A Play Project...

A few months ago, I attended a product preview event at Crazy Quilters in Venice, Florida. Everyone who attended received a goodie bag. Inside mine (among other things) was a small kit with instructions to make tissue holders.

I came across the kit again when I was tidying up the studio, so I decided to sit right down and make it up. This first picture was the result, and it took all of 15 minutes to make - cutting, quilting and sewing!

My friend, Jacque A. over at The Doodles of My Mind blog loves making these, and now I understand the attraction. They're quick little projects that make a great add-on gift. I will definitely be making more in the future.

Campers...

I stopped to visit with my friend, Rhonda, at Crazy Quilters shop today.
Look what she ordered with me in mind!!! Amy Bradley Designs' "Campers".

You do know that one of these will be silver when I make it, right? It's going
to be the one with the palm tree and flamingo...and a Corgi...and a black Lab.
Definitely added to my "To Do" list!

Another showing today. We'll be heading out for a while with Tag and Bella,
but when we get back, I'm definitely going to spend the rest of the day playing.

Live Like You Mean It...

Art by Mary Engelbreit

After finding I had a dead, dead, dead battery in my car yesterday morning, I was extremely fortunate that Handsome hadn't left for his appointment yet. He gave me a ride up to Carol's and then went on his way.

Carol and I visited for a while (joined by her sweet husband, Jack) and then we left for lunch at Cosimo's. (She drove.) We caught up on the last few months and we discussed Handsome's and my moving plans. After a delicious meal, we headed back to Carol's home to head to her studio.

Carol already has a new Babylock Destiny, so I wanted to sit down and see what it will do. It's just as fabulous as I remembered...and I'm not quite sure I can wait until our move to get one. Carol has really settled into her new home, and the space upstairs that is her "playroom" has me looking at our perspective homes in a new light. It's really perfect for sewing, storing, sitting and stitching. 

Handsome came to pick me up, so I hugged my host and hostess and headed home. We had so much fun together, I never took out my camera. (Next time!)

Handsome picked up a new battery for my Explorer before he came to get me, so we installed it when we got back home and I'm back in business.

I'm going to be in the studio today after I head over to meet up with my friend, Rhonda at Crazy Quilters. Whatever you have planned for today, think about Mary Engelbreit's poster and "Live Like You Mean It".

  Happy May Day!

Remains Of The Day...

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So much for "the best laid plans". I was going to make two wallets yesterday. Instead, I headed out and visited my friends, Rhonda and Marilyn at Crazy Quilters before going to Sarasota for my monthly haircut. 

 

I timed everything perfectly. I drove to Sarasota from Venice - where I had time to stop and pick up a few things I needed from Joann Fabrics the "J" store; had lunch at the Mediterranean Grill next door to the salon; and arrived to check in at the salon early...only to find out I'd arrived at the wrong location (He co-owns three salons and travels between them each week)!

We called ahead to let my stylist (the owner) know that I'd gone to the wrong shop and was on my way to where he was for Thursday. (In my defense, I thought all of my scheduled appointments had been moved to this location.) 

 

I learned that I can get from that location to the one where I was supposed to be in 35 minutes, if I push the limits of safe and legal driving. I was frazzled when I got there, but he calmed me down and then finished with me just in time for his next client. I left with a great cut, a better attitude and a printed schedule listing the next three appointments and their locations!

I stopped at the grocery store on my way home, needing to pick up dishwasher detergent. One hundred seventy five dollars later, I drove home. (I'm not big on grocery shopping, so when I finally go, I pick up enough so I don't have to go back again for a while.) The obligatory carrying in, unpacking and putting away ensued; soon followed by dinner preparations. Handsome and I caught up on what we'd been doing for the past eight hours and by the time dinner was finished, so was I.

The only time I spent in the studio was putting away the few things I picked up while in Venice and Sarasota. Not quite what I'd planned, but still a busy day. 

 

I'm definitely going to get my creative fix today. I think I'll just put on my blinders and do my best not to get sidetracked again. Wish me luck!

Feeling Nostalgic...

