first live video. (Aren't we always our own worst critics?) I really had a great time doing it, and was glad to hear that it helped streamline the process for other mask makers. 

The video is saved in the group files, so you can watch it anytime. If you end up making masks, or if you just want to see me and hear my voice heehee, you can go watch it any time. It was fun for Handsome, too, so we'll likely do more in the future.

I began the day with 53 masks done, and ended the day with 76 (total) done - and fifty more ready to assemble. After I did my video, I sewed up 20 more (total 23 for the day), and then did all the prep work for assembly on another 50, so all I have to do is fold and add straps. I should get those all finished today.

I'm out early today. Tag has a dental appointment, so I needed to have him to the vet by 7:45. I'll work while I wait for them to tell me I can go back to pick him up. Anesthesia is always a big deal for any pet, but remember, my boy just turned nine. Prayers and good thoughts appreciated.

I've added Katie's poster as a button on my sidebar, so I can keep a running tally of the finished masks. Coffee and more quality time with (Babylock) Jane. I'll update you about Tag in tomorrow's post. 

Stay Safe and Healthy!

Walking AND Chewing Gum...

Brynwood Needleworks - Bread Day

 

I got sidetracked yesterday when Handsome told me we were out of bread. That doesn't send me to the grocery store. It sends me to our kitchen. It was snowing like mad when we got up, so I wouldn't have left the house anyway.

I alternated my kitchen time with studio time, running back upstairs while my dough was proofing. By the end of the day, not only was our kitchen smelling of fresh-out-of-the-oven bread, but I'd also completed machine embroideries for a special project I'll need this weekend.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Embroideries and Fabric

 

Destiny and I ran the embroideries, chose the fabric, and would have completed this project if I'd had one more element that I was missing here in the studio. I'll be running out this morning to get that, and you won't see this again until after it's gifted on Sunday.

 

I'm making this is for the newest member of our family. She is my great great niece. This doesn't make me feel old, as her dad isn't yet 20, and her grandma is only 34. My sister is her great great grandma at 54.  This baby is being Christened on Sunday, so I'll be there to celebrate with her/my family. First, I need to finish this project!

In The Near Future...

Brynwood Needleworks - Shop Hop Custom Insignia

 

If you're a fan, you know what this is. This one is a special request, and this badge will be machine embroidered onto a black cork Shop Hop Crossbody bag. I'm making a second custom in another fabric at the same time. First up though, I've got two crossbody packs. 

 

My day will be divided in half today, because we're taking Bella to a specialist. They're going to do x-rays so they can have a good look at her leg and foot to see if she's ready to shed her splint. We're praying that she can ditch the hardware, and also not need surgery of any kind. That's best case scenario.

If she needs a further procedure, they can get her in as early as tomorrow. I'll update her condition tomorrow. If you're so inclined, your best wishes would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much.

New In The Studio...

Brynwood Needleworks - Marketplace Work Table

When we moved to the farm, I said I was going to avoid buying brand new furniture at all cost. I no longer want, nor do I need brand new furniture. We use what we have, or I find great deals to repurpose. This is one such deal.

Yes. I was foraging around on Facebook Marketplace again. Don't judge. There are so many cool things there, and never at "brand new" prices. Anyway, I found this heavy duty commercial work table for a sweet price, so I contacted the seller. I asked a few questions, and made arrangements to go to see it.

It measures 48" long by 24" wide by 26 1/2" high, with the shelf below. I was told it came out of a hospital during a remodel. It's heavy and strong, with a solid wood top and metal undercarriage. I bought it on the spot.

While I was standing in her garage, I noticed there was also a pristine pattern file cabinet next to the table. I asked if it was for sale and if so, how much? She said it was, and I could make an offer. I did, we agreed, and it also came home with me. The coolest part was that my Explorer was about 2" too short to fit everything inside, so the seller offered to deliver part of it for me.

She and I loaded everything into our two vehicles, she followed me home and everything was here the same day. On top of that, she's also a seamstress, so I now have a new friend with a shared interest!

Brynwood Needleworks - Destiny Sewing Table

 

Handsome and I managed to carry the table up to the studio yesterday, and I have it all installed in my sewing room now. I have my bobbins, adhesives (for making handbags and wallets), and order binder on the shelf, and Destiny is perfectly installed on top. The table is long enough for me to use the embroidery attachment, too.

