I Think I Will...

Brynwood Needleworks - Acorn Applique' Project

 

When I was still in Florida, I taught a basic hand applique' class at Crazy Quilters quilt shop in Venice, Florida. Of course, I designed something with acorns and oak leaves for the class project, and my piece is still unstitched. I came across it when I was sorting through some of my teaching materials.

I've decided to do the hand applique' stitching, add some embroidery, square it up to 6-1/2", and add it to my Farmer's Wife quilt. I'll be working on this in the next couple of days, in between homekeeping and caretaking. I'll share it again when it's completed.

Working On A New Idea...

Brynwood Needleworks - Acorn Idea In Progress

I've had an idea in my head for a while. I'm doing a little needle dancing, while I perfect my process. I'll show you when it's finished.

Brynwood Needleworks - Embroidering The Acorn

 

Even if I doesn't "work", it's always fun playing with needle and thread. 

 

Thanks for your comments this week. I'm still trying to reset my comments section to include a "reply" box under each individual comment, so I can reply directly to you. (If you know someone who does this, I'd love to have the help!)

 

My doctor appointment went well, and I'm in fine health. This was a consult for a minor procedure, but nothing to worry about. I really appreciate your concern. 

 

Now, about that hickory syrup, Laurie. It's really delicious. It has a nutty flavor - compared to maple syrup - and not quite as sweet. It's made from the shells and/or bark of the tree (I use the shells), which contributes to its unique flavor. I've been making it for a couple years, now, and finally have it perfected. Once I have it bottled and labeled, I'll let you know. I sell it in my Etsy shop, and directly, for anyone interested in getting a bottle of my "liquid gold".  

So, I have a fun, but busy weekend planned. There's always something to do here, so I'm never bored...and I sleep like a rock at the end of the day. I'm always hoping you're content and satisfied with your days when your head hits the pillow each night. 

Wishing you a great weekend.

Look What I Found...

Kewaskum School Fund Raisers

 

I found these in the grocery store in Kewaskum, Wisconsin (where my friend, Wendi lives). I was killing a little time waiting for a break in her work schedule, so I stopped in the grocery store to see about picking up some things we needed back at home.

As I walked in the front door of the store, there was a big board filled with cards like these with various leaves and acorns on them. They're made of clay, by school kids from the Kewaskum School District, and they're being sold to support the local community food bank. 

This is a brilliant idea to teach the act of giving to the kids, and it benefits people in need. Of course, I didn't hesitate to get the acorn magnet, created by Hoyt (grade 4), and the oak leaf pin, made by Osmaror (no grade given).

I'm going to make cards (using single images of each of these pins) to send back to the school to let these kids know how much I love what they're doing, and how wonderful I think their creations are. I know, if I had made them, I'd love the feedback. In fact, I may have to go back to get a few more to give as gifts!

Speaking of gifts...Don't forget to leave a comment on my 3500th Post Giveaway for a chance to win a gift for yourself! Just click on the above image (located on my right sidebar) to go to the giveaway post. Only comments left there will count for the drawing. Good luck!

My Latest Find...

Brynwood Needleworks - Acorn Egg Cup

 

When visiting my online friend, Susan Pilotto's, FaceBook page recently, I saw something that caught my eye in the background of one of her photographs. (I'd share, but didn't ask for permission prior to writing this post.)

She has a beautiful new piece that she's working on, and in the background was a pincushion that started its life as an egg cup. Hers is a beautiful blue and white china cup (which I'll find someday, too), but as I searched for one online, I came across this one!

What would make a more perfect egg cup pincushion for me than one with acorns, oak leaves and bittersweet all around it? I didn't think twice. I immediately purchased it, and it arrived in yesterday's post. 

 

I'm going to find the perfect shade of hand dyed wool to make my own pincushion insert for it. It may take a while, and I may wait until after I get back to the farm to work on it, but it's going to be a fun project.  I'm just tickled to have it for my new studio!

Willodel Whimsy...

