DAY TWO GIVEAWAY...

Today I get to share the giveaway items for DAY TWO of my Sixteenth Blog Anniversary celebration! I'm hoping you're loving the offerings I'm assembling for these giveaways.

The first part of this offering is one of my custom crafted fabric and natural cork wristlets. There is a cork strap inside the zippered pouch. Use it for your organizing your handbag or to carry sewing or needlework supplies. 

The second part of this giveaway gift is a complete wool kit from Primitive Gatherings called "Give Thanks" from my personal collection. This one has a fall/Thanksgiving theme and it measures 9" x 20".

Finally, I'm including twelve skeins of DMC cotton floss in fall colors which could be used to stitch the runner kit, or for any other project of your choosing.

As I mentioned before, I'll share the rules each day of the drawing to avoid any confusion.  Also, remember you can click on any of my blog images to enlarge them.

HERE ARE THE ENTRY RULES: (Not many actually)

1) Follow my blog and/or follow Brynwood Needleworks on Facebook or Instagram (let me know which)

2) You must enter a comment in the section below (this post only) to be in the drawing for these items.

3) You can live anywhere in the world, but you're responsible for any tariffs or VAT taxes imposed on your end.

4) Only one entry for each drawing, please. 

5) You may enter every giveaway offered, however again, only once per drawing.

6) Make sure you monitor the drawings next Monday for results. If you win, I'll need a mailing address. If I don't hear from winners by Tuesday, March 24th, I'll choose another name.

 

GOOD LUCK!!!

 

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!

The Cardinals Are Home Again...

 

While I was at Primitive Gatherings yesterday for Sewcial Sisters, I collected my Winter Song quilt to bring home. In the package along with my cardinals and First Place ribbon, were two surprises...prizes I earned for first place in my category.

I earned a fat eighths full assortment of Red and White Gatherings from Primitive Gatherings, along with a $300 gift card for the shop!! When I realized what I'd received, my first words to Kathy D and the ladies were "I'm gobsmacked!" When Lisa Bongean joined our group after her live YouTube video earlier in the afternoon, I thanked her for her generosity. I'll be sending out a thank you card today. 

I've made and competed more than a few quilts (and my quilted elephant) in the past. They've been shown from SW Florida to southern Wisconsin - and even at the World Quilt Show - and I've earned beautiful ribbons, but this is the first time I received prizes, too. Generous prizes. I'm so very grateful.

I'll be hanging my ribbon with the others, and Winter Song will join Song of Spring in my studio. Every time I glance at them, I'll remember that 2022 was a quilting year to remember. Thanks again, Lisa!

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!

Two Down, Two To Go…

 

“Everlasting” Quilt - My Version - Corner Embroideries 

I’m sharing embroidery progress on my version of Primitive Gatherings “Everlasting” quilt. I managed to complete two corners during our Sewcial Sisters’ retreat. 

Corner Two Complete

I already shared my first corner last week, so here’s Corner Two. I drew a bouquet on paper with a Sharpie. Then I traced it in pencil onto my fabric. I’m only drawing  a sketch of the stems and then fleshing them out with lavender blooms as I go. Just as in nature, no two plants are exactly the same, so I’m free to embellish as I please.

I’ll work on the upper corners soon, and will show you my progress as I have more to share. I want to work on my goldwork wreath, too, so I’ll probably go back and forth between the two. 

I’ve neglected responding to blog comments this past week while I was away, so I’ll catch up this week. Thanks to everyone who left a note for me. Apologies that I didn’t answer them quickly, as usual. 

Finally, I’ve got my Etsy shop on vacation for a bit. If there’s something you’ve seen and want that was currently listed, just let me know. I can complete a sale for you through Square. In the meantime, I’m working on an Etsy alternative, and will let you know more soon. (They’ve raised seller rates again, and it’s getting ridiculous, so I’m working on an alternative.) I’ll see you again Wednesday. Tag’s back tomorrow.

Images From The Tour…

Office and Recording Studio

As promised, here are photos from the tour Lisa gave the Sewcial Sisters. I have many more, but am limiting it to these. 

We began above the shop space, in the main office for Primitive Gatherings. The large window area is where Lisa, Jess, or other employees film their live videos. We also got sneak peeks of upcoming designs, fabrics, and promos, but we’re sworn to secrecy. 