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  I have an ongoing class that I teach in paper piecing at Crazy Quilters.   Some students are "regulars", who have already learned the technique, but they return twice a month to pick up new foundations from me. They have become  friends, and they stay to sew up a block or two while we visit with each other.   Others are new students who have come to learn how to do paper piecing. I teach them how to think in mirror-image and shepherd them through their first block to be sure they understand the technique. Then, I supervise as they tackle one on their own. I always enjoy seeing the "light go on", and knowing that they now have a new skill to add to their quilting/sewing/needlework repertoire.   Yesterday was such a day. My newest student was dropped off by her husband  with her sewing machine and a great deal of enthusiasm. She was ready to learn.   She set up her antique Singer 221, while I set up a cutting station for her and  we began our session. I explained how to place and sew the fabrics to the   paper foundation and then my student commenced to piece her block. When she was ready to sew her first seam, she took it to the flatbed of her 221 and I was immediately taken by the sweet "ticka ticka ticka ticka ticka" of her machine. We all actually talked about her little Singer's's quaint sounds.  I told her they brought to mind our life in farm country in Wisconsin. 

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 One of the local farmers had an old two-cylinder John Deere tractor. They were nicknamed "Poppin' Johnnies" because of their distinctive sound. I well remember warm fall days with all our doors and windows open, the sounds of  that old tractor lifting on the breezes that cooled our home. The slow, steady  "chocka...chocka...chocka...", rhymthically moving across the hillside behind   our woods. I'd always stop what I was doing, just to listen to that old tractor.   Hearing the sound my student's 221 yesterday brought those memories back  to life. In a day when many of us use computerized sewing machines, with all their useful bells and whistles, it was so nice to see that sturdy, old machine still serving a seamstress eager to learn. It created perfect, tiny stitches on her reproduction fabric - and for just a moment - it became a time machine, transporting all of us to years gone by. It was a lovely day indeed.

A Pretty Blossom...

Biker Blossom and Bob

I taught my class at Crazy Quilters yesterday, but we had to take a

 break when Pam announced that "Blossom" was out in the parking lot.

I had no idea what she meant, but as soon as I glanced out the window,

 I ran and grabbed my trusty camera phone. Now you can meet her, too.

Don't you just love the doggles (doggy goggles)?

You can see how much she likes this whole program

You can tell by the expression on Blossom's face that she adores her

master - and riding on the back of his motorcycle. She's very secure

 in the bag on the back. The bag's safely attached to the bike, and her

harness is attached through to an anchor spot to keep her from jumping 

or falling out. They can ride like the wind and she will be just fine.

This whole setup is quite the "chick magnet", too! The ladies,

including me, were attracted to this little dog, and Bob was more

than happy to talk about his bike and his sweet, little Blossom.

Well, I only have two things to say...

1) It's a really good thing Tag wasn't there yesterday because he 

would love to ride on a bike and would still be whining at me;

and

2) It's a really good thing Tag wasn't there yesterday because he

would surely have run away from home to join this biker gang!

  Class was a huge success, and seeing this dynamic duo in  the parking lot was certainly the buttercream icing on the cake.

Attention Deficit Crafter...

You know that I started this project over the weekend. I was coasting

right along when I ran out of the requisite Velcro to close up each slipcover.

I had to get more before I could proceed to finish what I started.

Until I could go and get more, I had other projects that needed my attention.

I worked on my knitting project for the rest of the day and then went out right

away Monday (along with errands that ate up most of my day) and got Velcro.

Handsome and I agreed to tackle hitch maintenance first thing yesterday, and by

 the time that was finished, the morning was over. Finally, I could sew after lunch.

The large seat cushion in the dining area has a curve that matches the wonderful lines of the Airstream. I made that slipcover in the afternoon and will make the back cushion cover and the cushions on the other side of the table next week.
Today, I'm teaching another hand embroidery class at Crazy Quilters. (BTW - Go check out their new website. It's gorgeous, thanks to the mad web skills of our friend, Rhonda! She's gone wild on the site!)
The next time you see pictures of the Flying Cloud, those slipcovers (and a few other sweet additions) will be finished. I'll have my knitting done, too!

Posh Pocket Class And Visitors...

Apologies for a blurry photo. Laughing + iPhone = fuzzy pic.

