Showing posts with label Porch Project. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Porch Project. Show all posts

October 21, 2019

Farmhouse Renovation - Weekend Project...

Brynwood Needleworks - Rear Entry Update
 
We've been watching the weather for temperatures that would be warm enough to accommodate a little project for the "friends and family" entrance to the farmhouse. This past weekend, it got into the low 60s, so it met our requirements for painting.
 
We decided that the supports for the rear entry could look more cohesive with the porch work we did this fall if they were white, rather than the same as the siding on the rest of the house. We purchased the paint a couple of weeks ago, so I just had to wait for the right day.
 
Saturday, I set up my painting supplies, and Handsome set up the ladder for me. It was warm and sunny on the south side of the house when I started, so the project went relatively quickly. As I put the finishing touches on the job, the sun moved behind clouds, and the wind got a little more brisk. At least the job was done. We're both really happy with the way it turned out!
 
Brynwood Needleworks - Full View of South Elevation
 
I put away my painting supplies, cleaned my brush and Handsome put the ladder away for me (it was heavy!) and then I helped him finish the job he was working on. He gave me his sweatshirt and asked me to drive the tractor so we could move more mulch around.

We mulched the bed in front of the Compass Barn, and also along the south side of our big pole barn. We also put more in the beds in front of the porch, and on the north side of the house. We still have a bit more to move, but we decided we'd done enough for the day.

Although the weather was equally nice on Sunday, our elder son, his wife and our grandson came to visit for the Packer game and halftime meal. We really had fun, and when they left late day, it never entered our thinking to go back out and work. We can do that later this week. We just rested and reflected on our visit the rest of the day.

I'm back in the studio this week. Orders to mail, and more to fulfill. One of my projects is a bit more involved, so I've been procrastinating on it. No more. It has to get done. I'll show it to you when I finish. 
 
You'd think I'd know better than to put off the hard projects. Once they're finished, I'm always wondering why I waited. We'll see. At any rate, I'll be hoppin' today to make some headway. Busy me. Just the way I like it!
 
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October 12, 2019

Farmhouse Renovation - Porch Project - Before and After (Most)...

Brynwood Needleworks - Farmhouse Porch - Before

We love this old farmhouse. For over one hundred years, it has sheltered generations of one hardworking, and God-fearing family. In 2016, she became ours. With ownership came responsibility to honor her for as long as we're here.

Sadly, the porch that baptized every member of the previous family, would not have been safe enough to baptize one more. She was showing every year of the past one hundred, and it was time to do something about it.

If you're a follower of my blog, you've seen the entire project in process. (I just realized that I need to update the link at the top of my blog with all the posts about the project.) There are still a few things to do yet - the second-story airing porch on the left side of this picture, and we're going to repaint the supports for the "friends and family" entrance below it. We're waiting for the rainy weather to pass this weekend, and then those things will be done. I'll do one more "before and after" of this image when it's all done. I just couldn't wait another day to show you the finished lower (main) porch.

Brynwood Needleworks - Porch - South Elevation

The "before" image of the southern side of our porch was pretty sad. It really was listing (slanting)  that much to the right. The new porch is exactly the same footprint as the old one, but the rails were moved out about four more inches. (See that they're not centered on the pillars?) Doesn't it make a huge difference?

Brynwood Needleworks - Porch - Eastern Elevation - South to North

The biggest difference on the eastern elevation (the old front of the porch), is that the staircase to the front yard is gone. We now have rails across the entire front of the house, which will allow for more sitting and visiting area on this side. (This view is what you see when you come around from the side entry.)

Brynwood Needleworks - Porch - Eastern Elevation - North to South

Another difference you may notice is the new light fixtures. We took down the old ceiling-hugger fixtures, and installed vintage Appleton barn lights. I love them, and it will be so much easier to change out the bulbs when they burn out. 
 
Brynwood Needleworks - Porch Project - After
 
One feature I forgot to share (but will in the next and final post about this whole renovation) is a token we added to show one hundred years hence, so everyone will remember the year this new porch was built. It's a beautiful 2019 Liberty Silver Dollar, encased in acrylic and embedded into the stonework. 

We love this new outdoor space, and it will definitely get a lot of use in years to come. We especially love that it honors and elevates the grand, old lady, without looking pretentious. The best part is that, except for repainting the rails from time to time, this will be a no-maintenance porch. Great for owners our age.

