Red & Yellow Roses Sachet...

 

Here's a look at the completed embroidery I've been working on. If you'd like to see the completed strawberry, please click HERE to go to my Instagram page. The link should take you to an image of our Compass Barn and it will load a short video (turn on your volume if you'd like to hear anexcerpt of Ella Fitzgerals singing while you watch).

I'll be tending my garden for a bit today, and then my plan is to work on the goldwork hearts I started a few weeks ago. I guess I'm in the mood to finish my current UFOs, and then I'll be able to begin a very special brooch. I can't wait to share images and details as I work out what the finished piece will look like!

I'm looking forward to a restful weekend. How about you? What do you have planned for the next few days?

Back To The Roses...

 

This was all the progress I made yesterday during the day,  as we spent most of the day either traveling to the clinic about an hour away or traveling back home. In the meantime, I stitched when they weren't escorting me back and forth as Handsome was undergoing his procedure.

My fair Swede spent many years photographing boats on the water - usually without adequate sun protection, and he's paying for it now. His six month scheduled dermatology appointments were increased to every four months, and every time they find a spot or barnacle (as we call them) that needs to be removed. Yesterday it was an extensive area on his head, and it required a "mose procedure". Don't ask. I don't know anything more than that it took about three hours in the doctor's chair.

I tried my hardest to concentrate on my roses, but this was as far as I got before it was time to get him back home. Once back, I got him comfortable and managed to do a bit more stitching after dinner. I'm planning to do a lot more today so that I can complete this project, too. I can't wait to share what's next!

I'll see what I can get done today, and share it tomorrow. Have a great day!

Working On A New Strawberry Sachet...

Brynwood Needleworks - Strawberry Sachet - Lavender Detail

 

I'm finally starting a new needlework piece. I'm working this out as I go, as is usually the case with my Strawberry Sachets. Lots of little bouillon stitches!

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Strawberry Sachet - Lavender Progress

 

I got this far before I stopped for the day. Now to decide how I want to embroider the leaves. I'm still thinking on that. I'll definitely play with it more today! 

Strawberry Sachet - "Hollyhocks and Bee" Embroidery...

Brywood Needleworks - Hollyhocks and Bee Embroidery

 

Can you tell my thoughts are turning to the outdoors and my gardens? This is the prototype for a new Strawberry Sachet. This one will be "Hollyhocks and Bee". I'm finished with the embroidery, so I'll turn it into a strawberry today. 

I'll definitely be making more of this design, and I have a few others in my head right now, too. I'm thinking Lilacs, Queen Anne's Lace, and a few others. I need a few more hours in the day, don't you think?

Tuesdays With Tag - Delayed...

Brynwood Needleworks - Strawberry Rose Sachet

 I know you're disappointed. Please accept our apologies.

With yesterday being a holiday, we didn't get updated puppy photos, so Tag said he wanted to wait until tomorrow to write his blog post. He wants you to see the babies at four weeks old, so he'll be back tomorrow.

Instead, I'm going to share pictures of the Strawberry Rose Sachet I finished over the weekend for a custom order. I hope you'll be back tomorrow to see the puppies.

Brynwood Needleworks - Strawberry Rose Sachet - Floral Detail

I really enjoyed creating this strawberry, and I have ideas for two new embroidered strawberry designs that I'll work on this week. I can't wait to debut them!

Brynwood Needleworks - Strawberry Rose Sachet - Flourishes

 

I'll show you the designs as soon as they're finished, but this one is now complete. Tag will see you tomorrow!

 

A Little Embroidery...

Brynwood Needleworks - Ribbon Embroidery

I worked in the garden all afternoon, and had fun moving some of the plants that were on the outer border of the previous kitchen garden. After the porch was completed and the new walkway was installed, all those plants (hostas, phlox, and others) ended up more toward the center of my planting area. I moved the hostas and phlox, and then added new plants that I purchased last week.

When I was finished with the outside work, my body said I should sit and relax with a cuppa tea and my needlework. I was more than happy to oblige, so I picked up my Strawberry Rose Sachet project and did a little needle dancing.

Oh, in case you're wondering, the Corgi head is a little planter that a friend sent to me. I think I'm going to turn it into a pincushion by adding a pouf to the opening on the back.

