Something New This Way Comes...

New Fabric For Brynwood

I'm so excited about this new fabric that I couldn't wait to use it to share it! This environmentally friendly alternative to leather and vinyl has me really motivated to start sewing with it.

It's resistant to chemicals and stains, easy to clean, resists cracking, peeling and delamination, does not support microbial growth, and is animal friendly. It's soft, supple, has a luscious hand, and will be a dream to sew. There were no plasticizers, PVC, or flame retardants used in its production, making it even more appealing...and a perfect pairing with cork (or my high quality linens, cottons and designer fabrics).
 

Enviroleather and Cork Fabrics

 

I decided to start with a gorgeous, deep purple fabric to coordinate with this cork. I'm going to sew up a couple of Kirby Crossbody bags, a couple of wallets and perhaps a larger tote.

 

Cork has a rating of something like 85,000 rubs (meaning that it can withstand a lot of use), but Enviroleather has a double rub abrasion rating of 500,000! I'll be using one myself to see just how it holds up. Once I know, I'll be ordering this in more colors to coordinate with my corks.

 

So, I'll get something made up over the weekend to share with you next week. This is going to be fun!

A "Go Away" Day...

Weather Clouds

 It's always good to be flexible.

I'd originally planned to be sewing all day yesterday. It was mostly overcast outside, which always makes for a good day to be inside (unless I'm out in the garden, weeding, which I didn't feel like doing).

Farm Range

Instead, Handsome and I answered an ad selling a gas range, which is what I've wanted for our kitchen. This was being sold locally by a young couple who just installed all stainless steel in their place. I don't know whether or not I've mentioned it before, but I want white appliances in our kitchen, not stainless. Been there, done that. I think it looks too modern for our hundred year old lady.

I also thought I'd just go with a cooktop and add a wall oven, but this was too good to pass on. We'll still do the wall oven when we install the kitchen, but this range has exactly the cooktop configuration I'd hoped for, with a bonus oven to boot! Because of the full grate, I won't have to worry about my canning pots being too large for the burners. (On our current range, the pots kind of "hug" the burners. ugh)

She needs a little interior TLC, but I'll tackle that in the next week or so, and schedule our HVAC guy to bring a gas line up from the basement to where the range will go. We already have the line coming in to our steam boiler, so we'll just have to divert a line into the wall above the boiler. I'll be cookin' with gas in a few weeks!

 

One More For Me

When I first started making my wallets, I did one I called "Rule Brittania" in this fabric combination for myself. (You do see the acorns, don't you?) I showed it to a friend who insisted I empty it and sell it to her on the spot (which I did). Well, now I'm going to make a Kirby Crossbody in the same fabrics, and will follow up with another wallet after I make up all the Kirbys I have cut and ready to sew. I'll be making those tomorrow.

In case you're wondering why I'm not sewing today...I got a lead on Concord grapes. I want to make jam, so I'm planning to head to the place that's selling the pick-your-own grapes this morning. I'll be making jam this afternoon, and I expect the whole house will smell like the Welch's factory by dinner time. 

If the weather falls in the proverbial "toilet" (rain is in the forecast), I'll sew today and can tomorrow. See what I mean? It pays to be flexible!! Either way, check back tomorrow and you'll see what I ended up doing.

Work and Play...

Assembly Line Sewing

Yesterday was a perfect day for balance. The weather was beautiful, I have 90% of six wallets completed and Handsome and I had a date.

I started the day by sewing in the studio. At lunch time, I took a break outside on our porch so I could enjoy the weather, and then I got back to work. I managed to get quite a bit accomplished.

Lighthouse Big Band

 

Around 3 pm, Handsome told me about a local big band (Lighthouse Big Band in Fond du Lac, WI) whose lead saxophone was leaving the band. Last night was his...last night with them, and they were having a party for him. We went to the party, and heard some great music. It's so nice to see that there are so many music groups in the area, and we're enjoying getting to listen to them.

Today, I'm going to finish the six crossbody wallets I'm working on in this batch I'm waiting for a new lining fabric to arrive before I complete the rest. I'm thinking that will be by the weekend. I have to say, I'm really liking how balance is playing out here at the farm.

 

Just What I Need...

A Chair For The Bedroom

  ...another project!

I need a comfy chair for the bedroom, so naturally, I went to Facebook Marketplace (again). I found a great deal on a comfy chair and ottoman.

I'm definitely going to paint the legs white, and then I'm going to reupholster it. I'm debating yardage of feedsack fabric, canvas drop cloth, or quilted fabric. I'm going to spend a little time sitting in it while I contemplate how I want it to look.

I'm "getting there" with the bedroom, but not quite ready to share pictures. I still have to paint the dresser I bought, and then, the washstand (which I'm using as a side table). I'm leaving my oak commode alone. No way that gets paint, because I love it the way it is.

