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.

It Was Just One Of Those Days...

Kenny To The Rescue

I hit a wall. It was bound to happen. My Babylock "Jane" decided to be a diva. Things were going along nicely, when she just "bound up". I did the cursory "rethread", check the bobbin, all that, but the problem is in the basic mechanics of the machine, not the removable parts. So, with 3/4 of each bag finished, she decided to go on walkabout. 

Destiny is not the machine to use for these projects, so I went to my vintage machines. I have the beautiful Kenmore Model 54 that my dear Florida friend, Ellen gave me. That machine worked great, until I needed to refill the bobbin. The fly wheel that I need to loosen to allow the machine to do that function was frozen solid. I couldn't loosen it, no matter how hard I tried. "54" obviously needs a spa day. With no other viable way to reload a bobbin, I had to set her aside.

I pulled out Kenny, and without complaining that I'd ignored him for too long, he rose to the occasion and did everything I asked. I got as far as sewing on the swivel clamp tabs, and decided I was done for the day. Too much drama for this old girl. I was gassed.

So Close...

 

So, this is what I have to show you today. I'll finish the side tabs, add the handles and make the shoulder straps today. Then, these will be done.  Obviously, I'm going to have to revisit my "To Do" list. Thanks, Jane. I've learned my lesson. From now on, Jane will go to the spa before a marathon production session. Next time.

I Really Need An Elf…

Nocturnes, Waiting For Assembly

Best laid plans. I’d hoped to share five completed Nocturne Overnighters today. Instead, I can show you all the parts and pieces, waiting for me this morning. 

I spent 9 hours each day last weekend cutting cork and cotton fabrics, stabilizers, zippers, and pulling hardware. Then, I fused stabilizers to the required fabrics. I finished all of that at 6 pm yesterday, and didn’t have the gas to keep going. Handsome and I ate dinner and I punched out for the rest of the night. 

I’ll be back at it today, and hope to have all of these sewn today. Tag will be back tomorrow, and I’ll spend Tuesday cutting the next batch of bags. I’ll show you what I accomplish on Wednesday. I’d love to stay and chat, but I’ve gotta run. I know you’ll understand. 

 

Nocturne Overnight Bag(s)...

Brynwood "Nocturne" Overnight Bag - Traveler Fabric

This one is finished, and I can't wait to show you the fabrics I've chosen for the others I'll be offering next weekend. I'm not sure which one I'll love the most! Photos on Monday.

Have a great weekend. I'll be one busy bee!

Next...

Brynwood "Bryn" Wallets For The Show

 

Well, these are all finished and ready to go to my booth at the show next weekend. Today, I'll be working on Nocturne Overnight Bags. 

Here's what I'm planning to have for the show:

• "Bryn" Wallets - done
  
• "Bella" Tote Bags - partial stock
•  "Shop Hop" Crossbody Bags - done
  
• "Grab & Go" Clutch Bags - done
  
• "Nocturne" Overnight Bags
• "Ensemble" Hobo Bags
• "Kirby" Crossbody Bags
•  Cork Fabric Coin Keyrings
•  Embroidered Floral Pendants - done
•  Embroidered Possibles Bags - done
  
•  Hickory Syrup - partial stock

I think that will be enough to adequately populate my booth, and give shoppers a nice selection. The hickory syrup should be a nice add-on sale, too. I expect I'll sell out of that, for sure. Some of these will be pulled from my Etsy shop (which I'll close for the weekend).

Well, friend. I know you know the drill. Feed the dogs and cats (Handsome had an appointment first thing this morning.) Morning coffee. Then, hi ho, hi ho. It's off to the studio I go! (I'll keep working this weekend.)

Making More Wallets...

BW "Bryn" Wallets - Nature Girl Series

I'm making a few more wallets for the show before turning my attention to handbags and overnighters. These are all-cork exteriors with field and woodland animals on the flaps. Featured are deer, rabbits, pheasants, and foxes. I love this print.

