First Flower Of The Month Strawberry Sachet...

It's completed, and newly listed in my Etsy shop...the very first, Limited Edition Strawberry Sachet - Flower of the Month "December-Poinsettia". HERE'S the link to my shop listing.

I've decided that I'll only create three of each month to make available for purchase each month. January will be available the first week in February, and each subsequent design will be available the following month. Of course, because of the inherent nature of handcrafted, no two will be exactly alike within the months. 

This one is especially dear to my heart because 1) it's my own birth month, 2) there are a number of people dear to me who also celebrate this month, including our grandson and Goddaughter/niece, and 3) this is the month Handsome and I were married. I know I'll make an extra one of these for myself after the holidays. If you're on Facebook or Instagram, you can see a little video I shared of the actual piece. HERE'S the Instagram link. PS. Yes, I did choose the green leaves!!

Now that this one is finished, it's time for me to turn my thoughts to Grammie's Jammies. I'll be preparing the fabric for them beginning tomorrow. At least it's not last minute as I've managed to do more than a few times in the past. I'll have these done by the weekend, so I can work on a few other Christmas gifts. Those might end up being last minute. sigh

I hope you're all enjoying the holiday season...hot cocoa with marshmallows, a comfy sweater to keep you warm, twinkling lights on the tree, and someone you love to share it with. I'm heading up to the studio now, but I'll see you again tomorrow. 'Tis the season!

A Holiday Sachet In The Works...

This idea has been percolating for a little while. I just have to stitch a holiday strawberry sachet! This one will have poinsettias, evergreen boughs...and some sparkles! I may add a few white roses, too. I began work on it yesterday, and will continue my embroidering until it's complete.

I'm so excited to see this one when it's all finished. I'm already imagining red plaid leaves on top! I may even begin a series, where I create one for each month of the year! Can you even picture a bowl filled with twelve unique strawberries? 

I'll share my progress as I work on this one. Please leave a comment and let me know what you think of this one so far - and what you think of my idea to do twelve unique designs to represent months of the year.

MIA Needles...

 

Two evenings ago I decided to work on a little needlework while sitting in the living room with Handsome. You know how I hate to sit with idle hands or at least something to do. I haven't done an autumn color-themed strawberry yet, so I thought, "Why not?". I set up my hoop and sat down to stitch for a bit.

After dinner, I put my hoop into my basket, placing my two large embellishing needles on my pinkeep. I put my needlework basket on our coffee table, and went into the kitchen so Handsome and I could do our usual post-meal cleanup. 

We didn't take long. Tag sat in the kitchen with us the entire time, hoping for a bit of "dropped" leftovers; Bella went upstairs and hopped on the bed, hoping to sleep upstairs overnight; and Carly was in and out of the kitchen. It was nearly midnight by the time we finished up and turned off the kitchen lights.

I went back into the living room to take my needlework basket upstairs, and these two needles were nowhere to be found. I panicked. What if Carly ate them? How could they just disappear? Handsome was sure that if anything, Carly might have knocked them on the floor with her tail as she passed the table. I wasn't convinced. 

Out came the flashlights to try to spot the sharp, metallic needles. On our hands and knees, looking under furniture. (I know. Not smart for me.) Finally we pulled out the vacuum and hoovered the entire room (actually the entire downstairs!). Still no needles, and this is definitely not my idea of needle dancing!

 

After searching for an hour and checking Carly's mouth to make sure she hadn't punctured herself (no blood found), we went to bed, sure she was okay but still uneasy that they were lost.

It wasn't until yesterday afternoon that Handsome came up to me and told me to close my eyes so he could place something in my hand. That's always an iffy proposition around here, but I did as asked and he placed one of the needles in my hand. I asked where he found it and was told it was on the middle of one side of our sectional in the living room. When he showed me where, we picked up the back cushion for that section, and there it was...the second needle!

