Red-Winged Blackbirds...

Michelle Palmer and her daughter, Alaina just completed a new collaboration featuring red-winged blackbirds on a toweling fabric to create a wonderful table runner. Alaina is carrying the PDF pattern file for sale in her Etsy shop, Avery Hill.

I already grabbed my copy, so if you'd like the pattern for your To Do list, HERE is the link. She has a number of other new designs, too, so you might want to browse around while you're there.

It's a work day today. The temperature is around -3º so I'm not looking forward to going out, for sure. The girls didn't dilly dally this morning either. It was down to about -12º overnight. I did manage to fill the bird feeders while it was sunny yesterday, and I added a new suet feeder that I loaded up, too. The birds were all over it before the sun went down. I'll be back tomorrow. Bundle up and stay warm, friends.

Now, Where Was I?...

When last I was involved in a creative pursuit, I was working on the first of these Palmer art pieces to create new zippered pouches. Then The Crud hit and everything was put on hold. 

I pulled these out of my embroidery box to review what I'd wanted to embroidery on them, and I'll get back to needle and thread today. I want these finished and in my shop in time for Valentine's Day.

I also have a Shop Hop Crossbody Bag to create for a custom order I received while I was laid up. That will be ready to ship by Monday to my client. It really is time for me to gently return to my needle dancing. I'll just have to pace myself so I don't relapse.

Thanks for all your care and concern for me. I really felt all your good wishes and prayers. I know my return was faster because of you. I missed you too much to stay away longer.

Royal Squirrel...

Today I thought I'd share a little peek of the project I'm working with right now. I'm calling Michelle Palmer's drawing "Royal Squirrel", and it will become a project bag with a Valentine's Day theme. 

I'm still pondering how much to stitch, though. Musical notes? Little Bird? Acorns? Oak Leaves? Crown? Collar? So many options, but I don't want to overdo embellishing Michelle's already perfect artwork. So, for now, I'm working around the edges.

What are you working on right now? Distract me a little, please. I know I should be busy in the studio, but work kept me out of my creative space yesterday, and will again today for the dinner hour. I'm planning to have my nose to the grindstone all weekend and at least the first half of next week. I should consider a "Help Wanted - Studio Elves" poster. lol

Happy Friday! I hope you have something fun planned for the weekend. The weather is supposed to be a little nicer, but if it's still crazy cold where you are, please stay warm and safe. I'll be back tomorrow.

New Beginnings...

I spent the day painting the walls and trim in the pantry yesterday. It snowed all day and dumped copious amounts of the white stuff everywhere, so it was a perfect day to be working indoors. Painting, however, kept me from this project.

I'm going to embroider flowers along the border to add a little color to this sweet Michelle Palmer image. Once I've done that, I'll use it to create a new zippered project bag. I'll begin sewing for the show this week, and will keep after it until I have what I want for show inventory for February 10th.

If you haven't noticed yet, I've added my show schedule for this year into my side bar. If you're somewhat local to me - or to these show locations - I'd love to see you at any of the shows!

The countertop was measured for installation next Monday, and now that the walls are painted, there is only the electrician to complete his work, and the plumber to come after the counter goes in. Did I tell you we chose a gorgeous quartz countertop? It's just over ten feet long! (The tech said it's going to be an interesting install because the space is "tight". We shall see.) Oh, and we have to get out to get more door and drawer hardware so Jeff can install that, too. I'll take more photos to share as the appearance changes.

Four New Finishes...

 

I'm calling these my "Pumpkin Patch Series". I began with selections from my vast Michelle Palmer original art collection (ink on fabric), and then added my own embroidery to each of them. Once that was complete, I created individual zippered pouches for each. 

 

 

Each "pouch" features my Brynwood-branded pull on the main compartment zipper, and a sweet pumpkin zipper pull on the front, exterior pocket.

 

All of them are fully lined, and range from 8"-11" tall, and up to four inches deep at the bottom.

 

When I shared photos with my sister, Jan, her reaction was, "They're so stinkin' cute!" I admit, I laughed out loud.

