Finished Feather Hoops and A Guest...

Bluebird Feather Hoops

I finished finished the bluebird feathers yesterday and took pictures to share with you. I've done eight in all, and they'll be flying to new homes soon. The hoops each measure 3-1/2" in diameter.

Back of Bluebird Feather Hoops

Once they were completed, I backed each with muslin and rehooped them. Then, I gathered and secured them in the smaller part of the hoop to be sure they wouldn't loosen. I assembled the hoop and added ribbons and the bluebird verse from the Blackbird Designs selvage to each one.

Bluebird Feather Hoops Detail

Here's a closeup of one of the hoops to show you the verse, which I printed on vellum. I used enough thread to attach it that the recipient can have the option to either keep the verse in front or slide it around to the back. I'm quite happy with how they turned out!

Hickory Hill Farm Brown Creeper

Wednesday morning, I was making our bed when I heard a bird strike the window. One of the cats immediately jumped toward the pane hoping to "get it", but I quickly shooed her away from the window so I could see if the bird was okay.

What I saw was this little bird (I'd never seen one like it before), sitting on the window sill, obviously stunned and blinking. Once I made sure the cats were out of the room, I carefully opened the window, put my hands outside and picked up the wee thing. 

I stroked it and warmed it in my hand for at least ten minutes, letting it regain its senses, and it finally flew off. Then I went to my Facebook friends to see if anyone knew what kind of bird it was.

The response came quickly from one of my Portage friends. Linda P. told me it's called a Brown Creeper. They're small woodland songbirds native to Wisconsin. They have long tails that support them as the cling to the bark of trees in search of grubs and bugs that reside in the bark. Their long beaks help them reach in to extract tasty morsels for food.

While it was in my hand, I took photos from all angles to help me remember just what it looks like up close. You know that I'll be adding this one to my list of future bird embroideries! I'm telling you, holding it in my hand was like cradling a little miracle. I've never seen one before, but certainly will be looking for them in the future!

Four More Finished Feathers...

Well, technically, they're not finished until they're finished. I still have to put the backing muslin on them, cinch them into the hoop, attach the felt back, ribbons and verses. Then, they'll be finished.

It was dangerously cold outside yesterday, but sunny, so it was a perfect day to plop myself in front of my favorite window and stitch the day away.

Today, I'll be going back to work. We'll see how that goes. I'm feeling much better, and I'm not gasping for air when I walk around, so I think I'll be fine. Even so, I'm planning to come home, change into my sweats and share a meal with Handsome that my coworker Teresa prepared in the store before I bring it home. I don't want to work all day (my first day back), and then come home and make dinner, too!

It's good to have a plan. Don't you think? See you tomorrow. 

What I'm Working On...

Feather Ornaments

I'm making feather ornaments right now. I have a few more to do before they fly off to new homes. They can have cording attached to make ornaments, they can hang from hooks on the wall, sit on small easels, or whatever the recipient decides.

Once these are finished and mailed, I'm going to create a few new Something Blue Wedding Brooches, and then update my Etsy shop. I think it's time for a sale, don't you? I'm going to plan a big one for Valentine's Day. My goal is to sell out the current inventory, and then add a lot of new things after that. I'll be a little busy with that for a while, but you know I have to continue with my needlework! 

Oh, and I need a new word for the new year. I'll be contemplating something I can put into action right away. I'll debut my new word on New Years' Day. 

For now, I'm off to work, so I'll be back tomorrow with another update. 

My Restful Weekend Project...

One gathering complete, and the other (with Son #2's family) won't be until mid-January. It's hard to wrangle everyone's schedule, but we'll figure it out!

So this weekend, I'm going to do a wee bit of stitching. I have something special in mind, because I have a few gifts left to make. This will be the perfect time to do that. Nothing like a little restful needlework to round out the holiday weekend. 

Monday is special for Handsome and me. It's our wedding anniversary, so I want to have this project finished well before then in case he has plans for us. I'm confident it will be done in plenty of time.

I hope you're all planning a relaxing weekend, too. I'm sure we're not the only ones who slept in a little later this morning. I'll see you again Monday.

Completely Done...

"Summer Serenade - Bluebirds" Label

The label is now affixed, and the smaller sleeve has been replaced with a four inch sleeve featuring the selvage from the bluebird fabric.

"As long as there are bluebirds, there will be miracles."

I sewed the selvage to the sleeve before I assembled it. Then I hand sewed it to the back of the wall hanging.

Now that I've done those things, my bluebird wall hanging is completely done. The three seasonal bird pieces will hang together until a fourth season - American goldfinches for autumn - joins them. 

