Bunderlands Delivers...

Monday...a day that will live in Blogland...The Needleworks of Brynwood and The Rabbits of Raspberry converged in a parking lot for the Patriot Holiday Inn in Williamsburg, Virginia.

Bunderlands delivery vehicle pulled into the parking lot and the most beautiful, vivacious, teeny tiny! and generous Miss Shell May fairly bounced into the hotel lobby. There was no hesitation. We laughed and hugged like we'd known each other forever!

Look at her license plate! There is no mistaking this gal when she's on the road. She advertises the home of Sugie and Sir Walter Harrington whenever she gets behind the wheel.
She told me she'd brought goodies for me, and man, she wasn't kidding! She opened a huge box to reveal mountains of crocheted laces, doilies, linens, findings, pearl buttons...Here, let me show you a little of what I saw inside the box...
This...
Oh, sweet, hand embroidered birds...
...and more of the same. I can't show you everything, or trust me, you'd just faint dead away! (We can't have that. I still have another picture to share with you!) Suffice it to say, she was generous, above and beyond... Can you even imagine me speechless? Yeah, I know! But I was!

We got in her bunny mobile and drove to a store called "Love2Quilt". It was full of wonderful fabrics, patterns and they were even selling refurbished Featherweight sewing machines. We both agreed we liked the cream-colored one more than the black ones.

We shared a meal in a French restaurant, and then went back to the hotel where we could take photographs. Shell would then drive four hours back home to Bunnyville. All that travel, just to see me while we're in Williamsburg.

We reflected on the fact that we've known each other for about a year and a half, and we talked about the wonderful relationships we have in common because of our blogs. Wouldn't it be nice if we could gather somewhere central with some of our bestest, bloggy girlfriends? For now, we agreed that we'd try to get her and her husband to come over next year to see the Thursday night Williamsburg concert.
We hugged, said that we were so glad we could carve time out of our schedules to meet in person, and before we could blink an eye, it was time to part company. She hadn't been gone ten minutes and it felt like I'd said farewell to a well-loved, little sister. Our visit was everything I'd hoped it would be, but much too short. There were no awkward, "What do I say next?" pauses. There was no "getting to know a stranger" feeling. We were two women who already knew and loved each other very, very well. Meeting in person was icing on the cake...Cake delivered in a Bunderlands Bunnyville car.

Thank you for taking your long drive to spend the day with me, Shell. You are every bit the delightful woman I thought you would be...and more. Because of you, my heart is full and my glass of joy is overflowing.

A Little Message From The Universe...

So, I've lost my favorite (sharp and fine) seam ripper. I've been looking for it for almost a week! One minute it was there, the next - poof! - it was gone. It's brass, with a brass case. I have the needle threader to match (which I never use). Of course, I couldn't lose the needle threader. The photo shows the complete needle threader, and my lonesome case for the seam ripper.

How does this happen? I've even gone through the waste basket that sits next to my cutting table, thinking it might have dropped off the edge into the bin. I've decided that I don't like "dumpster diving" ...and, nope, it wasn't there either.
When things like this happen, there are some pretty interesting exchanges around here. (In the mode of Sophia Petrillo on Golden Girls... "Picture it. North Port, July, 2010.")...I'm in the studio. On all fours. Trying to see under my sewing cabinet. (My seam ripper could be under there!) Butt in the air, facing the door.

Handsome, standing in the doorway: "Oh, hello." (I know he's smiling without even having to look up!)

Me, still looking under the cabinet: "Hiya."

Handsome: "What are you doing?"

Me: "Looking for my seam ripper." (I'm also running my hand under the cabinet in case the seam ripper has become invisible.)

Handsome: "Under there?" (I think he's giggling.)

Me, now I'm giggling, too: "Uh, huh. Have you seen it?"

Handsome: "I don't even know what a seam ripper is."

Me, looking over my shoulder and trying really hard not to sound sarcastic: "It's for ripping out mistakes in my sewing."
(I know, you're really surprised, right? "Donna makes sewing mistakes?" Trust me. It happens fairly frequently.)

Handsome: "Is it under there?"