These are already listed in my Etsy shop, and available to purchase. If you're on Instagram or Facebook, you can see a small video I put together to introduce them. I'll soon be doing more with other of Michelle's pieces, but I have a wee frog (or four) to complete first. I guess I'd better hop to it. heehee

Punkins!...

These guys have been in my head for a little while, so I decided to do something about it. I've had these drawings from my friend, Michelle Palmer for quite a while. I have a number of others in different themes, too, but right now, it's punkin (pumpkin) season, and I just had to play!

I've been adding embroidery to her drawings and I love how they're turning out. As you can see I also have the perfect fabrics and zipper pulls for them, too. I'm guessing you might be seeing where this is going.

 

So, pretty soon, you'll see all these as completed pieces. I'm planning to have them listed in my shop by the weekend, but of course, I'll share them with you first. What do you think? You like?

Something On My Mind...

 

As I work on my wee frogs, I've been contemplating another project. I have these (along with many more) gorgeous Michelle Palmer drawings on fabric. To say I love her work would be a huge understatement.

I have a few ideas in mind for what I want to do with them, so while I'm stitching felt to fabric, and then beginning my goldwork, I'll continue to think on this. I can only do the goldwork during the day, however what I have in mind for these I could actually work on in the evening. 

Once I do something, you know I'll certainly share it with you. I can't ever keep secrets from you. I'm awful at that. So, keep your eyes open. You may see what I'm thinking about sooner, rather than later.

Don't forget to keep entering my Gratitude Giveaway! The link is in my sidebar - over there ----------->

Production Begins Today...

 

 

I begin production today for all the luscious items that will be stocked into my booth in February. As it is a quilt show, I'll have many quilty-themed items, along with sewing and wool work designs. These are a few of the fabrics I'll cut into first. 

Upper left is from my friend, Michelle Palmer's fabric lines, fashioned after her incredible artwork. These will become Bryn Clutch Wallets. Upper right are fabrics destined for wool work totes. Lower right are needlework/sewing themed, and of course, lower left are quilt themed fabrics from Kathy Schmitz' line. From my last show poll, many of these fabrics will be turned into sewing organizers to hold supplies. 

I haven't made the tri-fold sewing organizers since living in Florida. I taught classes for that piece at Crazy Quilters in Venice at the time. Now, I'm going to make a bunch of them for my booth. These are all first on my production schedule. Other wallets, handbags, totes, my new Matty Clutch design, and even "bum bags" will also join the list.

I usually make tea in the morning when Handsome is away, so this morning will either be a nice, hot cuppa, or perhaps I'll start the day with toast and a hot chocolate. Either way, I'll be cutting a lot of fabric after that. Update to follow soon.

Thinking About Crows...

Michelle Palmer Crows

I have a lovely tin, filled with the artwork of my friend, Michelle Palmer. I went through it yesterday to find something special to make into a few gifts. I found a Santa, and another with a sweet owl drawing which I'll reveal later, but I have to share the crows today.

I pulled a jelly roll of French General fabrics from the Maison de Garance line that I think will coordinate perfectly with the fabrics Michelle used for her drawings. I'm going to make a table runner for someone special as a Christmas gift. I'll do the layout today, and plan to share a finished top with you tomorrow. We'll see how this works out. See you tomorrow!

A Busy Week Ahead...

Brynwood Needleworks - Needlepunch Sunflower by Michelle Palmer

Isn't this a lovely piece? It was designed and executed by my lovely, talented friend, Michelle Palmer. I've had it since we lived in Florida, but I haven't been able to decide how I want to finish it. It's round, so should it be a cushion? Should I frame it? Something else? I just can't make up my mind. I'm sharing it with you today, because it's on my To Do List.

 

Next weekend will be a Birthday celebration for my twin nieces. They'll be five years old...already! I made dresses for them last year (See this post. They're still a hit, and worn often), so I'm trying to decide what I should make for them this year. 

Perhaps they'd like their very own handbags, or little lap quilts? Eeek. I guess I'd better make up my mind soon. They need to be finished in time for the party on Sunday. Whatever it is will be well-underway When I see you again on Wednesday. Tag will post tomorrow. (Ideas appreciated!) Toodle loo for now.

Auditioning Fabric...

