What A Wonderful Day...

My visit with Kathy D. yesterday made for a great day. We shared lunch - I made our favorite mac n cheese, and Kathy showed up with fruit, fried chicken, and homemade cookies! Handsome joined us for lunch and then he disappeared with the dogs to other parts of the house.

Meanwhile, Kathy and I had a great visit. I saw the counted thread sampler she's currently working on from a retreat she recently attended on Madelein Island in northern Wisconsin. I showed her my stalled progress on the bluebirds, and then we just got caught up. 

Of course, I never took a photograph of a single thing while she was here, so that's why you're seeing a silly photo of sleeping Claudette instead.

Late day today, I got a chance to speak with Mum. She's still in the hospital so they can monitor one of her blood levels that's been off the charts. Once that's regulated - thanks to the surgery results - she'll be able to go home...hopefully tomorrow. She sounded really great and is content to wait there, as she's quite sore from all the prodding and poking. It's the best place for her right now. It was so good to hear her voice and know she's okay. I told her I'll speak with her again soon.

Handsome has his last concert this evening. We're hoping there's no rain so it can be open air at the park, rather than indoors at the fairgrounds. The outdoor venue is so much better. 

It's going to be a busy day, too. Physical therapy, a doctor's checkup for Handsome, a scheduled classmate dinner (I'm not sure how we're going to get to that), and then the concert. We'll see. I'm going to make sure I get a good nap in there somewhere, and ice my knee after we get home from the clinic so I can get around for the concert. That's the one thing I absolutely won't be missing.

How are you doing?

 

117º...

Last Wednesday, my knee bend measured 114º. Then, I rolled into my Friday PT with a swollen knee. Jenna said, "I'm not even going to tell you the measurement, because you'll be upset." That told me that I'd backslid in my progress, so I didn't push to know.

I took it easy over the weekend, icing, elevating, and only doing the bare minimum home exercises. When I went in for my session yesterday, we started on the stationary bike. I took one full pedal slowly, and then proceeded to pedal like I never had an issue with that knee. Jenna was surprised, and then smiled and said, "I moved the seat a notch closer today just to see if you could do it." Sneaky kid. lol I completed my five minutes and we moved on to the table where I have been reclining to do my heel slides and leg extensions. She decided to take a measurement first. 117º !!! I got a "you're fierce, girl!" and a high five. I was really happy. We're back on track again.

I did a few more exercises, but with lighter weights and nothing heroic. Even so, when I got home I knew I'd had a workout. I went back on ice and rested the remainder of the day.

Mum made it through surgery and will now have a recuperation period. One step at a time, but her kids are all grateful for the good news. Thanks to all who lifted prayers and good thoughts prior to her procedure. 

 

I'm looking forward to some fun today. Kathy D. is coming out for lunch and a visit. I'm going to make my favorite Emeril Lagasse mac and cheese recipe, and Kathy is bringing fried chicken and a few sides. I'll be able to show her my bluebirds (so far), and she's going to tell me about a retreat she recently attended. It will be so nice to see her again!

 

Hope you have something fun planned today, too. I'll be back tomorrow with photos and let you know what's going on Wednesday. More fun! 

 

Wednesday Friends Day...

Back Row: Deb B., Dan F., Deb and Dan N., Janet and Jay K Front Row: Donna L, Mary S., Karen S., and Cal C.

I'm sharing my photographs backward today. I'm beginning with our dinner gathering and photos of the small but dedicated group of classmates who met for dinner in spite of the crummy, rainy weather. 

The ladies sat at one end of the table, while the guys sat at the other end.  Of course, we have completely different stories to share, so we "herd up" according to gender. We had a great time.

Fun with Friends

I have to share the outtakes this month. I'm calling this photo collage "The Mullet Collage" - Business up front. Party in the back. lol Everyone in the front row has what Handsome refers to as their camera faces on, ready for the photographer. Meanwhile, the back row is jocularity and silliness. They sure were having fun back there!