Don't worry. When I get the chair done, you'll be the first to see the results. It won't be this week, though. I've got orders to fill and more listings to write up. I'll probably break up the process by painting the legs on the chair...and repainting a few spots in the stairwell that got a little nicked moving the chair upstairs (sigh).

 

This is going to be a fun week. I also have a few special things on my calendar, and I can't wait to tell you about them! What do you have planned?

Grab & Go Goes Irish...

Grab & Go Celtic Crossbody Clutch Embroidery

Finished yesterday, and will be handed to its new owner today. I love how this one turned out. The claddagh embroidery on the front stitched out beautifully on the cork.

Front of Celtic Crossbody Clutch

I created this one in a vertical format, rather than the horizontal format I had used previously. I'll be adding new bags in this vertical format soon.

Back of Celtic Crossbody Clutch

 

The back is all natural cork. The interior is the same green fabric shown on the front of the bag. The shoulder strap is 48" long. 

This was definitely a fun project to make. I have another commission to do in this format - with a different embroidery, but I have four Brynwood Crossbody Wallets to make first. I'm on a roll now!

 

New Wallets In The Shop...

New Brynwood Crossbody Wallets listed in my shop.

Click HERE to see these (and a few more!).

Four More Finished...

Brynwood Needleworks - Crossbody Wallets #66, 67, 68 and 69

It's almost time to close up the studio and pack it up for transport north. I finished these four wallets on Saturday for a group of clients who want "purple". Each is different, so even though they may all have one of my cork wallets in purple, they'll all carry unique pieces.

Brynwood Needleworks - Crossbody Wallets #66, 67, 68 and 69 Linings

 

I chose different interiors and hardware, too. I actually love each of them in their own combination, but I'm pretty sure the fish lining is my favorite. 

I'll be taking the wallets to these clients this week, and anything unsold will be listed in my shop by the end of the week. Oh, and I'll be busy packing, too.

Still Counting...

Brynwood Needleworks - 65 - Gold Fleck Cork Exterior

Yes. I'm still counting my completed wallets. This remains my favorite style - customized to carry as a clutch, wristlet or crossbody bag. This one is Number 65, and it's a custom order.

Brynwood Needleworks - 65 - Gold Fleck Cork Interior

 

This cork has a beautiful gold fleck on natural cork. The interior fabric also has a gold fleck on a blue ground. I made the security flap adjustable on this one (by adding a second snap to the body section). 

 

It's on its way to a new home today, and I'll be making more - in other colors - for other clients. I'll finish them today and tomorrow, and then I'll get back to packing boxes for the rest of the weekend. 

Just a note...I'll be shutting down my shop on March 20th. I'll be adding more items up to then, so there will be a few new items. If there's something you've been wanting, please make your purchases before that date. 

 

The shop will be closed while we move, and then get our farmhouse in order. Of course, I'll do this as quickly as I'm able, but it may take as long as six weeks. I'll still blog every day, but won't have time to run the shop, too, until my studio is completely set up. I know you'll understand, my dears. Moving your home (and your life) is always a monumental task. (Help is always accepted!)

Studio Time...

Brynwood Needleworks - Fishy Fabric

 

Tag, Bella, Handsome and I went to Mike's ranch for Bella's training yesterday. Tuesday, I spent the day choosing, matching and cutting fabrics for my newest Crossbody Clutches.  I'm going to pair this colorful fish print fabric with black cork this time, but I have more fabric, and I'll match it with a fabulous orange cork later.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - New Works In Progress

 I've started cutting out all the components, and the backs have my logo stitched into them. I'll finish cutting today, and then the sewing shall commence.

Brynwood Needleworks - New Works In Progress

Some of these are already spoken for, but the rest that aren't purchased will be added to my online shop. I'll let you know when they're finished, and which of them will be listed.

If you're participating in the March Madness Mug Mat Swap, I hope you're making headway on your projects. Remember your mailing deadline is March 15th. I'll continue to post reminders, and soon, I'll show you the Mug Mat Door Prizes I'll be awarding to two lucky participants. In the meantime, I have projects waiting for me in the studio. 

See you tomorrow!

Feeling Better In The Studio...

Brynwood Needleworks - 64 - Black Cork Batik Crossbody Wallet

Yesterday was the first day I've been able to concentrate enough to be back in the studio. It was blissful! I created wallet number 64. It may look familiar. I made one just like this for one of my friends, and her girlfriend wanted one just like it.

Brynwood Needleworks - 64 - Black Cork Batik Crossbody Wallet Interior

  

I used my favorite zipper in this one, which matches the hardware. I use metal-look (antique bronze) poly zippers. I also have them in nickel finish, which I'll use when appropriate, but this client wanted the same hardware as the last one I made like this. Done! I made them just a bit different so they're unique, but similar. I'll be delivering it today when I'm out to get my stitches removed.

