More For The Booth...

Brynwood Needleworks - BW Bella Totes - Traveler and Paisley

By the end of the day, I had completed four Bella Totes for my booth this weekend. I decided I should have a Traveler Tote to coordinate with the Bryn Traveler Wallets I'll have available. The interior of that one is the same map fabric as the exterior. The Paisley Tote has navy cork on the outside, and a blue and white floral fabric on the inside.

Brynwood Needleworks - BW Bella Totes - Jacobean and Orchid

 

These two totes have a neutral canvas interior, natural cork exterior on one, and brown cork on the other. If I find myself with extra time, I may make another with a black exterior. I don't feel like it's needed, though. What do you think? Do I need more cork colors?

 

I'm going to go back and finish that last Ensemble Bag that I mucked up on Tuesday, and then make at least one Nocturne Bag so prospective clients can see that I offer them. Otherwise, I'm pretty much set with my show inventory. Keep in mind this isn't a huge show, and I've got existing inventory that helps a lot.

 

So far, I have Bryn Crossbody Clutch Wallets, Bryn Wallets, Grab & Go Clutches, Kirby Crossbody Bags, Bella Totes, Shop Hop Crossbody Bags, Event Bags, Ensemble Bags, Retreat Kit Bags, and a Nocturne Travel Bag (to make today). Whew! I'm tired just thinking about all that work! (Not really. lol) 

Time for my morning brew. Miles to go before I sleep. Thanks for stopping by! See you tomorrow.

 

So Far, So Good...

Current Stock for Show

 

I'm giving myself one more sewing day, and then I'll be working on signage and display for Sunday. I'm doing pretty well. I've got a few Bryn wallets to make, and a few in a new style that I'm calling the "Kyra Clutch". Then, I'll call it done for this show.

 

Oops

 

I was tripping along in fine form yesterday, and then this happened. The piece I was supposed to sew to the front (on the left side), is still sitting on my sewing table in this picture. The back for another bag got sewn to the wrong front. sigh That meant a little un-sewing was necessary. A slight setback. Sharing to "keep it real".

Handsome's brother is here until Saturday, so I'll be working great guns to finish up the last of my sewing before he leaves. Then, I'll do a mockup display in the dining room so I'm sure what my area will look like at the show. I'm planning to get a lot more accomplished today. Monday will be my day of rest. Gotta run. Have a great day!

Like The Energizer Bunny...

Brynwood Fabric/Cork Combo Grab & Go Clutches

Stiiiillllll Going! I made another fourteen (only 12 shown) Grab & Go Clutches for Sunday. These are high quality cotton fabric on the front and cork fabric on the back. I haven't made the wristlets yet. (Remember, I said I'll be doing all of those at the end.)

Brynwood Fabric/Cork Combo Grab & Go Clutches

Handsome is home, and he's doing remarkably well. He's following doctor's orders, and his brother is helping to make sure he gets a little exercise, lots of fluids, and plenty of rest right now. We couldn't be more pleased with how things are going right now. Handsome will continue to heal and improve, now that he's home. We're very blessed and grateful.

I'd love to stay and chat, but I still have wallets to do, so I'd better get back to work. In case you're wondering, I'm sleeping like a log at night! More finishes and photos tomorrow.

Production Sewing...

Brynwood "Grab & Go Cork Clutches"

Handsome is still in the hospital, and I spend time with him every day. When I get back home, I make sure the dogs are settled, and then I head to the studio.

I've been assembling some of my Grab & Go Cork Clutches with the wrist straps. Once I have everything made, I'll assemble all the wrist and crossbody straps at once.

Brynwood "Grab & Go Cork Clutches"

 

I'm planning to have about eighteen of this style for the show, so I'll cut and assemble more today or tomorrow. 

 

Once they're finished, I'll turn my attention to more of the Kirby Crossbody bags. I only have a half dozen of those in stock, and definitely need more. I want to use my new purple cork, as well as some of my Enviroleather™, which is a luscious, vegan alternative to the real thing. I have it in purple and a beautiful moss green. I'm going to pair it with cork for a really rich look.

 

We're crossing our fingers that Handsome will be home tomorrow. I'd like that a lot. It's just not the same without him here with us. But, in the meantime, I'll concentrate on getting a few more bags accomplished. I don't want to be sewing last minute, especially since he'll be back soon.

It's A Sewing Week...

Brynwood Cork Fabric Selection

 

It's going to be a busy week in the studio. I'm going to be sewing cork projects for my shop. These are the current cork fabrics I'll be using to make Kirby Crossbody Bags, Bryn Crossbody Wallets, Grab & Go Clutches and Crossbody Bags, luggage tags, and a few other smalls. (I have a natural/navy paisley print, too. Hmmm. Not sure how I missed that for the picture!)

If you've been thinking about a bag for yourself or as a gift, please let me know. I'm happy to work with you to create a custom piece to your taste. 

We're supposed to get some rain, ice and snow over the next day or so, so the best place for me to be is in the studio. I'll be showing you more on Wednesday. Tag will be back tomorrow. Gotta run!

Play Day...