Flour Sack and Vintage Embroidery Project Bag from Kathy D.

Lunchtime was fun, too. I didn't get photos of Kathy inspecting the spoolies because we were sitting in her car at the drive-in. It rained the entire time, so rather than sit under one of their canopies, we stayed warm and dry in her vehicle.

Kathy had a show-and-tell, too. (I actually refer to it as my Mum does...bring-and-brag.) When we were at a group meeting of the"Sewcial Sisters" a couple years ago, I took along my collection of vintage flour sack cloths. My sewing was going in a different direction and I knew I wouldn't use them, so I offered them for sale. Kathy bought all of them, and she recently decided to do something with them.

She's been combing antique and resale shops in search of vintage embroidered linens. Even though many of us have a collection of inherited embroideries, who wants to cut up something our ancestors created? I know Kathy and I don't. So, we purchase with the intention of cutting into it. I guess it's easier if you don't know the creator - especially when you know you're going to make something new and wonderful with it.

Kathy's been sewing these lovely project bags, and she practices her quilting skills on the patterned fabrics. She offered one to me and said I could choose the one I wanted. Of course, I chose the bag with the embroidered puppies. 

In exchange, I'm going to create a spoolie just for her. I didn't have Henrietta Chicken or Theodore Badger to show her because they were already gifted, but her favorite was Daisy Skunk. I'm planning to make a new little skunk for her. (I'm also going to make another badger and chicken for my collection, too.)

My very last stop of the day was at my friends, Vicki and Del's home. Del and I have known each other since junior high school, and I got to know Vicki after Handsome and I moved back to Wisconsin. She's been seeing my spoolies and offered her assortment of wooden spools to me. I gratefully accepted, and I traded her for quilting fabric, which she loved.

I got to meet their sweet nine month old Labrador retriever, and got a tour of their lovely home. We exchanged gifts, hugged, and I left to take dinner home from the restaurant for Handsome. 

All in all, I'd say it was a pretty fabulous day. I spent time with so many dear friends, and came home with a full heart. It really doesn't get better than this.

Today, my Explorer will be getting an early morning oil change, and then I'm going to get my hair trimmed this afternoon. Once I get back home, I think I'll be getting a little crafty. I don't know what I'll work on yet, but I'll let you know tomorrow. I'm going to grab a cuppa for the road now and be on my way. Later, 'gator!

No "Island Hopping" Today...

Image via Facebook

 

I'm not playing in the kitchen today. Rather, I'm having lunch with my girlfriend, Kathy D., and then I'm having dinner with the high school classmate group. I'll be a "social butterfly" instead. lol

I haven't seen Kathy in a while, and since our last lunch date, she's traveled to a quilt retreat and I've been doing my "thing" around the farmhouse. I can't wait to hear all about the retreat, and I'm hoping she'll bring whatever she made to show me. She asked me to bring the spool animals with me so she can see them in person. I'm sure we'll have a great visit, and I'll try to remember to get a photo (at least of her with the spoolies) for my post tomorrow.

Our classmate dinner is at the usual place, and we never know exactly how many will attend until they show up. Of course, I'll get their photo, too.

Last stop before I come home will be to another friend's home who offered her collection of mini thread spools to me. I'm trading a bag of quilting cotton scraps in exchange, as she's also a quilter.

It's going to be a busy day, so I have a few things to accomplish before I go. Handsome will be home with the girls today, but I'll be sure to bring treats home for him, too.

Have a great day and I'll be back tomorrow with photographs to share! See you then.

Red & White Challenge Quilt Show...

 Direct Link: https://youtu.be/cTTG-sUp2gE 

I know many of you were unable to attend the Primitive Gatherings Red & White Challenge Quilt Show. So, today I'm sharing a link to Lisa's YouTube video of the event. There were so many wonderful quilts - from many different states - that I thought you'd enjoy seeing all of them. 

