Tuesdays With Tag - Merry Christmas!...

 Hi, Everybody!

It's that time of year again. Time to don the old red bowtie and wish you all a Merry Christmas!

I know I was just a puppersnapper when this picture was taken, but it's seriously Mom's favorite, so we roll it out year after year to share with you again. I have to say I'm pretty fond of this one, too. Don't I look like a kid?

Christmas will be here before my next Tuesday post, so I figured it was as good a time as any to spread a little holiday cheer. Mom's busy gettin' presents made for the grands, and it's just a bustle of activity around here. I'm sure you're gettin' in the spirit, too, so I want to share somethin' we came across this week that's just the ticket...

I'd like to say these aren't all accurate, but they actually are. Well, except that the original #1 says "Queen", and we all know better, right? This image is a print from a shop called Lavender and Sea on Etsy. If you're so inclined, HERE'S the link to buy a copy from the shop. It's important to give credit where it's due.

I know Mom is gonna put up our Christmas card later this week, so don't feel bad that Boo and The Kid aren't pictured here. They'll be along soon.

So, consider this a big, wonderful smooch from me to you.

I'll see you again in seven. 'til then... 

Merry, Merry Christmas!

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.

Shop Sale...

 

As you've seen, I've been pretty busy with loved ones these past few days. I've had no time for my needlework, or much more than attention to Handsome and the dogs, garden weeding, and lunch with my dear girlfriend, Deb yesterday. I'm getting back to studio tasks today, but wanted to let you know I've managed to do some new listings - and some nice markdowns for current listings. Perhaps there's something you had your eye on previously?

My plan is to add new items to my shop in the coming months. I'm going to offer new Brynwood patterns in PDF form, and perhaps add some "oldies but goodies" from my counted thread designing days. I'm going to set aside time every day for pattern writing, photographing project steps, and proofreading. I'm also working on new stock that you haven't seen before, and want to have a new line out by fall.

 

I have a show on September 30th in West Bend at the VFW Hall, and I'll show again at the Kewaskum Show in November. Most of the items in my booth for those shows with be my cork handbags, totes and wallets.

I'll be setting aside stitching time, too. You know I go a little dingy when I can put needle and thread to fabric. I haven't even started my acorn brooch yet, and ideas a swimming around in my head. I'm anxious to get that project under way.

So, if you have time, please check out my Etsy shop. I'll continue to mark down more of the inventory there, so if you visit every few days, you may find something you've been looking at has been marked down since you last looked.

You know where I'm heading now... a cuppa and then the studio. See you tomorrow.

It Was A Busy Indoor Day...

It's not like I didn't get outside. I spent my "breaks" with Claudette and Crystal, as well as showering the pups with lots of attention. Tag was sleeping on his bed in my studio while I worked up here. And, I wasn't just sitting around all day either.

I was in the fabric studio, and have a few more items listed. These three assortments are now listed in my Etsy shop. (You can visit through the Etsy link in my sidebar.)

I'll be doing more of the same today. Breaking up with my fabrics is a hard thing to do, but I'm focused and determined. We'll get there. Slow and Steady wins the race.

Working For The Weekend...

Brynwood Shop Listings

 

I've been biiiiizzzzzyyyy! I spent the past couple of days adding new listings to my Etsy shop, and have already shipped out a few items. You might want to check them out, and I'll be making more hickory syrup today. Monday, I'll be listing up more. (I have to wait for a packaging order to arrive first.) You can visit my shop by clicking the Etsy icon in my sidebar...or directly HERE.

Happy Weekend, friend!

I Don't Know How It Happens...

Brynwood Needleworks - Upcoming Fabric Listings

Well, actually I have a pretty good idea. I was pulling fabrics to list for sale in my Etsy shop when I realized I didn't have a clear surface for photographing them. My studio is a sty again! Don't worry. I'm not going to show photos. Just suffice it to say that chaos reigned supreme.

 

So, even though it was in the 90s yesterday, none of the air conditioners are installed yet (I'm resisting as long as I can), and it was dog-kicking hot upstairs, I set about cleaning my creative spaces. One down. One to go.