Brynwood Needleworks - Ribbon Embroidery Detail

 

I still have a few buds and blossoms to add, and then I'll be ready to start embroidering the stems. It's supposed to rain this weekend, so I'll definitely finish this. As it hasn't started sprinkling yet, I'm going to go out and water all those transplants first. I can do that with a coffee cup in my hand, right?

Next Up...

Brynwood Needleworks - Strawberry Sachet Materials

 

This is my next project. I have a custom order for a pink silk ribbon Strawberry Rose sachet. I adore making these, so I'll likely make more than just one, and I'll make them in other colors to stock my shop while I'm at it.

Laurie from Tales From The Henhouse requested that I share photos of each of the Wooly Critters quilt blocks, now that I'm finished. I'll share those tomorrow for anyone who's interested. (Thanks for the request, Laurie!!)

I'm on my way to my salon for a haircut today!! She's going to get to fix my self-inflicted "Corona Cut". Then, I'm meeting Kathy D. for lunch - socially distanced and outdoors. I can't tell you how much I'm looking forward to seeing her again!

So, time for a quick cuppa coffee and then...Off to the races!! See you tomorrow.

Just Finished And Mailed...

Brynwood Needleworks - Latest Commission

 

I so love creating these! There really aren't enough hours in a day for all the things I want to do, so I try to pack my awake hours with as much as I can. The word "bored" just isn't in my vocabulary.

This piece was finished for a client who has become a dear friend. She has more of my strawberries in other colors, but wanted this blue one for her collection. It's already carefully packaged, posted, and is on its way to her in Minnesota. One of these days, we'll meet somewhere half way for lunch and a visit. I look forward to that!

It's already Thursday, and I can't believe another week has almost passed. A haircut this morning, and then I'll be back to work on my next project. 

 

The porch railings are coming along nicely, and all of the outside lighting is now installed. I hope to show you our finished porch some time late next week. Fingers crossed!

(Needle) Dancing In The Moonlight...

Brynwood Needleworks - Silk Roses

 

I'm working on other projects during the day, so I needle dance at night (actually while watching the Milwaukee Brewers play baseball). I've completed making the roses, so I'll work on the next part - the flourishes. 

More painting on my agenda today. We'll see how far I get on the strawberry tonight. What day is it again? See you tomorrow!

Embroidering With Silk Ribbons...

Brynwood Needleworks - Silk Threads

 

I spent the day yesterday with girlfriends in Menasha. Kathy D and Jodi M were there, along with the other ladies who participate in our monthly Sit & Stitch at Primitive Gatherings. 

I'm always inspired when I see the lovely things (quilts, wool pieces, etc.) they create, and I'm also able to share what I've been working on.

I took along the pieces I've recently shared with you from the last Wool Box, and then I worked on a Strawberry Roses Sachet that's been commissioned. The blossoms are silk ribbon, and the stems and leaves are cotton floss. I managed to do quite a bit while I was there, and hope to finish it by the weekend (working on it between other commissions and painting hand rail parts so they're ready by next Monday).

The weather has been gorgeous since Monday, so I'm going to enjoy as much of that as I'm able before the weather turns toward Autumn. The days are warm, and the nights are perfectly chilled. It's my kind of weather. More blessings from the farm.

 

More Minis Finished...

Brynwood Needleworks - My Mini Flip Flops Version

I managed to finish two more minis since I last showed them to you. Remember I said that I like to give each one my own twist? I did that with these two, as well.

One of the pieces is this adorable pair of mini flip flops. Notice that Lisa's version (on the left) uses a lazy daisy stitch to create the flower on each one. I decided to stitch detached buttonhole stitches to make a little dressier flower. This is the same flower I use on my Strawberry Rose Sachets, and it's a favorite.

I also realized that, likely because of my needlework background, I have a tendency toward multiple smaller blanket stitches around the outside of my pieces than Lisa does. I suppose I could force myself to think "BIG", but I like my smaller stitches - and it is my project, after all.

