Getting Busy...

Now that the pantry is nearly finished (Jeff will be here soon to install hardware), it's time for me to again turn my attention to the upcoming show. I've already started some new projects, but this year I'm going to have a larger selection of wallets and bags. 

I have some unique prints planned for wallets, featuring a nice range of Kaffe Fassett wallets. I'll list the available ones in my shop after the show. Of course, I'll show them to you first, in the event you'd like to purchase one early.

I'm also going to create more keychains, little zipper pouch keychains, and zippered pouches. Then, I'll have a few Nocturne Overnighter Bags, Ensemble Bags, Bella Totes, and large Kirby Crossbody Bags. 

On the needlework side, I'll be offering embroidered pendants, pinkeeps, and project bags. If I have time I'll add some new items created from vintage quilts, too. I'll wait to tell you more about those in case I don't get to them for this event.

My friend, Cindy has graciously agreed to help in my booth again this year, and I'm looking forward to working with her. We always have a great time together.

So, if you live anywhere in the West Bend, WI area, mark your calendar. I'd love to see you on February 10th at the Washington County Fairgrounds Pavillion.

I'm working at my other job from 10-4 today, but I'll show you another project bag I'm working on. It also features a Michelle Palmer drawing front and center. I think you'll like this one! (Think Valentine's Day!) I have to get going. I'll see you again tomorrow.

Kirby Crossbody Bags...

I have a special link today for the Kirby Crossbody Bags that I currently have in stock. Not only am I offering the same price I had at the quilt show, but I'm also including FREE shipping! These bags are regularly $115, but are now $95.

You can click on the image above for color/fabric names, and then click HERE for details and availability. Of course, if you have any questions, just sent me a note and I'll be happy to answer questions. All purchases are processed safely and securely through my Square account.

I also have the Bella Totes and Matty Two-Zip bags listed in the Brynwood Needleworks Facebook page, but will add those here as well on Wednesday. Nothing like a little window shopping, right?

Busy In The Studio...

Brynwood Kirby Crossbody Bags

I'm planning to list up the bags and wallets that didn't sell from my booth last weekend. This was a photo from before the show. Not all of them are still available. I need to photograph them for the listings, and I'm going to also list them in the Brynwood Facebook group with buttons to purchase direct from the post. 

I'm trying to keep myself busy, and all your prayers are helping a lot. Thank you again for always responding to my requests. 

I received an invitation to have a booth at another quilt show this spring. This one is in northern Illinois, so I have to check my calendar and decide whether an overnight stay (which is for a two-day show) would make for a profitable trip. I have about five new applications sitting on my desk right now. Decisions. Decisions.

I'll post my Sunday Scripture and be back on Monday with a new post. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend with the ones you love. 

Gratefully,

Finished By Dusk...

 

 

There's a term bagmakers use when they've sewn the exterior and lining pieces. All that's left to do is turn everything right-side-out. It's called "birthing the bag". Well, yesterday I birthed all seventeen bags. 

 

To tell the truth, my hands are sore after all that tugging and twisting. Everything is turned out through a small hole I leave in the lining. Once that's done, I sew the hole shut, push the lining into the inside of the bag and smooth out all the elements. I am chuffed over how they all turned out. I have four others that were in inventory prior to this marathon, so I'll have a total of twenty one Kirby Crossbody Bags available in my booth in a few short weeks.

I'm going to run a few errands this morning, and then cut out pieces for the next project. I'd tell you what that will be, but I haven't decided yet. We'll find out together. Come back tomorrow to see what's on deck.

Seventeen Kirbys...

 

I have a hair appointment right in the middle of my day, but there are seventeen Kirby Crossbody Bags that will be assembled by the end of the day (fingers crossed). 

 

Prepping the projects always takes longer than I expect and it involves pulling hardware, cutting all the exterior and interior pieces as well as straps and making sure I have all the supplies I need to keep sewing once I begin. I load up multiple bobbins for the sewing machine, and pull out the extension leaf on my sewing table. Then I'm ready to begin. Nothing quite like a little production sewing to turn out some impressive results. 

I'll begin my day by getting Tag and Bella outside to stretch their legs a bit, and then feed the cats. The dogs have to wait a bit because they've been romping around (like waiting an hour after swimming), but I'll feed them after making my morning cuppa and having some fruit for breakfast. Then, it's time to head back to the studio. I'll set an alarm today so I have time to grab a shower before heading out to see Wendi for my haircut.

 

I'll head back home and let the dogs out again, and then you'll find me in the studio until these are finished. It's a great way to end the week, and I can spend tomorrow planning the next lot for sewing.

 

Happy Friday!

New Large Version Kirby Bags...

Selection of Black Large Version Kirby Bags

 

I finished five new Kirby bags in my larger version. My BFF, Lee commissioned one at the Craft and Vendor Show, and I had to wait for my cork order to arrive. She wants a "black one", so I made five so she can choose her favorite.

