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!!!

 

Sale Day...

 

Handsome and I drove to Larsen today to set up my tables for the Purge & Splurge Sale at Primitive Gatherings. Everything went smoothly, and all I had to do was finish the elastic installation on the new sleeves I put on the "Princess Bride" muslin I'm hoping to sell. 

We were there a total of two hours, and of course I had to stroll through The Gathering House to see what everyone else is selling! I'm going to need to put my blinders on today so I don't bring home more than I brought!

 

 

So if you look back at the first photograph and follow a row all the way to the back windows, you'll find my booth right next to the back door. It's a great location with lots of light (and space). I'm hoping that there's a traffic bottleneck right in front of my booth as anxious buyers wait to purchase what I'm selling. hee hee I made a few more signs to more easily identify my offerings and pricing, and I'll add those as soon as I get there.

You know I write my posts before midnight each evening, so by the time most of you read this, I'll be at manning my space. I'm leaving home around 6:45 am to be there by 8. The show doesn't open until 9, but there are ladies staying on premises now, and they'll likely get up early to shop before the rush. I want to be ready.

If you're in Wisconsin and are looking for something to do, you might want to join us! The address is Primitive Gatherings • 8567 South Loop Rd • Larsen, WI 54947. I'll be there from 9 (8)am until 4 pm.

 

Wish me luck! I really don't want to bring anything home, so I'll be wheeling and dealing on the fly! I'll let you know how I did on Monday. Have a great weekend!

Sewcial Sisters...

 

This is what I worked on yesterday when I was in Larsen with the Sewcial Sisters. I still have more to do on it, but this is what I accomplished in a few hours. It was so great to see all the ladies again and to be able to see what everyone has been busy creating. There were some gorgeous projects in the works!

 

I didn't stay into the late afternoon as usual because I needed to get back home to finish preparing my "inventory" for the Purge & Splurge Sale at The Gatherings this weekend. There will be about thirty of us with booths of personal quilting, sewing, needlework, knitting, etc. items to sell. Handsome is going to help me move everything into my area this afternoon, and then I'll drive up again on Saturday for the sale.

Fingers crossed that I sell a bunch and come home with as little as possible.

 

When I was writing this post, I realized that the date was wrong for yesterday's post, so that's up now, too. You'll get to see two posts today instead of just one! I still have a few things to pull together before we leave, so I'll close for now. I'll take some pictures while I'm setting up my tables today, and share them with you tomorrow.

 

More Work...

                                                       
   

Thanks to a certain elder Labrador who wanted to spend all her time running around on my planting beds, I had to figure out a creative way to keep her off them. I told Handsome I didn't want to try to drive posts into the rocky soil, so this is what I devised. Lattice and posts that sit on the ground (for now).

We worked for part of the morning over the weekend, and yes MA, I overdid it without even knowing it. I started to feel queasy, and recognized immediately that I needed to get out of the sun and heat. This feeling happened to me once in Florida while Handsome and I were riding our Harleys. I managed to get a signal to Handsome and we pulled into a Walgreens parking lot. Once inside, the pharmacist came to the front, recognized that I was suffering from heat stroke, made me sit on the floor, and brought ice cold water bottles for me to put against my carotid arteries in my neck. A half hour later, I was well enough to drive the ten more minutes home. I was feeling that same way on Monday.

Handsome brought ice to me, and then I doused my head with 55º well water. We went indoors where I rested for the balance of the day. We didn't go back out to complete the garden fence setup until yesterday. I went out early, and only stayed out for about 30 minutes. I've learned my lesson for this year!

Anyway, the garden is fenced now, and I proceeded to plant more seeds. I added sweet peas, regular peas, bush beans and a few unplanted marigolds.

 

 

 

I have lettuce growing in one side of my elevated troughs, and it appears that my lemongrass won't be coming back this year. I've been advised by a friend to remove the plastic junction boxes that I've planned to use for composting bins. I'm taking that under advisement for now and will decide soon whether to remove them. Something about the plastic being toxic. I'm doing a little more research.