Understand that I knew full-well that I'd most deliberately placed those needles safely in my basket. How they came to rest on the sofa is beyond me. All I do know is that they're safely tucked in my needle book now, and I'll be even more careful in the future. I'm so relieved that they're not just floating around. I pride myself on never dropping a needle that I didn't find, but it's never taken more than a few minutes. I'll be even more vigilant going forward. 

I'm nearly finished with the Michelle Palmer projects I'm working on. I'll be back to share them with you tomorrow.

 

I Like Dreaming...

I pulled more wools yesterday. Do you know how I'll be using them? (Your hint is in the background) I'm dreaming about doing more Whimsical Strawberries soon. Don't worry. I'll finish the Everlasting quilt top first.

I must have slept funny. I woke up with a hitch in my back. I walked like the letter "S" all day, and was glad when Handsome got home so he could take over dog duty. 

I took most of the day "off" - except for letting the dogs out, and back in again - and binge watched "The Lost Kitchen" episodes on discovery+. I'm hooked. Something about this series struck a chord with me, and I was surprised at how emotional I felt watching it. I have no explanation why, but I know I'll look forward to watching more episodes. I started with Season 1-Episode 1, and got to Episode 6 before I started to feel guilty about not accomplishing a darn thing all day. However, I was inspired to create a nice dinner for my dear husband after he got home.

 

Here's a view of the Windjammer's circus band - from the percussionist's perspective. Handsome took it from his throne at the back of the band while the conductor was speaking with the audience. He had a good time, and I'm glad he's safely back home.

We're heading to #2 Son's home today to celebrate #1 Granddaughter's high school graduation today. Handsome and I are looking forward to seeing everyone and partying with the crew. It should be a lot of fun, and you know I'll be taking lots of pictures. 

I'd better close so I can enjoy coffee (and breakfast) before I wrap up the graduate's gift. I'll be back with some spiritual inspiration tomorrow. Have a great Saturday!

PS. Hope you like the song reference in my post title today. wink

Available Now...

This sachet is complete and ready for a new home. I'm calling this one "Whimsical Garden". It has flowers in shades of pink, lavender, grey blue, and cream embroidered on a white linen ground fabric. It's filled with organic cotton roving, has a core of lavender buds, and a tiny bit of crushed walnut shells in the point.

Rather than use my traditional green wool for the leaves, I opted instead for a lavender houndstooth wool this time. You can see from the image of me holding it, that it is a nice size at 4" long by 2" wide at the top. 

I'll pay postage to ship this piece, and you can purchase this one-of-a-kind sachet, created by my hand, via this payment button.

Strawberry Sachet - Whimsical Garden

$115.00

Buy now

It's a secure checkout via my Square account. Please email me if you have any questions. Thanks so much, and have a great day!

Ruffled Roses & Blossoms Strawberry Sachet...

Newest Completed Strawberry Sachet

I just finished another of my Strawberry Sachets. I've called this one "Ruffled Roses & Blossoms". This one is a commission, and mailed out yesterday. 

Even though this one isn't available, I'll happily create another in the same colors, or a new color palette by request. Due to the nature of handcrafted, no two will ever be exactly alike, so they're always one-of-a-kind.

I'll be working on my petit point canvas over the weekend, but will also add a new project to the mix so I don't go cross-eyed. I'm thinking it's time to finish my "Everlasting" quilt project. Then, to find a long-armer to quilt it for me. One step at a time.

Thank you to everyone who left a comment for me either here or on my Facebook page about Otis. Your comments truly touched my heart, and I'm so appreciative. Thank you again.

Ready For Finishing...

Brynwood Needleworks - Hollyhocks, Ready For Finishing

 

I completed the ribbon embroidery this weekend, and now the hollyhocks are ready for finishing into a custom Brynwood Strawberry Sachet.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Hollyhocks Detail

Here's the detail on the embroidery. I love how the hollyhocks turned out, and the ribbon embroidery always makes me smile. I shared a sneak peek with the recipient and she loves it, too.

