Two Down, Two To Go…

 

“Everlasting” Quilt - My Version - Corner Embroideries 

I’m sharing embroidery progress on my version of Primitive Gatherings “Everlasting” quilt. I managed to complete two corners during our Sewcial Sisters’ retreat. 

Corner Two Complete

I already shared my first corner last week, so here’s Corner Two. I drew a bouquet on paper with a Sharpie. Then I traced it in pencil onto my fabric. I’m only drawing  a sketch of the stems and then fleshing them out with lavender blooms as I go. Just as in nature, no two plants are exactly the same, so I’m free to embellish as I please.

I’ll work on the upper corners soon, and will show you my progress as I have more to share. I want to work on my goldwork wreath, too, so I’ll probably go back and forth between the two. 

I’ve neglected responding to blog comments this past week while I was away, so I’ll catch up this week. Thanks to everyone who left a note for me. Apologies that I didn’t answer them quickly, as usual. 

Finally, I’ve got my Etsy shop on vacation for a bit. If there’s something you’ve seen and want that was currently listed, just let me know. I can complete a sale for you through Square. In the meantime, I’m working on an Etsy alternative, and will let you know more soon. (They’ve raised seller rates again, and it’s getting ridiculous, so I’m working on an alternative.) I’ll see you again Wednesday. Tag’s back tomorrow.

Corgi Caboodle...

Corgi Caboodle From Plum Street Samplers

Look what I found! Of course, I ordered my own copy, and it arrived last week. This is a definite stitch on my list, but I have another project to complete first.

My Version of Primitive Gatherings "Everlasting Quilt"

I'm going to bring out my "Everlasting" quilt project and finish that next. If you remember, I chose to personalize my version with a bee skep, lavender and bees as the center theme. I'm going to add lavender and bees all around the border to finish it.

Once all the stitching is complete, I'll be on the search for a long-arm quilter to custom quilt it for me. I may send it back to Florida to one of my talented friends. We'll see. First things first.

Drawing "Everlasting" Border Ideas...

Brynwood Needleworks - Border Ideas

Let me begin today by stating that my artistic talents definitely lie with needle and threads, not in drawing. That being said, I'm doing rough drawings of a couple ideas I have for stitching the borders on "Everlasting". 

 

Another option might be a wandering vine-type configuration with sprays of lavender sprinkled about. The thing is, I'm really trying to avoid a directional design that would look odd on the top and bottom. I'll continue thinking and drawing, but I'd love to know what you think.

 

Crow To Red-Winged Blackbird...

Brynwood Needleworks - "Everlasting" My Crow Modification

...and (almost) just like that...VOILA!...It's a Red-Winged Blackbird.

I didn't make the wing bars as bright as my inspiration photo (pulled from the internet), because it would have been out of place with the rest of the blocks. I love it, and hope you do, too.

I'm Getting There!...

Brynwood Needleworks - "Everlasting" My Way - Time For Borders

I got all my blocks assembled over the weekend! I still have the 3-1/4" borders to apply, and then decide how I want to embellish the light space around the outside.

 

Yesterday, while I was baking bread (yes. I baked bread in this heat in our un-air-conditioned farmhouse!), I was entertained by the birds coming in to the feeder just outside the window. Every time a red-winged blackbird came to the feeder, it announced its arrival. Like a bolt of lightning it ocurred to me...why not change the crow to a red-winged blackbird? I can add the colored shoulder stripes, and not have to figure out where to add another crow!

Another bonus would be that every bird shown on the quilt would be a bird that regularly eats at our kitchen feeders. So, what do you think? Add shoulder stripes?

I'm currently designing the needlework for the light border areas. I don't want to overdo it, but I do want it to be hand embroidered, as opposed to wool applique'. I'll get the borders sewn on and then the rest will happen while comfortably seated on the first floor (it's cooler than upstairs, and I'm just not ready for us to hook up the air conditioners yet. We do have ceiling fans in every room.).

We're meeting friends for breakfast this morning, and then I'm making a quick run to Menasha to Primitive Gatherings. I won a $20 gift certificate in their latest drawing!!! I may have to spend it as long as I'm already there. I also have that wrong Wool Box that I need to return. lol I'll start testing some embroidery layouts on the quilt after I get back home. It's going to be a great day.

Setting Triangles...

Brynwood Needleworks - "Everlasting" Bird Blocks

I admit I didn't spend much time in the studio today. Summer has arrived, and the temperatures were balmy and beautiful. The light breezes from yesterday persist today, and it looks like another perfect Wisconsin day has begun.

I did add the setting triangles to my completed bird blocks, so all I have to do is sit and sew them to the rest of the flower blocks, and then to the completed center. I've been thinking about the border treatment, and all I know so far is that I'll add another crow.