This side of the planter has garlic and onions. I also planted onion sets in one of my fabric potato/onion bags, and have three more to plant. One more with onions, and the other two will be filled with potatoes.

I'm going to Larsen today to stitch with the Sewcial Sisters. Tomorrow will be load-in for the Purge and Splurge Sale event at Primitive Gatherings, and Saturday will be the big sale. There are over thirty tables so I suspect there will be some awesome items for sale. I know I've got a lot! My tables will be overflowing! I'm even going to sell the white cotton version of the "Princess Bride" wedding gown I made for my niece. It would be perfect for a Renaissance Fair or even a summer wedding! It's going to be a fun sale, for sure!

Well, I'm going to close for now. Lots to do when I get home, but I need to get on the road so I'm not late!

A Good Day To Garden...

 

 

I bet you weren't expecting to see an image of pies, were you? I made two rhubarb custard pies on Monday. One was for here and the other went up to Andy and Shelly to enjoy. As I didn't take any photos of what I'm working on in the yard, I figured you might like to see pies instead. 

 

For those who might be interested, my pie crust and pie recipes were both out of the original red and white cover Betty Crocker's Cookbook. Nothing like the old recipes to make your palate sing. It's a good thing we have a healthy crop of rhubarb, as I suspect I'll be making more pies in the near future.

As I said, I worked in the yard today. I'm planting seeds and placing them in my makeshift "mini greenhouse". I have a clear sided plastic tote that is housing the containers of started seeds. I just have to water them to keep them moist, and once they germinate, harden them off to go into my planters.

I started seeds for bush beans, four different varieties of tomatoes, basil, fennel, carrots, bib lettuce and marigolds. I also bought potato grow bags - and spuds that started to grow in the pantry. I've set them aside and will plant them as soon as I bring home more soil. 

I purchased a medium size stock tank a few weeks ago, and once I've prepared that with drainage, mulch, soil and compost, my started tomatoes, marigolds and carrots will likely be planted in it. I need to get some green pepper plants, too. Later, I'm going to plant squash and perhaps white pumpkin. We'll see.

I'm going to run out for soil today and get to work on my raised garden stock tank. It's supposed to be another sunny day, so I'd like to get more done outside.

I think I told you I'm going to have a couple tables at the Purge & Splurge Sale event at Primitive Gatherings on June 3rd, so the next rainy day I'll be pulling more fabric, books, quilt kits and other sewing items that I would rather sell than store. I'm looking forward to more floor space in my studio. Anything I don't sell will be donated to good causes.

I'm ready to get my day going, so I'm off for my morning cuppa. If you're looking for me, I'll likely be in the yard for the better part of today. See you tomorrow!

Compiling For Sale...

Kathy Schmitz Table Banners Set

I spent part of the day assembling sets from my vast collections of kits and patterns. This is a twelve pattern/fabric set of kits for sweet table mats. I've stitched all of these and they're ready to assemble into a seasonal quilt, so the ground fabric is missing from the kits, along with the small appliques (in color) for each one. If I were to do this set again, I'd plan to embroider or applique' the missing elements. 

I'm going through all my patterns, kits and fabrics, and pulling those things I know I'll never finish. I'll offer these for sale soon, and whatever isn't sold ahead of time will go with me to the Purge & Splurge event in June at Primitive Gatherings. I'm going to have some great deals!

Primitive Gatherings - Twilight Gatherings BOM 12 kits/Fabric

Case in point...These quilt blocks were all part of the Primitive Gatherings Wool Box subscription. I have all twelve kits, including wools for each block. I also purchased the flannel that is the ground fabric for each block, and another 4.75 yards to use for finishing.

When all twelve kits had been distributed through the Wool Boxes, anyone who wanted to complete the quilt to king size needed to purchase the kits and patterns for the large center block and vine-laden borders. I chose not to do that for a few reasons. Mainly, we no longer have a king size bed, and I decided not to spend the extra money for something that would have to hang on the wall when it was complete. I chose to stick with a finished size more conducive to either my farmhouse bed or the queen size one.