Me, checking one more time: (sigh) "Nooooo." (using my best "frustrated" voice.)

Handsome: "Uh, Ok. I'll be in the other room, then." (as he turns and walks away.)

Me, finally turning around: "I could really use some help getting back up."

Too late, Handsome has left the studio. It's ok. I can do it myself. Hang on a minute. Do they make grab bars for studios? I'll have to look into that.

I still haven't found my seam ripper. While you're at it, have you seen the sweet, tulle drawstring bags I bought for holding my strawberry roses...or the set of six, vintage berry bowls I brought back from Wisconsin last fall? I seem to have a black hole somewhere in the studio. Things have gone in there, never to be seen again. Perhaps, the Universe is trying to tell me that I need to empty those cabinets and start over with transparent storage? Or perhaps, Shell needs to come to Florida to help me purge, sort and re-organize. I have to go now. I haven't given up hopes of finding my seam ripper. If you need me, I'll be in the studio.

My two quilts are posted as part of my De-Stash Along 2010 projects with Missy from Crafting with Cat Hair. She has set up a Flickr album for all the participants here.

I took a sewing break on Sunday. I really did tidy up the studio, still searching for my lost treasures. At this rate, I'll be able to hide my own Easter eggs next spring!

Cherish Friends...

I received a package in the mail on Tuesday from Twyla and Lindsey of Two Crazy Crafters. I had entered their giveaway during the Mad Tea Party blog event. (Vanessa at A Fanciful Twist was the gracious hostess of the Mad Tea Party.) They were offering a beautiful tag made by Twyla's daughter, Lindsey...and I won!
They have a beautiful, vintage-flavored blog, and share their love of Barbie Dolls, vintage treasures and Twyla and Lindsey's handwork. I've become friends with them over the past year, and Twyla and I have exchanged gifts with each other over that time. When they notified me that I'd won their drawing, I expected an envelope which would contain the fabulous, magical Alice tag, but this was a box! Ohhhhhh, I love surprises!
Here is Lindsey's beautiful tag, which already has a spot of honor on my inspiration board in the studio. Lindsey works at a scrapbook store and regularly shares her talent for paper assembly on their blog. Thank you, Lindsey for such a lovely Alice keepsake! It's really a treasure!
I was so surprised to find a crocheted pincushion that Twyla made for me! Girlfriend, you know I love pincushions, and this one is perfect for the studio! It's on top of the pattern cabinet, along with the pincushions made by Dawn (The Feathered Nest) and Shell (The Raspberry Rabbits). I'm going to be using it, for sure, but for now, I'm going to look at it and remember the friend who created it for me.

Finally, the girls tucked the acorn tile (at the top of this post) into the box. Do these gals know me, or do these girls know me? I've hung the tile up in the studio and smile every time I look at the words that appear on it (Cherish Friends). I really do cherish all my friends. Thank you, Twyla and Lindsey.

P.S. This is a link to a few of the wedding photos taken of my cousin, Nate and his bride, Chelsea in Wisconsin last weekend. I'm so glad I was there!

Karly Jo Photography has a blog (My Picture Life) with lots of beautiful images of other photo shoots, but the photographer caught the essence of this couple perfectly!

I know that the albums she creates for them and their folks will be a real reminder of a perfect wedding on a beautiful day.

"Wild Hare" Wednesday, Currently In Progress....

Today's "Wild Hare" Wednesday is currently in progress. Please return later today to find out which "wild hare" has affilicted me, and just how I resolved my "issues"...
A few hints:
• a walk-in closet
• a guest room (more on that on another day)
• oh, my goodness!!!
Thank you for your patience...Later, gator!
UPDATE:
Just so you know what I'm up to...The Wild Hare that grabbed me today was to clean out my closet. What was I thinking? It's 3:15 in the afternoon. I have filled TWO yard waste sized garbage bags with clothing to donate to Goodwill, and I'm still not finished. I just wanted you to know that the mountain of clothes under which I'm buried is only half as big as it was when I started.

