Voila!...

Brynwood Needleworks - Holz Fabric "Bella" Tote

And just like that, the commissioned Bella Tote is finished! I got a bee in my bonnet yesterday and decided to stick with it until it was finished. 

I made of cup of tea in my go cup (safest way to drink tea in the studio), made my way upstairs and started cutting fabric around noon. By 3:30, I was finished. They're never difficult to make. I just had to get my head in the mood to sew. Once I started, it was a breeze.

Brynwood Needleworks - "Bella" Tote Interior

 
One thing...I always sew up the turning seam by hand. I'd hoped to go right to a little needlework after I finished the tote, but discovered as I sewed that seam closed that the burned tip of my index finger doesn't hold a needle well right now. It feels like I have a leather button on it, which makes everything awkward. Plus it's a little sore, too.

Instead, I got out my castor oil/frankincense mixture, rubbed it into my fingertip with a little left over, and then covered it with a bandage. Castor oil has such wonderful healing properties (I use it on my sore knee all the time, and it offers great relief), that I'm hoping it will do its magic to help heal my finger faster. I sat down to read instead.

Today is the end of January already. Hard to believe, isn't it? I already know the theme for the next ATC exchange, so I'll probably work on those over the weekend. I did get another new book, and this one is going to really bowl you over! I'll share it with you tomorrow. Happy Friday!

Lazy Bones...

Handsome has been gone two days, and this is all I've managed to accomplish in the studio. I've pulled together all the fabrics and accessories I need to sew up the Bella tote. Yep. That's all. 

I really am going to get started today. I'll get everything cut out, and then my plan is to sew until it's done. I do have a hair appointment, but will work before and after that. Wish me luck!

Next Up...

Black cork and Tim Holz fabric will be the main fabrics for my next project...a recently commissioned Bella tote. My plan is to make this on Monday after I get home from taking Handsome to the airport.

This morning I'm driving to Portage for our monthly Craft Day, and I'm taking along a wool needle felting kit to work on. We were all asked to bring a project for needle felting, so mine is a small red fox. I'm not sure how far we'll get with it, but I can always finish it once I get home.

After our morning of crafting, we'll be celebrating Annabelle's Birthday with a tea party. Belle is Adrienne's daughter (generation four of my friendship with Linda's family). I'm not sure whether or not I should bring a tea party hat, so I'm going to take one along, just in case. I'm planning to wear a dress, too, which (in light of the current weather) I may come to regret. Fingers crossed that's not the case.

I'd love to stay longer and chat, but I don't want to be late. I hope you have a lovely Saturday and Sunday, and I'll be back on Monday with all sorts of news to share.

Coming In February...

 

 

Some of the new fabrics for 2023 Brynwood creations arrived today. These will become wallets, organizers, handbags. travelers and totes. New items will be completed in January, with some appearing in my online shop. The rest will be featured in my booth in February at the Wisconsin Quilt Show.

Grammie's Jammies are completed, and waiting to be gifted to our grandchildren. I'll share photos of them on Monday, when they'll be in the hands of their recipients. We start celebrating today. Decorations going up, and goodies baking in the kitchen.

Safe Travels and Holiday Blessings to all my Brynwood family. I'm so grateful for all of you!