I'll see her this week, and once she's chosen hers, (I love them all!) I'll put the rest in my online shop, along with a sales button right here on my blog. Priority shipping will be free, so there's still time to get one for Christmas gifting (or to keep!). 

I'll be busy in the studio again today...or I'll bake cookies. I haven't decided yet. I guess I'll decide while I drink my morning coffee. See you later!

Coming Soon...

Brynwood "Kirby" Large - Detail

 

I had this idea to enlarge the "Kirby" Crossbody Bag in width to accommodate larger wallets and just a little more "stuff". I cut these out prior to the vendor show, but truthfully, I ran out of gas before I could create them.

New Brynwood "Kirby" - Large Version

I sat down with Jane and made a single bag to see if my idea worked. I'm very happy with the results, so I'll definitely be making more!

Comparison -  Top: Large "Kirby" , Bottom: Original "Kirby"

This is a photo showing the difference between the original "Kirby" bag and the new, improved, larger version. I'm thinking it's going to become my most popular size, even though I'll continue to make both sizes.

I'll be making more in the next week, and then will list them up in my online shop. They will be available and ship in time for Christmas gifting. You know I'll let you know when their ready to go.

It's That Time Of Year Again!

Today is my Birthday, so I'm going to be enjoying the day by spending it with Handsome, the pups and the outside girls. I'll be back tomorrow to visit with you again.

Working On Kirby Bags...

Brynwood Kirby Bags - Nearly Finished

I got so close! I started the day with rolls and bolts of fabrics, zipper yardage, and other hardware. I cut out the fabrics, pulled the hardware, and got to sewing. One bag is complete (minus the shoulder strap, which I'll do all at one time), and the other four regular size are almost done. I've also cut out three Kirby bags in a larger version. It's 2" wider. I'll complete those today, too. 

Between the bags and wallets I'll have created, the needlework jewelery, pincushions, key fobs, and hickory syrup, I think my booth will be nicely populated - and customers will have a nice selection to choose from.

I'll complete these bags so I'll be able to concentrate on uploading my inventory list to my Square checkout station, pricing, and cleaning up my display pieces on Saturday. Tomorrow, I'll share daylight photos of my most recent bags so you can see their colors more accurately. 

I'll put up my feet tonight, enjoy a lovely Wisconsin fish fry and a nice, hot cuppa tea with Handsome, knowing that I've done my best to prepare for the show.

Next...

Brynwood "Bryn" Wallets For The Show

 

Well, these are all finished and ready to go to my booth at the show next weekend. Today, I'll be working on Nocturne Overnight Bags. 

Here's what I'm planning to have for the show:

• "Bryn" Wallets - done
  
• "Bella" Tote Bags - partial stock
•  "Shop Hop" Crossbody Bags - done
  
• "Grab & Go" Clutch Bags - done
  
• "Nocturne" Overnight Bags
• "Ensemble" Hobo Bags
• "Kirby" Crossbody Bags
•  Cork Fabric Coin Keyrings
•  Embroidered Floral Pendants - done
•  Embroidered Possibles Bags - done
  
•  Hickory Syrup - partial stock

I think that will be enough to adequately populate my booth, and give shoppers a nice selection. The hickory syrup should be a nice add-on sale, too. I expect I'll sell out of that, for sure. Some of these will be pulled from my Etsy shop (which I'll close for the weekend).

Well, friend. I know you know the drill. Feed the dogs and cats (Handsome had an appointment first thing this morning.) Morning coffee. Then, hi ho, hi ho. It's off to the studio I go! (I'll keep working this weekend.)

Caught Up...

Brynwood Needleworks - Sampling of Wednesday's Mask Production

The extra weekly travel to see my Dad put me behind in my orders, but I'm caught up now. The valances were finished yesterday, and I made fourteen new-to-me-style Covid masks. Some of them went with the valance order, and the rest are for here.

Handsome liked this style, and asked if I had any black Labrador fabric. (Do I have any black Labrador fabric? insert maniacal laughter here.) I pulled my favorite Lab print and created two masks in that fabric for him. I also made more in two other pup prints I have (plus some Green Bay Packer fabric), both for the order and to keep. Notice the corgi in the print on top in the left set of masks? I'm keeping two of those for me to wear, when required.

All in all, I made fourteen new masks, bringing my production total to 341. So, all the custom items are in the mail today, and I can close out that order. 
 

Brynwood Needleworks - Custom Kirby Crossbody Bag

 

I also made this Kirby Crossbody yesterday. This one already has a home to go to, and will be delivered today, as I'm not going to see Dad. At his request, his visitation times are now limited for both friends and family. As I'm in the car for three hours each time I go to see him, I guess I'll have to plan accordingly, perhaps being resigned to once a week visits.

 

I have a full day today, as Handsome and I prepare to leave for Florida next week. Can you believe it's nearly time to go get Bella and her daughter? They'll be seven weeks old on Monday, and eight weeks old by the time we're ready to bring them home. In the meantime, there are housekeeping things, and more that I have to get done first.

