Well 'ello, 'arry Potter!...

Jan gave me a gift last time we were together. It's a Harry Potter crochet kit! This one includes the patterns and materials to make my very own Harry Potter!

According to the back of the box (I haven't opened it yet), also included are instructions and materials for Ron, Hermione, Hagrid, Dumbledore, Snape, McGonagall, Voldemort, Ginny, Dobby the house elf, The Sorting Hat, Hedwig, Norbert the Dragon, and student robes/scarves.

I admit I'm only slightly disappointed that the crochet hook doesn't resemble a wand, but I'm sure these will be fun when I get to them.

There's a 30% off sticker on the front of the box from Target, so my keen deductive mind is going to conclude that's where Jan found this gift (in case any of my crochet friends want a set for themselves).

I think it might be fun to work on these when Handsome and I have another Potter marathon when I'm recuperating from my knee replacement this fall. Of course, not right away, as the meds might make for some deformed characters. (ya think?)

Nevertheless, I's a fun gift from one Potter fan to another, and it will be fun to work with yarn again. Thanks, sis!

New In My Shop...

 

Nothing better than to have a little love potion to brighten your day. 

 

Amortentia is the name used in a particular wizarding movie series of which I'm quite fond. You know the one.

 

 

 

Add a little sparkle here and...

 

there to make you smile. 

 

The swirling liquid is actually more pink than peach, and when you shake it, there's a lovely gold tint to the entire mixture. Of course, you know it isn't meant to be ingested. The bottle is sealed and isn't meant as a child's toy. For decorative purposes only.

Already listed in my Etsy shop. Buyer will receive this exact piece.

New designs coming soon!

Harmless Potions...

 

 

I admit it. I'm a Harry Potter fan and so is Handsome. Now, before anyone gets worked up about HP being occult, know that I'm a Christian and nothing evil turns my head. Harry Potter is a book series. It's a long story. The series got millions of kids to read BIG books (and more than a few adults including Handsome and me to see what the excitement was all about). That's a good thing, when most kids only want to stare at a cell phone or computer screen for hours on end. That being said...

This was a fun project I've been seeing on Instagram a lot. You take a few components and create a fun end product to display. You'll notice it's not the bottle I shared yesterday. There's a reason for that. The bottle I showed you yesterday was turned into part of a Birthday gift for Granddaughter #1 and I'm going to wait until she has it to show it to you...juuust in case someone comes snooping around here.

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A post shared by Donna Liljegren (@brynwoodneedleworks)

My linked video (click above) shows what happens to the contents when you shake the bottle. The liquid magically swirls around inside. How did I do this? I filled the bottle with a combination of rubbing alcohol, food coloring, and mica powder. Once the bottle was filled I got to play with the exterior. 

I printed the label (which was partially editable), glued the top so it was permanently sealed, added the wax and charms and it was done! The contents of Polyjuice Potion (according to the Harry Potter books) is a mixture of bicorn horn, boomslang skin, and lacewing fly. The charm closest to the label is to signify the lacewing fly. The rest? You'll have to imagine it inside the bottle. 

The other charm is a symbol that recurs frequently throughout the books, so I added it to the neck of the bottle. Potterheads will immediately recognize if from the books and movies.

This bottle was created for a young woman who plays in the percussion section with Handsome He asked that I make it for her, as she's also a big Potter fan. So, what do you think? The one for the Birthday girl is not Potter themed, and I can't wait to share it with you very soon!

I'm on my way to Craft Day this morning. Belle will be receiving her dragon brooch, and I'll only craft for part of the morning. I have to leave early to pick up my order from the garlic farm south of Fond du Lac before I come home. I'm pretty sure I'm going to need a nap when I get back to the farmhouse. I'll share what we make on Monday. I hope you have a great weekend!

A Little Potter-ing...

Brynwood Needleworks - Black Cork with Machine Embroidery, plus lining fabric

 

First, let me start by saying that the porch project did not begin today, and it's a good thing. We got some terrible storms last night. While I trust the supports they're going to be using to hold up our porch roof while they demo and rebuild, I wouldn't have wanted to put them to the test against the strong winds and possible tornadoes we faced. 

We did have a huge branch separate from our old maple tree in the front yard, and thankfully, that tree is far enough from the house that there was no concern. We happened to be at Handsome's second last summer concert when the warning sirens went off. We were in touch with our dear neighbors, and they watched over the farmhouse (and Tag and Bella inside) until we got back home. We saw the branch on the ground as we pulled into our driveway.

I'll share photos as soon as there is something going on with the porch project. I want to be sure you get to see all the exciting changes right along with us!

As for my studio work right now...I'm "potter-ing" around on a project. This will be a BW Shop Hop Bag when it's done. I would have started and finished it yesterday, but I'm hoping to receive some hardware I ordered in the mail today. If it's not here, I'll have to go ahead on this one without it. Fingers crossed.

So, the concert was great, the storms left us with little damage, the farmhouse is still standing strong, and our pups are doing just fine. All is well here and - rain or shine - I'll be back in the studio today.

 

Done and Done...

