Number Forty - In Cork...

Brynwood Needleworks - #40 The Wanderer Traveler's Wallet and Accessories

I created my fortieth wallet yesterday. This one is the first of a special line I'm

creating. This is my Traveler's wallet, made in a decadent and delicious cork fabric.

Brynwood Needleworks - #40 The Wanderer Exterior

Cork is durable and feels wonderful in your hands. I've chosen a secure, flip lock 

closure for this wallet, and I couldn't be more pleased with the way it turned out.

Brynwood Needleworks - #40 The Wanderer Details

The wristlet is made in the same fabric as the interior - a map design that coordinates

perfectly with the colors in the cork. The key fob is cork with the interior map fabric

centered on the cork. It also has a snap clasp so it can be easily attached to the wallet.

I especially like the compass that I've machine embroidered on the wallet flap.

It's a nice reminder that wherever you may roam, home always awaits your return.

Brynwood Needleworks - #40 The Wanderer Interior

I thought you might like to see the interior fabric, too. This fabric is wonderful!

Brynwood Needleworks - #40 The Wanderer Back Exterior

  My Brynwood signature is embroidered on the back of the wallet for a finishing touch.  Visit my shop HERE if you'd like to learn more.    UPDATE: Sold 4/27/16 - Thank you!   As soon as one of my new components arrive, I'll be making an  exclusive Brynwood Needleworks wallet. I can't wait to share it!    

In The Mail...

Brynwood Needleworks - Piecemakers II Gold & Blue Versions

  I thought you'd like to see them before I put them into their shipping boxes.

Brynwood Needleworks - Piecemakers II Blue Interior

This is the interior of the blue version of my latest Piecemakers wallet.

Brynwood Needleworks - Piecemakers II Blue Straps and Key Fob

I even fussy-cut the key fobs.

Brynwood Needleworks - Piecemakers II Gold Straps and Key Fob

  So, this job is finished. # 38 and #39 on their way to their new home. That was fun!

Wallet Production Day...

Brynwood Needleworks - Wallet Production - #38 & #39 In Process

In addition to shipping, and a few other necessary tasks, I started order production on a commission for two clutch wallets. I spent the morning selecting fabric and cutting out all the components.

Brynwood Needleworks - Wallet Production

My client requested this line of fabric ("Piecemakers" by Kathy Schmitz) from my inventory, and she wanted it in two colorways...blue for one wallet, and the other in the gold/brown colorway.

Brynwood Needleworks - Wallet Completed - #38 - Piecemakers II

I take a lot of care in every piece I create, so it's not a matter of working fast with me. It's so much more important to create quality.

I especially take pride in matching fabric patterns across a piece...from wallet body to flap to the frame around the flap...I'm careful to make sure they all line up. Of course, lining up and matching the fabric before I cut anything always takes additional care and time. Then, I carefully sew the components together to create a piece I'm proud to say is my work.

Brynwood Needleworks - Wallet Completed - #38 Piecemakers II Interior

 

This is the completed interior for the gold/brown colorway. When I finished installing the security flap I giggled at how the pattern ended up exactly where I wanted it to be. I think it will tickle my client, too.

I'd usually be sewing with the Nifty Fifties ladies today, but I want to complete the blue colorway wallet in the studio instead. Once the blue wallet is finished, I'll make all the straps and both matching key fobs. It will be ready to ship out Thursday morning. No time to play today. Hi Ho, Hi Ho. It's off to work I go...

Brynwood's Blog Birthday...

Brynwood Needleworks

  Goodness, how time flies! In fact, I almost missed that March is my anniversary month. It's hard to believe that I've been blogging for seven years.  

Brynwood Needleworks - Family

In that time, I have shared stories and images about my family;

Brynwood Needleworks - Studio Threads

invited you into the nooks and crannies of my studio space;

Brynwood Needleworks - Strawberry Roses

and shared processes, tutorials and finished projects made by my hands.

Brynwood Needleworks - Strawberry Thief Clutch Wallet

You've watch (and cheered) as I tried new things and reinvented my small business;

Brynwood Needleworks - Dress A Girl Campaign

 

and many of you joined me in making dresses and dolls (616 so far!) for young girls around the world.

Brynwood Needleworks - Linens and Ribbons

 

Thank you for traveling with me for the past seven years of my joyful and creative life. I hope you'll continue to join me as I endeavor to make my blog and each post more interesting than the last. In fact, you can look forward to a new look very soon!

 

Signed, Sealed and Delivered...

Brynwood Needleworks - #37 Minnie Fabrics

Saturday began with all of my fabrics chosen, with each placement decided.

Throughout the day, I cut, pressed and assembled. By sundown...

Brynwood Needleworks - #37 Minnie and Accessories

I had finished my thirty seventh wallet - complete with shoulder and wrist straps and a matching key fob.

Brynwood Needleworks - #37 Minnie Interior and Accessories

My client is a musician who golfs. She wanted her wallet to reflect those themes...and she asked for a golfing Minnie Mouse! By the end of our face-to-face consultation, I showed her the artwork, gained her approval and was ready to get started.

Brynwood Needleworks - #37 Minnie Driver

Minnie added the perfect touch to my client's custom wallet. Application was a breeze, and it's completed bonded to the fabric, unlike a simple iron-on transfer. It will last a long, long time.

Brynwood Needleworks - #37 MinnieZipper Pulls

 

I realized that I hadn't taken photos of the interior of the coin pocket, but it's lined with the music themed fabric shown in the first photo. I finished her piece by adding a trumpet charm for the instrument she plays.