 Two happy students created their own Posh Pockets (formerly

"Fancy Vinyl Pockets" tutorial) in the class I taught at Crazy Quilters 

yesterday. We had a fun time and shared a lot of laughs along the way. 

They left with completed vinyl pockets and instructions to make more.

 I made one along with them and this is what I turned out.

Of course, it's a silly, corgi theme, using printed twill tape, an

 image I printed out on fabric, fancy yarn and metallic thread.

 This is the back of mine. The little blocks were done by a guild  member and included with a fabric offering on our "giveaway" table at the last meeting. I liked the gold floral design, and smiled  when I saw the two small blocks tucked between the fabric folds. This was the perfect opportunity to use them. I did change the name of this pocket for my class, so I went back to  this post and adopted it as the new name for the project. It appears in  my "BW Free Patterns/Tutorials" link in my menu bar.  Once you get the  hang of working with vinyl, you'll want to make a whole lot more.

 A nice ending to our evening was a visit from Domino's owner. He dropped off eight bottles of a lovely moscato wine to thank  me for keeping Domino safe when he ran away from home. I told him I was surprised that he remembered where we lived, but he said he wrote the house number down as soon as he went back inside after I returned his dog to him...and he'd kept my voice mail so he knew how to call ahead to ask to come over. Handsome and I got to meet his two daughters and girlfriend. Such lovely people. Thanks for the wine, Andre! We'll say a toast  to you and Domino when we put up our feet over the weekend.

Headstart Quilting...

 After assembling all my teaching materials for today's class, I decided to

choose fabrics that I'll use to make a boy's Headstart quilt. I'll donate it at

  our guild meeting next Tuesday night. I chose a baseball theme, and I have

 plenty of time for assembly, quilting and binding between now and then.

 Our size requirement for the Headstart quilts is a finished quilt measuring

at least 36" x 42". It can be slightly larger, but once chosen, the quilts are

stored in cubby holes between uses by the kidlets, so they can't be too big.

I'll assemble this one just like the "girly" top I've already made.

 What little girl wouldn't love the flowers with sweet birds and 

bright colors? The main fabric was used to make pj pants for

one of my nieces last Christmas. I only needed a 5" wide strip

the width of the fabric (42-44"), so I had plenty left over for this.

 The boy's quilt will also be 8 blocks wide by 9 blocks long. (4 1/2" finished blocks equals 36" wide by 40 1/2".) I'll add a  1 1/2" border all around to make a finished 38" x 42 1/2" top.)
I'll put the boy's quilt top together after I get home from  teaching today. I'll show you the quilts again after I get them put together and bound. I'll have them finished before Sunday.
Off to get my latte' before heading off to class. Gotta run!

Ready For Class...

 I decided to create a simple round pincushion to enhance the 

embroidery stitches I'll be teaching later this week at Crazy Quilters.

 I even had fabric in my stash with the same flowers as the embroidered

 leaves. (I know. You're shocked right?) I didn't even plan for that!

I added a handmade cording to the seamline, leaving a loop at the end for a charm, or even a little embroidered strawberry emery! (I can always add one later.) I chose a thread spool for now.   I'll be teaching my students how to do the following stitches: • satin stitch • stem stitch • back stitch • French knot • lazy daisy • running stitch and • how to make cording This class is part of my "Back to Basics" series: Beginner Embroidery. I think that's enough knowledge to try to pack into a one-session class.     Now that I've finished this model, I think I'll do a little quilting today. See you tomorrow!

I've Got Plans...

Brynwood April Hibiscus

  I had so much fun with my class yesterday. Every one of my students "got it". By the end of the day, they all went home with a great start to their own projects.   If you've taught someone else a technique you love, whether or or not it's sewing, quilting, needlework or something else, you know that sense of satisfaction one gets when you see the light go on in your student's eyes. It really never gets old.   I'm looking forward to watching these students become even more proficient in hand applique'. Perhaps we'll even get together again for a more advanced class.
Monday will bring another class, but today I'll visit with my Coffee Club  girlfriends. We got the "memo" that the shop will officially close in two weeks. We try not to think about it and just enjoy what time we have left in the shop.   It's a really good thing that we'll see each other A.S. (After Shop) or we would  have a much worse time coping with this new phase in Kathy and Nora's lives.  While we wish them all the best (and of course, we do), we can't help but lament  the loss of another wonderful quilt shop in our area. So, I'm off to catch up with them and hear more about what they have planned for their retirements.
I hope all of you savor every moment of your weekend. The weather is getting nicer up North, and Florida is starting to lift a little higher out of the ocean as our beloved snowbirds pull up stakes and head back to their northern homes.
See ya later, friends. Gotta run and get this weekend started!