Thanks, Shell for the motivation to do this the last part of December. My closet will be clean and clutter-free in the new year! More later...(sigh)

By 6 pm today, I had filled THREE bags full, put all my clothes away and cleaned up the bedroom. Handsome came in, saw my progress for the day and said, "Hey, you want to go out for dinner tonight?" Isn't he just the best??? (We went to Sonnys for barbeque.)

So to finish off this interminable post...What the heck was I thinking?! Holy Moly! I'm thoroughly bushed! I think tomorrow I'll do something completely fun. Certainly nothing that involves emptying a large space, cleaning and restocking it! I also think that next week's Wild Hare Wednesday will involve a past experience. Also, although my back is a little tender, I was really careful not to re-injure or hurt myself today. We don't need any of that! Thanks again, Shell!

A "Wild Hare" Christmas...

In November, I got a "wild hare"...but didn't act upon it until November 30th. I had only started one of these projects prior to that date (the pink beaded Nantucket Scallop scarf). Nothing else had been cut, planned or decided until that date.

Since November 30th, I've been sharing my works-in-progress, and I can now officially declare that with one very small exception, all of my projects are finished! Ta Da!!! This "wild hare" has had this designer/blogger/seamstress/wife B-I-Z-Z-YYY! Now, I can slide into Christmas Eve without a project on my machine, stitching away like a little elf. Nope, not this year. But, I will admit, these past 23 days were a little hectic and I can attribute my successful completions to:

1. Having a list that I checked every day
2. Keeping track of my mailing deadlines
3. Three awesome sewing/serging machines
4. Having all my supplies on hand for each project
5. The support and belief from all of you, urging me to completion
6. My loving, understanding, Handsome husband, who always offered to take me out for dinner when he knew that I'd been really busy all day...and who praised me for every single project when I showed it to him.
   

Really, these were all the ways it was possible for me to accomplish this list. Next year, I promise to Handsome, with all of you as my witnesses, that my projects will all be finished by the end of November. There, I've written it down! I've said it! I mean it! I hope I remember it! Thank you to all of you for being my huge, loving, supportive cheering section. No more Christmas (sewing/knitting) Wild Hares next year! (Perhaps I'll bake instead!)

Thanks again to my friend, Shell May from Tales of the Raspberry Rabbits for hosting our "Wild Hare Wednesdays". Visit her blog to see more "wild hare" contributors.

Last, but not least...HAPPY BIRTHDAY to our wonderful grandson. Grandpa and I hope you have the best eighth birthday a boy ever had.

Thanks to everyone who left comments on the Orchestra and Handsome's performance. He loved reading everything y'all said! Oh, and don't forget to go to my Dec. 21st post if you haven't already. You may want to join in my Christmas Giveaway Drawing if you're one of my followers.

Raspberry Surprises...

I ran an errand for Handsome while he was at his orchestra rehearsal yesterday morning. When I returned home, I opened the front doors to let the sunshine and cool air into the house. I was surprised by this box greeting me in the entryway. (Can you see it's from The Raspberry Rabbits?) I was doing the happy dance. I had a package from my sweet friend, Shell May!!!
I opened the package and there were multiple wrapped bundles inside. I opened the card to find the furry faces of the Raspberry Rabbits themselves - Sugar and Razzy - looking back at me! I read the heartfelt sentiments from my friend and then commenced to open those bundles.

Inside Bundle #1 was a cute trio of rabbit tails with a sweet friendship message. On the back is an attached clothespin, perfect to hold a project in progress or a bundle of papers. Three bunny tails...so cute!
When I opened Bundle #2, I was greeted by this bunny-adorned mug. My favorite flower - geraniums - next to the Marjolein Bastian bunnies on front...and a reclining rabbit with a cute message on the back. I love this mug and decided I would fill it with the ball of yarn I use for cording on my pincushion creations. That way, it will be front and center on my worktable instead of closeted away. There's something tucked inside, too. I'll come back and see what it is when I've opened all my bundles.
Then I opened Bundle #3. When I realized its contents, my eyes welled with tears. Shell sells these beautiful bunny embroidery scissors and scissors holders (here) in her online shop. I've been eyeing them for months...really! Is the lovely Shell also a mind reader? I think so!
On a recent "Wild Hare" Wednesday, Shell wrote that her wild hare was to change out all of the drawer and door pulls in her home. I told her I admired her pink rose pulls, and look!!! She gifted them to me! Now, I have to decide where to use them, but for now, they'll also be on my worktable, inspiring me to do my best and most charming work - just like the elegant pieces that are born in my friend's studio.