 

She's in the Suncoast Concert Band in Sarasota with Handsome, so I delivered it to her after their Sunday concert. (It was a great program, by the way.) I was tickled to see her reaction when I handed it to her.

In fact, she was so excited that she showed it to other musicians and even some of the patrons who attended the concert. I must say, seeing her enthusiasm for one of my creations warmed my heart...and certainly motivates me to create more.

 

Next up is a custom project for another client, but once that's completed, I have orders for three more wallets, so I'll be making more of them very soon. Of course, I'm happy to make wallets specifically tailored to my clients' desires - at no additional charge.

 

If you have a favorite color, theme or fabric style, I can work with you to create exactly what you need. Just send an email to me and we can get started. I also have custom listings in my Etsy shop, making it simple and easy to get started.

 

Thanks, always, for stopping by. Time for me to get back to work play!

The Making of #37...

Brynwood Needleworks - NCW #37

  I so want to call this next one "Minnie Driver". We'll see. I'll be in the studio, cutting fabric and creating my thirty seventh wallet for a client.   

More Sea Turtles...

Brynwood Needleworks - 36 - Sea Turtles II

I completed this wallet yesterday.

Only the wrist strap is shown, but I've also included a key fob and shoulder strap.

Brynwood Needleworks - 36 - Sea Turtles II Interior

#36 will be heading to Great Britain to my blog friend, Gill.

Brynwood Needleworks - 36 - Sea Turtles II Zipper Pull Detail

  I'll be making more clutch wallets over the next few days to stock my Etsy shop... and, with our guild quilt show coming up next month, I'd better get busy with my  entries. I'm planning to enter three items, which I promise to tell you about soon.  For now, I'm packing up Gill's wallet and heading to the post office.  

Happy New Year and Giveaway Winner(s)...

Web image

I've made a few resolutions, which I'll share with you tomorrow.

Today, it's time to announce the winner of the
2015 Celebration Giveaway!!

Brynwood Needleworks - Necessary Clutch Wallets

GILL, my dear, your diligence paid off!!

Congratulations on winning a custom made Necessary Clutch Wallet. 

Now...I've decided to surprise another blog friend by drawing a second name. The bonus prize is a custom made Retreat Bag.

Brynwood Needleworks - Retreat Bag

#28 is blog friend, BRENDA!!
I will create a custom Retreat Bag to send to you in New Hampshire!

Congratulations, Ladies!!

Please contact me via my email link in my right sidebar to be sure I have a way to correspond with you to collaborate on your winning creations. Once I hear from you, I can get the information I need from you to begin work on your custom made prizes!

 Happy New Year To Our Blog Friends, near and far.

I just know that 2016 is going to be fabulous!

Sewing For The Shop...

Brynwood Needleworks - Project Pieces

All the fabric for Grammie's Jammies is headed to the washer. Remember, I always do the worst to it before I sew it up. Hot water. Hot dryer. Then, it will be pre-tested for colorfastness and will shrink up before I cut and sew.

Brynwood Needleworks - Project Pieces

While that's going on, I've got five wallets ready to assemble. Once they're put together, I'll list them in my Etsy shop...just in case someone needs a last minute gift.

Today is Nifty 50s, so I'll be meeting up with my friend, Jamie to make dolls to go with Marcy's forty dresses! Jamie offered to help make the dolls (she already did the faces for the doll heads) and I'm so grateful for the help.


All the supplies were packed in my Explorer last night and I'll head out first thing this morning. This afternoon, I'll be back home to work on the wallets. Busy days are the best days!

What are you up to this week? I'd love to know.

Celebrations and Giveaway News!

Brynwood Needleworks - Birthday Girl

  Do you know what today is? This grownup is doing a silly, little girl Happy Birthday, To Me dance!

Brynwood Needleworks - Birthday Girl

  This is what 61 looks like on me. Happy. Blessed. Loved. I think it shows, too.  

My celebrating began last weekend, and will continue, in typical Donna fashion for an extended period. If you read further, you might see how long I intend to draw it out this year!

I told you yesterday that I thought I'd do a giveaway to celebrate my 2400th Blog Post. Well, I did just that, and I'm going to combine it with my 61st Birthday celebration to give away something I hope you'll think is pretty cool. 

Brynwood Needleworks - Necessary Clutch Wallets

Beginning today, I'm going to open a drawing for:

 One custom-designed, created by me 

Necessary Clutch Wallet!  

(an $85.00 value) 

Of course, as always, you need to follow my blog to participate. 

There are a few ways you can enter:

HOW TO ENTER:

1) Sign up to follow my posts, either on Google Friend Connect or by email.

Leave a comment that your a new follower for a chance to win.

2) If you're already a friend, leave a comment on this post (only) for your first chance to win.

3) Join my FaceBook group (HERE). Come back and leave another 

comment that you're a part of the group and you've got another change to win!

4) Leave a comment, telling me your favorite color and what theme you'd choose

 for your custom wallet, if you were to win this drawing. Yup. Another chance.

5) You may enter once each day during the giveaway dates for extra chances!

RULES:

All comments need to be on this post to count for the drawing.

Followers Friends, foreign and domestic, may enter.

(I'll even send the wallet overseas, if you win, this time!)

You must include your email address if you're a "No Comment Blogger".

(If I can't contact you via email, I'll choose a different winner.)

GIVEAWAY DATES:

Today, December 3, 2015 - Thursday, December 31, 2015

I'll close the drawing at 11 pm on the 31st, and immediately choose a winner.

Winner will be announced Friday, January 1, 2016.

So, there you have it. 

Another day older for me.

More posts in the future for my blog.

Good luck to each of you!