I may do a pair of black-capped chickadees before the goldfinches. There are a number of these sweet birds who wait for me to fill the feeders every winter. They're usually about a foot over my head when I trudge through the snow to bring their food. I'll say, "Chicka dee dee dee", and those little birds chirp right back at me! I'll really have fun doing them!

Well, it's time to begin my gift sewing now. Best get back to the studio! See you tomorrow.

I'm Going To Do It!...

Selvage From Moda's Bluebird's Nest Fabric - Kansas City Quilters

I'm going to add a wider hanging sleeve to my bluebird wall hanging. It should have been 4" deep, and I only made it 3". sigh Anyway, I don't mind one bit, as I'm going to take MA's steller suggestion and add the selvage from the Bluebird's Nest fabric and sew it onto the sleeve before I attach it. 

This sleeve will be a permanent installation on the quilt - even after I have it mounted into a shadowbox frame. It's fitting that the selvage be a part of the piece. Thanks for the idea, MA!

Work went well yesterday, and I was well settled in at home before the snow started. We're expecting 1-3", and it's going to be cold. Those are perfect conditions for studio work.

So, at this point, here's my Christmas Project list (so far):

• Grammie's Jammies x 3
• 3 table runners
• 2 goldwork brooches
• 3 lap quilts

I'll be starting these projects today, and will share them with you as I complete them. (I'll probably share sneaky peeks along the way, too.) I'm off until Friday night, so I expect to make some good progress by then.

Of course, there will be 6 - 8 dozen cookies made, too. I'm planning to bake on Saturday for the Sunday get-together. I'm determined to have this be a relaxing process this year. No panic. No stress. If it's not going to be fun, I'll do something else. There's always Amazon, right?

First is this sleeve for the bluebirds. Then on to the next thing! See you tomorrow.

One To Go...

Don't Mind The Resident Moocher

As requested, I'm sharing photographs of all three wall hangings together. Of course, I'll rearrange when I complete the autumn wall hanging in 2026, but this is how I've arranged these three for now.

Robins and Cardinals were hanging in my studio until I moved them into our bedroom. Now, I'll see them when I wake up in the morning, and last thing before bed.

Handsome thinks I should consider having custom shadowbox frames with UV glass made for them. I'm seriously considering it! What do you think?

"Song of Spring - Robins"

"Winter Song - Cardinals"

"Summer Serenade - Bluebirds"

Thanks to everyone for all the lovely and encouraging comments along the way. We'll start again next year, but for now, I'm going to take a break from songbirds and get busy on Christmas projects. I'll have something completely unrelated for next week! See you then.

Come Fly Away...

Brynwood Needleworks Design - "Summer Serenade - Bluebirds"

The quilting is done. The binding is applied, and the hanging sleeve has been sewn to the back. I have to add my label before it's technically complete, but I'm calling is finished now. To say I'm proud of this piece is an understatement. 

Bluebird Print Backing

I started this piece in September 2024, so "Summer Serenade" was fifteen months in the making. Granted, I didn't work on it every single day. Even so, there are hundreds of actual needlework hours in the bluebirds themselves.

I found this beautiful fabric that was a near-perfect color match for the Blackbird Designs Blueberry Crumb Cake line. It's from Moda™ and called Bluebird's Nest by Kansas Troubles Quilters. The selvage has bluebird shapes for the color key, and there is a verse on it, too. It says "As long as there are bluebirds, there will be miracles." I love that. I didn't see my first live bluebird until we moved to the farmhouse, and they delight us every spring when they return.

"Summer Serenade - Bluebirds" Wall Hanging

I really like the final colors and fabric choices that I ended up with here. Everything about it makes me happy. 

Closeup of the Stumpwork Bluebirds on the Wall Hanging

I ordered the stickers of these bluebird embroideries already, so soon I'll offer up the set of the three seasons that are already done...robins, cardinals, and bluebirds. Next year, I'll add my autumn piece featuring American goldfinches. 

For now, I'm going to enjoy this finish, and will be hanging all three in our bedroom where I can see them every day. Once they're installed, I'll take another photograph and so you can see them all together.

Celebratin'...

71st Birthday Web Image

It's official. Today I begin my next trip around the sun. 71 and aiming for 100. Women in my family are long-lived, and I hope to be among them...in time.

I'm going to share my official "71" photo tomorrow (along with my completed bluebirds) rather than today because I have a hair appointment at 4 pm, and I'm a bit frowsy right now. lol I know. It's not like I'm actual royalty or anything. Just ask Handsome.