 

In the meantime, I almost have a clean counter for photography, and I'll be listing these fabrics in my shop over the weekend. I also have some finished projects to list, and more in my head. 

 

What's on your agenda today?

Nantucket Red...

Brynwood Needleworks - Brynwood "ACK" Clutch and Accessories

I've completed another addition to my Brynwood Exclusive clutch wallets. This one is called "ACK", which is the airport designation for Nantucket Island.

I've chosen a fabulous Nantucket Red canvas for this set, and digitized my own design for the outline of the island for the exterior flap. I embroidered "ACK" on the key fob to finish the set.

Brynwood Needleworks - Brynwood "ACK" Clutch Interior

 

Of course, there had to be whales on the inside! How could I not choose this fabric with Nantucket's rich whaling heritage?

I've already listed this wallet on my website and in my Etsy shop (HERE & HERE), in case you'd like to see more photos of it. I love how it turned out! This one will have a matching handbag and Retreat Bag available (very soon), too.

Miss Destiny is in the shop for the weekend. She's nearly a year old and, because I use her every day, she was due for a spa day. Kenny's going to step in for her over the weekend, so I can keep busy.

Snap Happy Cord Keepers...

Brynwood Needleworks - Snap Happy Cord Keepers

  I decided to do a little "fun" creating yesterday afternoon.

I have a number of corded appliances in the studio, not to mention my machines and phone cords. I'm so tired of using those velcro ties on them. The ties stick to each other and they're clumsy - at least to me.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Snap Happy Cord Keepers

I decided I wanted to make alternatives - and the result is what I'm calling "Snap Happy Cord Keepers". hee hee

I made the ones I needed, and then I made four more sets to put into my Etsy shop, in case anyone else wants to give them a try.

Brynwood Needleworks - Snap Happy Cord Keepers

These are 6" long, so they will hold fatter cords, or in this case, they're long enough to secure the power cord to the handle of my little Clover mini iron. (Don't you love my paw print snaps?) 

You can see my listings in my Etsy shop HERE. I'm going to make a slightly shorter version, too. It's good to have options. I'll list those when they're finished.

Sewing For The Shop...

Brynwood Needleworks - Project Pieces

All the fabric for Grammie's Jammies is headed to the washer. Remember, I always do the worst to it before I sew it up. Hot water. Hot dryer. Then, it will be pre-tested for colorfastness and will shrink up before I cut and sew.

Brynwood Needleworks - Project Pieces

While that's going on, I've got five wallets ready to assemble. Once they're put together, I'll list them in my Etsy shop...just in case someone needs a last minute gift.

Today is Nifty 50s, so I'll be meeting up with my friend, Jamie to make dolls to go with Marcy's forty dresses! Jamie offered to help make the dolls (she already did the faces for the doll heads) and I'm so grateful for the help.


All the supplies were packed in my Explorer last night and I'll head out first thing this morning. This afternoon, I'll be back home to work on the wallets. Busy days are the best days!

What are you up to this week? I'd love to know.

Another Coraline...

Brynwood Needleworks - Pomegranate Coraline - Front

I'm having great fun making these wristlets!

I love choosing the fabrics.
I adore having my own logo embroidered on the outside.

Brynwood Needleworks - Pomegranate Coraline - Back

The dart details allow for a more roomy interior, so you can carry the important things...

Brynwood Needleworks - Pomegranate Coraline - Credit Card and Currency Pocket

including a safe place for credit cards and currency (money not included).

Brynwood Needleworks - Pomegranate Coraline - Lining detail

Choosing just the right lining fabric can elevate the project.

Brynwood Needleworks - Pomegranate Coraline - Hardware

Just as choosing the proper hardware. I installed goldtone hardware this time, and a charm from a vintage bracelet. It looks like a lacquered slice of wood. I especially liked it because the fabric reminds me of Autumn leaves.   This wristlet is already listed in my Etsy shop in case you'd like to own it. Oh, and Tag can't wait to visit with you tomorrow!

Brynwood Needleworks - Coraline In Tourmaline...