So, I hope you love the new look as much as we do. Just looking at these images again makes me very, very happy. We have a few garden tasks to complete yet this fall (and the two items I mentioned above), but we're otherwise ready to enjoy the rest of this beautiful Autumn. 

Our home will be safe and cozy this winter, thanks to the hard work of the guys from Wendels Construction, and our younger son with his incredible carpentry skills. We are truly blessed, and are so grateful that we could do this for ourselves and our home.

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October 3, 2019

I Can Share These...

Brynwood Needleworks - Brynwood Minis
 
I can share these with you, because they're my own designs. I wish I could tell you right now which ones I substituted in the Wool Box, but we'll have to wait a bit longer.

Anyway, I decided Tag and Bella should each have their own mini, and the tree with the colorful, falling leaves is perfect for this time of year.

I spent the day out in the pole barn, painting railings. After Handsome got home from his morning appointment, I decided to spend the rest of the day indoors. I set these up while in the studio, and then stitched them while we watched baseball last night. The Brewers are out, but our second favorite team - the Tampa Bay Rays - made it into the playoffs, too. They won! So for the rest of the playoffs, we'll keep cheering for the Rays to go all the way.

It's been raining since last night, so I'm watching the weather. Morning coffee, and then back at the painting, which I should be able to finish today...which is good. I'm getting tired of painting, and I have other work that needs my attention. Nose to the grindstone will have its rewards. Namely, beautiful railing on the new porch. I'll just keep reminding myself of that fact, and the work will go much easier. Gotta run. They're not going to paint themselves, you know.

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September 25, 2019

Farmhouse Renovation - Porch Lighting...

Brynwood Needleworks - Vintage Appleton Barn Lights
 
The electrician is working at the farmhouse, while our son is building the rails for our stone porch (and for the upstairs airing porch). Handsome and I found these nearly pristine, vintage barn lights that we had installed to replace the old ones.

Don't worry if you can't remember what the old ones looked like. When this project is finished, I'll be posting comparative "before" and "after" photos to remind you - and so you can see the difference.

While the guys were working on the house, I was busy baking bread for the next few weeks. By the time we sat down to dinner last night, I'd made two loaves of banana bread (you can find the recipe in the "Recipes" link at the top of my blog); and five loaves, plus three baguettes of French bread. In fact, we cut into one of the baguettes as a side for homemade vegetable beef soup at dinner time.

Today, Bella is going to the vet with Handsome for her twice-weekly splint and dressing checkup to make sure she's not getting any sores or irritations from the splint. (For those who don't know, while in San Antonio, our little jock attempted a jump but didn't land well. She fractured three toes on her left foot, plus did a little damage to a tendon. As a result, she's confined and splinted until everything heals. Confinement is really hard for a dog who's always on the go!)

When they get back, we're all going to pick up Concord grapes at a local farm, and then to Menasha to pick up my newest Wool Box from Primitive Gatherings. (Bella and Tag love riding in the truck, so of course, they're going, too.) Once we're back at the farmhouse, I'll break out the canning supplies, and we'll have grape jam in the pantry cupboard by dinnertime!

It's going to be a busy, busy, runaround-type day, so I'm going to enjoy my coffee while Handsome and Bella are at the vet's, and then we'll be off about our day together. I'll tell you all about it tomorrow. See you then!

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September 23, 2019

Watching Paint Dry...

Brynwood Needleworks - Painting Railing Parts
 
There are a lot more parts painted and stacked against the wall outside the frame of this image. Don't worry though. I'm not going to ask you to watch me paint. That would be unspeakably boring.
 
I'm only showing one of these images to show you what I haven't been doing. Baking, laundry, oh, yes...and needlework. Only loading the rollers with paint, and waiting for it to dry for the next coat. And, I'm not finished either. sigh
 
#2 Son arrives today to begin assembly, so I guess I'll be painting some of this after it becomes actual built railing. I'm good with that, but I'll certainly be happier when it's finished. 

I think I'll be in the studio while he works today. I wouldn't want to be in his way, after all. (We won't actually speak about my ulterior motives, right?)
 
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September 16, 2019

Farmhouse Renovation - Goodbye, Mud...

Brynwood Needleworks - Mulching
 
Well, we're working on it, anyway. The dirt in the foreground has been seeded with grass and clover. The history of the farmhouse says that the year it was built, it was "planted" in a field of clover. Much of the clover still grows along with the grass. We're continuing that tradition when we plant grass.