Brynwood Kirby Crossbody Bags and "Abby" Custom Clutch

 

It was a busy day, but I finished two "Doxie" and one feather-print Kirby crossbody bags, as well as  the custom "Abby" Clutch. One Doxie and the clutch are packaged and will go out in today's post.

The other "Doxie" and the feather-print Kirby will be listed up in my shop today. While I made the bag with the feather print, I thought about how I'd like to start a special line of nature-themed fabrics. 

 

This feather bag will be the first in my "Nature Girl" Series. They'll be limited edition and all have an outdoor/animal/bird/nature theme. Of course, they'll all have cork as their primary fabric, too. 

I've got a few homekeeping things to do today, and then I'm taking our granddaughter to a special girls' night out concert this evening. We'll have dinner out with Grandpa (Handsome), but then just the three of us will go to a Milwaukee Symphony performance of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. They actually screen the movie while playing the sound track. We're all very excited about going!

The weekend will be dedicated to making Grammie's Jammies for our grandchildren. I won't be able to show pictures until after Christmas, though. Don't want to spoil any surprises, just in case nosey people check out my blog ahead of time!

I'm still fighting off this attempt at a cold, so I'll be medicated the rest of the day. I don't want to spread any bugs while I'm with our girls! I can't wait to tell you about the concert, and I will share what else I accomplish (except the jammies) with you on Monday. Happy Weekend, dears!

Finished Today...

Main Panel - Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone

This is the second Birthday gift that I've been working on. When Kathy and I were shopping, she found the Harry Potter quilt panel that was the perfect starting place for what I had in mind.

After I got it home, I knew I wanted to add machine embroideries to enhance the design. I found some beauties, too.

Embroidered Golden Snitch

The panel has a quidditch match in progress in the upper left corner. I added a golden snitch, stitched out in gold and white metallic threads. I purchased this design from BitzandBobbins HERE on Etsy.

Embroidered Dobby

Dobby wasn't on the panel, but he's a character I really love. He's so sweet, and he's devoted to Harry. I purchased his embroidery HERE from Thanks4TheAdventure on Etsy.

Embroidered Sorting Hat

Of course, the Sorting Hat was an important part of attending Hogwarts. I purchased this design from Thanks4TheAdventure, too. HERE'S the link.

Embroidered Patronus (Daylight)

My personal favorite is this "Always" Patronus. If you're familiar with the Harry Potter stories, you know that the Patronus is conjured by the wizards (and talented Muggles, like Hermione). Each Patronus is unique to their wizard.

The doe belonged to Harry's mother (and Professor Snape, who loved her all his life - "Always"). It's really quite lovely. Of course, Grandpa and I love our grandchildren always, too.

This embroidery came from DesignedByGeeks on Etsy. You can find it Here. It stitched out beautifully, thanks to their digitizing and my Babylock Destiny.

Embroidered Patronus -  Glow In The Dark Thread (Dark)

My idea for this embroidery was to stitch it out in glow-in-the-dark threads. Kathy happened to have the color I needed, so just like the Patronus in the movies, this embroidered version will be visible in the dark.

Harry Potter Quilt

So, all the embroideries were stitched onto the panel, and then added the borders. The black and white panels on the top and bottom are Harry Potter with the Griffendor crests in a repeat pattern. The quilt's final measurement is 66" long x 45" wide.

Back of Harry Potter Quilt

 

I chose an allover pattern for the back that features Harry, Ron, and Hermione interspersed with the words "Dumbledore's Army" (from Jo-Ann Fabrics). The fabric down the center was from Spoonflower (Marauder's Map).

 

I'll add the binding this morning and then it will be finished today - ready for our granddaughter. We'll be giving the gifts to both our girls this weekend. Just in time...

 

Birthday Gift Finished...

Cumberland Backpack

I thought you'd like to see my latest completed project - a Birthday gift for a certain ten year old granddaughter. This pattern is the Cumberland Backpack from Sew Sweetness. The fabric is "Forest Friends" by Ingrid for Moda.

Cumberland Backpack Interior

I used five different fabrics for this backpack. There are four different patterns from the "Forest Friends" line, plus the white mesh for the inner front pocket. She's crazy about foxes, but admits she "adores all animals". Such a sweet heart.

Cumberland Backpack Back and Straps

 

She'll receive this gift later this week. I have a few other "foxy" items I'll include, but I'm quite certain she'd be happy if this were her only gift from us. I'm looking forward to seeing her reaction.

I'll be working on a Birthday quilt for Granddaughter #1 this week. She's a huge Harry Potter fan. Another fun project I'll share as soon as I finish it. I'm off to the studio now. Tag will be visiting with you tomorrow, so we'll catch up again on Wednesday.

 

Toe Dancing...

Brynwood Needleworks - Hedwig Socks

Remember last week when I told you how I was concerned about starting the second sock of my Harry Potter-themed yarn? I said my Type A was going to hate be mildly peeved if I couldn't make them match.

Brynwood Needleworks - Hedwig Socks

After I completed the first sock, I started on the second. It was off by about five rows, so I took my knitting off the needles and held the yarn where it needed to start in order to carry on the same pattern into the second sock.