It's only been a week since my surgery, but the plastic surgeon who did the procedure doesn't like to leave facial stitches in too long or they're more likely to leave scars. I'll be glad to have them out, too! Not only do they pull, but they're starting to itch.

Best part is that I won't need anymore pain meds, and that means back in the studio! I have another Grab & Go Crossbody Clutch, as well as another Crossbody Wallet to make this week. Now, I'm feeling well enough to actually make them. It's going to be a good week.

 

Change Of Plans...

Brynwood Needleworks - Cork With Gold Fleck and Lining Fabric

I intended to create these three Cork Crossbody Wallets yesterday. Today, (I thought) I had a procedure scheduled. I'd double checked the date and time, so I could go ahead and work on these the day before.

Brynwood Needleworks - Black Cork with Red Batik Lining

However, someone's signals got crossed (not mine), and I got a call when I didn't show up for the procedure. "It's okay. You can still come." So, I put aside my projects, jumped in my Explorer and drove right to my appointment. Handsome and Bella were across the state, so I drove myself. One good thing was that moving the date up helped me avoid fretting about the surgery for another day.

Brynwood Needleworks - Black Cork and Tula Pink (Purple) Owls Lining

 

Three hours later, I left the doctor's office to head home. I filled an Rx for pain meds and antibiotics and was home a half hour later...sore, swollen and wanting to lie down. (This was a surgery to deal with a recurring problem I've had with my bottom lip for the past 12 years. This was my third, and hopefully last, surgery.) 

Funny story: The doctor had Pandora playing music during the surgery. Two consecutive songs had us laughing out loud. 1) Frank Sinatra singing "I've Got You Under My Skin, and 2) Nat King Cole singing "Smile". Honestly. I asked if they had a special mix selected just for surgeries like mine!

As I write this, my bottom lip looks like one of the characters from Bill Cosby's "Fat Albert" cartoon. I'm not going to sew today, but should be feeling better tomorrow. You know me. I'd rather be sewing than lying about any day, but it's hard to work the fabric through the machine while holding ice to my face. sigh.

Don't worry. I'll be fine. I hope you'll excuse me while I go lie down now (with my head elevated). I'll let you know how I'm doing tomorrow.

Number 62...

Brynwood Needleworks - 61 - Cairn Terrier Crossbody WalletSet

Number 62 is a commission piece. My client wanted a Cairn Terrier embroidered on cork with a plaid lining. The terrier designs are from a collage of sketches, which were separated to highlight single poses.

Brynwood Needleworks - Cairn Terrier "Stacking" Pose Embroidery

The standing pose was chosen for the outside flap. I chose colors that resembled her pup's coloring. (I was provided a photograph of her sweet dog, but I didn't ask for permission to share it with you, so I can't do that.)

Brynwood Needleworks - 61 - Cairn Terrier Crossbody Wallet Interior

The interior is green plaid, and the credit card slots are cork. I chose a paw print fabric for the lining of the coin compartment. (And, although you can't see it in this picture, even the snap on the security tab has a paw print!) My client chose a sitting pose for the embroidery on the interior side of the flap, along with her pup's name.

Brynwood Needleworks - 61 - Cairn Terrier Crossbody Wallet Back

 

Every piece I create bears the "Brynwood" signature. I choose only the finest materials. My cork fabric comes from Portugal and has a fabric backing, rather than rubber used on some corks. I also choose high quality hardware, and cotton or canvas fabrics for linings and trim.

Brynwood Needleworks - My Cork Fabric Selections

I have a nice selection of colors and patterns for the pieces I create, and look forward to adding to my assortment. I'll be using these colors to create new items for my shop in the near future. In case you're not familiar with cork, let me tell you about it.

Cork is anti-microbial and hypoallergenic. It's also washable! My wallets can be wiped clean with a damp cloth, and come treated with Scotchgard© from the manufacturer, but it it's really soiled, you can hand wash it in cold water with a mild detergent. (I'd remove the zipper pull first.)

Cork also feels wonderful, and isn't brittle at all. It's soft to the touch, and really unlike any other material. In humid climates, like here in Florida, it's actually better than leather. It won't get moldy either (that's the "antimicrobial" feature)!

As you can tell, I'm really sold on this fabric. I know that pieces made from it quickly become favorites. I only have one cork crossbody piece available in my shop right now. They sell almost as quickly as I can make them! (I only have the one Vintage Hibiscus Crossbody left from the first five I made!)

I'm busy with homekeeping today. We have an Open House tomorrow, so I have things to do to get ready for it. But afterward, I'll be preparing more cork for crossbody wallets, and I'm going to make a few handbags. I need a new one for myself, too!

Time to go. The sooner my work is done, the sooner I can play!