Brynwood Needleworks - Willodel Birdhouse

I finally have a beautiful Willodel creation. My large birdhouse recently arrived and it was everything I hoped it would be. Lucinda Macy is the creative mind behind these beautiful, whimsical pieces, and everything she makes is fabulous.

Brynwood Needleworks - Willodel Birdhouse Detail

I'm sure you've noticed some of the details already, but here are a few of my favorite touches. There is a tiny acorn embellishment at the roof peak, that's a handcarved piece. The main body of the birdhouse is a wonderful aspen, that's silky smooth to the touch.

Brynwood Needleworks - Willodel Birdhouse Detail

 

There's also an acorn cap that serves as a little light fixture at the front door. While all the little adornments combine for a sweet, but so functional, birdhouse. It's sealed and sturdy for outdoor use, with a cleanout door in the bottom to get it ready for the next nesting season. Now, to decide where I can place it (in a sheltered spot) at the farm.

Brynwood Needleworks - Willodel Product Tag

If you've never seen Lucinda's creations, you'll want to click (HERE). You'll love her magical perspective.

 

Disclaimer: I have, in no way, been compensated for my post about Willodel...although I wouldn't turn down such compensation from her wonderful studio, if offered. 

My Leaves And Acorns...

Brynwood Needleworks - Custom Logo Fabric

I'm so excited that my custom fabric arrived! It features the acorn and oak leaf element from my Brynwood logo. This logo has been my identity for the past thirty plus years. These are my leaves and acorns. They're a part of me...like an old friend.

Brynwood Needleworks - Custom Logo Fabric

Good ol' Spoonflower came through with flying colors. I had my design(s) printed on organic cotton sateen, and I love its quality and hand...soft and smooth. I chose these two colors on purpose. They'll be perfect for my planned projects.

Brynwood Needleworks - Logo Embroidery

Destiny and I got together yesterday and she helped me scan my logo elements to create custom embroideries, too. (Have I told you how much I love my Babylock Destiny?) I'm in awe of what this machine can do for me!

Brynwood Needleworks - Logo Embroidery

 

Today will be the day I put all my ideas together. I'm nervous...and excited. I'll be sharing with you because I'll want your feedback. I may even put a poll into my sidebar so you can actually vote your opinion!

 

Please come back tomorrow and you'll see what I've been working on. Wish me luck, okay?

  

Staging Fabrics For The Week...

 

NOTE: This post originally appeared yesterday (Tuesday). I was reminded 

by The Corgi, that I had neglected to put up his "Tuesdays With Tag" post. 
Sooo, I took this one down, put up his TWT post and moved this one to today.
Apologies for any confusion. Corgi is happy again. All is right with the world. 

I've pulled three different fabric assortments together for my next project(s).

Time to make more Classmate organizers!

My favorite personal Classmate went to live with my pal, Carol of Serendipity, 

so I need to make a new one just like it. She was so smitten with mine, that

 I had to relent and let her have it. I know just how much she appreciates it, too.

So, I've chosen the exact same fabrics, and when I'm finished we'll have matching

pieces! I'm going to have to make another sewing machine cover to match, too.

This is the assortment I've chosen for two other organizers I'll be making.

One will use the lilac print, sewing tools print and the green fabric for binding.

The other will use the lilac print, text print and purple fabric for binding.

I'm thinking that I'll make little zippered bags out of the plaid fabric.

These are a few of those fabrics that I've been "saving". If you sew or quilt,

you know what I'm talking about, girlfriends. If you're not careful, they migrate

to Permanent Stash status...those fabrics you never want to cut into or use.

I have too many fabrics to be stingy with them, so I'm just going to take a deep

breath, roll my rotary cutter and snip, snip scissors into these. Use 'em up, I will!

Last winter, I made an organizer in this fabric for my friend, Fay. She and I 

both love French General fabrics, so I made hers with this assortment.  In fact,

I liked that organizer so much, I'm going to make it again...maybe for myself.

I'll be opening up my assembly line again...fusing stabilizer and batting, 

cutting and assembling. It will be a repeat of my process for Christmas 2013. 