I have most of the wallet parts finished, but I still need to assemble the credit card sections. I'll do that this morning, and then I'll do the setting up for a few Nocturne overnight bags. 

I'm trucking right along, friends. I'll keep my head down and maybe even finish the production part ahead of schedule. (laughing a little maniacly) Yeah, right.

Friday Finishes...

Brynwood Needleworks - BW Pinkeep - Love Birds

 

I got all my work finished for the week. I'll send out the orders and items I've completed, and I'll be able to travel, guilt-free, for my trip to see my sister.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - "Nocturne" Travel Bag

I'm actually meeting a dear friend today to deliver this requested order. She also wanted the turtle batik and cork fabric "Nocturne" Travel Tote. 

 

I'll spend the rest of today packing for my visit, so I can leave in the morning. I'm also packing a few more "Everlasting" blocks to take with me to stitch on in the evening. 

 

I hope you have a good weekend, and I'll have pictures to share with you. Sunday Scripture tomorrow, and I'll be back on Monday! Toodles!

 

Studio Sewing...

Brynwood Needleworks - The Elf's On Break

I have a bag-in-process for a Saturday delivery. I started on it yesterday morning, but had physical therapy in the afternoon, which interrupted the process. This one will get finished today.

 

I want to get all my orders completed and mailed by Saturday morning, as I'm taking a little road trip to MN to spend a few days with my sister. In the time that we've been back in Wisconsin, I've never seen her home in person. We decided it's time, so I'll be driving north on Sunday. 

 

Handsome and the pups will be staying behind this trip. Maybe next time! I'm looking forward to sharing what we're up to while I'm there, but first I have to complete my projects. Better crack the whip on those elves!

Done and Done...

Brynwood Needleworks - "Ensemble" Hobo Bag & "Nocturne" Travel Bag

I finished these yesterday, and they're ready to go to a my client/friend's home now.  

I have one more turtle batik "Nocturne" Travel Bag to make by the weekend, and then I'm caught up. To the ladies waiting for their surprise gifts from last week, I promise to have them out by Friday's mail. I'm so sorry for the delay, but I haven't forgotten you. I promise.

Today is bread baking day at the farmhouse. I have some exciting news to share next week. A little kitchen reno going on, and I'm really excited about it. It's going to help my kitchen organization immensely. I'll tell you more when I have the schedule.

Busy Thursday...

Brynwood Needleworks - BW "Nocturne" Bag - Turtle Batik

I had a productive day in the studio yesterday. I was creating the larger of two bags for a friend who's also a client. I completed this "Nocturne" bag, which is half of the order. The second bag is a matching BW "Ensemble" bag. I'll complete the "Ensemble" bag today, and then this order can be on its way to Minnesota to its new home.

I learned yesterday that Blogger is no longer going to support email subscription for its authors. That means that, if you currently receive my daily posts via email, that feature is going away. I was able to download the email addresses of everyone currently receiving my blog posts this way, so now I have to see if I can find another option to provide the same service to you.

I just wanted to make you aware of this in the event you notice that my emails quit arriving in your inbox. I'll let you know more as I do.

One Set Done...

Brynwood Needleworks - BW "Nocturne" Travel Bag & "Ensemble" Hobo Bag Set

 

All the parts for all my current bag projects are cut out and awaiting assembly. I completed this set first. I added a "possibles bag" to this set, that can be used for makeup, other necessities, or as a craft bag. I also made a key fob to match, but that was after I photographed everything. I think my sister will be happy with the set...even though it was supposed to be a combination Birthday/Christmas gift.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - BW Bag Set - "Modeled for Size"

Here are the bags ("modeled" by me) for size reference. Now, Handsome did capture all of me in the photo, but, as my British nan would have said, I looked like the Wreck of the Hesperus, so no face/head with messy hair (which I'm trying to grow out. Jury's still out on that), and no makeup. A girl has to draw the line somewhere, right?