Brynwood Acorn Ornament

  I met my short term deadlines for Monday.
I needed to send off the red cork set to my dear friend, and also made the
acorn ornament for the exchange at a Christmas party I attended yesterday.

The party was at the home of Lisa Bongean of Primitive Gatherings. I received a beautiful ornament in the exchange and promise to share a photo with you in the next day or so. It was a lovely afternoon with my friend, Kathy and new friends I'm getting to know better.

Note: I found that the link for this pattern (on my Free Patterns and Tutorials page) is broken. I'm going to find out the best way to upload a pdf file (or list it for FREE on Craftsy) today, in the event anyone else wants to make one.

 

Grab & Go Clutch, Half Pint Case and Needle Case in Red Cork

This is the red cork set. The color is actually more burgundy than in these photos, and I love the way the set turned out.

Reverse of Grab & Go Clutch

In addition to the Grab & Go Clutch, my friend also asked me to make a matching Half Pint Case and Needle Case.

Lining In Custom Grab & Go Clutch

 

The two smaller cases are unlined, but this is the fabric I chose for the clutch. I think she (and the friend to whom she's gifting the set) will be happy.

 

Now that I have my short term projects finished, I'm turning my attention to Grammie's Jammies and other projects on my Christmas list! It's supposed to snow (a lot) today, so I'll definitely be staying inside - in the studio. Updates tomorrow.

Ready To Ship...

Brynwood Needleworks - Corgi On Tote and Wallet Set

  I had a productive weekend.  I'll be shipping off this "Corgi On Tote and Wallet Set" to my client today.

This tote is my own design. It has a long, open pocket and a zippered pocket on the outside. Inside, I've created the same pocket configuration, and added a D-ring and a long tab with a clasp at the end to hold keys. The complete set includes the tote and a wallet; wallet shoulder and wrist straps; and a key fob. 

This is the last set I'll create in 2017. I have one more commission to do, and then I'll be making Christmas gifts. I do have a listing for a set like this in my online shop, but I won't make it until after December 30th. Remember, I'm putting my shop on vacation on December 18th, so if you'd like to order a set for yourself (and be first on my list in the new year), you'll want to order before that date.

Today, I'm working with red cork. I'll be making a Grab & Go Clutch, with a matching Half Pint Case and Needle Case. When I'm finished with that set, I have a Wool Acorn Ornament to make for a party I'm attending tomorrow. We're having an ornament exchange, so I decided to make one of my own design (you can find the pattern in my "Free Patterns and Tutorials" link at the top of my blog in the menu bar).

It's going to be a busy day, so I'd better get started!

A Day In Town...

  This is true, unless your day in the town is with a dear friend.  

Kathy and I had a great time yesterday. We went to Nancy's Notions, Jo-Ann Fabrics, had lunch, and then back home. We saw all sorts of wonderful things, and made a few purchases, too. 

I'm back in the studio today, trying to finish some projects with deadlines. I seem to have a little trouble concentrating these days when it's so inviting outside. (Nose to the grindstone, Donna.)

If you want to get in on my little contest, HERE is the link. I'll be choosing a winner at 11 pm tomorrow and will announce my Janome's new name and the winner of one of my Grab & Go Cork Clutches. Stay tuned!

 

I hope I can show you a finished project tomorrow. I'll do my best. Have a great Friday. It's hard to believe we're already into August. sheesh. 

Shades of Purple...

Brynwood Needleworks - Shades of Purple

Stitches came out and now I can fully concentrate (and smile) a little easier. After I got home from the doctor's office, I went to the studio to pull purple fabrics. I have three clients who have requested Crossbody Clutch Wallets which incorporate purple into the linings.

Brynwood Needleworks - Shades of Purple

 

I love the Tula Pink owls I showed you before, but decided to pull other options, so that they wouldn't all be matchy smatchy. I'll be making them with different cork exteriors...black, black with silver flecks, and natural.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Purple Cork

 

I also have a purple cork on its way, but I'm going to wait until it arrives to try to match a lining fabric with it. Computer monitors, editing software, cameras and eyes all see color differently, so I won't know if this image is color accurate until it arrives in a few days.

In the meantime, I'll be finishing up on my outstanding orders while I think about all the "shades of purple" possibilities.

A Productive Weekend...

Brynwood Needleworks - Grab & Go Clutch and Acorn Pincushion

I finished these two projects over the weekend, and shipped them out on Monday.

Brynwood Needleworks - Grab & Go Clutch and Acorn Pincushion

You've seen my pincushion design before. I've used hand-dyed wool in this one, and it really brings the leaves to life. I like the houndstooth check for the acorn top, too.

Brynwood Needleworks - Grab & Go Clutch - Blue/Silver Fleck Cork

I really love this blue cork. It has a wonderful silver fleck that simply sparkles.

Brynwood Needleworks - Grab & Go Clutch - Blue/Silver Fleck Cork - Coral Lining

  I chose a coral print fabric, and the blue/green color lining is a near perfect match. I'll definitely be making more of these.  

Grab & Go Crossbody Bag...

