Finished Projects...

Brynwood Needleworks - BW Embroidered Floral Pincushions

 

I completed these embroidered floral pincushions over the weekend. Stitched on linen, embellished with ribbon flourishes, and filled with crushed walnuts, these pincushions will be available in my shop later today.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - BW Floral Pincushions

 

The same quilted fabric on the front is used on the back. They're perfect for your sewing table, or for displaying your favorite pins on your dressing table.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - BW Dusty Rose Pincushion - Detail

 

I'm sharing closeup images of each embroidery and ribbon detail.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - BW Ivory Rose Pincushion - Detail

 Same for this one.
 

Brynwood Needleworks - Completed Floral Embroidered Mat

 Drum Roll, Please...

 

I completed the embroidered mat, too! I cut it to a smaller size to eliminate the error I made by using a permanent marker (by accident), and as suggested, tucked the lace into the seam. I'm happy with the result. What do you think?

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.

This Is My Life...

Brynwood Needleworks - De Wolfe Quote on Hickory Hill Farm Image

I saw this quote yesterday, and decided it needed to be placed on one of the images of our old apple tree blossoms (with our Compass barn in the background). It perfectly speaks to the life Handsome and I have built here at the farm. Our beautiful life together.

Brynwood Needleworks - Completed "Old Glory" Table Mat

 

Speaking of beautiful, here's the completely finished "Old Glory" table mat. I finished it yesterday afternoon, and it's now resting on our dining room table, along with my "Never Forget" Jim Shore piece. I'll add a few more bits for the 4th of July, but for now, it's time to turn my thoughts to a few projects that have moved to the front burner.

I attended our nephew's last senior high school band concert last night, so I'm putting off telling you about the renovation project until tomorrow. (sorry) I need to take a few more photographs before I can tell you about it. Tomorrow. I promise.

Have a great day!

Next Up...

I'm nearly done with the Chocolate Bunnies, but I'm looking ahead to 

my next project, too. I joined Shabby Fabrics' BOM designed by Kathy

Schmitz and the first kit is for February. It's called "Love Birds".

Each finished project is a table mat. Rather than do all the stitcheries

and then assemble all the kits at the end (as I'm doing with the "Sweet

Stitches" kits), I'm planning to do these each from start to finish.

I'll finish the bunnies first, and then I'll turn my attention toward

Valentines' Day. If I focus, I may finish this one ahead of time!

I hope you have a great Friday. It's almost the weekend!