Brynwood Needleworks - Coraline in Tourmaline

This is the first of a new line of wristlets and clutches I'll be listing in my Etsy shop. The design is from Swoon Patterns, and it's called Coraline. I'm creating them under a licensing agreement with Swoon.

Brynwood Needleworks - Coraline in Tourmaline

I'm using sample fabric swatches that are now discontinued, so each of my wristlets will be true one-of-a-kind pieces. There will not be another like this one.

Brynwood Needleworks - Coraline in Tourmaline

Each of these wristlets will have an interior currency pocket, with six credit card slots. (Sorry, the currency isn't included.) There's plenty of room for your cell phone, along with any other items you'd like to carry with you.

You can find all the details about this particular bag in my Etsy shop:

 BrynwoodNeedleworks. 

One more thing about my Etsy shop: I will not be taking any special orders after November 30th for the month of December. I may put the shop in vacation mode, so that I'll have the time to work on Christmas gifts and spend holiday time with my family. Any custom orders placed prior to November 30th will be fulfilled in time for Christmas.

Of course, you'll hear from me every day here on my blog, so I hope you'll continue to visit as you're able through the holidays.

Brynwood Needleworks - Logo Embroideries

I now have digitized images of my logos that I'm able to machine embroider right onto my creations. I had fun playing with Destiny to stitch them out before I began sewing yesterday. You'll notice that I've already started using them on my Coralines. (I love them!) What do you think?

Bella's back! I'd love to tell you all about her return to Brynwood, but I don't want to spoil Tag's post for next week. He's got plenty to say about their reunion. hee hee 

Enjoy your weekend. Handsome, Tag, Bella and I plan to do the same.

Thirty Three...Thirty Four...

Brynwood Needleworks - 33 Orange Kaffe

I've already completed two wallets this week.

I chose colorful Kaffe Fasset fabrics for these.

Brynwood Needleworks - 33 Orange Kaffe

I selected a orange, purple and pink colorway for #33.

Brynwood Needleworks - 34 Blue Kaffe

  Then, I selected a blue colorway for #34.

Brynwood Needleworks - 34 Blue Kaffe 

One of the new features in all my wallets (created since September 1st) is that I've added a special RFID, signal-blocking film that protects the new chip credit cards from identity theft when in your wallet. So, in addition to carrying a wallet that speaks to your style, you can rest assured that your contents are secure, too.

All my latest creations are waiting for you in my Etsy shop: Brynwood Needleworks. I'll be back in the studio. I'd better keep my nose to the grindstone if I want to get through my whole list!

Replenishing My Creative Juices...

Brynwood Needleworks - Linen "Butterflies & Roses" Project Tote

When I have a lot on my plate, I'm known to back away for a bit to regroup.

Brynwood Needleworks - Linen "Butterflies & Roses" Project Tote

I shared my project list last week, but got way behind (my self-imposed)  schedule when some other really fun options came into play. Getting back to my studio to jump right into those projects was going to take a little extra effort.

Brynwood Needleworks - Linen "Butterflies & Roses" Lining

When this happens, I usually start with a few smaller projects that can be completed in a few hours or an afternoon. What I came up with was particularly fun.

Brynwood Needleworks - Linen "Butterflies & Roses" Twill Tape

I love my "collection" of linen fabrics and custom made twill tapes, so I started there.

Brynwood Needleworks - Linen "Believe In Yourself" Project Tote

Before I knew it, I had two completed project totes, and a head full of ideas for more designs. These are perfect for toting around needlework, knitting, or crochet projects - or they can be used as tool bags to carry sewing items.

Brynwood Needleworks - Linen "Believe In Yourself" Project Tote

I chose some of my favorite fabrics to use as linings, and added a removable strap to make each tote into a larger wristlet. So, you could even carry your cell phone, wallet and a few extras in them for everyday use.

Brynwood Needleworks - Linen "Believe In Yourself" Lining

It was fun to choose all the components, and then create these two projects.

Brynwood Needleworks - Linen "Believe In Yourself" Twill Tape

 They're both listed in my Etsy shop, and my mind is clear and focused.   Nothing works better than taking a little creative breather for me. Now, I can get back to my studio to work on the items on that list I made.