After I complete the bluebirds, I'm going to rest on my laurels the balance of the day. When I go out for my hair appointment, I intend to return with my actual Birthday cake, too!

I'd love to stay and chat, but bluebirds are impatient. I'll be needle dancing this morning, and then slow dancing with Handsome to one of our favorite songs later this afternoon. If you share my birthdate, let me know! I'd love to celebrate you, too!  See you tomorrow.

Nearly Done...

Freehand Quilting The Bluebirds

I was hard at it yesterday, quilting on my bluebirds. I spent hours quilting a meander pattern around the main block that will highlight my birds.

Border Details

The meandering was the easy part for me. I'm working on the borders now. I've done a straight stitch "in the ditch" (along the seams) for the straight borders. Those were all complete, leaving the half square triangles. By dinner I'd completed two sides of the wall hanging. I have two sides and corner details to do before I've finished the quilting. Once that's done, all that will be left is to trim the excess, bind, attach my hanging sleeve and my label.

I work today, so I know I won't get it all done until tomorrow...My Birthday! It will be a perfect day to finish this piece! Then I can really celebrate!

Fresh From The Hoop...

Completed "Summer Serenade - Bluebirds" Quilt Top

I completed all the embroidery on my bluebird quilt top yesterday. It was my plan to begin assembling the wall hanging in the afternoon, but I got a call from my boss at work asking if I could come in early (which I did). Needless to say, the process stopped here. I took this photograph before I even had a chance to press the hoop marks out of the corners!

Today is Craft Day in Portage, so I'll be away this morning. If Handsome doesn't have some outdoor tasks for us when I get back, I'll begin where I left off on my wall hanging. I'm hoping I can share a completed piece early next week. I'll definitely have it completed by Thanksgiving!

I'm going to make a coffee for my go cup and get on the road. I need to be there by 9 am, and it's about an hour and twenty between here and there. I hope you have a wonderful weekend! Time for me to fly!

It's Here!...

Brynwood Needleworks - "Summer Serenade - Bluebirds" Jelly Roll For Binding

Who would have thought that mail service from Pennsylvania to Wisconsin would take so long, but it's finally here! The jelly roll I need for the binding has arrived. I'm still working on the feathers, but plan to finish them today. 

Quilting the panel will be next on the agenda, and then I can add the binding. That won't all happen today, but it will happen soon. I've promised to share a closeup of the wall hanging when it's finished, and I'll also photograph it with the other two so you can see them the way I do...all together. I'm looking forward to that more than you know. I'm so enamored with this piece.

I'll close for now so I can get back to work. Fun times in my happy place...

Fluffing Feathers Again...

I'm working on the feathers, but only sharing a partially completed one today. I'll have all of them finished by Monday's post.

In addition to doing my needlework, I also made two loaves of bread which Handsome baked after it rose. I needed to take him to pick up his truck which had been at the dealership for two days because something prevented it from even starting, but I didn't want to leave the house with the oven going, so he took over where I left off once he got back home. I went on to work after I dropped him off. I was definitely multi-tasking all day.

Work went really well. We were insanely busy, and I was definitely flitting around until about the last half hour of my shift. It was great though, as the time flew by.

Handsome has a concert in town tomorrow, so he's helping set up at the venue this morning. I'll be working on feathers as soon as I take care of Bella and Carly. My binding fabric should be arriving today, which means that I'll be able to start the assembly process as soon as I finish stitching these corners. I'm going to try to do that this weekend, but with Handsome's concert in the middle of the day, I may not get to it until Monday. We'll just have to see.

Today marks two years since my younger sister, Lyn left us. I'll be checking in with her daughters and my remaining sisters today as we take extra care of each other as we continue to grieve her passing. I just couldn't close out today's post without recognizing the fact that we will always miss her terribly. I know she's rejoicing with our Savior, and knowing we'll be together again some day gives us all a measure of comfort. Our faith carries us when our hearts are hurting. I'll be back on Monday.

Oh, What A Night!...

Brynwood Needleworks - "Summer Serenade - Bluebirds"

As I was assembling the other colorway on Saturday night, I noticed that the measurements I'd written down weren't working. After sewing three borders to the main block, I realized that I'd made a mistake when I cut the ground fabric for the birds. The width was correct, but I hadn't cut down the height. 