 

This is what I'll be working on today. By the end of the day, I'll have a completed Hollyhock Strawberry Sachet to mail out. I'll be sure to take a photograph before I wrap it up!

Also, I've been waiting for my packaging to arrive for the Floral Pendants to list them up for sale. The gift boxes arrived on Saturday, so I'll get those listed up today, too. Check my Etsy shop (link in my sidebar) to find them later today. Thanks for looking!

Working On A Strawberry...

Brynwood Needleworks - Strawberry Sachet Hollyhocks

I began work on this last evening. I'm embroidering a strawberry sachet for a friend who loved the hollyhocks (as much as I do). I'm hoping to have it completed over the weekend, and then I can send it on its way early next week.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Strawberry Sachet Hollyhocks Detail

 

I'm not finished with all the details on this yet, and there will certainly be more stems as I've only begun the embroidery. I have centers to stitch for some of these blossoms, and then I'll move to the left to start more plants. 

 

I think my best gardening efforts involve thread. The hollyhocks outside have taken on a life of their own and they're thriving in spite of me, but I like that I really don't have to weed the flowers I stitch. It's definitely easier on the knees. lol 

 

Speaking of knees...I think my injection is helping. At least I'm not suffering the reaction I had from the cortisone! I believe the swelling prior to the injection is actually diminished, and I am having an easier time getting around. The doctor said it could take up to a month for me to see and feel the effects, so I think I'll just pamper my knee to be safe. Thanks to everyone for their prayers, thoughts, and concern. I really appreciate it!

Linen Strawberry Sachet - Queen Anne's Lace...

Brynwood Needleworks - Linen Strawberry Sachet - Queen Anne's Lace

 

I completed my prototype linen Strawberry Sachet yesterday. I chose my favorite Queen Anne's Lace as the flower for this one.
 

I have so little of the original fabric I was using for these strawberries, and I can't get more of it. That's the motivation for me looking to different fabrics to use as an alternative. Linen was my obvious next choice.

Brynwood Needleworks - Linen Strawberry Sachet - Queen Anne's Lace

 

I'm happy with the way the flowers show on the ground fabric. I also like the organic feel of my blossoms on this color.

Brynwood Needleworks - Linen Strawberry Sachet - Queen Anne's Lace

 

Now it's your turn. I'd love to know what you think of this fabric as a choice. Do you like the color of the fabric? What about the texture as a base for my thread and silk ribbon creations? Do you think it works, or it's too rustic? If you have a moment to let me know in the comments, I'd really appreciate it. Thanks!

Back To This Strawberry...

Brynwood Needleworks - Strawberry Sachet - Queen Anne's Lace Detail

I completed my project from yesterday, but I can't show it in full yet. It's part of Primitive Gatherings' latest Wool Box (11), and we agree not to show projects publicly until we know that everyone has received their box. I can share it in about a week, so be sure to check future posts so you don't miss it. (It's very cool!)

After finishing that project, I decided to go back and complete the Queen Anne's Lace Strawberry Sachet I began before my latest surgery.

Brynwood Needleworks - Strawberry Sachet - QAL Flourish Detail

One of the things I know I'm going to need to do is attach a backing to my linen before stuffing it, so the organic wool doesn't show through.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Needlework for the Strawberry Sachet - Queen Anne's Lace on Linen

 

My embroidery is complete now. I'll be putting it all together today, and then finishing it with the leaves and stem. I can't wait to see this one done, and find out what you think about it. Come back tomorrow to see it all done.

 

Trying Something New...

Brynwood Needleworks - Queen Anne's Lace On Linen

 

With the fabric I've been using for my strawberries reaching its end, I need to find something new for my ground fabric. I chose to try the obvious linen as a possibility. While, I frequently choose linen for my needlework projects, I'm not sold on this option yet.

