The "Good" Book...

Brynwood Cork Nature Journal

No. I don't mean that good book. The last post I shared was my "practice" class piece. While this one is my completed class assignment, I can see that I still have a lot to learn and perfect.

I used a piece of my favorite wildlife printed cork fabric as the cover. The binding is called a pamphlet binding and it should be accomplished with straight rows. What I learned is that it's hard to see the punched holes for stitching in cork, because the awl-sized holes tend to try to close up. Next time, I would mark the holes with a tiny ink mark on the inside before I start stitching. Lesson learned.

The inside pages are again made from copier paper, because I didn't want to use expensive paper for a technique I'm still learning. I made five signatures (that's the term for the folded pages that make up each sewn section), and the collection of bound signatures is called a codex.

I completed the book by adding a couple stickers inside the front page of my book, and then added a Brynwood leaf tag to the spine. The final touch was to add an acorn needle keeper as the closure. I glued one magnet inside the front cover, and then attached the acorn with another magnet to the fold-over flap. I may choose to amend how it's attached at some point, but I'm sticking with that for now.

Well, I completed my class so I can say, "I've done that." Perhaps my idea for adding needlework to covers of handmade books is something that will need to percolate further. I'm sure not ready to jump into that at this point. I think I'll stick with what I know for now. I'll be doing more needlework this week.

I'll also be working in my Etsy shop this week to take my February sale live. First I want to rephotograph some of the items in my shop. Right now there are multiple items per listing, and I want to change them to one item per listing. Of course, I want to put in a site-wide sale to move some of my stock to new homes. My plan is to take the sale live by Friday. I'll be sure to announce it as soon as it's ready.

My blog is still slow on this end. How is it for you? Slow? Loading as it should? I'm genuinely curious. I haven't figured out why this is the only site that loads turtle-slow for me, but I really hope it's not hanging up on your side, too.

I'm off on an early errand today and then I'll be busy here in the studio. Now, where did I put my morning cuppa? See you tomorrow!

DAY TWO GIVEAWAY...

Today I get to share the giveaway items for DAY TWO of my Sixteenth Blog Anniversary celebration! I'm hoping you're loving the offerings I'm assembling for these giveaways.

The first part of this offering is one of my custom crafted fabric and natural cork wristlets. There is a cork strap inside the zippered pouch. Use it for your organizing your handbag or to carry sewing or needlework supplies. 

The second part of this giveaway gift is a complete wool kit from Primitive Gatherings called "Give Thanks" from my personal collection. This one has a fall/Thanksgiving theme and it measures 9" x 20".

Finally, I'm including twelve skeins of DMC cotton floss in fall colors which could be used to stitch the runner kit, or for any other project of your choosing.

As I mentioned before, I'll share the rules each day of the drawing to avoid any confusion.  Also, remember you can click on any of my blog images to enlarge them.

HERE ARE THE ENTRY RULES: (Not many actually)

1) Follow my blog and/or follow Brynwood Needleworks on Facebook or Instagram (let me know which)

2) You must enter a comment in the section below (this post only) to be in the drawing for these items.

3) You can live anywhere in the world, but you're responsible for any tariffs or VAT taxes imposed on your end.

4) Only one entry for each drawing, please. 

5) You may enter every giveaway offered, however again, only once per drawing.

6) Make sure you monitor the drawings next Monday for results. If you win, I'll need a mailing address. If I don't hear from winners by Tuesday, March 24th, I'll choose another name.

 

GOOD LUCK!!!

 

Voila!...

Brynwood Needleworks - Holz Fabric "Bella" Tote

And just like that, the commissioned Bella Tote is finished! I got a bee in my bonnet yesterday and decided to stick with it until it was finished. 

I made of cup of tea in my go cup (safest way to drink tea in the studio), made my way upstairs and started cutting fabric around noon. By 3:30, I was finished. They're never difficult to make. I just had to get my head in the mood to sew. Once I started, it was a breeze.

Brynwood Needleworks - "Bella" Tote Interior

 
One thing...I always sew up the turning seam by hand. I'd hoped to go right to a little needlework after I finished the tote, but discovered as I sewed that seam closed that the burned tip of my index finger doesn't hold a needle well right now. It feels like I have a leather button on it, which makes everything awkward. Plus it's a little sore, too.

Instead, I got out my castor oil/frankincense mixture, rubbed it into my fingertip with a little left over, and then covered it with a bandage. Castor oil has such wonderful healing properties (I use it on my sore knee all the time, and it offers great relief), that I'm hoping it will do its magic to help heal my finger faster. I sat down to read instead.

Today is the end of January already. Hard to believe, isn't it? I already know the theme for the next ATC exchange, so I'll probably work on those over the weekend. I did get another new book, and this one is going to really bowl you over! I'll share it with you tomorrow. Happy Friday!

