Visitors To The Farm...

Susan and Me

Sunday was a perfect day here at the farm. The weather was sunny and warm, and the breezes moved through the house as they have for the past century.

My dear friend, Susan Slaton (of Wazoo Quilter) arrived in the afternoon with her daughter, Jennifer and friend, Georgia. Susan is a Wisconsin girl that I met when we were both quilt guild members in Florida, and I've written about her and our friendship before. She moved to Georgia a year or two before I moved back to Wisconsin. I hadn't seen her for at least two years, and she was in Wisconsin to see family and friends. I'm so glad seeing me was on her agenda while she was here.

I gave her a tour of the farmhouse, a few Hickory Hill Farm treats and we were able to just sit and catch up for a little while. (Susan gave me a lovely memento of her vacation here, too.) Her daughter, Jenny, is delightful and a carbon copy of her mama. She still lives in Wisconsin, about an hour from me.

Georgia, also a Wisconsin resident, went with Susan and Jenny to a James Taylor/Bonnie Raitt concert on Saturday night, so we talked about that. James Taylor's drummer is Steve Gadd - a favorite of Handsome and mine. She told me that he'll be performing with Taylor/Raitt at Summerfest this week. That may be just enough to get us to this year's festival in Milwaukee! We have to check our schedules right away.

Of course, there were more pictures during our visit. Tag is going to talk about them tomorrow, too. I'm pretty sure he and Bella were as sad to see them leave as I was! I'm so glad that Susan took time out of her schedule because she's one of my favorite people, and I'll look forward to seeing her again.

Working On "Twilight Garden" Blocks

After Susan, Georgia and Jenny left, I went up to the studio to start working on my Summer Block of the Week project from Primitive Gatherings. I began by cutting twelve blocks from the beautiful blue/gray flannel fabric. This will be the background for all my blocks.

"Twilight Garden" Wools

 

I also traced the design placement onto Swedish Tracing Paper. Some of the participants in this project used plexiglas (or their square plexi rulers) and a dry-erase marker to trace their layouts, but I don't have either large enough to do that (yet). A benefit is that all you have to do is clean off the plexiglas and you can trace the next design. Until I get a piece of plexiglas large enough to trace my design, I'm going to use the tracing paper.

 

These are examples of the wools that will be used to create the designs for my blocks. Each kit I receive in future weeks will include the wools for that weeks' block. I'll continue working on mine  during the week. In fact, tomorrow I'll be with the ladies from the Primitive Gatherings Sit & Sew group, so I'm sure I'll see more of these kits in progress. They'll be motivation to get busy with mine!

 

Around The World Blog Hop...

 Hello, Blog Hoppers! I'm a little late posting this for today, but Taggart (aka "Tag") would like to welcome you if you're new to Brynwood Needleworks.

 I'd like to thank our good blog friend,  Sharon Chapman of Wildflowerhouse for inviting me to join in the Around The World Blog Hop.

 Thanks also to Barbara Lilian in France  who organized the Around The World Blog Hop.   I have been a huge fan of Sharon's blog and her incredible artwork since I first began following blogs in early 2009, and I continue to look to her for daily creative inspiration. Thank you, my friend, for inviting me to join this fun event. Now, on to the rest of my assignment...    In case you're new to Brynwood Needleworks, I'll tell you just a little about me and what I like to do in my south Florida, USA studio.

I'm a wife to an incredibly talented, retired photographer, who has been

a musician all his life. (We've been married thirty years!) Now, he gets  to play (percussion) to his heart's content, and I am always his #1 fan.    We travel all over the country for his musical pursuits and performances  in our 27' Airstream Flying Cloud. We live a happy, blessed life, indeed.

 I used to own a needlework shop in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin in the late 1980s until the mid-1990s, called "Stitches". At that time, I also designed counted thread samplers and sold my designs as Brynwood Needleworks.

 Although I no longer sell those designs, I have and will always be a needleworker first and foremost. You might be able to find some of my charts available online, and you can check out my sidebar link to see them.

Many babies have worn my custom Christening gowns.

My creative process begins with creating heirloom-quality items. 

I made all the gowns for my niece's wedding.

 I began sewing when I was eleven, and have made garments for years. I then  moved to handwork, and have enjoyed embroidery (needlepoint, crewel  embroidery and counted thread work), knitting and crocheting over the years.    I learned early on that I'd rather spend my time creating things that  will outlast me and be cherished by those who come after me.

One of my recent quilt projects

These days, you'll most likely find me in the studio creating quilts, handbags,  and home decor items. As we move toward Christmas, I share my gift list  and my creative process as I work toward my holiday giving deadlines. So  far, I haven't missed getting them out on time! I'm already starting to put it  together and I usually start November 1st. I'm getting anxious to begin!   I try to spend some time in my studio every single day. I have what I refer to as a "creative imperative"...I need to have my mind and hands busy working on something all the time. When I'm not able to work, I'm thinking about what will be my next project. I can't help myself.

 Oh, and I adore everything 'acorn and oak leaves". From my 25 year old  logo to dishes and silverware and fabrics. You can see some of my acorn collection by clicking on this link, or you'll find acorns all throughout my blog  if you look for them. Funny how one small thing can make me so happy!