Then, We Partied...

 We told her we were meeting for a class. We occupied ourselves

with class "bookwork" for the first hour. Then, we surprised her

with a party to celebrate her becoming a grandma. It was perfect!

 Andy had no idea a surprise party was planned.

She didn't even suspect when the blue tableware appeared.

 But, then she turned around to find all her friends behind her

and realized that they were all in the shop to attend a party for her.

 They all came bearing gifts for the new baby. Things that could stay

at Grandma and Grandpa's house to use when the new little boy comes

to visit. There were so many wonderful things from friends who were

thrilled that Andy is going to have a grandchild to shower with all

the love and affection that we lucky grandmas already know so well.

 We're all so happy for her - and she's so anxious to welcome her little

grandson to the world. It won't be long now. She'll be a super grandma, too!

He even has a nickname already. His whole family calls him "Nugget".

 Andy thanked our hostess, Marilyn (who owns Crazy Quilters) for a

lovely party. It really was a nice gathering of friends so happy for her.

Now we're all anxious to see that little Nugget!

I'll be teaching a Beginning Hand Applique' Class today, so I'm heading

back to the shop first thing. Nothing like a day doing what you love!

Making A Difference...

 It was a long day yesterday, but we made a good difference for one

young man who walked away with a not-guilty verdict in his pocket.

 It made a difference for me, too. Upon rendering our verdict, all the jurors were thanked for their service and presented with a certificate from the judge.    As we left the courtroom, I glanced down at mine to find that my middle  initial was wrong. I smiled, walked down the block to my Explorer and drove  to meet Handsome for dinner before going home. It's not like I'll lose any sleep.
Today is devoted to a surprise party (more on that later) and a Farmer's  Wife session at Crazy Quilters. It'll be good to get back to my normal, creative, married life again. But, I have to admit...I'm glad to have served.

Back To The Farmer's Wife...

 Finally! 

All this time has passed and I am again turning my attention to

the Farmer's Wife. I know. I should be ashamed of myself, but I've

been so darn busy with the quilt show that I just had to put something

on the back burner. My last progress report was last September! (here)

 Well, today, I'm packed to go and teach four blocks at Crazy Quilters. If

you were a participant in the Farmer's Wife QAL, you'll be getting an email

from me over the weekend. I've also been preparing new paper piecing

blocks to add to our Box account. I'll let you know when those are up, too.

So, I'll be stopping for a latte' and then heading over to the shop first thing. I'll

have a whole day of teaching, sewing and getting back to my only serious 

UFO...The Farmer's Wife. I'll be teaching this class and adding new blocks

twice a month at the shop. Goodness. I'll be finished before you know it.

It's gonna be a great day!

First Finish Of The New Year...

 I was so happy to spend some time in the studio yesterday. I made a

new Sewing Organizer to use as a model for classes I'll be teaching.

 I chose Moda's Basic Grey "Figgy Pudding" fabrics from my stash. 

The outside fabric reminded me of colorful swim rings, so I decided

 to add some of my beach cabin tape from LillaLotta to the outside.

 The lining and binding is done in another Moda fabric in red and white polka

dots. (Thinking, "Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny" polka dot bikini...but not yellow.)

 By dinnertime, I was finished sewing on the binding! I'll take it over 

to the shop so they can start signing up students for me to teach.

 If you're interested in making an organizer of your own, you can visit

my Craftsy shop (Brynwood Needleworks) to get your own pattern.

If you look for my listings by my name, search for Brynwood Donna.

(There's a quick link to my Craftsy shop in my left sidebar.)

Well, I'm happy to have spent a little time in the studio and finish my first

 project of the new year. Today, I'll be checking in with the Coffee Club.

Nothing like a few hours with the girls to kick off the weekend!