I'll be back tomorrow with a fun post. I hope you'll be back to see what got me sooo excited last night. See you tomorrow!

 

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.

 

Nevermore...

Brynwood Needleworks - Kirby Crossbody - Nevermore

I completed a custom Kirby Crossbody bag yesterday. Although I usually create more than one Kirby at a time, I decided that this one needed to be "fussy cut" to optimize the fabric design, so it would have my undivided attention.

Brynwood Needleworks - Nevermore Detail

I knew that the recipient was especially fond of the crow, so that was my starting point. I also did the back in a single piece (rather than the usual three), to optimize the fabric design there, as well. (Sorry, I forgot to take a photo of the back.)

Brynwood Needleworks - Front Pocket Linings

I found the perfect fabric to use on the front pocket linings (and the lining on the interior pocket, too). I think the colors coordinated perfectly with the exterior fabric.

Brynwood Needleworks - Bag Interior Pockets

 

I was able to use more of the main fabric inside for the double pockets. The lining for the main compartment of this bag is a neutral canvas for a bit more durability. My client will be able to enjoy this bag for a long time.

All I have left to do is spray the exterior fabric with Scotchgard™ to protect it from any light soil. Of course, this bag, being made entirely of fabric, can be easily washed and pressed should it require it.

I'm very happy with the final bag, and I know that I'll be making more handbags and wallets using this fabric in the near future. Of course, I'll share them here first (or on Instagram!), and then list them in my shop. 

Today, I'm meeting friends for lunch in Oshkosh and then doing a little yard work with Handsome. I want to enjoy the beautiful weather we've been having. Get out there and soak up a little sunshine today. I'll see you tomorrow.

Fly Away Home...

Brynwood Needleworks - Kirby Set

 

This order is complete and ready to ship today. It was a really fun sew, and I hope the new owner will love with it as much as I do.

A quick errand this morning, and then I'll be back in the studio for the rest of the day. It's not always easy. The weather has been gorgeous, and it's really been beckoning me outdoors. It's a good thing I'm committed, because otherwise, you'd find me watching butterflies, for sure!

Prepping Again...

Brynwood Needleworks - Kirby Fabric Combination

Brother-in-law left yesterday morning, so I managed to get some fabric cutting and preparation complete between my hair appointment and last night's music concert. This combination will become a Kirby to go with the wallet and key fob I completed on Sunday.

Brynwood Needleworks - Michael Miller Fabric For Custom Kirby

 

I really love this fabric to be used in a request for a custom Kirby. In addition to the custom bag I'm making, I'll add more (using this fabric) to my online shop when they're finished.

Today is another day of appointments, so while I'll try to get these sewn up today, it will most likely be tomorrow before I can sit at the machines again. We'll see. My first appointment is soon, so I've got to run. See you tomorrow!

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!

Holly Berry Strawberry...

Brynwood Needleworks - Holly Berry Strawberry Design by Erica Michaels

 

I completed this commission on Sunday, and sent it on its way yesterday. My client requested that I fill it with lavender buds, so it smells heavenly. It was truly a pleasure to stitch this small design on 32 ct. linen, although I admit, I'm much more dependent on my lighted magnifier now than I used to be.

Today, I'm making two pieces for a client...one is a Corgi Clutch bag, and the other is a Kirby with dachshund fabric accents. I'm going to make two of those, so I have a second one to put in the shop. It's a cute design. 

I'll show you the completed pieces tomorrow. Then, I'll only have one more commission to complete before I get to this year's Grammie's Jammies. Off to the studio! The elves are calling!

Kirby's Little Sister Prototype...

Mini Kirby Prototype

 

I got back to working on the Bryn Crossbody Wallets today, but not before I completed a prototype for a smaller version of my Kirby Crossbody Bag. This one is going to be a Birthday gift for one of my little sisters who loves purple, and I'm sure she'll like this one.

 

Kirby and New Prototype - Side by Side Comparison

 

This is a side-by-side comparison of the Kirby Bag and the new bag, with only one front zipper compartment. I love it, but it's not quite what I had in mind.

 

Showing Final Size Preference

The red line on this image is where I want the final bag bottom to be. I'm not going to modify this one, but I've changed the measurements on my notes. I'll make another after I complete the wallets today. I'll show those to you tomorrow. By the way...Don't you love the purple cork? I sure do!

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!

More Show Production...

Brynwood Kirby Crossbody Bags

 

I'm getting there. I have seven Kirby crossbody bags completed so far, with more prepared for cutting and sewing today. They're coming along nicely.

 

Brynwood Kirby Crossbody Bags

 

Handsome came home yesterday, and I was so relieved that "tired" overtook me. I didn't sew a single thing. I spent time with him, and didn't feel a single ounce of guilt.

 

Handsome's brother flew in from Wyoming to stay with us until Saturday morning, and we're so happy to have him here. He'll be hanging out with my recuperating husband, so I'll be able to focus on preparing for the weekend show. As I still have so much to do, this is much appreciated. I'll have more finished pieces to share tomorrow. You will come back, won't you?