It takes just as much physical effort, but doing the same thing over and over 

makes for less brain work. I'm looking forward to it. It's going to be fun, in fact!

Just A Little Giggle...

Web Image - Bloomers Garden Center

Sometimes it's just good to post something cute or funny. Those who know me well will get this. My BFF posted it on my Facebook page yesterday. Thanks for the giggle, Lee.

Have a great weekend!

A Corgi Ornament...

I received a Christmas package from my blog bestie, Shell at The Raspberry Rabbits. It came as a surprise, and when I opened the package I actually started to cry!

Staring up at me was this gorgeous, glass corgi to hang on my tree, and then reside year-round in the studio.

I mean...Look at this face!!

Shell included one of her annual handcrafted cards (I smile when I get those bunnies each year!), and to keep my corgi ornament safe, she also sent along a soft, felted wool acorn ornament.

How good was I this past year to have received these special gifts from my beautiful friend? I know my corgi friends are all going to want one, but this one is mine and I'll treasure it forever.

Thank you, dear Shell. You really hit the mark on the head when you chose my gifts this year. Sending long distance hugs filled with gratitude for you!

Let The Merriment Commence...

If you know me, you know that I'm really silly about my Birthday. (See? I capitalized the word "Birthday".) I consistently s-t-r-e-t-c-h out the celebration of my BIG day every year. In that spirit, it's time for the merriment to commence.

The celebration officially began last Saturday when a package arrived from my friend, Denise in Vermont. Denise always includes Vermont maple treats in her surprise packages, and this year was no exception. Two sweet maple lollipops in the shape of maple leaves are always a welcome treat!

A cute Corgi Birthday card was included, with a much appreciated message from my dear and generous friend.

Denise also sent a box that revealed these perfect little pewter acorns. Danforth Pewter is located in Vermont! Two are buttons and one is a tac pin.

As soon as I realized that it was a pin, I knew where it would reside. This is the quilted name tag I made to wear to our Disconnected Piecers Quilt Guild meetings. Now, whenever anyone asks about the acorn, I can proudly tell them that it was a gift from my friend in Vermont.

Thank you, Denise (and Neil). I love everything! I promise I'll share the lollipops with Handsome. He just loves that maple candy you send to me him. I'm so grateful for your gifts - but much more grateful for your friendship. Sending warm and grateful hugs your way.

So, it's official. Let's see how long I can stretch out the celebration this year.  I think I'll host a giveaway on my actual birthdate. You'll have to keep track all week to find out more! Don't you love surprises? (giggling) I do, too.

Oh, No! More Sweet Acorns...

Just because I can't eat them right now is 

no good reason to keep the recipe to myself! 

ACORN Donut Holes!!!

Sizza at Six In The Suburbs has shared a recipe for these sweet treats, so click here if you want to snag the recipe for yourself.

I know. I know. You're welcome. (How can a donut "hole" possibly have a single calorie?)

Homemaking...

We all have different ways of making our houses homes, and making those we love feel cared for. I love it when I can spend a minimal amount of time to end up with something that has a big impact. It gives me a sense of accomplishment.

I was in the studio only for a few hours (total) over the weekend, but I ended up with four new sets of napkins for the Flying Cloud. I know, this is nothing big, but when you're traveling and eating dinner on the road, it makes one feel a bit more civilized. It feels more like "home".

Each napkin is two-sided with my signature acorn label on the side. They measure 12 1/2" square (but if I'm making them for the house, I think I'll upsize them to 14" or 16"). There are four napkins per set.

Some of the patterns are whimsical and some are more realistic. I really love the palm trees, but aren't these sea creatures cute, too?

Each napkin has a backing fabric that complements the main fabric. I think this vibrant aqua dot was just a perfect choice. It reminds me of the turtles on the front.

This fabric is one of the newest additions to my stash. Palm trees, sandpipers, seashells and sailboats. Could anything be more perfect for someone living in Florida? (And it coordinates with the plain palm tree fabric in the first set, so if there are more than four people at the table, I can mix and match!)

