Back To The Farmer's Wife...

Brynwood Needleworks - Farmer's Wife Blocks Layout

 

It's been years since I started working on these blocks. I actually started them to teach as a class at Crazy Quilters in Venice, Florida. Can you believe that this fall will be four years since we purchased Hickory Hill Farm? Time flies!

 

Anyway, in keeping with my 2020 word "Complete", I decided that this should definitely be on my "To Do" list this year. I pulled out all my finished blocks, and rather than making it a queen size quilt (requiring more paper piecing), I'd go with what I have finished and add an interesting border to make it a generous lap size.

 

After lots of placing, taking a picture (did you know that's the best way to see if your layout works?), and moving blocks around, this is the layout I'll use. I moved things apart to simulate sashing, but decided I like them without. 

 

I'll sew them together like this, and then decide what I want to do for the borders. (I made stacks of each row to keep them in order, but can come back to this photograph to make sure I have them in the right place.)

 

I'm not sure I'll get too much done on this before Friday, so I'll do what I can and then it will have to wait until I can sit at my machine again after my surgery. Handsome and I have a few other tasks that need both our attention before then, too, so perhaps I'll be looking through my quilt books for inspiration for those borders. I may even decide to do applique' in the border. I'm open to all options at this point.

What do you think of the layout? Do you have any ideas for borders? I'm open to any and all suggestions. I'm looking forward to finishing this one in September. It's good to have a goal, right?

 

In Case You're Wondering What's Next...

Brynwood Needleworks - Wooly Critters Pattern by Brandywine Design

 

Can you believe that I was almost a little sad to have completed my butterfly? I actually was a bit melancholy. But, on to the next UFO, and this one will be fun, too!

 

I have the dark border fabric chosen, and just need to pull the wools I'll be using all around that border. After I get back home from taking Handsome to physical therapy, I'm going to choose the colors I want to use, based on the colors I chose for the completed blocks. Then, I'll set up the parts and pieces in anticipation of stitching them all to the ground fabric. It'll be nice to sit at random moments and slow stitch the last parts of this quilt.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Primitive Gatherings Flannels for a Chenille Four-Patch Quilt

 

Sit & Sew with the Primitive Gatherings' ladies is March 17th this month. In January, I was telling them about my favorite quick quilt pattern called a Chenille Four-Patch quilt. It was actually the first "real" pieced quilt I ever made, and it's still my favorite. It's soft and snuggly and perfect for a quick power nap in the afternoon.

 

It just happened that the day I talked about it, Lisa B. had given each of us a Farmhouse Gatherings flannel pack that was custom cut for her shop. I think they're comparable to half size layer cake cuts. (6.5" x 10"). These fabrics are wonderfully soft, and would be just the thing I'd choose to make an updated nap quilt. Before I left town, I stopped at the shop and chose the backing fabric to coordinate with the fabrics we were given.

So, before I go to our March Sit & Sew I want to put together a new Farmhouse Gatherings Chenille Four-Patch. It won't take long at all to assemble, and I'll only do a criss-cross of straight line quilting to finish it. 

These are the projects I'd like to move to the "Complete" pile this month. At this rate, I may even be able to add another project, but I don't want to get ahead of myself. First things first.

NOTE: Thank you so much to everyone who left a comment on yesterday's post. I promise I'll reply to every one of you. You were all so wonderful to me about my butterfly. I'm truly humbled and grateful that you all cared to leave a note for me. Be sure to check back on yesterday's comments page by tonight to read my replies to your messages. xoxo

 

My Beautiful Butterfly...

Brynwood Needleworks - My Completed Royal School of Needlework Class Butterfly

 

I completed my Red Spotted Purple stumpwork butterfly RSN project yesterday. I'm in love with it! I think my tutor's teaching skills are evident in the finished product. Owen was a superb teacher, and the workbook he put together for each of our class members (plus the videos I shot during class) made it possible for me to recollect the steps necessary to properly finish it.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - My Red Spotted Purple Stumpwork Butterfly

 

I shared photos with my sister yesterday, who responded that she thought it was awesome, and added "Now, I imagine that you'll hold it in your hand outside, blow a breath into it, and it will flutter away." I think it was probably the nicest compliment anyone could have given me.

 

I sent these photos off to Owen, and look forward to his reaction. I took his class in July 2018, and I'm thrilled that I finally got it done. I hope he thinks I represent him well. Now to find that perfect cloche!

 

Winter Minis...

Brynwood Needleworks - My PG Winter Wool Box Minis

I finally finished stitching all the wool minis from the Primitive Gatherings Winter Wool Box. There are two more that say "Merry Christmas" and "Happy New Year", but I'm not sure whether or not I'll do those. I'm still contemplating those.

Brynwood Needleworks - Winter Minis Detail

Of course, I added details to make each of these mine. I don't usually copy the design exactly. I especially liked adding French and colonial knot details, or in the case of the snowman, skates and snowflake, using metallic threads.

I used a beautiful metallic DMC Etoile Embroidery Floss on the snowman's scarf. Etoile is a stranded floss that's almost like a fine yarn. By using all strands of a light grey/silver Etoile - and a lazy daisy stitch - I was able to make the scarf actually look like...a scarf. wink I used a Kreinik metallic thread for the skates and snowflake, and then more white Etoile French knots for the trim on the skates.

Now that all the embroidery is finished, I'll attach the backing to the front and join them using a blanket stitch. I'll have them finished by the end of the day. Aren't they sweet? Lisa has provided great inspiration, once again, in our bi-monthly subscription Wool Box. I'm already looking forward to the next one. (I have more projects from the Autumn and Winter boxes to complete first, too.)

My Inspiration Word for 2020 Is...

Brynwood Needleworks - 2020 Inspiration Word

 

I've chosen this word as my inspiration/theme for 2020 for a number of reasons. First, the most obvious definition is "to finish". I have so many UFOs sitting in the studio that I frustrate at having to maneuver around them. It's time to categorize them, move them into a lineup, and get them "completed". First up will be my beautiful butterfly project from my class in Kentucky with the Royal School of Needlework.

 

Another definition has to do with feeling fulfilled and whole. I couldn't love where Handsome and I are in life more than I do now. Our family and dear, old friends are around us. We have wonderful new friends, and even new family members! I'm content and blessed, and it's important to always remember those facts.

 

Complete also has to do with mastering or mastery. This is where I'm reminded that I still have much to learn, and that is only accomplished through practice and diligence. More good lessons.

 

I know you can probably think of more great definitions/synonyms for the word "Complete" (I can, and may share them another time), but these are just a few to explain how I came to this word this year. Do you choose an inspirational word each year? If you do, I'd love to know what it is. How do you plan to put it into action?

 

I'll be back tomorrow to show you a few things I've completed already this year. Have a great day, and thanks again for stopping by!