The top of the yard (above the wall) is being mulched to keep down weeds while we work on plantings. The long downspout will eventually be replaced with a gravel "riverbed" and a little pond. It's part of my plan for next spring, however, if I have time yet this fall, perhaps I'll get started on it.
 
Brynwood Needleworks - Goodbye, Mud
 
I've already planted sedum, Jacob's ladder, gypsophila (baby's breath), pink and purple coneflowers, lavender, and hardy mums. I'll be adding Shasta daisies (Mom's favorite), and a few others. I also have a beautiful butterfly bush, but I read that it can get 6-8' tall, so I'm rethinking that. While I want the plantings to fill in, I don't want them to obstruct the stonework. 

My plan for the stone "riverbed" and little pond will begin at the base of the downspout, and work outward toward the corner and stone monument. The lavender and coneflowers will frame it. I'll be trying to decide what I'd like along the retaining wall, too. Perhaps something that will trail over the edge? 

I'll be able to work on my plan over the winter, order plants, and be ready for more landscaping in the spring. I'm looking forward to that.

For now, Handsome and I will place the rest of the ten yards of mulch that were delivered on Saturday, along with the additional five yards being delivered today. We only managed to place this much on Saturday, before we were both pooped (and I was also running back and forth into the kitchen, as I was making bread that had to proof thirty minutes at a time. I baked it off after we stopped at the corner). 

We also lost a beautiful branch from the old apple tree last week, and Handsome is mulling over my request to place it in the front garden bed (you know, like some places use driftwood). We may move it in there so I can see what it looks like (after the mulch), and then I can imagine how I'd like to plant around it. I'm sure I'll take photos to share with you before and after it's moved in place, so we can decide if it's going to stay.

Tag will be here tomorrow to tell you about his week (or day). We're going on a little outing this morning. Shhhhhh. I'm not telling him where, but I'm sure he'll have something to say about it when you visit with him tomorrow. I'd better get going...
 
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September 12, 2019

Kitchen To Studio...

Brynwood Needleworks - Farmhouse French Bread Loaves and Rolls

I've been busy since last we visited. I wanted to make fresh French bread and rolls for Handsome, so this is what came out of the oven on Monday. We had delicious soup and roast beef with the rolls for dinner on Monday night. I think I'm getting the hang of this. The rolls were crispy on the outside, and perfectly tender on the inside. I'll definitely be making more!

Brynwood Needleworks - "Ensemble" Bag
 
 
I've also been fulfilling customer orders. This one was my client's choice...black cork fabric, paired with a blue and green sea turtle batik. I'm especially happy with how this one turned out. I know it's going to get a lot of use, as it's first task will be as a carry all for a trip.
 
I'll be working on the second commission (for the same client) today. It involves preparing a lot of pieces prior to assembly. The hardest part for me is getting psyched to do all the cutting. It's never been my favorite (or even 5th favorite) part of sewing. I think I need an elf! 
 
So, I'll be working on the next bag, but I've given this style a name. I'm calling this one the "Ensemble" Bag. I hope my client loves it, because, if she doesn't, I'm going to keep this one to use for myself! 
 

Just a quick update on the porch project, too. The guys are painting the second coat onto the post and beam trim, and it's looking wonderful. (It's been raining, so my gardens are a mucky mess. I'll take photos at the end of the day today. Railing work won't begin until September 23rd, but I'm expecting the new lighting will go "live" late this week. We'll see...
 
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September 6, 2019

Farmhouse Renovation - Porch Project - Day 19...

Brynwood Needleworks - Porch Project - Day 19
 
Day 19 came to a close with much of the work completed. Tom R. began "wrapping" the posts, and his crew worked on placing black dirt on the excavated yard. We still need more dirt on the "downside" of the sidewalk, and some of the gravel needs to be removed around my large rocks so I can plant, but we can start to see the end of the project.
 
The work crew won't be back until Monday, and Handsome is starting home with Bella today, so I'm going to plant some of the new additions I purchased yesterday. I'm also going to move a few other things while the weather's nice.
 
Next week, our son will begin construction of the railings, too. The rails on the porch will be the same height as those that came off. They'll be 24", with the addition of a gate to close off the staircase when the dogs are outside. We're also changing the rails on the airing porch (above the "friends and family" entrance). They'll look the same as the lower railing, only they'll be 36" tall. It will bring some nice continuity to the look of the grand, old lady. Don't you think? 