I'm delivering the set today (as my sister is down from Minnesota, visiting her kids/grands) and then, I'll be working on the turtle batik set over the next couple of days. They're definitely not production-style projects, and take a little more time to make properly. 

Tag will be back tomorrow with his post. If you want me, you know where you can find me this week.

Pulling It All Together...

Brynwood Needleworks - Brynwood "Nocturne" Bag - Birds

 

While I enjoy production assembly for many of my bags and wallets, the only part I do as "production" on my Nocturne bags is the cutting. Once I finish preparing all the parts for them, I assemble these a little differently.

I have all the components of each bag clipped together. I take that stack, and I assemble the front and back exterior pieces, attach hardware, connectors and accents for each bag in my lineup. Then, I'll finish the assembly from that point to completion, one-at-a-time. I'll make all the handles and straps at the very end.

I'm just sharing a peek of the bag I'm creating for my sister. I am working on the other bags, too, but I'll share the finishes on Monday. I love when I get to this point, - everything starts coming together.

Some Assembly Required...

Brynwood Needleworks - Bag Making Components

The fabric I've been waiting for arrived Monday, so I spent today preparing it, along with a few others for my current bag projects. These will become BW Nocturne Travel Bags, and I'll be creating BW Ensemble Hobo bags to match. I pulled all the hardware I'll need, and put my new custom zipper pulls on the zipper tapes. I'm going to add key fobs, featuring my Brynwood logo hardware, too.

 

The bird fabric (on the top of the fabric pile) was a request from my sister, Di - a belated Christmas gift, and one of the batiks is for a good friend. We did a little bartering. The map fabric and the other turtle batik will be for my shop when they're finished.

I still have to cut out linings and coordinating cork accents, after I get home from my PT appointment this morning. I'm expecting to start sewing on Friday, and will have everything finished over the weekend. I've missed my bag making, so this is going to be fun! 

Bag Maker by day.

Needlewoman by night.

Life is Good!

 

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!

 

More Thread Catchers...

Brynwood Needleworks - Thread Catchers

 I was sewing thread catchers again yesterday.These will be gifts, on their way to new homes in today's mail.
 

Brynwood Needleworks - Thread Catchers

They're all wool on the exterior, with flannel on the interior. I used vintage buttons to embellish these. There will definitely be more of these in the future, but next up are some Brynwood Nocturne travel bags, Ensemble hobo bags, and a few Bryn wallets. It's so nice to be back in the studio!

 

Up Next...

Brynwood Needleworks - Batiks and Tula Pink

 

I'm going to be neck-deep in these batiks and the Tula Pink (Bottom) fabric this week. As of this date, the November 22nd Annual Kewaskum Craft Show - where I show and sell - is still scheduled. That means I need to get cracking if I'm going to have new inventory.

 

If the show is canceled last minute, I'll have some awesome new bags and wallets to sell in my shop. I'm still waiting for my black cork fabric to arrive (scheduled for Wednesday arrival), but I can surely begin preparing and cutting these fabrics in the meantime. I also have some "Brynwood" engraved zipper pulls that should be on their way soon, so I want to use them in this year's lineup, too!

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Batik Set - BW Ensemble and Nocturne Overnight Bags

 

This is the set I'm planning to create using the batiks. I'm also going to make matching Bryn wallets to go with them. I'm planning to have lots of coordinated options for my customers this time.

I'm also going to be making more Bryn wallets, Project Totes, Bella Totes, and a few other new items. I don't need to make dozens of each, but I do want to have a nice selection. 

Handsome and Carly are leaving for Florida this morning, so I'll be here with Tag and Bella. I'll be getting a lot done, and stopping to take care of the pups and me, as needed. I'm gonna be a busy gal, and I'll share photos of my finishes as they pile up.

 

Of course, if you see something you like and want to reserve for yourself, just let me know and I'll pull it. Just let me know. 

 

Tag will be back tomorrow, so I'll be back with some projects to share on Wednesday. See you then!

 

Sale Week...