Brynwood Needleworks - Cork Grab & Go Crossbody Clutch

Yesterday, I presented our realtor, Mary Westbook (Coldwell Banker agent extraordinaire!), with her own cork Grab & Go Crossbody Clutch.

I had shown her the regular G & G clutches, and she told me that she and her realtor friends wished they could find a simple crossbody for stashing their phones, keys and a few necessaries when showing houses. We discussed size requirements, and I got busy.

Brynwood Needleworks - Cork Grab & Go Crossbody Clutch Back

I knew she loved the Vintage Hibiscus Cork, and she preferred the brown cork I'd used for the back of some of the clutches I'd shown her. All they needed was a crossbody strap, and a little larger size.

Brynwood Needleworks - Cork Grab & Go Crossbody Clutch Lining

I used more of the starfish lining fabric, and made this bag 10" x 7" finished size, and added two tabs for attaching the longer strap.

Brynwood Needleworks - Cork Grab & Go Crossbody Clutch  Label

There's a Brynwood label front and center, too. I had the first one finished in plenty of time to give to Mary when she came to meet with us yesterday. She was thrilled. She said it was a perfect size and she loved the feel of the cork. When she left, she said she was off to share her new acquisition with her colleagues. (Of course, I put multiple business cards inside the bag so she could hand them out!)

I'm listing this bag in my shop now, so that it will be available to my readers, or anyone seeking a lightweight, cork solution to a wristlet.

Brynwood Needleworks - Peter Rabbit and Jeremy Fisher Tins

 

Before I leave you today, I need to make a correction. My longtime blog friend, Lesley in the UK, left a comment for me about my tin post. She was so diplomatic, asking whether or not I was sure that the froggy tin was from The Wind in the Willows. She suggested it might instead be Jeremy Fisher from the Peter Rabbit stories.

Of course, she was right!!! I also have a Peter Rabbit tin from the story. I don't know why I never associated the two. (face palm)

Thanks so much for leaving a note for me, Lesley...and for doing it in such a sweet, kind way. I'm happy to correct the record, my dear.

 

New In My Shop...

Brynwood Needleworks - Cork "Grab & Go Clutches"

Now stocked in my shop...Brynwood "Grab & Go Cork Clutches" in Vintage Hibiscus or Monsteria (fern) patterns.

Brynwood Needleworks - Cork "Grab & Go Clutches"

Each one measures a spacious 9" x 6.5", and will easily hold an iPhone 6 Plus, along with your other essentials. They come with their own removable cork wristlet straps.

Brynwood Needleworks - Cork "Grab & Go Clutches" Backs

These are the backs of the current clutches, in the same position as shown in the photo above. If you prefer a green or brown back on the Vintage Hibiscus, preference is given as they're available.

Brynwood Needleworks - Cork "Grab & Go Clutches" Lining

I used a beautiful coral-colored starfish patterned fabric for the inside lining of the Vintage Hibiscus clutches,

Brynwood Needleworks - Cork "Grab & Go Clutches" Lining

 

or, if you choose the Monsteria cork clutch, the lining will be a soft grey-colored starfish fabric. 

If you've never felt cork fabric before, you'll love how wonderfully soft and tactile it is. Cork is anti-microbial, hypoallergenic, sustainable and water resistant. Some people call it "vegan leather", but I'm calling it what it is...fabulous, gorgeous cork. I'd love to ship one to you. You can see my listings HERE.

 

I'm Finished Holiday Sewing...

Brynwood Needleworks - Cross Body Bag Front

I won't say a lot today. I completed my projects for Christmas this year. The rest of our gifts will be baked or ordered to be delivered. I found a few great gifts for family members that will be arriving in time for Christmas and I decided to make a few treats rather than do more sewing.

I'm picking Handsome up at the airport this afternoon. He played his last holiday concert yesterday, so we'll be together with family for Christmas before we return to Florida.

Brynwood Needleworks - Cross Body Bag Interior

I like this cross body bag. It's my own design, and I'll likely make a few for my shop after I get back to my southern studio.

Brynwood Needleworks - Cross Body Bag

I made it with a nice, long strap; an exterior contrast pocket (the back of the bag is natural cork); and an interior zip pocket.

Brynwood Needleworks - Sloth Grab and Go Clutch

I also made two more Grab and Go Clutches as gifts. This one is sloths, and if you read my blog last year, you'll know who this will go to. (Sloth Crazy Granddaughter #2)

Brynwood Needleworks - Sloth Grab and Go Clutch Back

The reverse is natural cork,

Brynwood Needleworks - Sloth Grab and Go Clutch Interior

and the interior picks up the color of the geckos on the sloth fabric.

Brynwood Needleworks - Wizards Grab and Go Clutch

My last project was a wizard-themed clutch for Granddaughter #1.

Brynwood Needleworks - Wizards Grab and Go Clutch Back

These are perfect for their cell phones and a few extras...or school supplies!

Brynwood Needleworks - Wizards Grab and Go Clutch Interior

A few spells listed inside, just in case she can't remember them. You never know when they might come in handy.

I hope all of you are planning a nice week. I know we'll have a warm week, even if it is cold outside.