I've been busy canning more bruschetta, so tomorrow, I promise there'll be photos and a recipe link for you. (Just in case you'd like to make a batch of your own.)
 
Tonight is high school football night for our grandson, so if the weather holds up, I'll be cheering him on. Handsome should be home some time Sunday, and we can't wait. Tag and I have been missing him and that silly black dog. It will be nice to have them home again.

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September 5, 2019

Needle Dancing Of Late...

Brynwood Needleworks - Latest Finishes

While the porch project has been under way, I've been busy, too. Today, I canned Tomato Bruschetta (which is delicious, by the way). I'll share photos another time, as I'm going to be making more of it, but I've also been needle dancing!

I decided to work on more pieces from my Primitive Gatherings Wool Boxes. These projects are from Box #4.

Brynwood Needleworks - Primitive Gatherings' "Luna Table Mat" and "Late Summer Blooms" Pincushion

I set up and stitched the "Luna Table Mat" first, featuring pumpkins, acorns and flowers. Of course, I changed up colors (the flowers were more tan, but I thought I'd give a nod to the purple coneflowers around here. The pumpkins were more gray, so I chose a cream with green/tan accents.),

Brynwood Needleworks - "Late Summer Blooms" Stitch Detail

Although I used the supplied wools for the "Late Summer Blooms" pincushion, I completed diverged by adding my own stitches to this piece. The only stitches that were suggested on the pattern were the crosshatching and bullion knots on the center motifs, and the fly stitch dividing each blossom. I did changed the pattern for the fly stitch, though, too.

Brynwood Needleworks - My Own Mini Design

Finally, the last mini from Wool Box 4 was designed to have words "Less Monday, More Summer". I decided, instead, to stitch my favorite late summer flower, Queen Anne's Lace.
 
Now, in each Wool Box, there are two blocks that will become one large piece. I haven't started those yet, because I'm going to change wool fabric colors. I'm planning to choose the colors today, and then start setting those up. That's the part that really takes the most time, but once it's done, I can pick up and stitch anytime...and that's my plan.
 
 
The stonework is finished on the porch, but I thought I'd wait to share more photos until the stone has been acid washed and sealed, and the soil has been placed to bring the grade up and cover the pink insulation around the base of the porch. 

The soil is coming in today, and I suspect the power washing and finish sealing will take place on Friday. Next week, railing will be built, and then I'll be painting all of it. So, I guess I'd better stitch a bit more in the evenings, so all my pieces are finished by the time I get the next Wool Box later this month!

Canning, stitching, painting...oh, my! You can guess that I'm sleeping like a baby every night. Handsome and Bella are planning to leave Texas on Sunday, so I'll keep myself busy until I see them coming up the driveway.
 
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September 4, 2019

Farmhouse Renovation - Porch Project - Day 17...

Brynwood Needleworks - Day 17 Porch Project
 
Yesterday was Day 17 of our farmhouse porch renovation. We have stairs! I'll take closeup photos after the stone has been set. (There'll be stonework on the risers and the sides of the staircase. The limestone treads are gorgeous, too!)
 
The crew also started laying stonework for the south wall, and I expect that will be completed today. I'll take photos when they're finished with it.
 
The posts and beam will be clad in white very soon. I went to get supplies with our carpenter son on Monday, and the railing project will begin next week. I'll be painting the rails before they're installed, but everything is moving right along.
 
Tomorrow, I'll be sharing my latest wool work projects, and show you what I'm going to work on next. 
 
Image via PicturesCafe
 
It's hard to believe it's already September. Summer has flown by, and the cooler weather is right around the corner.  I know it's terribly hot in San Antonio, where Handsome and Bella are, so I know they're going to welcome the cooler temperatures when they get back to the farm. I'm trying not to rub it in while they're away.

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August 31, 2019

Farmhouse Renovation - Day 16...

Brynwood Needleworks - New Sidewalk and Entry. Footing for Porch Staircase
 
We roll into the Labor Day Weekend with a real sense of accomplishment here at the farmhouse. Yesterday, Tom and his crew formed and poured our new back entry (replacing a broken slab), and a walkway the invites guests to the porch entry. We also have the bottom step for our new porch staircase.
 
Tag and I played acrobats after the guys left us a ramp to use until the concrete dries. By the time I finish my coffee today, we'll be able to walk on the new walkway, but we're going to wait until Tom comes to cut in the expansion joints. He can pull the planks and give us the official okay.
 
