Fly Away, Butterfly...

You may remember my completed Red Spotted Purple Butterfly project. This was the result of the stumpwork class I took with the Royal School of Needlework when they brought tutors from England to Kentucky in 2018. That's where I met our tutor, Owen Davies.

This was the class photograph we had taken at the end of our week-long session. Not only did we love Owen, his teaching style, and his sense of humor (once we got him to loosen up a bit), we forged new friendships with each other over that week, too. It was a truly memorable seven days together.

This is the group photograph of all the tutors who traveled to the United States to share their talents and expertise with those of us who attended for the one or two week sessions. 

I was devastated to learn that our tutor and friend, Owen passed away in the last week in England. He was only 52 years old. I'm told he passed quickly after being diagnosed with cancer. I cried when I read the announcement in the Royal School of Needlework Facebook group. 

I learned during our class that he lived in the same town in England where I was born - not far from Hampton Court Palace. I'd discussed with him, and so hoped to be able to fly overseas to take a class from him again. Those hopes were dashed in the time it took to read of his passing. I sat stunned, and in tears.

While in our class, Owen told us of a book he'd co-written on stumpwork, and thanks so my trusty smart phone, I immediately located a copy for sale online. Before he was finished talking about it, I'd purchased it. It was waiting for me when I got home over the weekend. I was happy to own it back then, but even more glad I own it now that I'll not be able to see him again.

Rest in Peace, dear Owen. 

Know that you're loved and missed, and we'll not forget our time with you.

Stumpwork Masterclass Book and Telling The Bees...

Brynwood Needleworks - The Stumpwork Masterclass by Alison Cole

 

I've stayed in touch with my RSN tutor, Owen Davies through the pandemic, and had a chance to discuss furthering my stumpwork skills until I can take more classes from him. He suggested Alison Cole's The Stumpwork Masterclass book, so I immediately set about procuring a copy.

I waited weeks for it to arrive, but it's finally here, and I'm anxious to really dig into it. Alison begins her nearly 200 page masterclass exploring the history of stumpwork in Australia and the UK, and moves into historical techniques and materials. There are lots of photographs, and great stitch diagrams along with her instruction.

While I'm healing, I think this will be just the resource book to have handy. I may approach this book as a real class, and actually put into practice the lessons as she lays them out in the book. What better way to work on my skills, don't you think?

My Fall Pillow is now assembled and complete. It's sitting in our living room where it will be enjoyed until the snow falls. One can only hope that that is many (many!) weeks off. For now, the chill in the air, along with the leaves already turning color, signals that this summer is drawing to a close. 

I learned that the bees that we help nourish with hollyhocks, lavender, bee balm, and other flowers all summer will soon leave with their hives to live in Florida for the winter. They'll spend their winter pollinating the orange groves. Isn't that wonderful? 

I think they may already know, but I've been telling the bees, the great news as they buzz about in their attempts to wring every last bit of nectar from the blossoms in our garden. I don't want them to be surprised. I want them to know I'll look forward to their return, too. It seems we'll all be preparing for the season's change.

My Beautiful Butterfly...

Brynwood Needleworks - My Completed Royal School of Needlework Class Butterfly

 

I completed my Red Spotted Purple stumpwork butterfly RSN project yesterday. I'm in love with it! I think my tutor's teaching skills are evident in the finished product. Owen was a superb teacher, and the workbook he put together for each of our class members (plus the videos I shot during class) made it possible for me to recollect the steps necessary to properly finish it.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - My Red Spotted Purple Stumpwork Butterfly

 

I shared photos with my sister yesterday, who responded that she thought it was awesome, and added "Now, I imagine that you'll hold it in your hand outside, blow a breath into it, and it will flutter away." I think it was probably the nicest compliment anyone could have given me.

 

I sent these photos off to Owen, and look forward to his reaction. I took his class in July 2018, and I'm thrilled that I finally got it done. I hope he thinks I represent him well. Now to find that perfect cloche!

 

Almost Ready To Fly-And Party Time...

Brynwood Needleworks - RSN Butterfly Wings

See what I finished this past weekend? In this photo, I've already released the top wing parts from the ground fabric and trimmed them. The lower wings have been cut off the ground fabric, but are not yet trimmed.

Brynwood Needleworks - RSN Butterfly Wings - Completed!

 

All four wing parts are completed in this image, and will be set aside so I can prepare the body for assembly. I'll be working on the body today, and plan to have my completed butterfly ready to show you on Wednesday (after Tag's post tomorrow). 

I'm motivated to complete it now. I'm excited to be at this stage of the project, and can't wait to show you the whole butterfly, using all the techniques our tutor, Owen Davies, shared with us when I attended his classes. I hope you're as curious to see it as I am to show it to you!

The month of March is my blog anniversary month. This year, I'm celebrating ELEVEN years of daily blogging, sharing my creative (and sometimes personal) life with you. 

There are times that I wonder whether or not I should cut back on my posts, but then I remind myself that this was originally begun as a way for me to chronicle my life, like a personal diary. So, I'll keep posting every day. One thing that will change - beginning this month - is that I'm going to respond to your comments on the comment page, so if you come back (or turn on "notifications"), you'll see my messages back to you. Blogger no longer emails notices to me with your messages, so I'll answer your comments where you leave them.

Now for the fun part. To celebrate my blog anniversary, I'm going to have a sale in my online shop HERE. This sale is only for my blog readers and online friends on FaceBook. If you purchase a minimum $35, enter BWANNIVERSARY at checkout and receive 25% off your entire order as my thank you!

I'm also going to have a giveaway later in the month, so you won't want to miss that. I'll announce the giveaway on my actual anniversary date (March 15th). I want to celebrate!

Butterfly Time...

Brynwood Needleworks - RSN Butterfly Project

 

I'm finally getting back to stitching on my stumpwork butterfly from last summer. I'm using the silk threads that Owen (my tutor) and I chose while I was in Kentucky, and slowly working the design in one thread, rather than multiple strands.

The collage above shows you where I am right now (the "fuzzies" on top of the fabric are the knots and tails which I'll cut off as I stitch toward them.) In the process, I'll be anchoring the threads from behind with my stitches.

The lower right hand (colorful) wings are the photo from my pattern, and the upper right image shows you some of the colored silks I'm using in Au ver a Soie and Soie Crystale. They have a wonderful hand, and are a treat to work with. (I know...sentence ending in preposition. sigh)

I'll be working on this project today. You see two wing parts above that will be half the butterfly. Once those are done, I have another two, plus the body to work. I think this may take a little while as I get the hang of it, but I know it's going to be stunning when it's done. I promise I'll continue to share my progress.

I Haven't Forgotten...

Stitching Silk Butterfly Wings

 

I haven't forgotten about this project. (This is my Red Spotted Purple Butterfly project from my studies with The Royal School of Needlework in Kentucky.)  I've been busy in other directions, but finally decided to sit and stitch yesterday afternoon.

 

Silk Threads

 

I'm using single strands of silk threads, so this is going to take a little while. I will say, that it's extremely restful and satisfying working on these wings. I'll update as I continue working on each wing. I just didn't want you to think I forgot about it.

 

 

My class reunion is tonight. I'm looking forward to seeing old friends. I'm working at the registration table, so I'll get to see everyone as they come in. Hard to believe I graduated decades ago. I still feel as though it were just yesterday. Okay...almost just yesterday. It's going to be a great time!