I pulled enough extra yarn for my long-tail cast-on and started again. I cast sixty stitches onto my needle, divided them between three double points and then started knitting again. This time, the pattern for the second sock was spot on!

Brynwood Needleworks - Hedwig Socks

All I have left to knit is the foot shaping and into the toe. I think my Saturday will be filled with Hedwig yarn, and end with another pair of completed Christmas socks. How will you spend your Saturday?

 Oh, and don't forget to set your clocks back before you go to bed tonight!

Knitting Hedwig...

Brynwood Needleworks - Hedwig Socks

The Strawberry Blossom & Roses Sachet is finished and on its way to a new home today. I needed to wait until daylight to take pictures, so I'll show it to you tomorrow.

Brynwood Needleworks - Hedwig Socks

After I leave the studio at night, I take up my knitting again. I've missed having knitting needles in my hands, and with the arthritis "on break" these days, I'm truly enjoying making socks again.

Brynwood Needleworks - Hedwig Socks

For this project, I'm using Opal Yarns' Harry Potter yarn in the "Hedwig" colorway. In case you're wondering, the pattern I use is frequently given away with a purchase of Opal Yarns. It's called "Free Simple Sock Pattern & Gift Pouch", by Sue Morgan. She designed the pattern in 2004.

If you've never made socks before, but you're comfortable knitting and reading patterns, I'd highly recommend that you start with this pattern. It's very simple and teaches the basics of knitting socks. It also explains how to resize the pattern for a smaller or larger sock.

Brynwood Needleworks - Hedwig Socks

When I started this pair, I had no idea that the seemingly random dyes along the yarn would produce such a fabulous pattern in the sock(s). I'm so smitten with the way it's knitting up that I can hardly put them down.

Brynwood Needleworks - Hedwig Socks

I'm only having one, single issue. If you know me well, you may have already foreseen the one thing causing me any distress. In case you're an occasional reader, I'll help you out. 

 

The pattern is so obvious as I knit, that I'm concerned about making the second sock match the first! Oh, dear. Each time a new block appears in the pattern, I immediately start thinking about it again. 

 

I'm glad I kept a nice long tail at the start. Perhaps I'll be able to find a repeat in the yarn when I get to knitting the second one. I'll be happy if I get close...I think...

There's No Such Thing As Bored At Brynwood...

Brynwood Needleworks - Socks Knitted With Lorna's Laces Yarn

I finished out the week with a pair of completed socks! Using Lorna's Laces yarn in a colorway called "Spring Forward", I knit up this pair with Christmas in mind.

Brynwood Needleworks - Socks Knitted With Lorna's Laces Yarn

I haven't decided who will receive them yet, but I know I'll be making more pairs between now and December. I'll choose "who gets what" closer to wrapping day.

Brynwood Needleworks - Socks Knitted With Lorna's Laces Yarn

For now, they're folded and packaged in my special cello bags to keep them safe and clean. I'll turn my thoughts to the next pair.

Brynwood Needleworks - Sock Yarns

I adore sock yarn and making socks. They're a simple, but warm gift to give to loved ones. The yarns come in so many different colorways and choices of fibers.

I pulled these three from my "sock yarn stash" (Yes. I have one of those, too.) so that I could set up the next pair for one of my portable projects.

The first two are Lorna's Laces' "Ice Storm", produced in January of 2008, so I've had it a while. The middle one is a sock weight from Rowan. It's made from a blend of merino wool, kid mohair, polymide and mulberry silk. The third one is another limited edition colorway. It's from a series they created for a Harry Potter line.

Brynwood Needleworks - Opal Sock Harry Potter Yarn - Hedwig

This particular colorway is "Hedwig", after Harry's owl. This is the yarn I decided to make up next. I already have it on my double pointed needles, and it will wait until I need a portable project again.

This week, here's what's on my plate: A custom order for another "Strawberry Blossom Strawberry Sachet"; a custom machine embroidery order for an embroidered framed mat; a vest for Handsome (He needs it for a gig tomorrow night, so I'll be making it today); more project totes (I'm selling them as fast as I list them in my Etsy shop! Thank you!!); finish a pineapple block table runner; and pack up more belongings for our eventual move.

Let me remind you...There's no such thing as bored at our house!

One Of Her Nicknames Is "Dobby"...

Harry Potter's Dobby

and
My Kes.

Is it any wonder one of her nicknames is Dobby?
(just scroll up and down and up and down)
It's the ears (which I call "ear thingies").
I know, the resemblance is a little scary, isn't it?

Kessie has a lot of nicknames. I think I'll reel them out a little at a time, instead of laying 'em on you all at once. Might be too much for you to take. Handsome thinks I have a warped sense of humor, and he's very protective of my little lab. ("Stop making fun of Kes! You're not actually going to put that on your blog, are you?!) More giggling as I rub my hands together and prepare to upload and type. I'm laughing out loud right now. (muahahahaha)

Ok, enough screwing off for today. I'll be back tomorrow with some fun new things. See you then!