Brynwood Needleworks - Border Option One

 

I've joined my Dresden Heart blocks into a long row. Now, to decide which border fabric I want to use. This was my second choice, but now I'm not sure.

Brynwood Needleworks - Border Option Two

 

I like to take the photos, because I get a different effect than just viewing them on my table. Now that I'm seeing it in the picture, I'm not so sure about my first choice. I love them both, but I'm going to have to think on this for a while to decide. I really don't like ripping stitches if I change my mind.

 

I'd like to get this assembled and quilted, so I'll decide soon. Handsome and I have a graduation to attend on Sunday, so we'll see if I get it done this weekend or not. We're looking forward to celebrating my nephew's achievements. It will be fun whether I finish this or not.

 

Choosing Fabrics...

Brynwood Needleworks - Dresden Heart Cardinal Blocks

 

All three of my blocks are finished now, so I pulled yardage of the Moda™ Martinique line that I still have from making my quilt and these extra blocks. I'm going to use the top two for sashing and borders on the blocks. Then, I'll use one of the lower two as the backing for my table runner. (I'm leaning toward the light one with the geraniums.)

My little cardinal in the middle looks like he's wearing a red tie, don't you think? I'll get the runner assembled today, and then I'll decide whether I'm going to machine quilt it or learn to hand quilt on this piece. I'll let you know which method I choose. See you tomorrow!

Creating A New Table Runner...

Brynwood Needleworks - Dresden Heart Cardinals Table Runner Block

 

In 2010, I was working on a Dresden Plate quilt using these Moda™ Martinique fabrics. I completed the quilt in 2012, and then entered it into our Florida guild show in 2014, earning a Third Place ribbon for my efforts. 

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Dresden Heart Cardinal

In 2013, I had a "Sweetheart Valentine Giveaway" using blocks that looked like these. Rather than a a round center, I applique´d hearts. Instead of a button at the corner, as I did there, I decided to tie small bows to complete the attachment stitching on these.

After all this time, I pulled these last three unfinished blocks to make into a table runner for the farmhouse. I applique´d the hearts onto the Dresden plate blocks when I was in Menasha on Tuesday, and then attached the little cardinals yesterday.

The cardinals were drawn in ink onto the muslin fabric by my artistic friend, Michelle Palmer. She usually has her drawings available in her Etsy shop - MichellePalmer. She also will do commissions on request. I love everything she's created for me, and love her whimsical, happy view of the world. I can't imagine a better finish for each of these blocks.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Dresden Heart Cardinal Block

Two of the three blocks are complete, and I'll do that last one today. Then, I'll choose the fabrics from what I have left of this line to sew them together for a table runner for our dining room this summer.

Meet "Chip"...

Susan Pilotto Commission For Brynwood Needleworks

You've seen her creations before on my blog. I'm a huge fan of Susan Pilotto of Mouse Droppings blog, and was thrilled when I received two of her pieces in years past.

Susan Pilotto's Image of My Valentine Mouse

I have written about my one of my other acquisition HERE, and I have the beauty in the above picture, too. I can't get enough of them.

When I purchased the acorn eggcup last year, I just knew that it would be a perfect base for another of her sweet creations. I learned that Susan was going to start taking commissions, so we corresponded, and agreed to make a squirrel to sit atop my egg cup.

Created by Susan Pilotto/Mouse Droppings

Other than sending her the acorn eggcup, we had no other collaboration in completing this piece. I didn't even see it before I paid her, or prior to her shipping it to me. (I could scarcely contain myself during the wait, but knew I'd love it.)

Chip The Squirrel

It arrived yesterday, and I was well surprised when I opened my package. It was everything (and more) than I could have imagined or hoped for. I almost cried!

Chip The Squirrel

 

He's perfect from every angle, and Susan chose the most beautiful, muted colors of wool to make him, Isn't he gorgeous?

Once I saw him, I knew he'd have to have a name. Coming up with one didn't take me any time at all. I first considered the porcelain egg cup, and then concentrated on my new, little squirrel. 

Please meet "Chip".

He'll be hanging out with me in my studio from now on...along with the other two pieces. I'm sure they'll have regular, little tea parties to celebrate living together with me.