The pattern file is too heavy for Handsome and me to get upstairs, so we'll wait for my nephew's strong muscles to help one of us get it up there. I've made a spot for it in my fabric studio, and it's going to hold all my woolens for applique' work. I'll show that to you once it's upstairs and in place.

I've got the itch to stitch (sew) now, but today is a bread baking day. I'm planning to play in the studio on Sunday as I move into a productive July. Can you believe it's right around the corner? Enjoy your weekend. I'll tell you all about mine on Monday!

Drumroll, Please...

Babylock "Ovation" Serger In My Studio

The box has been in my studio since Thursday, but I was away for an overnight on Friday and Saturday, so she waited patiently in her box. I got home Saturday evening, and was so tired, she still had to cool her heels. Sunday was the big day, though, and I finally made her comfy in the studio.

Babylock "Ovation", Right At Home

 

Welcome to the farm! I'm still working on a name, but the adoption is final and this gorgeous piece of human ingenuity will be a farm girl from now on.

I regretted selling my Evolution as soon as she went out the door of our Florida house, so when I saw the Ovation on sale at Nancy's Notions, Renee K. (in sales) and I had to talk. She gave me a fabulous deal, and when all was said and the deal was done, this larger, more feature-filled machine actually cost me less than the smaller Evolution!

Now, all I have to do it sit down with the owner's manual, watch a few YouTube videos for this machine, and perhaps take a serger class back at the shop! I'll be making Grammies Jammies in style this year!

How did you spend your weekend? The weather started out cloudy on Saturday, but by late morning, the sun was shining, there was a beautiful breeze, and the temperature was perfect. Too perfect. I didn't even think about the fact that I should have worn sunscreen. Man, did I get sunburned.

I like to say that I tan pretty easily. I attribute it to my "swarthy roots" (Pirate joke for another time). If I do get a mild sunburn, I'm usually browned out by the next day. This was a bit more than a mild sunburn, but thankfully, it's limited to the back of my neck (surely, where the term "redneck" originated), my face and across the front where my u-neck shirt couldn't protect me. Day Two and it's still red and little sore. I could kick myself for being careless. I put aloe on it right away, and we'll see if Day Three brings some relief. I'm sure concentrating on learning something new from this machine will help take my mind off it. 

Lots to do this week...beginning with canning pears. Then, I'll be setting up that list I talked about with you. I'll give you more information on that after Tag checks in with you this week. Happy Monday, all y'all! I'm off to the kitchen.

My Day - Backwards...

Hickory Hill Farmhouse Hickory Syrup

Yesterday was a busy day. Bottles of fresh hickory syrup is how it ended, actually. Right before bed, I took the newly-processed bottles out of the canner and set them out to cool. I'm taking them to my oldest (longest) best friend, Cyd today.

She's here from Georgia to help move her mom out of her apartment. Mom's moving in with her and her husband in Georgia. I'll be spending the next two days with her to help her with the hard stuff...emptying and purging her mother's possessions.

Cyd makes a granola recipe that she and her two sisters developed. (I've known them since they were little, too.) They call it "Three Sisters Granola". Last time Cyd was here, I gave her a bottle of my hickory syrup, which she used in her recipe. She said it's better than the maple syrup she's used in the past, and they may need to change the recipe to "Four Sisters Granola"! hee hee Anyway, she needs more syrup, so I'm happy to oblige.

Moving Into The Studio

 

Handsome had to travel about an hour away to pick up some electronics he had out for repair, so I rode with him. When he was finished, we drove sixty miles south of there to Nancy's Notions in Beaver Dam to pick up this...

 

I have a new "baby"lock moving into the studio. This is the Ovation serger. Babylock discontinued this model, but the replacement is just like it, except that the new one has an auto needle threader and name. Otherwise, they're pretty much the same, and Nancy's was having a fabulous sale on this one!

 

Score one for me! I traded in my little Imagine Wave serger (also Babylock) which brought the price down even more. When all was said and done, it cost me less than I paid for the Evolution (Evvie) that I sold a couple of years ago (and regretted ever since). Now I have a larger, newer, better model than she was (sorry, Evvie), and I can't wait to play with her.

 

Playtime will have to wait until I get back from Cyd's mom's, so I likely won't open the box until late Saturday, or Sunday. Once I get her set up, I'll share photos, but in the meantime...What shall I name her? Ideas?

Meet Jane...

Babylock Jane Semi-Industrial Sewing Machine

My machine family is finally complete. Destiny, Jenny, my Imagine Wave serger (yet unnamed) and Kenny have a new sister. Her name is Jane.