Where Kits Are Created

Once back downstairs, we continued our tour in the kitting room. The elves were busy putting together kits for the warehouse and shop. The room has large windows which flood the space with light. 

Print Shop

Next door, we saw the print shop. All Primitive Gatherings patterns and other media are printed in-house. You’ll notice the high ceilings, which will accommodate future expansion.

Tyler, Dying Wools

Tyler has a large space in the warehouse dedicated to wool dying. There are sinks, stoves to heat the dye pots, shelves of dyes, and washers & dryers for the final steps of the process. There’s also A LOT of wool fabric! 

Wall of Wool

Once complete, the wools end up on one side or the other of the wall of wools. All the colors are stored alphabetically. 

Partial Valdani Inventory

This area is warehousing threads and more. There are many shelves, and they’re ALL full. 

Longarm Area 

This is where the guys finish client quilts with their longarm skills. There are four machines here, with another one coming in soon. We got to see a few quilts under the machines, as well as one of the quilts they completed with a custom pattern.

Shipping Department 

Place an online order or become a member of one of their subscription clubs, and this is where it will be packaged and shipped. It’s the hub of activity every day. They also ship purchases guests buy when staying at The Gatherings (retreat house).

Some of the gals had been on this tour before, but we all were impressed with the entire facility. I hope you enjoyed a peek into the operations aspect of Lisa and Nick Bongean’s business as much as we did.

We’ve reserved our accommodations for the week before Easter next year. We’re also reserved for one day a month for our Sewcial Sisters. We shared brunch before saying our goodbyes and loading our vehicles. 

I got home late morning to my happy husband, excited dogs, and grateful cats. While it was great fun to spend a few days with the ladies, as always, there’s no place like home.

It's Finished!...

Brynwood Needleworks - A Penny Gathering - My Center Block Version

 

Don't be shocked. I didn't do anything except relax and stitch yesterday. I took my time, and had a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon completing my center block for A Penny Gathering. 

 

This is my own version, having chosen different colors from the other blocks I assembled, and adding my own embroideries.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - A Penny Gathering - My Version Center Block - Full

Here's a "bird's eye view" of the entire block. I'll need to square up all the blocks, including this one, and then make all those half square triangle blocks. I'm not ready to sit at the sewing machine quite yet, but I'll cut the fabrics in the next few days to prepare for that day. I'm happy to have accomplished this much for now.

 

On another note: The subscription service that's sent my daily posts to you via email has been discontinued. If you're used to receiving my posts to your inbox every day, you'll want to sign up again either through the link below today's signature, or via the link in my sidebar. 

 

I'm not big on change, so I was a bit peeved when I realized that I'd have to figure out something different, but I think this new service will work as seamlessly as the previous one. At least, I hope it will. Apologies for the inconvenience, and thanks, always, for being one of my faithful readers.

*** If you enjoyed this post and would like to get new ones directly to your inbox,  click HERE to follow me. Thanks, always, for stopping by to visit.

(Really) Slow Stitching...

Brynwood Needleworks - The Center Block

Normally, I'd have this block easily completed over a weekend. Normally. I'm going to blame my recuperation and the meds for my slooooowww stitching. I even found myself removing something I'd already completed. sigh I'll continue to work on it as I'm able. 

I'm glad Tag will be visiting with you tomorrow. I'll be back on Wednesday.

Contemplating Half Square Triangles...

Brynwood Needleworks - Here's What I'm Thinking

 

I'm probably overthinking these one inch half square triangles, but knowing I have to make about 240 of them has me weighing a few options. I'm thinking these are the colors I'm going to substitute for those called for in the pattern. 

 

One of the reasons is because I'm too cheap to purchase quarter yard cuts of each of the fabrics that were in the original line - if I can find them. The other reason is that you know I always like to personalize my work so it won't look exactly like all the other ones that were created from the same pattern.

Brynwood Needleworks - The Bigger Picture

If you look at the photo of the finished quilt, you can see that all the HSTs are bordering the larger center block, and again bordering the smaller blocks around the perimeter of the center. The only thing I have that includes all the fabrics in the line is the assortment of 2-1/2" little charms. No way they'd make up into the quantity I need. I have to decide whether or not I should bite the bullet and purchase yardage from the line, or change my game plan. I'm inclined to go with what I have.