The video lasts about twenty minutes, so make a cup of your favorite hot beverage (or cold if you're lucky enough to be in warm weather), put your feet up and enjoy!

Red & White Quilt Show...

Diana and I drove to the Primitive Gatherings' Red & White Quilt Show yesterday, and it was a phenomenal show! So many gorgeous quilts executed by talented artists around the country. There were a total of one hundred forty quilts on display.

The first quilt I saw was "Best of Show", created by my buddy, Kathy D. I can see why it was a judge's favorite. Kathy made this one from the first fabric cut, to the stellar machine quilting. I love it!

All the quilts are hung from rods and along the walls in the Gathering House. Kathy's sitting at the table, preparing kits for a cute counted thread Make & Take class she's teaching all weekend. Her pattern is available HERE.

There are so many beautiful quilts to see. How is one to choose a favorite? (Of course, the people who view all the quilts will be able to vote for Viewer's Choice during the show.) 

This is looking back at the front doors of the Gathering House. Everywhere you look there are more wonderful quilts!

Sewcial Sister, Lori is teaching "Fresh Stitched Trees" (available as a pattern or kit on the Primitive Gatherings website HERE).

Diana sat down to make a ceramic ornament with Lisa Bongean. Now she has a beautiful new trinket for her family tree. (I couldn't find a link to these on Primitive Gatherings' website. Sorry.)

This is the hallway leading to all the retreat "hotel" rooms. Each room has a quilt block that matches the block on the key fob for that room. The usual ones were all switched out for red and white ones for the show. I loved that! This hall was also lined with quilts for the show, and this is where I found mine hanging.

I'M EXCITED!!!

I have a blue ribbon to add to my collection of quilting awards. This one means a lot to me, as I dedicated this quilt to my dad. Thank you to the judges for choosing my piece. I'm so grateful.

After doing a little shopping (to get the free with purchase holiday patterns), Diana and I turned for home. She had a new ornament for her tree, and I had my new purchases...and a happy heart. It was a great day for both of us.

Congratulations to all the quilters who submitted their gorgeous works of heArt to the show. If it's possible to get to Larsen from where you live, it's well worth the trip. 

November Sewcial Sisters...

I love the time I spend with the Sewcial Sisters. They're all such talented women and I learn so much from them. 

Lori is an accomplished quilter, and I watched her hand quilt on her Everlasting quilt on Monday. She took the time to show me how to do it, and shared a few other pointers. I'm really inspired to work on a sample piece with the goal of getting good enough to hand quilt my own Everlasting quilt. 

During our monthly Show and Tell (or, as I call it Bring & Brag), she shared this lovely table mat she'd completed since our last gathering. I love how the colors just pop off the black ground fabric.

Kathy D. has been busy! She shared five or six finished quilts, but this one was one of my favorites. It's so colorful! Kathy has her own longarm quilting machine, so she always finishes her own pieces. Her machine quilting is so professional and beautiful. It really enhances (as it should) her precision piecing. 

Karen made this beautiful quilt and shared it with us on Monday. She's always shy and hides behind her quilts when the cameras come out. The colors make this piece subtly Christmas, but it's perfect as a year-round quilt, too. 

Darcy has been working on the multiple blocks of this quilt as a gift for her husband. She's completed most of the blocks - which I think she said she started in 2016 - and it getting really close to putting it all together. I had to get a photograph of this block, because of the sweet camper. I loved this quilt, and would love to create my own version. Note to self - Add this quilt to the list!

Before we left for the day, Lisa B's son brought Darcy's new sewing machine to her. It's a Ltd. Kaffe Fassett Bernina. Sorry I don't know the model number. The machine is decked out with the same decals as the colorful fabric shown on the protective cover. As you can see, she's in love with it. I have to admit, I was a bit taken with it, too. Lucky for me, they were all sold out of the Ltd. ed machine.