Lazy Bones...

Handsome has been gone two days, and this is all I've managed to accomplish in the studio. I've pulled together all the fabrics and accessories I need to sew up the Bella tote. Yep. That's all. 

I really am going to get started today. I'll get everything cut out, and then my plan is to sew until it's done. I do have a hair appointment, but will work before and after that. Wish me luck!

Next Up...

Black cork and Tim Holz fabric will be the main fabrics for my next project...a recently commissioned Bella tote. My plan is to make this on Monday after I get home from taking Handsome to the airport.

This morning I'm driving to Portage for our monthly Craft Day, and I'm taking along a wool needle felting kit to work on. We were all asked to bring a project for needle felting, so mine is a small red fox. I'm not sure how far we'll get with it, but I can always finish it once I get home.

After our morning of crafting, we'll be celebrating Annabelle's Birthday with a tea party. Belle is Adrienne's daughter (generation four of my friendship with Linda's family). I'm not sure whether or not I should bring a tea party hat, so I'm going to take one along, just in case. I'm planning to wear a dress, too, which (in light of the current weather) I may come to regret. Fingers crossed that's not the case.

I'd love to stay longer and chat, but I don't want to be late. I hope you have a lovely Saturday and Sunday, and I'll be back on Monday with all sorts of news to share.

Wynter's Kitty Purse...

Wynter's Kitty Purse - Front

 

I completed Wynter's little purse on Sunday. Once I made my final color decision, it was pretty easy.

Wynter's Kitty Purse - Back

I even put a kitty tail on the backside of her bag. Claudette always carries her tail like a question mark, so that's the shape I gave the tail on Wynter's purse.

Wynter's Kitty Purse - Zipper Pull

In anticipation of some special project bags I've been contemplating, I have two different styles of cat zipper pulls in my inventory. This one seemed perfect for Wynter's purse.

Wynter's Kitty Purse - Lining

I used the same lining for Wynter's that I used for her big sister's puppy purse. Puppy or kitty paws? I don't think she'll mind either way. As you can see, I used my name label for the inside. That way she can remember that her aunty designed and created this just for her.

I'm starting a project for Handsome today. I want to have it finished before he goes to Florida, but as he's going to be flying, I'll likely ship it to him along with a few other things he'll need while he's away. 

I have another busy week ahead...work Tuesday; a doctor's appointment and dinner with my old classmates on Wednesday; work Friday; Craft day and Annabelle's Birthday party right after; and Wynter's Birthday party on Sunday. Handsome leaves next Monday, so I'll be spending as much time in between as possible with him as he gets ready. I might have to call the elves back into service to help me out. lol As they say in the movies when things get exciting..."Hold on!" as you join me on my whirlwind week.

Hibernation Plans...

Caroline Smith Art

This time of year, I prefer to hibernate. My Artist Trading Cards will go in the mail today, and hopefully the USPS will pick up and move them along to their new homes. 

As for me, I'll get back to pulling cork colors and getting ready to cut out the kitty purse for Wynter. We now have a date certain for Handsome's departure for Florida (he's flying), so I'll have some things to do before then for his benefit. Thankfully, all my plans involve staying indoors.

What are you working on these days? I'd love to know. Feel free to email photographs, and I'll be happy to share what everyone sends in a Saturday post. If you don't already have my email address, it's in my sidebar. 

Kitty Purse, It Is...

After reading all your wonderful comments, I decided to follow your (our) instincts and go with "Kitty Purse"! I worked on a few different drawings, and this is my final for a pattern. I'm not making the face the entire front because I don't want to have ears sticking up off bag. I will put a tail on the back though, too! hee hee

Wynter's cat is a grey and whitish kitty, so I started pulling cork colors that might work for my design. I'm not happy with the really dark grey, so I may do something else, but this is where I'm starting. I'm going to go through my scraps to see if I have a mid-grey tone, and if so, I'll change out that dark one. I haven't decided what color for the base color for the purse, so I'm still working on that.

I'll go through more of my cork scrap bins today to see what I can come up with, and will update you when I start cutting and sewing. I'm looking forward to working on it, so I'll probably do more later this week.

My Dillema...

Ellie's Puppy Purse

So, here's my dilemma...I've been planning to make the sweet dress for Wynter that I shared with you earlier this week. Then, I was reminded that I made this purse for her older sister, and had promised a little kitty purse for her.

So, now do I make the kitten purse as originally planned, or change direction? I haven't cut fabric for either yet. (Wynter does have a living, breathing, light gray kitty, so I'd use that as a base color in cork.)

Help! Feedback appreciated.

Ellie Loves It!...

