Here A Chick, There A Chick...

Brynwood Needleworks - Chicken Pincushions

 

Working on a special project these days. My first installment is these two little chickies. You'll begin to see the theme over the next week. I'll just leave it at that for now. 

I spent time outside, too, yesterday. I purchased a new contraption that became a feeding station for the hummingbirds - away from the porch. I want to make sure they're completely comfortable going to another location before the porch demolition begins. They watched me install it, move the feeders, and were already feeding there by late afternoon. I'll get photos for you when I can. That apple tree is a busy, busy place!

Bluebirds are building a nest in one of the houses, orioles (Baltimore and orchard) are going through nearly a jar of grape jelly every other day(!!!), and I'm refilling the other feeders almost as often. I don't mind one bit. They make me smile. Seems I have birds inside and out these days! 

I'm a little scattered lately. Nice weather is tugging at me to go outdoors, and projects require me to be inside. I have to focus, otherwise I just freeze up and do nothing...and you know that's not me. I think today, I'll begin with my coffee on the porch, and then head back to the studio to work on a project. I'll see how that works, and I'll let you know tomorrow. Fingers crossed.

Winner, Winner, Chicken...Well...

Brynwood Needleworks - Embroidered Chicken and Honey Bunny Cottage Box

 

When artistic friends barter, it's a win/win for everyone! Such was the case when my friend, Gisselle told me she loved my recent "coop-ful" of chickens. She offered to trade one for one of her fabulous, handcrafted sewing boxes. She had recently shared photos of this one on Facebook, so I asked about it, and she said yes!

Well, getting one of her beautiful boxes warranted a little bit fancier chicken, so I got out some of my linen and white floss and set to making an embroidered one for her. Gosh! I had so much fun!!

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Embroidered Chicken - Closeups

If you're interested in owning one of Gisselle's boxes, you can find her as Honey Bunny Cottage on Facebook. She's also on Instagram @honeybunnycottage. This chick is flying away today with my thanks.

Nearly Finished...

Brynwood Needleworks - Patriotic Sunset

 

Some days just don't go as planned. I got up early and made poolish (my starter) for foccaccia. Then, read emails over my morning coffee. My plan was to sit and stitch yesterday to finish my special chicken. My back had other plans. Sometimes, it goes out for no apparent reason whatsoever.

I took a mild (mostly ineffective) pain killer, and settled in with a heating pad (which helped), to stitch. I almost finished my stitching, but not quite. I'll finish today, and then sew it together. I'll take a photo to share with you on Monday, but not today. boo

 

This past week, indigo buntings added their bright blue plumage to the yard. We also have one large crow that has taken a shine to the feeders I place near the lilac bushes. I think crows are extremely cool, so I hope this one will continue to visit over the summer.

As the sun set last night, Handsome and I noticed that the sky looked rather patriotic in its shades of red, white and blue. I set my exposure for the sunset, so it's too dark for you to see three deer in the field, too. There's always something wonderful to see at the farmhouse.

 

Here's hoping my back leaves me alone today. I have too much to do to just sit around. Wish me luck!

A Little Hen Pecked...

Brynwood Needleworks - Stitching A Chicken

 

Well, not really as much "pecked" as "stitched". lol I'm making a special chicken for my friend, Gisselle. She sent me a beautiful new needlework box, in exchange for one of my pincushion chickens. I decided to do something different for the one I'm making for her.

I intended to start this yesterday morning, and have a completed chick to share today, but Handsome asked me to go out on errands with him, and I just couldn't resist. We had a great afternoon, but alas, my project didn't get finished. 

I'm going to finish this today, and then I'll show you my chick along with Gisselle's gift to me. You'll love her work. I just know it! I'm off now for a little needle dancing.

Hen Party...

Brynwood Needleworks - Chicken Pincushions

I watched one of Jenny Doan's videos last week, and decided that I should make a few of these cute and simple chicken pincushions. If you sew, HERE'S the link to the information and video for you to watch.

Brynwood Needleworks - Doily Combs

You can see that I used red wool fabric for one of the chickens' combs, but the rest of them were made from this little, crocheted doily. The sections were perfect for the size of my chickens, and the cut edges were all captured within the seams. I love how they turned out!

I began each chicken with two half square triangle blocks. I used some of my farm-themed fabric (the gray with lettering) for half of the blocks, and paired them with a sweet floral fabric. I used the farm fabric on four of the chickens, and then flowers and dots for the pink one. Their beaks are all a yellow wool triangle, and they each have a little Prairie Point tail.

Once they were sewn (except for a small opening for turning and filling), I stuffed each one with crushed walnut shells, and then stitched a French knot eye on each side of the head.

Brynwood Needleworks - Five Finished Chicks

 

They really were that simple. Now I have five little chickens roosting on my cutting table, waiting for more. I finally have chickens at the farm! (Even if they are made of fabric.)