Babylock Jane Semi-Industrial Sewing Machine

Jane is a semi-industrial, straight stitch only machine. She's not a computerized machine, and only sews forward and back. There's a reverse button, thread cutter and stitch length button. She also has variable height settings for the feed dogs to accommodate various fabric thicknesses.

Babylock Jane Semi-Industrial Sewing Machine

You'll notice the gap between Jane and my Sew Eze table. I ordered a new plexiglass insert, customized to Jane's footprint, and I've also ordered adjustment "shims" so that I can easily switch between Jane and Jenny. (She's sitting on an empty cardboard bolt here, so I could use her right away.) They'll be here tomorrow, and then she'll be complete.

Babylock Jane Semi-Industrial Sewing Machine

 

I used Jane to make my recent backpack project, and truthfully, I couldn't have done it without her. Destiny is high powered and heavy duty, but I don't want to abuse her computer or mechanical abilities by asking her to do jobs like that. I have many other plans for her. Jane and Kenny are my heavy lifters, and Jane has a larger sewing area than Kenny, so there are definite advantages to having her in my family.

 

Another talent she has, is that she can also do quilting for me! She came with multiple presser feet, including two free motion feet. She's going to get her inaugural quilting workout later today. 

 

Now that I have the semi-industrial Jane, our family is complete. I'll be working on the optimum studio arrangement to accommodate her. I won't can't take long. I have lots to do.

 

Destiny's New Tattoo(s)...

Tattoo by Urban Elementz

I purchased this little bit of machine decor before we left Florida this spring. I decided it was time to give my beautiful Babylock Destiny even more "pretty". Well, I only just found it, too, so there's that.

Tattoo On Back Of Machine

They were really easy to attach. All you have to do is clean the area where you want to adhere the decals (I used alcohol pads), and then follow the instructions that came with the package. I made sure that none of the decals covered attachment points for servicing my Destiny.

Tattoo on Machine Head

I currently have my large spool stand attached to the top of my machine, but I added a flourish to the removable cover, too. When the spool stand isn't attached, the cover will finish Destiny's look nicely.
 

Wave on Wave - Ocean Tattoo from Urban Elementz

 

This is the design I chose for Destiny. It's called "Wave On Wave" - Ocean - clear back (as opposed to white), from Urban Elementz. HERE'S a link to Urband Elementz' site. Check out all the designs while you're there. You might find something you like! (I have another set in the hibiscus design, called Hawaiian Holiday, too. I'll be decorating my Janome with those.)

 

Disclaimer: I have not received any compensation, in any form, for writing this post. I'm just a happy customer who thought you might like to know about this machine "bling".

This Week Will Be A Busy One...

Brynwood Needleworks - Farm Kitchen via Pinterest

Rather than having sugarplums dancing in my head, I have visions of the farmhouse and the changes that are underway. I'll see them for myself soon enough, but for now, I pin images on Pinterest and plan how we might decorate different areas for the holidays. Isn't this a festive room?

I imagine all the projects that will (eventually) come out of my northern studio, and dinners we'll share with family once our new kitchen is installed. We probably won't do any of those things this year, but we'll have plenty of farmhouse holidays to look forward to in the future.

Brynwood Needleworks - Babylock Imagine

You may notice that this isn't Miss Evvie. I sold her last spring to someone who would give her more regular work than I did. After she was gone, a gentleman contacted our guild offering items for sale following the death of his wife. This Babylock Imagine was on his list, and it was a steal at his asking price. I immediately called him, and Handsome and I picked it up the same day. I figured that, if I was only going to use my serger a few times a year, this was a worthwhile investment.

I managed to pick up Handsome's bug and spent the better part of last weekend in bed trying to get better. (He's much better, thanks.) As usual for me, the cough remains, but it won't keep me out of the studio. I have gifts waiting to be created and a deadline certain. This week will be a busy one.
 

P.S. Don't forget my shop sale this week. Click (Here) to learn more.

Make It Sew...

Brynwood Needleworks via Internet

  I'm missing Destiny, but I've left her in capable hands. She'll be back in a week. I thought this was appropriate while I wait. (I just couldn't help myself. hee hee)

Nuts - In More Ways Than One...