Brynwood Needleworks - My Mini Wordy Version

 

Lisa also designed a coffee mini, with her favorite "Coffee, Pray, Hustle" saying. I, on the other hand, decided to stitch words that are my favorite..."Love Never Dies". I haven't sewn this mini to the backing yet, as I don't have the right thread in stock to go with the wool color. (In fact, I don't have a thread color that's even close! Shocking!!) I'll have to shopping. Don't feel sorry for me.

Today, Handsome and I will be with my best friend and her husband, as they gather with family and friends to celebrate the life of her mother. They brought their sweet Labrador along with them on this trip, but I'll let Tag tell you more about her next week.

I'll set up a new project from the third Wool Box, and show you how that looks next time we're together. I hope you have a fun weekend planned doing something you love, too. Gotta run for now.

Royal Purple...

Royal Purple Strawberry Rose Sachet

 

Filled with crushed walnut shells, and stitched in three shades of royal purple, this sachet is complete and awaiting adoption. You can see it in my shop,  HERE.

Playing With Needle & Threads...

Queen Anne's Lace (Wild Carrot) Web Image

 

Since posting my most recent strawberry sachets last week, I have three new orders. I'll be playing with needle, threads and/or silk ribbons this week. I'll also be in Menasha tomorrow with my pal, Kathy for the monthly Sit & Sew at Primitive Gatherings.

The sun was shining last weekend (with more expected), the snow is melting, the birds are singing, and my loved ones and I are all healthy and happy. What more could one possibly ask for?

I Love This One...

    Happy Weekend!

Shabby Silk Roses...

Brynwood Needleworks Silk Ribbonwork

   This will be my next Strawberry Rose Sachet. I love these soft, shabby colors. I may have to keep this one, but I'm sure I'll make more. Did I say I love these colors?  

Silken Ribbons and More Guests...

New Silk Ribbons For Brynwood Strawberry Sachets

Part of the new silk ribbon colors I recently ordered arrived yesterday. These are so beautiful, and they'll make for lovely Strawberry Rose Sachets (pincushions and other pretties). I still have another package which should be arriving soon, but I'll have fun starting with some of these.

Ribbons, Threads and Seed Beads

 

I've chosen the two colors shown here, along with the floss colors (and possibilities for bead embellishments) for my next strawberry. I'll choose the final bead color(s) after the stitching is done. I'm itching to start this one.

 

Mourning Doves

 

I guess our bird guests told their friends about the new neighborhood buffet. We had new birds join them yesterday. Joining the other birds at the feeders were juncos, purple finches, bluejays, and mourning doves. 

 

We got more snow, too, but we have plenty of seed, suet, fruit and feeders, so we'll clear off those feeders right away this morning, and they'll be right back in business. I'm telling you, I was beginning to feel like Snow White. Wherever I turned, there were happy, singing birds, a squirrel and a bunny enjoying the banquet. I would have started singing, but didn't want to scare them all off! hee hee

 

Appointments for Handsome and me (in different directions) today, but I'll definitely get some stitching time in. I hope you find time for something (or someone) you love today. 

 

Queen Anne's Lace In The Snow...

My Latest Embroidery

The snow started Saturday, causing us to cancel a trip to Milwaukee to see a much-anticipated symphony concert. We were quite disappointed, but felt it was better to be safe than sorry after seeing the latest weather forecast. In the end, we made the right decision.

Sleet, ice and snow caused dangerous road conditions, and they continued through Sunday night. Handsome cleared some of the mess on our driveway with our utility tractor and a bucket attachment, but there was obviously too much snow (with more falling) for our tractor to get ahead of it. I tried shoveling near the doors, and the ice, mixed with snow, was a booger to clear. We weren't regretting our move north, but didn't see any reason to fight with Mother Nature, so we headed inside to wait out the storm.

I decided to start another strawberry. This one is going to be a Birthday gift for someone special. I decided Queen Anne's Lace, forget-me-nots and ribbon flourishes were in order, so I'll work to finish this one today.

When I showed it to Handsome, he remarked that he was impressed that I was doing such fine work in white-on-(nearly)white. I smiled knowing that, after all these years together, I still do things that impress him. (He manages to do the same for me, by the way.)
 

Andy, Clearing Our Driveway

 

Andy made the rounds yesterday. He went into town to clear his daughter's yard, and then headed up the west shore of the lake to clear his mom's yard, too. When he got home, he hooked up his snow blower attachment and brought down his trusty tractor.

