Keep Calm...

Brynwood Needleworks - Some of my British Cottages and Tins

I'm in my studio, contemplating how so many of our friends and family are concerned by the daily news. Being in the farmhouse and my studio is a happy, safe place for me. I'm happy when I'm creating, and knowing that Handsome is here in the house with me is very comforting. But I realize that not all people have creative outlets, and this may be a stressful time for them. 

Brynwood Needleworks - David Winter Cottages and British Tins

I have a corner in my studio with a few of my David Winter cottages, including two clocks (I have more, still packed away). Even though they're showing nearly the same time, both of my clocks are currently stopped and in need of new batteries. The one on top is my favorite because it's a mill house, and my dear, departed grandpa actually built and maintained a working mill on his property years ago.

The small cottage in front is called the Crofter's Cottage, and was a gift to me from Handsome and the boys shortly after we were married.

While I have other British tins, these three are favorites. Under the Mill House clock is a Cadbury Chocolate Fingers (cookies) tin. Really, who wouldn't love those? The tall tin was filled with delicious British biscuits, and I actually chose to share this corner with you today because of the Union Jack tin on the far right.

Brynwood Needleworks - My Cottage Corner

Yes, my friends. "Keep Calm and Carry On" was the wording on a motivational poster in Great Britain from 1939, when the British government was preparing for World War II. It was meant as a morale booster for the British people.

As in 1939, these words are as relevant today. We've all been asked to stay home, and away from other people. Many have heeded those words, while some have not. Our compliance is not required, but it might be a good idea.

The Missing Match Meme

There are online movies, classes (including FREE Master Cooking Classes HERE!), free book downloads, and even free daily Facebook watch parties through zoos (like the Cincinnati Zoo) and museums. If you don't bake, knit, sew, crochet, paper craft, or engage in "crafty" pursuits, there are more options than just staying in bed or being afraid. Stretch your brain. Exercise (eek!). Clean house (double eek!). 

You're not doing it just to protect yourself. You're also helping to stop the spread of the virus. You're protecting your elders, who may not have the immune system to ward off something worse. You're protecting loved ones who have compromised immune systems from chronic illnesses like Crohn's or COPD. 

I'm not being an alarmist. God is watching over and protecting all of us who believe...and even those who don't. Handsome is still healing from his surgery. He's cancelled his physical therapy sessions and will stay home with me until early April. Then he'll resume his formal PT. In the meantime, we have a list of his at-home exercises, and we'll work on helping him progress in his recuperation. We've decided to err on the side of caution. There's really no reason to do otherwise.

In the meantime, I talk with family; I keep in touch with friends through private messages, emails, and even Facebook. I've quit watching television news because it raises my blood pressure, and I've turned to music or movies while I'm in the studio.

We're all going to be fine. Just remember to breathe, and above all, Keep Calm and Carry On. We can do this. I pray for you and you're in my daily thoughts. This, too, shall pass, and I pray that when we come out on the other side, we'll all be a little kinder to, and considerate of each other.

I'd love to know how you're coping. Leave a comment, if you're so inclined - or send me an email. I promise I'll reply!

Harris Tweed...

Harris Tweed Fabrics

 

When we went through our accumulated mail yesterday, I opened a package of the most beautiful fabrics. I received a prize package (along with one I'd ordered from Joan Macleod of Harris Tweed Fabric) on the Isle of Harris in the UK.

I belong to her Harris Tweed Facebook group and won a wool assortment (second image from left) from her. Coincidentally, I had just placed an order for the fabrics on the far left. Both packages were in our delivery basket.

The third image (far right), is the light aqua Harris tweed on top of the beautiful wool I received from my girlfriend, Marrianne in New Zealand. That piece of wool is from Donegal, Ireland. I've been holding that bottom piece since I received it. I wanted to create something wonderful with it and nothing spoke to me (yet). 

I'm in love with all these pieces, and I can't wait to cut into them to create something. For now, I may just sit and admire them. Thank you, Joan for the lovely assortment. I'm very grateful.

Little Bee...