I'm pretty excited with this new layout. First, my kitchen garden area is much larger. I'll be planning a new kitchen garden for next year, and will move, as appropriate, the plants that will look better if I place them closer to the walk (think hostas).
 
As I look at this photograph, I see the old stucco behind my hollyhocks. We're going to have that replaced all the way around the house, either late fall or next spring. We'll know more after this project is done.
 
Tom moved the large stones bouldes off the lawn, as I said I'd be mowing the lawn after they left for the day. Once I saw the stones up near the house a light bulb went on. I think those rocks are going to stay up in this general vicinity. Once Tom adds dirt to the garden area and more black dirt to the lower area where those rocks are, we'll have him place the rocks a bit more to the left and closer together.

Brynwood Nedleworks - Detail of Primitive Gatherings' Wool Box 4 Table Mat
 
While the guys were working outside, I was working inside. Needle dancing, actually. This is just a sneak peek of what I was making. I'll share the finished piece on Monday. I still have a little stitching to do, but it was nice just sitting with my needlework on my lap. I think it was a great way to work myself into the weekend.

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August 30, 2019

Farmhouse Renovation - Porch Project - Day 15...

Brynwood Needleworks - Farmhouse Porch Progress - South Elevation
 
The pillars were nearly finished yesterday. There's still a bit of stonework to do on the back side of those on the far left. Our family plaque was installed into the stonework of one of them, and there is also another special piece that will be imbedded in stone on the back of another. I'll show them in closeup photos once the porch is entirely finished.

The stonework on this south elevation isn't done yet, as our workmen are waiting until the staircase is formed up and installed. The stonework will be wrapping from the wall around the stairs, so I'm guessing that's why that's on hold.

Brynwood Needleworks - Preliminary Excavation for New Sidewalk

Loads of gravel were hauled in and dumped yesterday, too. We're replacing a cracked concrete entryway for the "friends and family" entrance, and adding a walkway from the back door to the newly highlighted side porch entry.

The black dirt was removed from the yard, and replaced with gravel to build up the elevation. Once it's completely placed where it needs to be, part of it will be covered up with black dirt again. I really appreciated that they leveled off what is in front of the back door so I could safely get out of the house to air Tag, or get to my hair appointment yesterday afternoon. They'll do more work with that today, before they take off Monday for the holiday weekend.

Brynwood Needleworks - Canning Tomatoes
 
While the guys were working outside, I was busy with my tomato haul. I processed fourteen pounds of them into seven quarts of tomato halves in their own juice. Once packed, they were processed for an hour and a half, cooled and labeled. (I missed removing two rings before I took this photo, but all my jars "pinged"...a sweet sound to every canner.)

After I put these on the counter, I headed to my aforementioned hair appointment. When I got home, I cleaned up the kitchen, made my dinner, and then collapsed into a chair. My plan for today is to sit in my favorite chair and stitch the rest of today. I think I've earned it!

I'm talking with Handsome everyday. They'll arrive in San Antonio today, so tomorrow will be Bella's "big day". Her reaction to her boyfriend (and his reaction to her) will give us a sense of how long my husband will be away. I'm crossing my fingers that things get under way sooner, rather than later.

I'll be spending time with family this weekend. If you're going to be traveling, please do so safely. See you tomorrow!

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August 29, 2019

Farmhouse Renovation - Porch Project - Day 14...

Brynwood Needleworks - Porch Project - Day 14
 
Day 14 is behind us, and this is how the front porch looks at day's end. All four front pillars are complete, and one of the side pillars is done, too. All the stonework has been placed on the front, and the crew will be working on the south exposure until that's finished.
 
Today, Tom R. will be on the excavator, moving around dirt and gravel to lift the grade for the new back entry and staircase to the porch. Gosh! It's all so exciting, and now the look changes daily.
 
Tom told us the project would take three weeks for their crew from start to finish. The rails will be built and painted after the Wendels' crew is done, so I'd say a month, just to be safe.
 
All I know is, right now, I'm falling in love with this new porch! (That yellow ladder is so the guys can get from ground level back to the porch as they work. In fact, there will be no staircase on this elevation anymore. We omitted it as we rarely used it. I'll be planting beautiful little clusters of flowers in front when all the grading is done.
 