I'm going to complete this one, and then try a few other options. To make the comparison, I'm going to stitch the same flowers (Queen Anne's Lace) on each of the options I audition. I think I'll then photograph all the options and ask you for your opinion! 

I'll keep stitching, finish this one, and then I'll post more pictures when I have another ground fabric to try out. I may even have a drawing to give away one of them! More on this project later...

Strawberry Sachet - My Farmhouse Hydrangeas...

Brynwood Needleworks - Strawberry Sachet "Farmhouse Hydrangeas"

 

Over all the time I've been making these, I've never made and kept one for myself. Now, I finally have one for myself. 

I still have enough of this fabric to make a few more, so if someone would like to request one similar to this one, just let me know. However, this exact one will be staying here in my studio. 

 

 

I hope you had a great weekend. We spent yesterday with Granddaughter #2 and her family to celebrate her thirteenth Birthday. It was something this Grandma and Grandpa really needed. We hadn't seen them since March! Next weekend is her older sister's Birthday, so we've already made plans to see them again. We're already looking forward to it.

I'm baking a couple of loaves of bread today. I'm called for jury duty tomorrow, so I want to make sure Handsome has bread for sandwiches this week. Don't worry. Two loaves won't be overdoing it for me. I'm still behaving and taking it easy.

Tag will be back tomorrow. He's got some cute pictures to share with you, and I'm sure he'll spin his usual snarky yarn to go along with it. That's how he rolls, you know. I'll see you again on Wednesday.

More Progress...

Brynwood Needleworks - Working On My Farmhouse Hydrangeas

I had a wonderful visit with Kathy D. yesterday. She brought a beautiful bouquet of flowers, freshly picked from her gardens, along with my Wool Box from Primitive Gatherings. We sat on the porch and enjoyed the perfect weather, chatting as the hummingbirds buzzed in and out of the feeders.

Kathy got a chance to meet Carly - who surprisingly was a little shy. We let Bella out onto the porch, and Carly immediately got brave. (If it's okay for Mama, it's okay for me, right?) It was really sweet. Of course, then they wanted to wrestle around under Kathy's feet, so they got shooed back into the house so we could visit, unaccosted.

Brynwood Needleworks - My Stitching Setup

After Kathy left, I sat down to stitch again for a little while. I finished all my work on the blossoms, and then went back to read from my Royal School of Needlework Essential Stitch Guides for Stumpwork and Silk Shading. I purchased these when I was taking my classes in Lexington, and I frequently reference them. 

I'll be continuing my progress on this one until it's finished today, so I'll be able to show it to you on Monday. 

Tomorrow is Granddaughter #2's Birthday. Grandpa and I are hoping to see her today to give her her Birthday gift. It's hard to believe she's already a teenager. Gosh. It seems like only yesterday that she was born! Time sure flies.

I hope you have a restful and creative weekend. Take care, be safe, and stay healthy, dear friends. I'll chat with you again soon.

Happy August!!

 

One For Me...

Brynwood Needleworks - Ivory Hydrangeas

After all the Strawberry Sachets I've made, can you believe I've never kept one for myself? Nope. They've all gone to new homes (except for the ones still available in my shop). I decided to rectify that yesterday.

 

It seemed appropriate that I'd begin this one on World Embroidery Day. I think this one will be done in ivory florals. 

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Ivory Hydrangeas

 

I'll continue with this idea today, after I have a long-overdue visit with my girlfriend, Kathy D. I couldn't get to Primitive Gatherings for our Sit & Stitch this month. (Covid test pre-op required quarantine until the day of surgery - and our S & S was the day I had to take the test.) That means I didn't get my bi-monthly Wool Box either.

Kathy was kind enough to pick mine up for me, so she's bringing it over, and we're going to spend some time together to catch up. The weather should be nice, so I'm planning we'll sit on the porch and share a cuppa tea or coffee.