I didn't forget... Look what was inside the bunny mug.
Ghirardelli Raspberry-filled chocolates!
Now you see 'em...

Now you don't!!
(Trust me. They were delicious!)

Isn't this the most magnificent array of gifts? Handwork from the graceful Miss Shell, touches of her decor, her hand chosen gifts and a photograph of her beloved Sugie and Razzy. Best loved of all are the kind and generous words shared with me in her card. I cherish our new-found friendship and look forward to the day when we can share a cup of kindness in the same room.

Thank you, my dear and precious friend. Your generosity is truly overwhelming. Hugs to you and the rabbits from this friend who is grateful beyond measure.

Missed It By THIS Much...

For my "Wild Hare" Wednesday post today, I want to tell you that my most recent "Hare" is planning a decor redux before Christmas.
I'm going to be purging many knick knacks and dust magnets from my daily view.

Some will be lovingly packed and stored, but most will be leaving Brynwood for good. I think I'll take photos of the "adoptables" and see what y'all think. I'm just tired of moving, dusting and being frustrated by clutter...a wild hare that I'm sure has some real teeth! (*"You mean, be'oind the rabbit, then?") I'll keep you posted on my progress.

On another note, I finished two of my Grammies Jammies yesterday, but at 9:30 last night, I was just too pooped to tackle the third. I'll be doing the third - and last - of my Jammies today. Darn! I was sooo close, too! Well, better to be fresh and not make any mistakes than to attempt something when I'm tired and make a real mess of it.

I did play around with my ruffler again, and couldn't resist making an extra little something. Man, don't you hate it when I'm vague? Yeah, me too, but it's not without a reeeeallly good reason. Some people check in to see if they can find out what their Christmas (or sometimes birthday) gifts are going to be. We can't be giving away surprises, now, can we?

I'm taking lots of photos as I finish my projects, and I promise - "cross my heart" - that I'll show you everything after Christmas. So, while I'm loving everything I did accomplish by the 15th...I missed my goal "by this much". I agree with my friend, Shell (from Tales of the Raspberry Rabbits), who left a comment on my post yesterday..."Next year, we start in July!!!" You've got a deal, my friend!

Be sure to visit Shell's blog for more "Wild Hare Wednesday" posts. Who knows what silly nonsense is overcoming the other participants these days!
* reference to a quote from a Monty Python movie. ;-]

My First "Wild Hare" Wednesday Post...

Thanks to Michelle from Tales of The Raspberry Rabbits for hosting "Wild Hare" Wednesdays! If I understand correctly, we're supposed to give examples of when we were struck with a "wild hare" and did something completely wild, silly or outlandish. Well, my dears, I think that my posts from the last two days are quite outlandish enough for one week, so instead I'll tell you about how I was struck yesterday with a "wild hare".

Before

In the middle of being "up-to-my-hoo-ha-in-alligators" - trying to complete my Christmas projects - I realized that I had more of a mess than I could tolerate. If you're like me, once you start creating, the mess kind of takes over until you finish the project. As I've had multiple things going at the same time, I just couldn't stand the chaos a minute longer. So, in the middle of all my projects, I tore my studio up a bit more...and cleaned.

I also realized that if I got out Miss Ellie's little sister, Prissy (my Babylock Espire quilting machine), I could actually be doing embroideries on one machine while I sewed on the other. It takes up a little bit more room, but time saved will be worth it.

After

It may still look chaotic to you, but I have clean work spaces and open tables - plus the second machine set up - so it's going to work great for me until after my Christmas Workshop closes for this season!