Brynwood Needleworks - Babylock Destiny

I didn't take a new photograph of Destiny today, so I'm using this previously-used image. The reason I'm sharing it is because I didn't take a new one before I had to take Destiny back to the spa. It seems she liked being away so much last time, she let me know (through a few recent tantrums) that she needed a little more time off.

So, although I'd planned to be sewing for (at least) the next few days, I've had to come up with a Plan B for the next few weeks while Destiny slacks off takes another break. What did I do instead, you ask?

Brynwood Needleworks - Hickory Nuts

I ran a few errands, and came back home to a few things that needed my attention. The painting is still underway (looking great, by the way), but the rest of the work will wait until December. The work can't always take place on my time schedule. I must work with contractor's schedules, as well. I'll keep repeating, "patience is a virtue".

Remember these? I started cracking these little nuts. So far, 2 cups of unshelled nuts have yielded about a 1/4 cup of precious nut meat (and the shells, which I'll reserve for future grilling or smoking meats).

I think I'll pace myself on this task. It's a little harder on my hands than I expected. (I'm such a wimp!) I'll forget all about that, though, when I taste the delicious cookies and cakes I'll make with them.

For now, I'll enjoy this Autumn and all the blessings that come with each beautiful, colorful day. I think I'll spend a little more time outside with the pups. It's really too nice to stay inside.

How Now Black (and White) Cows?...

Brynwood Needleworks - Black Cow Clutch Project

A new day...a new project. Kinda. I'm making this for a client. Her choice of black cork - and my favorite Holstein cow patterned fabric. I love these cows! (I used them when I made the "Over The River" quilt HERE.)

I hit a snag, though. Seems that Miss Destiny's trip to the spa didn't yield the results I'd hoped (and paid) for. Even after lots of frustrating tension adjustments, she's still sewing like a loosey goosey. I'm more than slightly peeved.

I had hoped to have two clutches finished by the weekend, but it looks like I'll be falling back to Plan B. Miss Destiny is going to have to make another trip, but this time I'll send her off to a different spa.

Brynwood Needleworks - Stitching Travel Pillow Mosaic

 

At least I managed to complete the Travel Pillow! I installed a zipper on the back, and before I put the pillow form inside, I sewed a piece of the same fabric to the cover of it so that opening the zipper didn't reveal a white form.

The purpose of the zippered back is so that you can stow a work-in-progress into the zipper compartment when you're not working on it. Everything in one convenient place, including the needles (secured with a snap behind the wing), and scissors in its own compartment. I'm quite happy with the result.

I'll be running a few errands today, and then I have more packing to do. We're leaving on Sunday for Wisconsin, so I'll pack my cooler clothes for the return trip, along with other "necessaries". All four of us (Handsome, Tag, Bella and I) are looking forward to our next big adventure.

Don't worry. You can come along, too. It's going to be sooo exciting!

She's Back To Work...

Brynwood Needleworks - #43 and #44, Plus A Matching Tote

Destiny and I have been busy. We're in the process of creating Brynwood clutch numbers 43 and 44, and a matching tote. These were all ordered by a FaceBook friend I met through our Corgi connection. She has two adorable lowriders (a nickname for our favorite short-legged breed).

I'll be working on these the rest of this week to complete them by the weekend. You know how much I love making these, so it's all fun for me.
 

Destiny's Spa Weekend...

Brynwood Needleworks - Destiny

 

I had a new order to create on my schedule for the weekend, but Destiny had other plans. As it would happen, she decided that a spa weekend was in order.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Destiny

In her defense, she has earned it. She's been with me nearly a year, and I have been putting her through her paces. 

Fortunately, I have just the place to send her and was able to get her in on Friday. She'll be coming home later today. Which is a good thing. My studio just isn't the same without her. She is quite the presence on my sewing table.

Brynwood Needleworks - Destiny's Spot

Kenny and I are missing her terribly. Why, we just sat around all weekend and did mostly "nothing", we were so distraught. Well, actually, Kenny was more distraught. I just decided to take advantage of her absence by spending time with Handsome and the puppersnappers. (In case you're wondering, Kenny doesn't embroider, which I needed to do before I could sew.)

 

I even did a little vegetable gardening! Don't get too excited. It was three pots...one "Heartbreaker" tomato plant, 1 lettuce plant - from a head of lettuce, and 1 celery - started from a celery stalk. (Tag explained my "gardening" in THIS post.) After they root, I plant them into soil, which is what I did yesterday.

Sometimes you just need to stop and smell the veggies! There'll be time enough for work when I bring Destiny back home.