Brynwood Needleworks - Wee Crows Seven

Let me explain that again, in case you missed it before. I learned an English poem as a kid, and it's stuck with me. It goes like this:

"One crow, sorrow

Two crows, joy

Three crows, a letter

Four crows, a boy

Five crows, silver

Six crows, gold

Seven crows, a secret never to be told." 

 

I designed this poem as a sampler (Wee Crows Seven) in the 1990s, and I reflexively repeat it whenever I see a crow. So, with that in mind, you'll understand why I can't settle for only one on my quilt. I must add another, so I'm going to put it into the border. Beyond that, I'm still working on the design. Perhaps it needs a bluebird, too? We'll see.

If the weather stays nice, I'll likely be outside for a while. Then, I'm planning a little studio time over the rest of the weekend. I'll show you my progress on Monday.

 

The Assembly Has Begun...

Brynwood Needleworks - Assembling "Everlasting" - Phase I

 Phase I of sewing together my "Everlasting" quilt blocks has been completed. The center block assembly, which includes the houses (and Compass Barn) are now done.

I've laid out most of Phase II in this photo, but have not included the outer bird blocks, which are also part of this section. I still have to cut out the lighter fabric pieces that will also be a part of this, but will do that this morning so I can move forward.

Once I have Phase II completed, I'll need to assemble the border and decide how I want to finish it...wool applique'? More needlework? Leave it blank? I think I'll know by the time I have it on, but not so far. I guess I'll have to let it speak to me when I get to that part.

More photos tomorrow. Isn't this fun? I'm really enjoying making this quilt, and I'm as anxious to see the top complete as you are! (Note to self: We really need a design wall! It sure would speed up this part of the process.)

Making Good Progress...

Brynwood Needleworks - My "Everlasting" Center Block Detail

It seems my boy let the cat out of the bag yesterday. Honestly, he just can't keep a secret. So, now you know what this next month will look like for me. In the meantime, I'm occupying myself with more joyful pursuits.

 

This is a detail of the center motif I designed for my version of the "Everlasting" quilt I've been working on. I chose a bee skep and lavender. Of course, I needed bees for the skep!

 

 Brynwood Needleworks - My "Everlasting" Center Motif
 The entire new central motif.
 

Brynwood Needleworks - "Everlasting" Center Blocks

  This quilt (like all others) is "built" in sections.These are the four blocks that comprise the central section of my "Everlasting" quilt.
 

Brynwood Needleworks - My Next Blocks

Now that I've completed the four central block assembly, it's time to work my way outward. I haven't sewn these together yet, but will be doing that today. We'll see how much further along I get from there.

It Was A Bright, Sunshine-y Day...

Brynwood Needleworks- Karen's "Everlasting" Quilt

 

The weather couldn't have been better for our Sit and Stitch with the Sewcial Sisters at Kathy D's home yesterday. Sunny, with a bit of a breeze. Perfect to sit outdoors on the deck or in her screened gazebo. We really had a nice afternoon together.

 

This is an "Everlasting" quilt, completed by our friend, Karen. She changed out her center block, too, saying she just kept "piling on flowers until I think I have enough". Isn't it lovely? 

 

She also knows a long-arm quilter who did a fabulous job completing it for her. I got the long-armer's name, as I didn't yet know anyone in Wisconsin who I could take mine to when it's done. My long-arm quilters are in Florida and Georgia.  

 

Karen didn't put the last border on her version, because she has a specific place she wants to hang it, and there are space constraints. Frankly, if I didn't know the pattern calls for one more border, I'd love it just like this.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Gifts From Friends

I also came home with a few gifts. Frequently, one or more of the ladies will bring something they don't want anymore. Kay had a lovely, big piece of purple wool that she had no plans to use, so a few of us split it up and I got a nice-size piece. Kay also had a duplicate of one of the recent quilting magazines and gave that to me, as well. (I don't know about you, but ending up with two issues of the same magazine happens to me more often than I care to mention!)

 

Last, but certainly not least, Kathy D. had leftover parts and pieces from a pin drum tutorial she filmed with Lisa Bongean (Primitive Gatherings owner/designer/friend). She's been making quite a few of them lately and told us she was "over them", so she offered up her partially completed supplies. 

 

I've been wanting to make a pin drum - and I love everything she does - so I asked when she was offering. She's done most of the work on this one. I just have to sew the top on, stuff it with sawdust, sew the bottom on and voila, it's finished! I'll share once I finish it.

If you'd like to see Lisa and Kathy's video, HERE'S the YouTube link. Kathy makes it look easy, and the finish is certainly elegant. Grab a cup of coffee or tea, put your feet up and enjoy the show. By the way, Lisa has lots of interesting videos on her YouTube channel "Stitch with Lisa Bongean". You could lose track of time watching them!