 

One of my favorite quotes is attributed to William Rutherford: "The way to use life is to do something that outlasts it." It's something I've internalized and have tried to live every day. Thanks, Sharon, for inviting me to join the blog hop.   I hope all of you enjoy exploring my blog. I'd love to hear from you!   Now... I'd like to introduce you to two of my blog friends. I know these ladies  personally, so I know you'll love them as much as I do! They will be joining the hop with their blog posts next Monday (September 29th).

Susan Slaton of Wazoo Quilting is an award winning quilter and longarm quilter extraordinaire.  She belongs to our quilt guild, and I'm fortunate to call her my friend. Check out her blog HERE to see what she's been up to.

I'd also love for you to meet my (camera-shy) talented and funny friend, Loreen of Miss Loreen's Schoolhouse Loreen designs quilts and other projects, and she loves teaching others her craft. Her blog is loaded with projects, patterns and fabric goodness. Loreen and I have been good friends for about ten years.  She moved back north and I still miss her every day! Check out her blog HERE to see what's on her design board.   Remember, these ladies will post for the Hop on their blogs next Monday! Tag writes his own blog posts on Tuesdays, so I hope you'll stop in to see him.   Next time you visit, make a cup of tea and stay a while.  There's something new going on at Brynwood Needleworks every day. 

Retreat Recap...

I couldn't end my trip without posting photographs of some of the fabulous

 quilts created by my friends. There were so many beautiful quilt tops sewn

 together over the past three days - and not all were the group project pattern.

Alice made this stunning quilt top. She was set up on the table behind me, so

I got to watch her work on it. Alice is also the new owner of Prissy! Since I

brought my new Crescendo home, I've been trying to find a new home for

my hardworking, reliable Prissy. I took her to use at the retreat and let 

everyone know that she was "adoptable". Alice played with her and decided

to take her home with her. I'm really thrilled that they have found each other.

This is the quilt top my "roomie", Melinda finished. She started this top a few

years ago and decided that fall was the perfect time to complete her UFO.

I think it turned out lovely. She was right...it was time she finished this one.

Betty is one of my friends from the guild. She always makes colorful 

quilts and this one is no exception. I love her black and red poppy quilt.

I'll look forward to Show and Tell at the guild when she's got it all done!

My friend (and retreat hostess), Susan Slaton of Wazoo Quilts made

this quilt from a precut pack of batiks that a number of the women

bought when we went shopping. She'll add borders and her stellar

longarm skills to this pretty patchwork to create a stunning new quilt.
I wouldn't be surprised if she had it finished by the weekend!

This is Paulie's black and white version of the retreat project

"Jelly Roll Jam II" (free pattern from Fat Quarter Shop. Love it!

Here's Sandi's version in fall and jewel-toned batiks. Yummy!

This quilt is really elegant. Gladys chose a soft, soothing palette for her design.

This is my new pal, Linda Macklin. She made this project quilt using

fall-colored, ACORN-themed fabrics! Squeee! I threatened to abscond

with this beauty. It reminded me of Wisconsin whenever I walked past it.

(You may think she's smiling at the camera, but she was just taunting me!)

I first met Dawna at the Sebring retreat I attended last year at the 

Kenilworth Inn. Remember, there were four "Donna"s and one Dawna?

There were only two Donnas and one Dawna at this one. hee hee

I like how she arranged her six-piece blocks from light to darks. It made

for a completely different effect for the blocks. It's very spring-like, too!

  My last picture to share with you is the official "roommates" photo of me with my new friend, Melinda. I really enjoyed getting to know her and  sharing this retreat in her company. Until we see each other at a future retreat or quilt show...Wishing all "Happy Quilting and Happy Hearts".

Guild Night...

Pauline's Scrappy Quilt

 Last night was our monthly guild meeting, and I took lots of photos.

I'm going to share my favorites today, but you'll see more creations later.

 

 Our member, Jettie, has a friend who pieces her quilts up north and

sends them south to be quilted by Susan Slaton. This is one of the 

two shared by Jettie last night before she ships them back to her

northern friend. I really liked the blocks and the color play on this one.

 This was the other one Jettie showed for her friend. The circles

are hand appliqued'. You know I love this one, don't you? I might

have to file this idea away to make one for myself. So much fun!

 Marti showed the result of a recent art quilt class she took.

It's a wonderful little piece, and I really hope she'll make more

like this one. I think she's found her niche. I love the colors, too.

I don't know if I've said this before or not, but I really enjoy being

a member of our Disconnected Piecers Quilt Guild. Our members

are so talented, and we really become friends. They're a great group

of beautiful women. As I said, I took lots of pictures. Every quilt was

a work of love by its creator. These are just a very few. More later.

I hope your day is filled with happy moments and creative endeavors.

Thanks for visiting. I'll be back tomorrow.

Busy Packing...

Some of the projects I'm taking along to complete

 When we used to live in Wisconsin, the time leading up to deer hunting 

season each fall was as sacred an activity as the actual hunt. Hunters

spend weeks preparing their gear, planning their strategy and packing.