With that in mind, I went into my fabric room and started "shopping" my own inventory. I pulled these fabrics. The top four fabrics on the stack (above) would be joined into the HSTs with the light fabric on the bottom of the pile. As you can see from the original pattern, each 1" block has one light half and one colored half. (Don't forget you can click on my post photos to enlarge them.) Mine would be half of that bottom fabric, with the other half being one of the other four. 

I think the effect is to end up with a more subtle, natural set of borders around the floral blocks. Can you imagine my vision? What do you think? Am I on the right track? I may choose one more fabric, as I need a total of ten strips of the darker fabrics to pair with ten strips of the solid, light fabric that's on the bottom. Maybe a brown, or even a gray? I'm actually getting excited about getting started on them. 

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!

I'm Getting There!...

Brynwood Needleworks - "Everlasting" My Way - Time For Borders

I got all my blocks assembled over the weekend! I still have the 3-1/4" borders to apply, and then decide how I want to embellish the light space around the outside.

 

Yesterday, while I was baking bread (yes. I baked bread in this heat in our un-air-conditioned farmhouse!), I was entertained by the birds coming in to the feeder just outside the window. Every time a red-winged blackbird came to the feeder, it announced its arrival. Like a bolt of lightning it ocurred to me...why not change the crow to a red-winged blackbird? I can add the colored shoulder stripes, and not have to figure out where to add another crow!

Another bonus would be that every bird shown on the quilt would be a bird that regularly eats at our kitchen feeders. So, what do you think? Add shoulder stripes?

I'm currently designing the needlework for the light border areas. I don't want to overdo it, but I do want it to be hand embroidered, as opposed to wool applique'. I'll get the borders sewn on and then the rest will happen while comfortably seated on the first floor (it's cooler than upstairs, and I'm just not ready for us to hook up the air conditioners yet. We do have ceiling fans in every room.).

We're meeting friends for breakfast this morning, and then I'm making a quick run to Menasha to Primitive Gatherings. I won a $20 gift certificate in their latest drawing!!! I may have to spend it as long as I'm already there. I also have that wrong Wool Box that I need to return. lol I'll start testing some embroidery layouts on the quilt after I get back home. It's going to be a great day.

Setting Triangles...

Brynwood Needleworks - "Everlasting" Bird Blocks

I admit I didn't spend much time in the studio today. Summer has arrived, and the temperatures were balmy and beautiful. The light breezes from yesterday persist today, and it looks like another perfect Wisconsin day has begun.

I did add the setting triangles to my completed bird blocks, so all I have to do is sit and sew them to the rest of the flower blocks, and then to the completed center. I've been thinking about the border treatment, and all I know so far is that I'll add another crow.

Brynwood Needleworks - Wee Crows Seven

Let me explain that again, in case you missed it before. I learned an English poem as a kid, and it's stuck with me. It goes like this:

"One crow, sorrow

Two crows, joy

Three crows, a letter

Four crows, a boy

Five crows, silver

Six crows, gold

Seven crows, a secret never to be told." 

 

I designed this poem as a sampler (Wee Crows Seven) in the 1990s, and I reflexively repeat it whenever I see a crow. So, with that in mind, you'll understand why I can't settle for only one on my quilt. I must add another, so I'm going to put it into the border. Beyond that, I'm still working on the design. Perhaps it needs a bluebird, too? We'll see.

If the weather stays nice, I'll likely be outside for a while. Then, I'm planning a little studio time over the rest of the weekend. I'll show you my progress on Monday.

 

The Assembly Has Begun...

Brynwood Needleworks - Assembling "Everlasting" - Phase I

 Phase I of sewing together my "Everlasting" quilt blocks has been completed. The center block assembly, which includes the houses (and Compass Barn) are now done.

I've laid out most of Phase II in this photo, but have not included the outer bird blocks, which are also part of this section. I still have to cut out the lighter fabric pieces that will also be a part of this, but will do that this morning so I can move forward.

Once I have Phase II completed, I'll need to assemble the border and decide how I want to finish it...wool applique'? More needlework? Leave it blank? I think I'll know by the time I have it on, but not so far. I guess I'll have to let it speak to me when I get to that part.

More photos tomorrow. Isn't this fun? I'm really enjoying making this quilt, and I'm as anxious to see the top complete as you are! (Note to self: We really need a design wall! It sure would speed up this part of the process.)

Making Good Progress...