Our next meeting is December 1st. I'm planning to have a few pieces completed so I can brag, too. If I don't get them done, I'm perfectly happy to cheer on the accomplishments of my friends. They're the best!

One Day Baby Quilt...

I spent yesterday in the studio (yay!), and ended the day with a completed baby quilt. My great nephew and his fiance' are expecting a baby boy soon. The shower is this weekend, so I wanted to make something as a gift.

I'd purchased these sweet flannel fabrics on one of my shopping trips with Kathy D., saving them for a special occasion. I thought it would be just the thing for a little boy. I hope it ends up being used for a long, long time, becoming a favorite, well-loved "blankie".

I'll share a photograph of the full quilt tomorrow. I always prefer natural daylight for the best, most accurate image, but as I write this (at midnight) it's quilted and bound and ready to launder before I wrap it up. I'll also photograph the back. I added a twill tape with a quote from The Little Prince from Lillalotta on Etsy. There's a wee lesson to be taught in the words. More tomorrow. I'm going to pop this in the washer now, and then have a cuppa to start my day.

A Productive Weekend...

Not only did I put up another batch of Black Rasperry Preserves, I also did a little weekend baking. I made these scrumptious Strawberry Rhubarb Hand Pies for Sunday dinner's dessert. 

It all began when I looked at the scruffy rhubarb patch at the west end of the Compass Barn. Rhubarb's sister plant, the burdock had taken up residence next to the patch and was getting ready to start going to seed. I didn't want that! Even though there are medicinal qualities to the burdock, I didn't want them sprouting up all around the rhubarb, so outside I went to take the interloper out of the rhubarb bed.

Next thing you know, I'm pulling out wilted rhubarb leaves that were rotting on the grass, and then I took off all the seed heads that were growing out of the rhubarb. (I'm going to try growing new plants from seed to put into next years new and improved garden space.) I also pulled beautiful stalks that would become these hand pies, another small pie, and a few near future treats. I'm going to make rhubarb simple syrup that can be added to sparkling water, or perhaps a summery adult beverage. I'm also contemplating another of Marisa McClellan's recipes for a Rhubarb Rosemary jelly.

The recipe for the hand pies is simple. I cut up 2 cups of cleaned rhubarb into 1/2" chunks; added about 1 cup of cut up fresh strawberries, and about 1 tsp of fresh lemon juice. Place in a large bowl and sprinkle one cup of sugar over the mix. Let sit while you make the pie crust.

The pie crust recipe was from my ancient Betty Crocker cookbook. 1 cup all purpose flour, 1/2 t. salt, 3/4 c. Crisco shortening, and 2 tsp. water. Cut the Crisco into the flour until it's incorporated. Add the water and mix into a dough. Roll it out and use a hand pie maker (mine is from Pampered Chef) to cut out the dough, form and then seal the pies. I put an egg wash and granulated sugar on top before I popped them in the oven. I baked these in my air fryer for 10-12 minutes at 400º. Drizzled a mixture of confectioner's sugar and half & half over the top when they were still hot. (If you use a conventional oven, bake at 475º for 10-12 minutes.) It's that simple.

Full disclosure: My sister, Diana is a Pampered Chef consultant, so I get all my kitchen wares through her now. I just hosted my annual online party, and the Hand Pie Maker was one of my free perks. Not only are they perfect for making sweet treats, but you can also make savory pies, too! I just prepare a meat and vegetable like you would for a pot pie, and then seal them into the crust with this handy gadget. If you'd like to get one for yourself, you can click HERE to check it out. There's even a little video that shows you how they're used! Di is happy to answer any questions, and if you want to get yours free, the online parties couldn't be easier. She does all the work. All you do is invite friends who you think would be interested in some new recipes and seeing what Pampered Chef has in their product lines. Anyway, enough of the little commercial. I'll just say the Hand Pie Maker is an awesome tool and it made making these extremely simple.