  I worked as an Inspector at one of our local polling places yesterday. It was a "minor" election, with only one item on our ballot (a question), so we didn't expect a large turnout. Our Clerk told us we could bring a book to read (or needlework) to help pass the time. (We were there from  6 am - 7:30 pm). It was a long day. I decided to take a book for simplicity.
I've had this book for a while as it was a gift for Christmas, so I thought it would be the perfect way to spend the "waiting time". Little did I know that the entire story line takes place in my birthplace in England! I was  reading along when "Kingston-upon-Thames" came up. Imagine my delight.
"Little Bee" is a #1 New York Times Bestseller written by Chris Cleave. This is the synopsis that appears on the back of his book: "This is the story of two women. Their lives collide one fateful day, and one of them has to make a terrible choice, the kind of choice we hope you never have to face. Two years later, they meet again - the story starts there... Once you have read it, you'll want to tell your friends about it. When you do, please don't tell them what happens. The magic is in how the story unfolds."
Well, alright then. I'm going to continue reading this book and when I finish it, I'll keep my review simple..."thumbs up" or "thumbs down". Just know that, for now, I'm enjoying it and smiling an awful lot.

A Ha'penny Will Do...

 Part of a Christmas rhyme I learned and recited as a kid went like this:

"Christmastime is coming,

the goose is getting fat.

Please put a penny 

in the old man's hat.

If you haven't got a penny,

a ha'penny will do.

If you haven't got a ha'penny,

God Bless you!"

The "ha'penny" (pronounced "hay penny") is short for the British half

penny. Aunty Margaret told me that when Great Britain went to the 

decimal system in 1969, they stopped striking many of the traditional 

coins, including the half pennies and the "lucky" sixpence.

When I was married in 1984, I had saved a sixpence to tuck into my shoe as

British brides have traditionally done for generations but it was minted before '84.

Yup. There's a rhyme for that, too. You've heard most of it before:

"Something old, something new,

Something borrowed, something blue...

and a lucky sixpence for your shoe."

 I recently came across an artist who creates pendants from coins. I inquired

whether she might have a sixpence from the year I was born, as well as a

 British half penny from the year Handsome was born. Because they stopped

minting these coins prior to our marriage, there is no sixpence for that year.  

I was tickled to find out that she did have both of our birth years in her stock.

 My pendants arrived yesterday and I couldn't be happier with them! Now, I 

have a choice. If I'm in the mood to wear silver, I'll wear the sixpence. The 

half penny has a coppery tone, so I can wear that with my gold jewelry. 

I've already taken the sixpence off the leather necklace and created something

different for it. I'll share that with you another time. For now, not only do I 

have my lucky sixpence, but I also have a ha'penny...and that will certainly do!

New In The Boutique...

 If you're new to Brynwood, perhaps you don't know yet that I was born in

Great Britain. I'm a U.S. citizen by virtue of my father's citizenship, and

actually a British citizen by virtue of my birthplace just southwest of London.

(England recognizes my dual citizenship. Isn't that cool?)

From time to time, I like to give a little nod to my roots, and this is one of

those times. I have created scissors fobs and attached them to some very

special embroidery scissors I found for you. The scissors are 6", made in 

Pakistan. They're high quality and nice and sharp for doing close work.

I've created two felted flags...One for "Stateside" and one for "Across the Pond".

Each flag measures approximately 3" x 2" and is hand assembled and stitched 

using pearl cotton thread. I then attached a split ring and lobster claw so they 

would stay securely attached to your scissors. You can also choose a charm to

embellish your scissors instead of a flag. Either way, you won't have to worry

about losing your scissors in the bottom of your sewing kit, or confusing your

embroidery scissors with those belonging to someone else if you in a class.

Scroll down to see your scissor fob choices...

US Flag - Felt

UK Flag - Felt

Phone Booth Charm

London Charm

Underground Charm

Big Ben Charm

 If you're interesting in purchasing your own, just go to the Boutique under 

the "Other Creations" link to order yours. Some of the charms are limited 

quantities and I won't be able to reorder them, so don't delay if you have a favorite!

You can always go to the Boutique by clicking on the link at the top of my blog.

Once you're there, I have links in the Boutique for different categories.

You can use the direct link below to find the scissors/fob sets.
(http://brynwoodneedleworksboutique.blogspot.com/p/other-creations.html)

Why not explore a little while you're there? You might find something you can't resist!

The Raspberry Rabbits Limited Litter

 One more thing before I leave today...
Remember when I shared a selection of beautiful wools and threads with you?
I promised to show you more later.

I have created a Limited Edition Raspberry Rabbits Litter for my blog buddy,
Shell May! Tag is busy working overtime this week over at The Raspberry Rabbits
for his sweet Aunty Shell, so when you're finished here, just hop over to visit!
Tag will tell you all about these little bunns...and you know how chatty he can be!