Susan is going to set up a commission schedule. If you're interested, you can visit her blog HERE. If you decide you need one of her commissions, please let her know that Brynwood Needleworks sent you! (I am in no way compensated for this endorsement, either.)

 

PS. The ink-drawn mini runner under Chip was created by my talented friend, Michelle Palmer...another of my favorite artists!

Sewing Studio - Getting Close...

The Space Between Studios

I'm so very close to being organized in the sewing studio that I had to share a few photos today. There would have been more, but the light wasn't cooperating yesterday. No matter which camera I used, there were flares in my images. Because of that, I'll wait until the light is better to give you full photographs.

This is the area between my sewing studio and my fabric studio. I decided to place my tribute to Fezzik here, where I'll see it whenever I turn the corner to enter one of these rooms.

The quilting frame is another gift from Shelley. I've placed it here to be out of the way, but this is only its temporary space. I'm planning to put it in my bedroom or in the sewing studio once the dust settles.

Treasures From Friends

I've placed the wall pocket organizer (my own design) on the wall opposite the entry door into this room. The drawings of the sweet squirrel, oak leaves and acorns were done by my dear friend, Michelle Palmer (as was the pincushion in the lower left pocket).  The teddy bear was created by the talented Margaret Bouwmeester of The French Bear in Canada. There are acorns, Corgis and other trinkets that I hold near to my heart, so I've placed them here where I can see them while I'm sewing. I'm grateful for every piece given to me.

My Sewing Room Cutting Table

This is my view from my sewing machine. I have Mom's pattern file already filled with the jelly rolls, fat quarters, patterns, and other pieces that were in it before our move. Above it are two shelves, laden with some of the items that will be available in my Etsy shop after this holiday weekend. My television (with an integrated dvd player) is there for playing movies, tutorial videos and listening to music.

Along the door jamb, I've hung pieces created by Mary Wadsworth, which I'll share again (close up) soon. They were pieces done for me to remember Kes, and one for Brynwood with acorns. I haven't placed anything on the wall yet, though. I'm still waiting to unpack everything before I make final decisions about that.

Rebecca Has Returned...With A Corgi!

 

As I said, the lighting was a bit uneven in the studio, so I won't show you my cupboard wall or computer table quite yet. I promise that will come soon. I'm happy to say that Rebecca is back in the studio, and now she has a Corgi to keep her company! 

Handsome and I are looking forward to the holiday weekend...the holiday that always signals the beginning of summer in Wisconsin. It's going to be especially fun this year...and I have a great surprise that I'll share with you about that, too. Just not today. hee hee I'm going to make you wait until next week to tell you more. We're really happy about it, so believe me, waiting to tell you bugs me as much as it does you. (wink)

Three For The Shop...

Brynwood Needleworks - Brynwood Flow Blue Clutch Collection

I finished this collection and they're now available in my Brynwood Shop (HERE).

Brynwood Needleworks - Flow Blue "Nesting" Clutch

Michelle Palmer fabric on the exterior flap and interior, has been paired with renewable and vegan cork fabric from Portugal.

Brynwood Needleworks - Flow Blue "Sparrows" Clutch **SOLD** (Thank you!)

The fabrics have been treated Scotchgard™to protect them, and the cork is waterproof and easily cleaned with a damp cloth.

Brynwood Needleworks - Flow Blue "Wren" Clutch

Each of these wallets features a different little bird from Michelle's Flow Blue fabric collection. You already know I love blue and white china, so this fabric line really spoke to me.

Brynwood Needleworks - Flow Blue Clutch Interior

The inside is cheerful and bright. Who wouldn't smile every time they opened their wallet?

Brynwood Needleworks - Flow Blue Coin Compartment Fabric (matches Shoulder Strap)

 

I even added a third fabric inside the zippered coin compartment. (You'll even find a lucky penny inside!) 

Brynwood Needleworks - Flow Blue Clutch Accessories

 

Each wallet will arrive with a cork wristlet and key fob; and a shoulder strap that matches the inside of the coin compartment. Each can attach to the d-rings I've installed to each side of the wallet under the flap.

These are the first three wallets in the Brynwood Flow Blue Collection, but I won't add more before Thanksgiving. (It's time for me to start working on Christmas gifts!) Thanks for looking! xo