Ellie's mama shot a video of her opening her gift today, so you know I just had to share. She was so tickled! I would have shared the video, but her little sister and brother are bouncing around in the background, so I decided to capture some still images to give you an idea of how she liked it.

Once she (quickly) realized what it was, a huge (missing one front tooth) grin appeared on her face. She immediately put it on as a crossbody, and then inspected it further. She opened the zipper and had to show her mama the paw print lining.

You've got to know that I was grinning from ear to ear the entire time I watched the video...and my glee has lasted for hours since then.

This last photograph is sweet Ellie looking at the camera to thank her Aunt Donna for the gift. I'm grinning all over again as I write this.

Her mama, Brianna, told me that Ellie had a date yesterday evening to go to a ball game with her daddy. She asked her mother if she could take her purse with her, and was told she could. The update after they left was that her mom was going to have to "break her heart" tomorrow to tell her she couldn't take it to school with her. sniffle

In Ellie's card, I told her that I had designed and sewn the purse just for her, and that there isn't another one like it in the world. Her mom told me she was feeling extra special knowing that. I've made gifts for Ethan's family before, and as always, I really enjoy gifting them because all of them appreciate the time and effort that went into their creation.

I told Brianna that I know their second child loves kitties. I'm already working on that design in my head, and will make that purse soon, so the next gift won't be late...I mean...extended.

All In A Day's Work...

It was actually "an afternoon's play". I don't know why I was so hesitant to make this one, but I'm so happy I finally sat down and figured it all out. I'm shipping it out today, so Miss Ellie will have her gift later this week. 

The actual puppy's face purse measures 6.5" wide by 6" long by 1" wide. The shoulder strap has a 13" drop, so I hope it's the perfect length for a five year old young lady. The following photos show just a bit of the details.

 

Front of Ellie's Puppy Purse

 

Back of Ellie's Puppy Purse, Showing The Tail

Paw Print Lining

 

A Little Corgi Bell Charm is the Final Touch

I can't wait to hear Ellie's reaction to her gift. I'm so glad I've completed it. Truthfully, I didn't take all the photos or write a pattern as I created this. I'm happy that this is a one-and-only creation just for her. I may change my mind and make another in the future, but not exactly like this one. That way, she can always feel special knowing she has the only one like it in the whole world, and I made it just for her.

I Have A Plan...

Handsome's brother is flying in for a long weekend today. I'm working tonight - and I just realized tomorrow, too (for a co-worker), but the rest of the weekend will be to myself as the guys hang out and visit with each other. 

I'll be playing in the studio. Now, don't get all excited about how tidy my studio looks. As I told MA in yesterday's comments, it currently looks "post apocalyptic" and chaotic. I'm not going to spend a lot of time cleaning it so I can play. I'm going to mostly work around the piles to concentrate on sewing a purse for a little girl. I can clean next week after I've finished making a new mess.

So, that's my plan and I'm praying I can stick with it. I'd planned an "extended Birthday" for Miss Ellie, but I don't want to get too carried away. After all, she's only five. There's plenty of time to teach her how to really stretch it out! I'll share more tomorrow before I go to work!

Soon...

I must have been really tired last night. I fell asleep reading and only just woke up! Sooo, my plan is to work in the studio today on that little puppy purse for Elizabeth. 

I hope you're having a good day. It's perfect weather to be outside, so I'll have to concentrate to get this done. Let's see how that goes.

Getting Back To The Studio...

Now, I can finally focus on my great-great niece's Birthday gift. Talk about an "extended Birthday"! I'm teaching this young lady the concept without even planning for it! lol

So, I thought you might like to see the process for this project. I began with paper and pencil, drawing out my idea for the little shoulder bag I'm going to make for her. I'll be using cork fabric for this project, and of course, I have all the colors in stock to tackle this bag.

I decided this puppy face should have a spot around his/her eye like the old Spanky and Our Gang pup. Then, I thought, "Well, wouldn't it be cute if its tongue was hanging out, too?". Sure it would!

I haven't decided on all the colors yet, but I'm leaning toward natural for the main body, Rust for the spot and ears, black for the eyes and a red tongue. I'll add the muzzle and eye highlights by machine.

When I thought about the back of the bag, what could be more appropriate than to add a fluffy tail? hee hee  My drawings have extra lines and the shape is a bit wonky, but I'll even that all up when I draw the final pattern prior to cutting. 

I'll add a 1/4" seam allowance, and this bag will have a 1" gusset all the way around. It will have a top zipper, rings and a rolled shoulder strap so my niece can wear it as a shoulder or cross body bag.

What do you think so far? I'll take photos of my cutting and sewing as I go, and who knows? Maybe I'll turn it into a pattern for others to make their own, too.