I bet you'll be surprised to see how much gets done today! I'll surely have photos to share with you tomorrow, as well as pictures Saturday of the rest of this week's work. 

Brynwood Needleworks - PG Wool Box Project Peek
 
I know I planned to be canning tomatoes yesterday, but my hip kept me awake the night before last, and when I got up I could hardly walk. Rather than spend the day on my feet, I decided to settle into my stitching chair and do a little needlework. I'm 3/4 finished now, so I'll likely share photos of the completed piece on Monday. That way, I can get the finishing work done on it, too.

Handsome made it to St. Louis by the end of his first day of driving. He called to tell me Bella is doing well, and he was glad to see the end of his first day on the road. He was tired. Today, he'll move another five hundred miles, stop for the night, and then be in San Antonio on Saturday. It's a long way to take Bella for a date (or three), but we're praying for a fruitful outcome. 

I'm off to get a cup of coffee, and then I'll start in on those tomatoes. I'm hoping to make a big dent in the crate today, so I can enjoy the holiday weekend without canning on my agenda. I'll let you know how that goes.
 
Before I close, I just want to remind you that I'll be putting my Brynwood Shop on Vacation mode effective August 31st. Until then, I'm still having a sale on current stock, and the coupon code for a 20% discount is: AugustSale20. Enter the code at checkout to get your discount. 
 
See you tomorrow!

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August 28, 2019

Farmhouse Renovation - Day Thirteen...

Brynwood Needleworks - First Completed Pillar!
 
As Day Thirteen closed, we were able to see one completed pillar on the porch project. The post(s) will be wrapped in white before they're through, but this pillar is done.
 
Brynwood Needleworks - Pillars Awaiting Stone

The block was laid for the rest of the pillars, and the caps were also placed. The guys will continue to wrap these in stone now, too.

(My labrador statue watches over the workers. I got this when my Bannor was still alive, and I painted it to match his coloring. It's fading out now, even when always kept under cover, so I'm going to have to give it a facelift soon.)

Brynwood Needleworks - Tomato Haul

While the masons were working outside (and Handsome and Bella are packing to leave today), I was indoors, canning. I still had leftover strawberries, so I turned those into jam. I also scored some beautiful tomatoes on Monday from a local farmer.

These two crates hold well over a bushel, but I weigh them as I use them, so I won't know total weight until I'm finished. All of these cost me $25.00, and he even offered for me to use the crates to get them home. I thanked him and said I'd get them back to him over the weekend. I love small towns. He trusts he'll get them back, and I won't let him down.
 
Brynwood Needleworks - All These Left To Process

These are the red goodness I'll be processing over the next day or so. I'm going to turn most of these into stewed tomatoes. That way they can be added to chili this winter, or many other uses with the addition of other vegetables or spices.

Brynwood Needleworks - Strawberry Jam and Spaghetti Sauce

Along with the finished strawberry jam, I turned twelve pounds of tomatoes into spaghetti sauce. I didn't use any fancy recipe...just two packages of Mrs. Wages Pasta Sauce mix. I actually ended up with four and a half quarts, but the partial became a spaghetti side dish with dinner last night. The mix is really tasty, so I may get more for some of the tomatoes that are left. We'll see.

Brynwood Needleworks - My Versions of Primitive Gatherings' Fifty Two Mini Ways - Box 4
 
In case you're wondering whether or not I've touched needle to fabric lately, the answer is "yes". These are my versions of the "Fifty Two Mini Ways" from Primitive Gatherings' Wool Box 4. I made an oak leaf, instead of the maple leaf design in the pattern. I also changed out a little house block for our compass barn (on the easel). 
 
I have one more block to do in this set. Lisa likes a little block with words, but I'm going to stitch something different. I'll share when it's done.

Handsome and I are finishing our morning coffee, and then he and Bella will be leaving for the first leg of their trip to San Antonio. Tag and I are staying behind to supervise the last of the porch project, and when my travelers come home, it will likely be finished.

I'll be doing some more tomato canning, and then sit down to stitch tonight after a light dinner. I've already got a new project from the Wool Box prepped and waiting for needle and thread, so I'll let you see that soon. 

For now, I'll kiss my husband farewell, pat Bella on the head (and tell her to make babies, like a good girl. wink), and pray for their safe travels. They'll likely be gone about ten days, so Tag and I will hold down the fort until they return. I'd better go for now, but I'll be back tomorrow. I hope you have a great day!

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