You can see the kit was dated 2018, and truthfully, I haven't gone back to it since stitching the first block (minus some wool circles) and setting up the second block. I've not determined that with light and dark dogs, as well as two cats who love to sleep on my bed, I'm going to offer this kit (at a nice discount) to someone who'd really enjoy making it.

I'm pulling and photographing more, and will plan to make everything available to my blog, Facebook and Instagram friends first. If you see anything you'd like, just shoot me an email and I can message you the prices, including shipping.

Today is craft day in Portage, so I really need to get rolling. Enjoy your weekend, and I'll tell you all about mine on Monday. Gotta run...

Hangin' With My Peeps...

I got a batch of Peeps cookies finished on Monday so that they'd be set up and ready to send off to Handsome and his hosts yesterday. They're already on their way, hopping down to Florida, with the exception of two bunnies and three eggs. Aren't you proud of me? I only held those back for myself.

I carefully packaged these in small loaf pans with parchment between layers and then lovingly placed them into a larger box with lots of padding. They should arrive tomorrow, so I'll look forward to hearing Handsome's reaction.

 

I'm doing more purging in the studio today, and am looking forward to my next "event" in June. This isn't going to be a usual Brynwood appearance with my handbags, wallets and embroidered creations. This is like a yard sale for fellow fabric hoarders collectors. Participants are invited to bring fabrics, sewing supplies, books/patterns, kits, threads, floss, yarn, art supplies, sewing machines/accessories, scissors, wool and more that they no longer want to sell to attendees. 

As you know I have a lot that I'm planning to move out of my studio, and this is a perfect opportunity to share with like-minded artisans. I'll be busy between now and the set up date (June 2nd), collecting all my goodies into one place so I can take them to the Gathering House. People will be able to shop indoors in a climate-controlled, protected environment, so we won't be at the whims of the weather. I'm really looking forward to it.

So, if you're local (as in, in Wisconsin) or close enough to attend, mark your calendars. It's going to be fun! I'm going to set up a section in my sidebar in the next day or so listing all the events I'll be involved with through the rest of the year. The rest of them will be venues where I'll be selling my Brynwood creations.

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!

Images From December Sewcial Sisters...

Sewcial Sisters - Terry's Christmas Cushion Project

I'm sharing pictures today from our December Sewcial Sisters day at The Gathering. It was a perfect day for a drive, and the sun shone on Primitive Gatherings' retreat house all day. 

As you look through these photos, I'd like to also draw your attention to all the gorgeous red and white quilts that surrounded us as we visited and stitched on our respective projects. These are all part of the Red & White Quilt Show now in progress. I think Lisa said there were about 140 entries, and they're all so impressive!

Sewcial Sisters - Maryann's Wall Hanging

Sewcial Sisters - Lori's Table Mat

Sewcial Sisters - Kay's Candle Mat

Sewcial Sisters - Kathy D. Sharing Gift From Jody

Sewcial Sisters - Judy's Mini Wall Hanging

Sewcial Sisters - Jean's Christmas Quilt 1

Sewcial Sisters - Jean's Christmas Quilt 2

Sewcial Sisters - My Needlework in Progress

I shared the baby kimono during our Show & Tell. This is what I worked on while we chatted all day. I was inspired by the work of another artist on Instagram. I'm going to turn this into an ornament for a friend.

We all brought treats that we shared (before and after lunch), so each of us went home with a nice assortment of cookies, fudge, and other confectionaries. All my cookies were either eaten or went home with the ladies. 

The ladies all asked for my recipe, so I pointed everyone to the original source. In case you're interested, click HERE for the cookies. THIS is her frosting recipe, which I use every time - unless I make royal icing. They're both delicious and fool-proof wonderful cutout cookies, and they're the only recipe I've used since moving back to Wisconsin seven years ago.

I've got errands this morning, and then I'll be home working on my class project for tomorrow in Portage. I'll give you a sneak peek tomorrow, so you can see what we'll be working on. See you tomorrow!