Once all my dessert-ing was finished, I prepared a nice meal for Handsome and me. After dinner, we went outside and watered all our new plantings, and then settled in to enjoy a little rhubarb treat. It was a lovely end to a lovely weekend.

I'm heading up to Primitive Gatherings this morning for a day with the Sewcial Sisters. Kathy D. is having a procedure today, so she can't be with us. If you're inclined, please say a little prayer for my friend that all goes well, so she can join us for the August gathering. 

Tag will be here tomorrow, and I'll be back on Wednesday. I hope you have an awesome week, and make time for something creative. I'd better be on my way. I sure don't want to be late for all the fun!

Time To Go Home…

 

Sewcial Sisters (l-r: Karen, Judy, Kathy D, MaryAnn, me, and Kay)

Our time is up at Primitive Gatherings’ retreat house. Did I tell you it’s called “The Gathering”? We’ll be taking a tour this morning, and then I’ll load up the Brynwoodmobile and turn for home.

I’ve had a wonderful time, got some things accomplished, and thoroughly enjoyed my stay, but I’m anxious to get back home. I have loads more photos to share, but I’ve been posting from my iPad, which is less than ideal for writing, so I’ll write a wrap up post tomorrow. 

I don’t want to miss the tour, so I’m going to close for now. Come back tomorrow to see the rest. Gotta run!

Kathy's Sheep Drum Pincushion...

Brynwood Needleworks - Kathy D's PG Sheep Drum Pincushion

Kathy D. did all the hard work to prepare for her YouTube debut on Lisa Bongean's (Stitch With Lisa Bongean) channel. Kathy worked all the parts and pieces so she could show the different stages to making the Sheep Drum Pincushion, which left all those parts unassembled by the end of her video with Lisa.

At our last Sit & Stitch, Kathy offered up her pieces, and I knew I had to have one. She had already completed the sewing and embroidery stitches on the main body, but it hadn't yet been attached to the top, stuffed, or had the bottom attached either.

In between a doctor's appointment, lab tests, grocery shopping, and cleaning house since the weekend, I managed to steal a little time to do the assembly of Kathy's lovely work. I hand stitched the top to the body section; stuffed it with sawdust (after I'd wrapped it in Press n Seal™ per her directions); and then attached the bottom section. It's all finished, unless I decide to do the Palestrina knot trim along the top join. Of course, the label I attach will give Kathy all the credit.

If you're interested in watching my girlfriend's tutorial video, HERE'S the link, and you can download the free pattern HERE. Be sure to click the "like" button for Kathy. We'd be ever so grateful!

Studio Fun...

Brynwood Needleworks - Fabric Studio Corner

This is the view from my cutting table toward the corner of my fabric studio. I really am paring down my inventory, but I still have more fabrics to list. (These are some of the ones I'll keep.) I'll get to the photographing and listing part soon, but I'm finishing up the companion "Ensemble" hobo bag to go with the "Nocturne" bag I made last week.

Yesterday Kathy D. came to the farmhouse for a little collaboration and brain storming for a project she's working on. Although I have lots of grommet hardware, I now know why I have so much. I really don't like using them, and working with them yesterday just reiterated that. In the end, we went with another idea which is much more user friendly. 

Even when there are glitches (like getting my bobbin stuck behind the mechanism in my sewing machine), or the punches not cutting through fabric as they usually do (sigh), we could laugh and be glad there were no video cameras running to document our mishaps. Luckily I have a tool with a magnet on the end, so we could extricate the wayward bobbin. Even though we got the holes cut and grommets installed, we were happier with the alternative.

I have a lot I want to get finished this week. My plan is to take a little road trip on the weekend to spend a few days with my sister who lives just over the border in Minnesota. So...I'm going to finish my morning cup of coffee, get my act together, and go to work. Tag will be here tomorrow, so I'll see you again on Wednesday to share my progress with you. I hope you have a great week!

Flowers and Fawn...