Brynwood Needleworks - BW Traveler Set - Nocturne Traveler and Bryn Convertible Crossbody Wallet

 

You know I don't shop on Black Friday, and my Birthday is next week, so it's time to celebrate! I'm going to have a sale in my shop.

From Friday, November 29th through next Saturday, December 7th, use Coupon Code - BIRTHDAY15 to save 15% on anything in my shop ($35 minimum purchase). Many of the listings also offer Free Shipping. You can combine fabric purchases to reach the discount, and all my newest bags and wallets are available for your Christmas shopping.

I'm going to be working on a few orders today, but I'm definitely staying home. It's snowing again, and I have things to do indoors. I'll be outside with the dogs, as needed, but I'll also be making sure the birds and our opossums have plenty of food to nourish them, too.

So, it's official (thanks to you, Sherry E.). My Birthday celebrating has begun. I think I may have a giveaway this week, too! You'll have to come back to see...

More For The Booth...

Brynwood Needleworks - BW Bella Totes - Traveler and Paisley

By the end of the day, I had completed four Bella Totes for my booth this weekend. I decided I should have a Traveler Tote to coordinate with the Bryn Traveler Wallets I'll have available. The interior of that one is the same map fabric as the exterior. The Paisley Tote has navy cork on the outside, and a blue and white floral fabric on the inside.

Brynwood Needleworks - BW Bella Totes - Jacobean and Orchid

 

These two totes have a neutral canvas interior, natural cork exterior on one, and brown cork on the other. If I find myself with extra time, I may make another with a black exterior. I don't feel like it's needed, though. What do you think? Do I need more cork colors?

 

I'm going to go back and finish that last Ensemble Bag that I mucked up on Tuesday, and then make at least one Nocturne Bag so prospective clients can see that I offer them. Otherwise, I'm pretty much set with my show inventory. Keep in mind this isn't a huge show, and I've got existing inventory that helps a lot.

 

So far, I have Bryn Crossbody Clutch Wallets, Bryn Wallets, Grab & Go Clutches, Kirby Crossbody Bags, Bella Totes, Shop Hop Crossbody Bags, Event Bags, Ensemble Bags, Retreat Kit Bags, and a Nocturne Travel Bag (to make today). Whew! I'm tired just thinking about all that work! (Not really. lol) 

Time for my morning brew. Miles to go before I sleep. Thanks for stopping by! See you tomorrow.

 

Family Always Comes First...

Brynwood Needleworks - Kaffe Fasset Fabric Interior - Bryn Clutch Wallet

 

I've completed a nice stock of wallets for the show next weekend, so it's time for me to work on the larger handbags and totes. Before I do, though, I just had to share this interior I chose for a wallet I created in natural and gold fleck cork. I really love the wild pop of color the future owner will see every time they open it!

Brynwood Needleworks - Ensemble and Nocturne Bags

While I won't be using the exact same fabric, I will be making some of these bags for my booth. These are the ones I'll be cutting out and sewing over this weekend. 

I'm starting today (early!!) with a trip to the vet so Bella can get her vaccinations. Handsome has appointments this afternoon - and a bum knee - so I'll be driving to make life a little easier for him. If I don't get much else done, I'll get my parts and pieces cut out and ready to assemble. I have all weekend to sew, and you know, family always comes first. See you tomorrow!

Custom "Sea Turtle" Set Finished...

Brynwood Needleworks - "Ensemble" and "Nocturne" Bags

I've completed my latest custom order for a client who chose this beautiful blue batik fabric. She loves sea turtles, and this set is for an upcoming trip.

Brynwood Needleworks - "Nocturne" Travel Bag

 

This "Nocturne" bag (great for sleepovers!) is the bag I just finished. All I needed to do yesterday was add the handles and shoulder strap. 

 

I got a lot accomplished while it rained the past few days, but it's supposed to be nice today, so I'll be working in the yard today. I plan to enjoy these nice days while we have them. Have a great weekend, and I'll see you again tomorrow.