Sweet Treats...

 

 

I've got two get-togethers this week. I'm going to Larsen today for a day of stitching with the Sewcial Sisters. It's kind of our Christmas party, so I wanted to make some treats to take along. I'm also going to Portage this weekend, so I'll take a treat with me (it's my Birthday on Saturday!).

 

First, I went to my Toll House cookbook. I love this book. It's constructed like "baby's first book", with heavy carboard, laminated pages that can't be bent or soiled. That's all bonus to the great recipes that are found inside. Take this one...

 

I used milk chocolate chips, sprinkled sparingly on the top because I wanted more pecan pie flavor than chocolate. To me, it was just the right amount, and Handsome thought they were really good, too. These are going to Portage with me this weekend.

 

I decided on cutout cookies for tomorrow. I did Wisconsin cookies and when I decorated them, I put a special snowflake in the approximate location of Larsen. Because Primitive Gatherings specializes in wools, the sheep were appropriate, too. Of course, there had to be a few black sheep!

 

 

Someone (who could remain nameless, because you know who I mean) took the last piece of pumpkin pie from Thanksgiving. That's absolutely promoted here. I always leave the last cookie, candy, piece of cake or pie for him. He washed the pie plate, too. (He's been an equal and participating partner for nearly forty years.) 

I came downstairs the next morning to find this on the kitchen island. I laughed out loud. For a guy who says he doesn't have a sweet tooth, he sure does love the treats I make. So, I'll likely make another pie and save the other treats for when we have guests. (I'm not optimistic that that plan will hold.) 

So, I'm away today, but I'm going to make more holiday treats. I want to make them as gifts for a number of people and families for Christmas, so I'm going to make a list and work to it starting after Saturday.

Do you bake for the holidays? Do you share your creations? I'd love to know what your favorites are. 

I'd better get on the road if I don't want to be late. I'll take photos today so I can share them with you again. I love seeing what the ladies have created, and I love showing them to you, too! I'll see you again tomorrow! Gotta run!

 

Oh, Oh!!! One more thing...

 

Red & White Quilt Show...

Diana and I drove to the Primitive Gatherings' Red & White Quilt Show yesterday, and it was a phenomenal show! So many gorgeous quilts executed by talented artists around the country. There were a total of one hundred forty quilts on display.

The first quilt I saw was "Best of Show", created by my buddy, Kathy D. I can see why it was a judge's favorite. Kathy made this one from the first fabric cut, to the stellar machine quilting. I love it!

All the quilts are hung from rods and along the walls in the Gathering House. Kathy's sitting at the table, preparing kits for a cute counted thread Make & Take class she's teaching all weekend. Her pattern is available HERE.

There are so many beautiful quilts to see. How is one to choose a favorite? (Of course, the people who view all the quilts will be able to vote for Viewer's Choice during the show.) 

This is looking back at the front doors of the Gathering House. Everywhere you look there are more wonderful quilts!

Sewcial Sister, Lori is teaching "Fresh Stitched Trees" (available as a pattern or kit on the Primitive Gatherings website HERE).

Diana sat down to make a ceramic ornament with Lisa Bongean. Now she has a beautiful new trinket for her family tree. (I couldn't find a link to these on Primitive Gatherings' website. Sorry.)

This is the hallway leading to all the retreat "hotel" rooms. Each room has a quilt block that matches the block on the key fob for that room. The usual ones were all switched out for red and white ones for the show. I loved that! This hall was also lined with quilts for the show, and this is where I found mine hanging.

I'M EXCITED!!!

I have a blue ribbon to add to my collection of quilting awards. This one means a lot to me, as I dedicated this quilt to my dad. Thank you to the judges for choosing my piece. I'm so grateful.

After doing a little shopping (to get the free with purchase holiday patterns), Diana and I turned for home. She had a new ornament for her tree, and I had my new purchases...and a happy heart. It was a great day for both of us.

Congratulations to all the quilters who submitted their gorgeous works of heArt to the show. If it's possible to get to Larsen from where you live, it's well worth the trip.