Brynwood Needleworks - Primitive Gatherings' "Seaside Garden" Mat

This is one of the pieces I worked on yesterday. I received the kit in one of the Wool Boxes last spring. I'll be stitching this so I have it ready for this spring.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Primitive Gatherings' "New Beginning" Pincushion

I also did the preparation for this little fawn pincushion. Of course, I changed the color of the deer to a more reddish color, reminiscent of the color of our spring fawns in Wisconsin. I'll get this one finished soon, too.

 

I'm visiting and stitching with my girlfriend, Kathy D. today, so these are the two projects I'll be working on. (The pincushion won't take that long for me to flesh out.) 

 

My leg is doing really well. I changed my bandages today so I could clean the wound and make sure I didn't have any infection started. Gratefully, there wasn't so much as a bruise or discoloration. whew! If you're really curious about what happened, you can go to the comment section from yesterday's post, where I give the details to my friend, MA. As I said to her, "I'm such a klutz!". Going forward, I'm definitely going to be more careful with all the sharp objects in my studio.

A Little More Show & Tell...

Brynwood Needleworks - Kathy D.'s Cross Stitch and Wool Work Flag

 

I thought you might like to see a few more projects from Wednesday's Show & Tell with the Sewcial Sisters. 

Kathy D. has been a busy needleworker! She created a wool project from one of the Wool Boxes. It's a beautiful, embroidered flag. She also cross stitched three village pieces and a Santa piece. Rather than make pillows or frame them, she mounted them to fabric-covered, acid-free matboard, created easels, and finished them with cording. Isn't it a perfect way to finish these beautiful pieces?

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Gorgeous Sheepy Project Carriers

 

I'm in love with these project carriers. Aren't they great for containing a wool project in progress? The sheep are all preprinted on flannel. This is one of Lisa B.'s fabrics (Primitive Gatherings). I love the clear vinyl on the front of the carrier so you can see the sheep in the back - and you'll be able to see whatever project is inside, too! They close with zippers. Sweet!

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Lisa's Reindeer Quilt Design

Lisa B. has been sewing and stitching like a mad woman, as she's preparing projects for upcoming books. I'm in love with her reindeer, as well as her "love and peace" Christmas theme wording. This one is already a pattern/kit available in her shop (and online).

 

The Sewcial Sisters really had a fun party. We missed the ladies who couldn't come, but the ladies who were there sure had fun! Next year, we'll all be together again. Until then, we'll all be working on our projects for the next gathering.

More Progress...

Brynwood Needleworks - Working On My Farmhouse Hydrangeas

I had a wonderful visit with Kathy D. yesterday. She brought a beautiful bouquet of flowers, freshly picked from her gardens, along with my Wool Box from Primitive Gatherings. We sat on the porch and enjoyed the perfect weather, chatting as the hummingbirds buzzed in and out of the feeders.

Kathy got a chance to meet Carly - who surprisingly was a little shy. We let Bella out onto the porch, and Carly immediately got brave. (If it's okay for Mama, it's okay for me, right?) It was really sweet. Of course, then they wanted to wrestle around under Kathy's feet, so they got shooed back into the house so we could visit, unaccosted.

Brynwood Needleworks - My Stitching Setup

After Kathy left, I sat down to stitch again for a little while. I finished all my work on the blossoms, and then went back to read from my Royal School of Needlework Essential Stitch Guides for Stumpwork and Silk Shading. I purchased these when I was taking my classes in Lexington, and I frequently reference them. 

I'll be continuing my progress on this one until it's finished today, so I'll be able to show it to you on Monday. 

Tomorrow is Granddaughter #2's Birthday. Grandpa and I are hoping to see her today to give her her Birthday gift. It's hard to believe she's already a teenager. Gosh. It seems like only yesterday that she was born! Time sure flies.

I hope you have a restful and creative weekend. Take care, be safe, and stay healthy, dear friends. I'll chat with you again soon.

Happy August!!