I found a similarity between the pre-hunt planning and my activities today.

I'm getting ready for a three-day quilting retreat with some of my friends.

It's been organized by Susan Slaton of Wazoo Quilter. She does four of

these retreats per year, and this will be the first one I'm going to attend.

One of my quilt projects for the retreat

I'm taking a quilt kit that I assembled as one of my projects, and I still have one

more to prep (it's supposed to be a "quick and easy" project Susan will share). 

I'm also packing a couple of handwork projects just in case I decide to sit back

and stitch into the evenings. I have sleeves to sew into the backs of the quilts

I'm entering in our upcoming quilt show, tablet cases to finish and even new

potholders I need to make for our kitchen! I'll finish my bunny table runner, too.

A new pincushion to make at retreat

I'll be away from home from Sunday until Wednesday evening. 

Handsome said he and Tag are "still deciding whether or not they'll let 

me go at all". I'll continue to pack, assuming that they won't block the 

driveway so I can't leave. Of course, he's kidding, but it's a sweet game 

we play. After all, it's not that far away...only an hour or so up to Sebring.

Most importantly, my dear husband will be just fine while I'm gone. 

He's not one of those guys who can't thrive on his own. He rocks!

Today, I'll be at Sandy's for Coffee Club, and then come back to finish 

packing. I've got a list and everything! What are you doing this weekend?

May I Have Your Attention, Please...

DPQG 2014 "American Treasures" Album Raffle Quilt

I can finally show you more photographs of the completed applique' quilt for

the 2014 Disconnected Piecers Quilt Guild Show. This is a queen size quilt

and it will be raffled at our show in February 2014. Imagine this...one lucky

winner will take this home with them (or have it shipped to them) after the show!

This is the block I designed and stitched myself.

Susan's custom quilting really made this quilt come to life. She does 

truly incredible work, and it's so perfect for all the handwork that went 

into each and every block that was a part of this heirloom-quality piece.

One of my very favorite blocks.

I don't think this album quilt would be complete without the eagle.

(Of course, I love the acorns, too!)

Another favorite...

This block makes me smile. I love how Susan quilted the sky

behind the lighthouse, and the lobsters were expertly created, too.

Of course, I have to show you the alligator block!

Can you almost taste the oranges, feel the sunshine and hear the sea?

It really doesn't take much imagination.

If you'd like to see all of the blocks and special features lovingly and 

expertly stitched into this piece, you can go to the Flickr album I created.

Just click here to see more. 

These are not the "official photographs", which will be taken soon for our

advertising images, but I just couldn't wait any longer to share them with you.

I began this quilt journey in August 2012. I am in awe of the dedication and 

talent of all the women who helped to create this masterpiece - and that we

completed it in a mere eight months! Thank you, everyone!

Our raffle tickets will be printed soon and I'll make them available for 

anyone who is interested in a chance to win the quilt. More details soon.

 For now, I'm just going to crow about my incredible quilting friends.

It's Almost Finished...

Photo courtesy of Susan Slaton - Wazoo Quilter

Susan posted these photos on our guild Facebook page yesterday, so I immediately 

asked her for permission to use them to share with you on my blog. She was kind 

enough to agree. I'm so excited to be able to share these photographs with you!

Susan is also from Wisconsin, so the first picture she posted was of the Wisconsin block.

I'm so pleased with the way this block turned out...and a little proud that it's the one

that I designed and created myself. I know I'll be doing this block again for my own quilt.

Photo courtesy of Susan Slaton - Wazoo Quilter

Susan took this photograph to show how she did the stitching between the blocks.

Isn't it wonderful how it camouflages the seams (sans sashing) between each one?

PERFECT!!!

Photo courtesy of Susan Slaton - Wazoo Quilter

Susan even added a few surprise touches within some of the blocks. Look how she

stitched a flower blossom that matches the bloom in the Iowa basket! She's so creative.

Photo courtesy of Susan Slaton - Wazoo Quilter

This is the custom quilting that Susan created for each of the four "empty" blocks 

in each corner. Don't you agree that they are "stand-alone" gorgeous!

Photo courtesy of Susan Slaton - Wazoo Quilter

Susan took this photograph when she took a break for lunch. 

Of course, I teased her. Lunch? "You stopped quilting for lunch?" I can only imagine

the physical and mental concentration that goes into creating this kind of work.

I'd have to lie down for half the day (at least)! lol

Photo courtesy of Susan Slaton - Wazoo Quilter

This is the final picture from Susan to share with you today. She hasn't done any 

quilting on the piano keys yet in this photo, but she's finished the outer border. Don't 

you want to just FAINT? I'm telling you. I could weep looking at how much Susan's 

work adds to the quilt. It makes me want to start all over and make another one for 

myself...almost. I think I'll wait until next year to do another. But rest assured. 

I am going to make another.

Please be sure to visit Susan's blog, Wazoo! Newsbits. 

She posts all of her projects on her blog each week and I can assure you that she's one 

crazy, busy lady! Just click here to visit, and please let her know I invited you to visit.