 

This set has a sand/beach theme on the back with seashells, sand dollars and other items you might find in the sand on our Florida beaches.

Of course, because there's such a strong music theme on the Flying Cloud already, I needed to make one more set using a little of my favorite Rhapsody of Grace fabric (I did manage to find four more yards when all of you helped me with my search!)...

backed with a one that reminds me of the feather quilting so popular on finished quilts. I think this just may be the quilting pattern I choose for the Farmers Wife quilt (when we're finally at that point).

I'm thinking of making some up as gifts for a few family members this year in their favorite colors/themes. I've been thinking about adding some of these napkin sets to the Boutique, too. What do you think?

Gifts From Near and Far...

In August, I wrote a post about biscornus (see here). My friend, Marrianne in New Zealand said that she couldn't believe her eyes, but didn't tell me why. She sent me an email to let me know she'd be sending a package (without divulging the contents), so I told her we were traveling and would be back home in September.

Marrianne and I became long-distance friends on Ravelry, and we were partners in a swap through one of the groups. Our Ravelry swap was to include something from our area and information about where we live, so I sent her a postcard explaining shrimp boils and added a canister of Old Bay Seasoning with her other gifts. Turns out she and her husband love the Old Bay, so that's what I usually add to her packages.

She included a bag of special treats from Down Under along with her other surprises and ever since, she always adds those lovely Pineapple Lumps (dehydrated pineapple covered with chocolate!) in my packages. I'm so glad because I really love them!

Imagine my surprise when I opened her latest package to find a stunning acorn biscornu tucked in with the other items. I now know that this is what she had just finished as I wrote my post about them. Gosh, Marrianne! Yours is so gorgeous. I love how you stitched beads into the seam. I'm going to have to keep stitching these until my joins are as perfect as yours!

Of course, she added Pineapple Lumps, but also another chocolate delicacy called Feijoa, loose tea (one of her favorite blends), a piece of her favorite Kiwi fabric (fashioned after a plant in NZ  that sports stunning blooms in time for Christmas each year), and one more little treasure...

She included a tiny carved acorn with a removable lid, and when I opened the lid (Marrianne told me the acorn cap came off)...

I found ten knitting stitch markers inside! What a clever idea for stowing those timy markers, and there's enough room inside for me to add more, too!

Thank you, Marrianne. I so appreciate your generosity and thoughtfulness. Having added a few pounds over the summer, I'm on a "no sweets" food plan right now, so I've hidden those chocolate treats away for a little while. I'll have to hurry and reach my goal so that I can pull those treats out and enjoy every delicious bite!

Now that I'm back home, I'm going to have fun putting together another package for you and Russel. I'll let you know when it's on its way!

I'm so blessed to have my blog friends. I was surprised by a second package today, too. My Missouri friend, Shirley of Shirley Stitches sent me a crocheted "loofa" scrubber. The girls at Panera's make these and I've kept my mouth shut about really wanting one of them. I was tickled to see one from Shirley!

There was also a blue tissue-wrapped package that I couldn't wait to open. See, I know that Shirley makes these vintage tea towels and I've always left a comment for her when she writes about them on her blog. (Of course, I never asked for one, though.)

She sent two of them to me! A little embroidered chick wearing a raincoat and little boots, and the lovely embroidered sewing birds. Each stitch placed by her loving hands. My very own vintage-looking tea towels!

Dear Shirley, I can't tell you how much your adorable gifts touched my heart. I'm going to think of you every time I use them. Thank you so much for thinking of me and gifting me with one three of my heart's desires.

If anyone would like to purchase some of Shirley's tea towels (or other stitched creations), you can visit her shop, Shirleystitches at Etsy. Visiting her shop reminds me of visiting my grandma. She always had kitchen towels with the days of the week on them. Shirley's handwork really takes me back to my childhood.

Thank you again, Shirley. Love, love, love your gifts! I'm so grateful that you thought of me. xoxo Now, don't expect any packages from me in the near future, OK? I mean, really. How can it be a surprise if you're expecting it? (giggle)