 

Stitching Today...

Brynwood Needleworks - My "Everlasting" Center In Progress

 

I'll be at Kathy D's today. She's hosting Sit & Stitch at her home, and we're all looking forward to it. I spent part of yesterday planning and designing a personalized center for my version of the "Everlasting" quilt. I know that all the flowers and birds need the bees to survive, so it was appropriate to change out the wording in the original design to a skep and bees in my quilt.

Brynwood Needleworks - My "Everlasting" Center Design Vision

Here's my rough rendering. Once I've stitched down the skep, I'll be adding embroidered lavender stems and buds. There will be bees scattered around the central motif, too! When all my stitching is finished, I'll add a bow at the bottom where the mirror-image sprays of lavender meet in the middle.

 

This is the project I'll work on at Kathy's today. I'm really looking forward to spending a little time with the ladies. It's past due, for sure. 

Brynwood Needleworks - "Everlasting" - BW Farmhouse Block Substitution

I've completed the last two main blocks for my "Everlasting" quilt project. As you know, I've changed something in almost every block, and this one is the most drastic. I made a Compass Barn block, including our three dogs (HERE), and I knew I was going to do a block that resembled our farmhouse.

This is my adaptation of our farmhouse. Of course, I've taken a few liberties with its features, but I've captured most of the main ones in my block. The stone wall, window mullions, and porch rail are all represent.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - "Everlasting" - Pincushion Flower - Box 10

I also stitched out the last block, Box 10's Pincushion Flower. You can see the differences between the two images. All the changes were in my stitch choices on the pink flower blossom.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - "Everlasting" Brynwood Blocks

This is a photograph of all my completed blocks. We had a rainy day yesterday, so I took this picture of all the blocks laid out on my bed. I had a lamp on, which apparently threw off the uppermost right corner block. It isn't as yellow as it appears. It's also a beige fabric, similar to the beige color in the other beige blocks.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - "Everlasting" Center Block (Dark Sections)

This is the center block as shown in my finishing kit. If you don't know, I'm not a fan of putting the wording onto my pieces, so I'm working on how I'm going to complete my quilt differently than the pattern. I haven't worked out my version yet, but I'll make my decisions very soon.

In the meantime, I have to square up my completed main blocks and assemble the balance of each block. I'll show you my progress soon.

Today is laundry and breadmaking day. One not quite as much fun for me as the other. You decide which is which. Tag will be here tomorrow, and I'll see you again on Wednesday.

When I Wasn't Outside...

Brynwood Needleworks - My Farmhouse Block for the "Everlasting" Quilt

Handsome and I mowed our lawn yesterday. It typically takes a couple of hours (even using two riding mowers!), so we had some nice time enjoying the outdoors. 

Of course, I spent time with Crystal and her kittens, making sure Crystal has plenty of food and fresh milk to support her babies. They're nicely situated in the dog crate, so it will be easier to transport them later today without too much disruption. (Don't get me started or I'll start crying again.) I also got in some great cuddle time with Mrs. Katz. She's such a sweetheart. She loves the attention.

When I finally came back inside late yesterday, I started stitching on my Farmhouse block. I'm finished except for the porch rails and a little stonework. I'm just contemplating how I want to stitch them. I'll figure it out later today.

The kitties all go to the rescue at 6:30 tonight, when Claudette will be back from the Madison vet who provides the spay and neuter services for their rescue facility. I'll be babying her to make sure she heals well, and it will help keep my mind off the two girls (and kittens) leaving. Wish me luck with that, okay?

Once my farmhouse block is finished, I only have one flower block to go. Maybe I'll show you all the blocks together tomorrow! We'll see...

My "Everlasting" Signature Block...

Brynwood Needleworks - "Everlasting" House - Box 4

 

I completed another house block for the "Everlasting" quilt. This will be the signature block when the quilt is complete. 

What did I change on this block? Well, for starters, I stitched fewer panes on the windows, and then I outlined them. The pattern pieces for the house (grey) and roof were designed to sit next to each other (as opposed to overlapping), so I wanted to use a different treatment for the join on the house piece. I decided to do a more decorative chain stitch along the eaves.

 

I also chose different threads for the trees and roof, as I wanted the threads to blend, not contrast. Finally, I stitched my initials on the door.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - "Everlasting" House Box 4 & Colonial House

 

These two blocks will be placed across from each other in the finished quilt layout. I have one house (which I've modified to look like Hickory Hill Farmhouse), and a flower block left to stitch toward completing the quilt. 

Once they're finished, I'll work on the center section. I'll decide ahead of time how I'm going to change it because I don't want to have words as they appear in the pattern.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - "Everlasting" House Windows

So, when I compare these two house blocks, one has the windows outlined, while the other doesn't. Do you think I should leave them as is, or add outlines to the windows on the block on the left? Let me know in the comments, please.