Here's what I managed to finish yesterday, in spite of the "wild hare" to clean up my studio (hear me roar!)...a set of lavender & wool-filled linen sachets, an acorn ornament, and a linen pincushion with linen lace and hand stitched trim.
The lavender & wool-filled sachets have mother of pearl buttons (a heart, a moon and a flower) and sweet little bows as adornments. I then wrapped them together as you see in the photo above, tying them with a brown ribbon and my signature acorn charm.
Do you think you'd like to see some of these in my Boutique? Perhaps after all the mandatory holiday projects are completed...

One last bit of information. Debra of Common Ground won my Ten Things About Me contest yesterday, but I neglected to share what she won. (sheesh!) I went back and added it to yesterday's post, but I wanted to show it here, too. I've been working on perfecting my needle keeps. All my prototypes were mailed out to the winners of my Followers Only Birthday Giveaway - imperfections and all. I made a number of new ones with my Brynwood label on them, and Debra will receive one of the new designs. I'll be selling these in my Boutique soon.

Be sure to go to Dawn's The Feathered Nest. She's having a wonderful giveaway to celebrate 1200 posts and 400 followers! Congratulations, Dawn on an awe-inspiring accomplishment! You can click on the button here, or in my left sidebar to go to her drawing. Hurry! It ends on Dec. 13th!

A clean studio and a few finished Christmas gifts. Not bad for my first "Wild Hare" Wednesday, I think. Have a great day, and May All Your Hares Be Wild!

I'm Thinking Pink This Week...

I hope you're thinking pink, too! October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and if you haven't had your mammogram yet this year, please consider scheduling one for October. If you don't want to do it for yourself, do it for your family and all those people who love you.

My appointment was yesterday. Like everyone, I make jokes about having to go, and I'm always a little apprehensive about the discomfort, but when all is said and done, I'm so glad I went. (And it's actually not so bad.) There really is no substitute for the peace of mind that comes from the doctor's phone call to tell you you're "all clear".

Because I got my screening in October, I also left the clinic with some "lovely parting gifts". The nurse gave me a tote (perfect for my current knitting-in-progress), a BCA elastic wristband, a BCA record keeping card to remind me when to go again next year, a pink nail file and a pink and white coffee mug. Quite a change from the usual "Wham, Bam, Thanks-for-getting-your-mammogram"!

I also got a sweet thank you message from Shell today, so now that she's received my gift, I can tell you that the Rabbit pincushion went to my new blog friend, Shell May at Tales From The Raspberry Rabbits. Please click on the name of her blog and see her reaction to it (along with some gorgeous white pumpkins). I love visiting her blog. Razzy and Sugar make me smile, and Shell's writings are so joyful. If you haven't read her musings before, I'd like to be the one to introduce you to her. She's positively delightful.

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month - and Shell, Razzy and Sugar receiving their new resident pincushion - I've made a pink-themed mosaic for you to see. My BCA gifts are featured, along with a few other of my favorite pink items...my white and pink Longaberger Hope Basket, used to hold all my sewing labels; a pretty pink and white crocheted rose potholder (I have to learn how to make one of these!); and another look at that Rabbit pincushion. (You can click on the mosaic to go to larger photos in my Flickr album.)

Please make that appointment if you haven't yet. I don't want to lose one single friend to breast cancer, whether you're someone I've known and loved for a long time, or a regular or new reader to my blog. I don't want to lose a single one of you!

Today, A Rabbit Pincushion Tutorial For You...

I recently had a comment left in my blog by my new online friend, Michelle (Shell) May. She's Razzy and Sugar's Mama over at Tales From The Raspberry Rabbits blog. I love visiting and reading her posts. Razzy and Sugar are both so sweet and Shell is a wonderful writer.

She had seen one of my completed pincushions and said that I should have a rabbit pincushion. I agreed, so while I was in my studio today, I decided to re-purpose a rabbit planter into a new pincushion for my collection.

I've put together my process in a free online tutorial for you. Just go to my Flickr album titled "Rabbit Pincushion Tutorial" (catchy title, don't you think?) and I'll show you what I did. I made the album title a link in this post for you. If you'd like to make the same rabbit planter into your own pincushion, there are a number of them listed up on eBay.

Let me know what you think. I think Razzy and Sugar would be pleased.