Handsome is doing really well, and so glad to be back home. (So are we!) I'll make sure he rests through the holiday weekend, but I'll be sewing, canning applesauce, and picking up more tomatoes and peppers to do more canning. I'm happiest when my husband is near by, and I'm busy.  This plan should serve me well.

I hope you have a great weekend. Stop by to see what I've accomplished, or just catch up after the holidays. I'll be here when you get time.

Remember These?...

 
Remember these? I made them last spring and called them my "Matty Two-Zip Clutch". I added these cute squirrel/acorn pulls for the front pockets on this batch. They flew out the door once they were done. 

I came across the photos in my phone "album" yesterday, so I'm going to make more in other colors this week. I'm also going to do a few other fabrics for my Nature Girl series, which will feature animals and birds. 

I'll show them to you first, and will offer them on my Brynwood Facebook page after that. There will be direct links to purchase them through my secure Square account. I'll share the details once they're finished.

Also, I've decided not to do the West Bend show in September. With all that's been going on around here, I don't think I have the energy to ramp up for production for that show. I'll be gearing up for the one in Kewaskum in November instead. Just wanted to let the locals know ahead of time.

Di's Patriotic Bella Tote...

Di's Patriotic Bella Tote

You know how I dislike cutting out the pieces for new projects, right? I usually cut one day and sew the next. Yesterday was different. I cut and completed the tote for my sister in a few hours, and man, was I chuffed when it was finished.

So, here's the tote I made for her. She wanted it to be highly patriotic, so I combined navy and red cork, eagles and flags on the exterior pocket, and "America" and flags on the interior.

I sent photos to her when it was finished, and she whooped she was so tickled. She'll be in town today, but I'll likely see her in the morning when she comes out (with Grace!!!) to pick it up. She's excited to get her tote, and I'm equally excited to meet Grace (her new Corgi). I'll be sure to have Bella and Carly crated so no one bullies the puppy.

Yes. I'm still doing laundry. It's wonderful to have a second (and first) story clothes chute to the basement, but it can be a shock to see what's accumulated when you go into the basement. I'm going to keep after it until its all done and put away...and the basement it back to normal. 

I want to make curtains for the basement windows, too, so once the laundry is finished, I'll probably get after that project. I want something that will let the light in, but won't allow views into the basement from outside. I'll probably just choose a white cotton muslin. No frills. Just something practical and simple.

That won't happen until next week for sure. In the meantime, I'll work on my needlework in between loads of laundry. I work tonight, and then I'm off until Tuesday. I'm sure I'll accomplish something between now and then! 

Happy Weekend!

Hibiscus Shop Hop Bag...

 

I did this yesterday! I sewed a Shop Hop Crossbody Bag to mail out to a client today. I managed to concentrate from start to finish, and even added a matching key fob to surprise her.

I'll get back to stitching today, and I have a needlework class with Clara this afternoon for a couple hours. It will be a relaxing and rewarding day for sure.

Happy Weekend, and I hope you have something fun planned, too. I'd love to know what you're up to, too!

Shipping Today...

 

I created a new Bryn Wallet in the Nature Girl Series - Deer and Rabbit - over the weekend. Well, actually, I made it yesterday. I have one in the shop in natural cork like this, but my client wanted navy. So, navy she'll have.

Rather than attach my usual Brynwood badges to the wallets as I do on my handbags, I like to machine embroider my "Brynwood"  onto the back of each wallet. That way, nothing is sticking out on the back to catch on things inside a handbag.

I chose a lovely grey/blue canvas fabric for the interior lining, with the credit card pockets a nice, sturdy cork fabric. This one is sold and is in the mail this morning...but I do have one left with the same flap, but natural cork for the body. You can find it in my Etsy shop HERE.

I'll be getting back to my Goldwork Frogs and Autumn Strawberry Sachet this week. As I'll take each stitch, I count all my blessings this Thanksgiving Week. Are you going to be with friends or family on "turkey day"? Are you traveling? I'll tell you my plans, if you tell me yours.

Busy In The Studio...

Brynwood Kirby Crossbody Bags

I'm planning to list up the bags and wallets that didn't sell from my booth last weekend. This was a photo from before the show. Not all of them are still available. I need to photograph them for the listings, and I'm going to also list them in the Brynwood Facebook group with buttons to purchase direct from the post. 

I'm trying to keep myself busy, and all your prayers are helping a lot. Thank you again for always responding to my requests. 

I received an invitation to have a booth at another quilt show this spring. This one is in northern Illinois, so I have to check my calendar and decide whether an overnight stay (which is for a two-day show) would make for a profitable trip. I have about five new applications sitting on my desk right now. Decisions. Decisions.

I'll post my Sunday Scripture and be back on Monday with a new post. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend with the ones you love. 

Gratefully,