I Bailed...

This is a Christmas photograph of me with my younger brother. Here we are - the eldest and the youngest of the "kids" in my family. This is the best pose we could get of the silly guy. The other photographs are mostly of us giggling and cutting up. He really is a hoot. For the record, he's seventeen years younger than I am. I'll let you do the math. The picture was taken at our mum and stepdad's home yesterday evening when he was in town.

In other news...and in full disclosure...I bailed on sewing this years' Grammie's Jammies. I started cutting them out on Saturday and found myself trying to find anything else to do than work on them. I just didn't have the mojo to sew them. 

I went downstairs and sat in the chair where Handsome was watching a football game. He asked me if I'd finished any pjs yet. I looked at him and told him that I really wasn't enthusiastic about sewing them this year. He looked at me and said, "Then don't. Let's go shopping." He gave me the permission I needed to release me from the task this year. Plus, he gave me a reason to go shopping. I went back upstairs, turned off the iron and the studio lights, grabbed my jacket and off we went. An hour later, I'd found the perfect jammies for our three grands and we were on our way back home. 

Rather than spend the entire weekend and probably Monday in the studio, we were able to get everything done together, and then do some fun things. I told him that I'd finish cutting out the pjs, and I'll sew them up later in January. I'll be waaaay ahead of the program for 2025. I'll sew, wrap, and then set them aside for next Christmas. I'll just put a note on my computer to remind myself where I've put them away until then.

When I had my needlework shop, I'd occasionally have a customer come in and tell me they really didn't want to keep working on their current project. They just weren't thrilled with it, or they we sick of looking at it. It no longer went with their decor, and they'd lost the enthusiasm for working on it. I always counseled them to set it aside. If they looked at it three months from now and still didn't like it, they could donate, trade with a needleworker friend, or just toss it. Our pursuits are meant to bring joy and calm. If they don't, it's okay to set them aside. Apparently, I'd forgotten my own advice. I needed to hear that affirmation from Handsome - and he gave it without hesitation. He's one of the really good guys. 

We both have hair appointments this afternoon, so I'll be wrapping gifts, and getting ready to spend tomorrow and Wednesday with family. I'll put up my holiday verses and greetings up for the next two days, but I'll be back on Thursday to catch up with you. 

Merry Christmas, dear friends. 

May this week - and the coming year - bring you happiness and good health. From our home to yours.

Turning Back The Hands Of Time...

Here I am with my youngest sister, Jan. There's a thirteen year age difference between us. When I was a young woman out in the working world, she was in junior high school. In those days, Taco Bell was also a young company, and they finally had a restaurant in our home town.

After I finished my work day, Jan would just be finishing her track practice so I would pick her up from school in my VW Beetle and we'd head to Taco Bell for our favorite enchiritos. When Taco Bell first introduced them, they were 99 cents and came in a promotional Corning Ware™ French white mini oval casserole dish. (I still have two of the originals from those days!)

My sister, Diana and youngest brother, Chris also loved them, and once they were discontinued, all three of us were upset. We even managed to find a copycat recipe a while back and I know Di and Chris made them at home.

Over the weekend, someone posted on social media that Taco Bell took a poll to see which "oldie but goodie" they should bring back for a limited time. The Enchirito won! Word spread from sibling to sibling like wildfire, and I told Jan I'd make a trip up the Valley, pick her up and we'd go for an enchirito lunch.(She can't drive right now because she had a recent foot surgery, so I would be designated driver.) She was all in, so we set a time, and I drove to Appleton yesterday to pick her up.

In no time at all, we were seated in a booth with our enchirito lunches, and took our first bites. MMmmmmm...tasted just as we remembered. We finished our lunches, ran another errand and then went back to her home for the rest of the afternoon. We promised to do it again soon. Now, if only they'd also brought back the caramel apple empanadas for dessert... sigh  Ahhhh, yes. Just like the good old days.

PS. If you didn't know yet, I'm having a Cyber Week Sale in my Etsy Shop. Everything is 20% off - no coupon required! 

Easter Weekend...

Brynwood Needleworks - Chocolate Bunnies Table Runner

 

I made this table runner in 2014. (You can read the final post on the process HERE.) I enjoyed every second of making it. 

 

I hunted down the fabrics so I could make it in the same fabrics that were used in the designer's pattern; piece, appliqued, and then machine quilted it. Binding is always my favorite part, because it means it's completely finished.

This runner signals the spring season, and bunnies and eggs have also come to represent an aspect of Easter. While there are children hunting eggs and candies, all Christians take time to thank God for the sacrifice of His son, Jesus Christ. Easter is a season of celebration. By His Grace, our sins are washed away, and we are saved. 

The pattern is "Chocolate Bunnies Table Topper" by Margot Languedoc of The Pattern Basket. I must make this again.

 

Christmas Eve

Brynwood Needleworks - Christmas Merrymakers

  Yesterday, Nifty 50s gathered for a little holiday merriment (and last-minute sewing). It's always fun when we get together, especially when we can celebrate a holiday! Of course, we remembered to commemorate the event with a photograph.   Today, I'll be enjoying time with Handsome and the critters as we prepare for our Christmas gathering. As always, we'll keep the reason for the season in our hearts.

Brynwood Needleworks - Angel (web image)

Merry Christmas Eve to one and all. If you're traveling, please be safe.  If you're staying home, enjoy all the blessings of family and friends.   Let the angels sing. His promises are true.

She's Home Again...

I left home yesterday morning for my training in Venice. It had been thundering 

and clouding over nearly since I got up. I knew we were in for a day like those 

we've had all week, and eventually it would rain. I just hoped to get to training

and back without getting caught in a deluge. I was fortunate and got my wish.

I caught this picture while I was driving. There was one opening in the clouds and

 the light behind it was glorious and bright. I immediately thought of my friend.

Pam Lyons Wyka  (Sept. 15, 1960 - August 15, 2014)

 Around four o'clock, God reached through the clouds to take my friend home. Shortly afterward, the Heavens opened and the rains began in earnest. God had a new angel in his arms, and I believe He was weeping for joy. Please hold Pam's family in your hearts and prayers as they try to come  to terms with her passing. Her first doctor's appointment was July 22nd,  and no one ever said "cancer" until Tuesday of this week...and then with  an insanely short time frame. They had no time to process that she would  be leaving, and before they could take a breath, their beloved wife, mother and daughter was gone. I have lost a dear, sweet friend. They have lost a piece of themselves. Their beloved is gone from them to wait with God.

  Please pray for them.

He is Risen...

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!
By His great mercy He has given us a new birth into a
living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ
from the dead.
1 Peter 1.3

I finished Preston's Christening gown, bonnet and slip today...Easter Sunday. (Go to my Flickr album to see photos.)