Brynwood Needleworks - My "Everlasting" Center Block Detail

It seems my boy let the cat out of the bag yesterday. Honestly, he just can't keep a secret. So, now you know what this next month will look like for me. In the meantime, I'm occupying myself with more joyful pursuits.

 

This is a detail of the center motif I designed for my version of the "Everlasting" quilt I've been working on. I chose a bee skep and lavender. Of course, I needed bees for the skep!

 

 Brynwood Needleworks - My "Everlasting" Center Motif
 The entire new central motif.
 

Brynwood Needleworks - "Everlasting" Center Blocks

  This quilt (like all others) is "built" in sections.These are the four blocks that comprise the central section of my "Everlasting" quilt.
 

Brynwood Needleworks - My Next Blocks

Now that I've completed the four central block assembly, it's time to work my way outward. I haven't sewn these together yet, but will be doing that today. We'll see how much further along I get from there.

American Gatherings...

Brynwood Needleworks - Primitive Gatherings "American Gatherings" Fabrics and Book

My dear, sweet Handsome drove me to Menasha yesterday morning to pick up my Wool Box at Primitive Gatherings. (My right knee is giving me enough grief that I didn't think it would be a good idea to stress it by driving myself.) Of course, Tag, Bella and Carly rode along.

I needed a few other things while I was there, so I set aside the wool colors I needed, and then grabbed a copy of Lisa's latest quilt pattern book, American Gatherings. Of course, I knew I'd need some of the fabric line, too, so I figured a couple of charm packs, a jelly roll, and a couple yards of fabric would be plenty to make a nice, patriotic lap quilt. Something that would hang nicely over the rail this summer, or be just the right size for a nap on the porch.

I needed a yard of natural colored wool, but there wasn't any in the shop, so I prepaid and Debbie (who works at the shop) promised to ship it. I decided to wait until we got home to open my Wool Box, so I could really savor the contents, so we drove home and I brought my "haul" into the house. 

When we arrived back home, I got out of the truck, I came around through the garage and saw Claudette waiting for me on the driveway. She was giving me that "Where have you been?" look. I knew what would be tumbling out of the truck into the yard behind me, so I quickly tried to shoo her toward the barn. I wasn't quick enough. She meowed, and I saw her fur rise and her eyes get big.

I turned around and the girls had seen her. The chase was on. She turned for the nearest hideout, and ran to the kitchen garden to jump into the hollyhocks (which are a veritable jungle). The dogs ran in behind her, and she came flying out the other side (fur all bushed out), and tore for the barn. By then, Tag had joined the pursuit and they were close behind her. 

She managed to make it to the barn doors and flew through the opening, leaving the dogs panting...proud of their chasing skills, and it took Handsome and me more than a few minutes to get them off her scent, and coming back to the house. After leaving their piddles behind (a gesture of "There! Take that, strange fur beast!"), we all went into the house. 

 

I went back out about fifteen minutes later to find Claudette in the loft of the barn. They wouldn't be able to get her up there. I called her down and she let me hold her for a bit. I had a little conversation with her about the wisdom and staying in the barn when she heard a vehicle. Or not. Now that she's fully aware of how fast our dogs are, perhaps she'll know to continue to stay just out of reach.

I took my purchases up to the studio and brought the Wool Box back downstairs so I could take my time going through it - only to find it was the same Wool Box I got last month! How could this be? I called and Debbie answered the shop phone. I told her she'd given me Box 14, and I though we were due for Box 15. Was I wrong?

She asked me to hold, went to the stacks of boxes behind the counter, and came back to tell me they'd stacked 14s on top of 15s. She was so apologetic, and then told me that the natural wool had been brought over from the warehouse, so she'd send my wool and Box 15 to me yet today, and I could bring Box 14 back next time I was going up there. (I told her I'd take it back next week.) So, I have my new fabrics to play with, but I'll have to wait for my Wool Box.

That's okay. Perhaps I'll be giving Claudette lessons in staying out of the hollyhocks, and heading to the wood shed when she feels the need to stretch her legs. Honestly, my heart can't take the stress of the chase. Now that she's back, I just want to keep her safe from all the predators, apparently, including at least two fast Labradors!

I'll be working on "Everlasting" this weekend. We'll see how far along I can get with it. I'll share updates next week. 

 

I hope you have a restful, reflective Memorial Weekend. I'm grateful to all who sacrificed for our freedom, and those who are currently serving. God Bless them, and God Bless America.