 

He told us that the ice underneath made plowing with his truck impossible, so this was the way to go. He used to drive this tractor on his dad's farm when he was a kid. It still serves him (and us!) well, making quick work of the mess that was our driveway. He finished his day outdoors, but clearing his drive as he headed back up the hill to his and Shelly's home. 

When I posted pictures and a "thank you" on Facebook, our humble friend replied, "It's what neighbors do." If anyone wonders why we love the Midwest, our farmhouse, and even being back in the snow belt...this is one of the reasons. We love the way people live, work and play here. It makes the snow (which was more than anything we had all winter!) worth it. Oh, and if anyone thinks that farmer boys aren't tough, let me introduce you to Andy some time.

Sweet Strawberry Rose Sachet...

Brynwood Needleworks - Strawberry Rose Sachet

 

This sachet is leaving for its new home today. I'll be making more in the next week, with stunning new colors of silk ribbons that will arrive shortly. I can't wait to show you the new colors!

It's Blooming In The Studio...

Creating Roses

 I'm still stitching, so I'll just share a few images of what I'm working on.

Beads, Ribbons and Threads

 I love looking at (and using) my seed beads.

Doing What I Love

 I always use my mother-in-law's embroidery hoop when I do these sachets.

Blooms, Foliage and Flourishes

Progressing nicely.  

A Mixed Weekend...

Lake Winnebago Shoreline

 

Handsome and I had a busy weekend. On Saturday, my dear friend, Laura, came to visit. I've known her since grade school, and when I had my needlework shop, she was my shop manager. I couldn't count how long we've been friends, but I'm sure you'll understand the fact that we have so many shared memories and experiences.

Tag and Laura

She drove down from the northeast part of the state and we spent the entire afternoon together, drinking tea and catching up. As you can see, that fickle Corgi jumped right up into the chair with her, and spent the entire time cuddling. Laura loved the attention. I just shook my head.

 

 

Wood Stove For Farmhouse Decor

 

After she left, Shelly and Andy came down with a new flea find for me. They brought a ittle wood stove for me! It's no longer suitable for actually burning anything, but will be perfect with a plant in the firebox. I think it needs geraniums! I'll show you again once they're planted.

 

 

 

Sunday morning, Handsome and I went to town to pick up some "girl supplies" for Bella (sigh), and then had brunch together. As we turned up our road to the farmhouse, I noticed a sandhill crane in the field. We usually see them standing on their long legs, but this one looked to be in a nesting position...too early for this time of year (and they don't nest in open farm fields either).

I was concerned, so we backed up the truck and I walked far enough into the field to see that she was injured and dragging herself by her wings. Both legs were straight out the back and she couldn't get up. I don't know how long she'd been there, but she wasn't there when we left home. She was obviously in pain.

I immediately contacted our local game warden, who arrived within twenty minutes. He got closer to inspect the bird, and we agreed that rehabbing a crane with two badly broken legs would likely be impossible. He decided to end her suffering. I asked him if I could see her after she died. He said I could.

As he walked across the field again, the cranes (about two dozen gathered in the opposite field) started calling. It was almost like they were saying goodbye. (I know this is attributing human actions to animals, but the timing was so coincidental.) The crane passed quickly, and the warden motioned for me to approach her. 

 

I wanted to touch her, and silently honor her as I had read Native Americans might. I admired and stroked her beautiful plumage, regretting her passing. I then thanked the warden, who picked her up and took her with him. I was sad at her passing, but grateful that she was no longer in pain. I went back home with tears in my eyes.

 

Handsome and I left home again about two hours later to attend an afternoon concert. It was the last of the winter series, and it was filled with fabulous music. He's really looking forward to playing with them again this summer.

We finished our Sunday date with dinner at a restaurant on the south shore of Lake Winnebago. Even though the weather had turned colder and grayer, it was still a nice dinner with a great view of the lake. 

 

Brynwood Strawberry Rose Sachets

 

This week, I've got a number of new commissions to work on. I'll be sewing a few projects, and making some new silk ribbon embroidered strawberries. It's going to be a fun week!