Did you stitch yesterday? If so, what are you working on these days? I'd love to know! I'm still trying to find someone to help me put "reply" capabilities on my blog comments. Lacking that, please come back to read replies if you leave a comment. Now that I'm on the mend, I'm trying to catch up and be better at responding. Thanks for your patience. I'll see you again tomorrow. 

Stumpwork Hydrangeas...

Brynwood Needleworks - Strawberry Sachet "Hydrangeas"

 

I really love how this one turned out! I enjoyed creating all the stumpwork hydrangea blossom heads, and will likely do another in all white, like the kind you'd find around our farmhouse. 

Most of the hydrangeas we had here were removed as a consequence of the new porch, but there are still a few plants growing on the north side of the house, that survived untouched. I'm hoping they'll eventually migrate around to the front again. I may help them, by purchasing a few plants this fall.

In the meantime, I'll stitch these lovelies. I've said all along that these Strawberry Sachets were limited editions, as I only have a very limited quantity of the fabric I've been using for them left in my inventory. I'm going to have to find a new fabric, or turn to linen, if I'm going to keep making them. Once this fabric is gone, it's gone. I've searched the worldwide web to no avail. 

If you're interested in any of the available sachets, you can click HERE to go to my Brynwood online shop. The Strawberry Sachets can be found under "Exclusively Brynwood".

"Bleeding Hearts & Bumblebee"...

Brynwood Needleworks - Strawberry Sachet "Bleeding Hearts & Bumblebee"

 

Well, finally! I was able to sit and embroider for a while yesterday. It's uncomfortable to sit, so I stitch in bed. I completed a new Strawberry Sachet, "Bleeding Hearts & Bumblebee" in silk ribbon.

I'm planning to do a new flower today, so you'll have to come back on Wednesday to see which one I've chosen to make. Tag will be here tomorrow. Who knows what's on his mind these days! I'm as curious as you are. We'll have to see together. 

 

I'm off to get a cuppa tea. I'm a bit off coffee right now. I'm looking forward to getting back to normal...soon! See you Wednesday.

I've Been Waiting...

Brynwood Needleworks - Silk Ribbons

 

Most of my ribbons arrived from The Thread Gatherer yesterday. I'm loving every one of the colors! There are a few more that are backordered right now, but I have what I've been waiting for to start my next Strawberry Sachet.

I'm baking today - bread and monster cinnamon rolls! - but I'll get some stitching time in, too. I can't wait to show you my next creation.  Coffee, and then I'm off to the races!

This Week In The Studio...

Brynwood Needleworks - Custom Fabric - St. Bernard Dogs

First thing on my work agenda this week is to create a number of custom Covid masks for a friend who, along with her daughter, is a talented dog handler. They need masks for showing their dogs, so she sent some custom fabrics they ordered from Spoonflower to me.

My friend has shown "Saints" since she was a young girl, following in her mother's footsteps, and now a third generation is showing them (quite successfully).

Brynwood Needleworks - Custom Fabric - Dachshunds

 

They're also showing other breeds, so they sent this fabric to me as well. I'll add my own dog-themed fabric for linings. I'll get these done this week so I can send them back in time for their next shows.

I'm also going to be working on some new Strawberry Sachets, with new favorite flowers, so I can't wait to share those with you, too. It's going to be a delightfully busy week in the studio. I hope you'll follow along to see what I create.

Daisies & Dragonfly...

Brynwood Needleworks - Strawberry Sachet "Dairies & Dragonfly"

 

I completed another Strawberry Sachet yesterday. This one is called "Daisies & Dragonfly", and it's already claimed. 

 

Embroidered with silk ribbon daisies, I also used perle cotton, metallic thread, and cotton floss. It's my first effort on one like this, and it is a one-of-a-kind. 

I'm making one more, with forget-me-nots. Another flower from my younger days. Needle dancing. The very best pursuit on a steamy, hot day. Perhaps it will be finished, so I can share it with you.