 

More Blocks...

Brynwood Needleworks - "Everlasting" Colonial House Box 5

 Two more completed. Three to go! 

I didn't change much on this block. The base of the tree is different, and I added a knothole. I added another set of panes to the dormer window, and instead of the star on the front door, I decided to make this my date block. (I'll add my initials on a different block.)

Brynwood Needleworks - "Everlasting" Primrose Flower Box 11

There are only two changes on this block - I added the curly veins on the leaves, and more Colonial knots on the flower centers. Otherwise they're the same.

I'll get the last three blocks finished this week, and then I'll be tackling the large center block. I think it's coming together nicely. Tag will be back to visit tomorrow. Happy Monday!

Dancing In The Moonlight...

Brynwood Needleworks - Needle Dancing

 Needle Dancing, that is.

I had a long day yesterday. I left home for Milwaukee shortly after noon, and arrived in time for my appointment. I waited an hour before seeing my new doctor, and then went through a number of tests. I left her office near 5:00 pm with a plan of action. Another surgery is in my future, even though I won't have a date until next week.

 

I didn't get back home until after 6 pm, and Handsome had dinner waiting when I walked in the door. I was so grateful, because, truthfully, I was pretty tired by then. We said grace, ate our dinner, and did cleanup. Then, he made a cup of tea for me, and I put my feet up for a little while. 

Later, I went upstairs with my Everlasting blocks and hopped on the bed with the Labradors to stitch for a couple of hours. A perfect way to decompress before bedtime. It worked like a charm and I slept like a baby. 

Our kitchen project is underway, so you can expect to see photos and information soon. I know it's a tease, but isn't it a great way to end this post? I sure think so, and something we can both look forward to! Soon. I promise.

 

Five To Go...

Brynwood Needleworks - "Everlasting" Peony Flower Box 9

I got sidetracked yesterday with a few errands (can't wait to share one of them with you soon!), so I only completed one block. This is the Peony Flower block from Wool Box 9.

 

I used the same threads called for in the pattern, but I think we just used different areas of the Valdani variegated threads. I added small blanket stitch wheel sections at the top of the green stems. I added chain stitch veining on the leaves, and finally, I added closer stitching, radiating the blanket stitch on the pink part of the blossoms.

 

I'm already working on #5, as I count down through the final five blocks. I'll likely have these completed by the end of the weekend. (squeeee!) Of course, I have other things to do before this project will be complete (the center applique' and block), and of course, squaring up all the blocks for assembly. That will all take more time. Of course, I'll share everything as I continue working on this project.

 

Two More...

Brynwood Needleworks - "Everlasting" Bleeding Heart Box 12

 

These are my latest finished blocks for the "Everlasting" project. You can see my changes on this block from the pattern. I'm especially fond of my treatment where the flowers meet the top of the stem. I love how it turned out. 

 

I also changed the stitches for the magenta tips, adding a Colonial knot at the ends. Then I added the veining on the leaves to complete the block. (I still don't think they look like bleeding hearts, though.)

 

Brynwood Needleworks - "Everlasting" Canna Flower Box 12

Let's see. On this one, I changed the stitching on the flower petals and their attachments to the stem. I also added a blanket stitch wagon wheel at the top of the stem, and then changed the veining on the leaves. Do you like? Six blocks to go! 

 

By the way, if you're interested in creating your own "Everlasting" quilt, the kits are available from Primitive Gatherings. I got mine over the course of a year through the Wool Box subscription, but you can get everything all at once. Click HERE to check out the kit. Why should I be the only one having fun, right?

 

This Weekend's Needlework...

Brynwood Needleworks - My Version of Boho Flower

It was so nice this weekend that I spent more time outdoors than in, but I did manage to get a little needle dancing done.

This is my version of the "Boho Flower" from the "Everlasting" project. Mine's not so Boho. I decided to use Colonial knots in the very center of the flower, rather than the star. I also chose to use Colonial knots instead of the fly stitches around the outside of it, making mine a little more formal, I think.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - My Version of Marigold Flower

 

Like the other mustard-colored bloom, I changed this one out to a lavender pink (It's showing more pink on my computer, but it cants toward light purple. I also opted to make the inner stitches alternate lengths, instead of all the same. 

This one isn't quite finished, though. I'm going to add the same stitches to the smaller blossoms, and I think those stems need a little embellishing. Then it will be complete.

More to come this week, but we're busy with a few outside and inside projects, too. I also have an appointment with a new doctor, as my Green Bay specialist isn't coming back for the foreseeable future, and they're cancelling all his patient appointments. I'll be driving to Milwaukee to meet my new doctor this Thursday. (I remain hopeful.)