I sat for a bit, chatted with my resident sounding board (and excellent analyst, Handsome), and in the end decided to take it all apart and make it right. The work I'd accomplished throughout the day was completely erased. Handsome went to bed, and I painstakingly and carefully removed every stitch of sewing and at last, I was able to cut the block to the correct size. (You'd better believe I checked both of the other two bird hangings to make sure before I got out the ruler and rotary cutter!)

At 3 am Sunday, I re-ironed every strip and even though I probably could have kept working, I decided to pin everything up and start fresh after I slept.

I got up Sunday morning, made coffee while Handsome exercised Bella and Carly. Then I took a shower and started the day fully alert and awake...and raring to start over.

I also decided that there were going to be changes. While I loved the other colors, some of you commented that it looked autumnal. As this piece is called "Summer Serenade", I decided to jetison that colorway and look at it with new eyes. I went back to the fabric room and pulled the original blue/gray/brown colors from my Blackbird Designs "Blueberry Crumb Cake" assortment and previewed other blues, as well. I'm soooo glad I did. There was only one small problem that was soon revealed.

After I fell for the dark tiny floral inner and outer border as the perfect choice - and started the assembly - I realized that I wouldn't have enough of that pattern to use for the backing and binding. The backing was no big deal. I'll use the brown dot batik for the back. The binding will be another issue. 

Today, I'll be going through all my fabrics to see if I have something that will get close to that dark blue print. I'll also be looking on Etsy and other websites to see if I can locate a full quarter or half yard of it to match. I know I'll figure it out, but I'm hoping it will be easy rather than difficult. I'll let you know. I'll also be stitching the additional four feathers onto the main block this week while I figure out the binding.

I hope you love the new colorway as much as I do. Did I surprise you? lol I think it complements the birds and has a more summery vibe. It's nearly finished and I love this one so much! And to think...it only took thirteen months. See you tomorrow!

Half Square Triangles...

Previewing Colors

I created nine different half square triangles in various combinations yesterday, and did a trial layout to see how it might look with my choices. There will only be a half inch of the gold border showing once I sew on the border of half square triangles. In fact, I may make it even narrower than that, so there's just a hint of it. Of course, this set of borders will repeat all around the main block and first two borders.

At this point, I'm thinking I may need a couple more fabric/color combinations for the blocks. The "X"s are where I'll still be stitching larger feathers into each corner. I'll use the same color threads for those feathers as the smaller ones in the hst borders.

Half Square Triangles (HST) Blocks

These will be 1" square after they're assembled. While previewing them, I may decide to add one darker color into the mix for my little blocks...or at least one other combination of different fabrics. I'll play with that today and decide.

I'm enjoying this process and look forward to completing it over the weekend. I hope to hang it with the other two when it's done. The robins and cardinals hang in my studio right now, but I may change their location once the bluebirds are ready to hang. We'll see. I need to get it finished first. Best not to put the horse before the cart, right?

And So It Begins...

First Two Borders For Wall Hanging

I spent the day in the studio assembling the first part of my bluebird wall hanging yesterday. If you've been following along, you may notice that many of my fabric choices changed. I decided to stick with more subtle colors. The batik I showed you will still be used as the outside border and back, but I'm only showing the borders and fabric choices (along the right side) for the half square triangles which will be the next border. I may add a few other appropriate fabrics as I assemble them.

There's a little tension in the fabric where I stitched the fencing, which is a bit disappointing. I tried very hard to keep my fabric taut in the hoop, and not pull too much when I was stitching, but alas, I still have to fine tune my technique. It should disappear when I do the quilting in this area, so I'm not too concerned at this point.

I placed the feathers that will be in the half square triangle bands on the corners of the main block to show you where I've yet to stitch them directly onto the fabric. The feathers on the main block will be larger than the ones you see here, but not significantly bigger. I kept this block the same size as my other two wall hangings (the robins and the cardinals) so their sizes will be consistent. The next one with the goldfinches will be the same, too. I'll stitch in those feathers after the next border is sewn to what's already done.

I got this much finished so far, and today I'll begin making all the half square triangles for the next section. The golden brown border you see here will be the same width as the darker border (1/2") after the next border is added. 

I work tonight, so I'm not sure whether or not I'll get the next border attached today. I'll surely try. Otherwise, I'll get to it asap. I'm sure you can tell now that I'd love to race to the finish line. I just want to make sure I get it right, and that it turns out the way I want it too. 

Oh, just a note. It was a conscious decision to avoid a lot of blues. I really don't want to take anything away from the needlework. What do you think so far? You like the colors I've chosen? Let me know.

What Was Misplaced Is Found

Once again, I was problem solving in my sleep. The night I told you I couldn't locate the last piece of fabric that was part of the background for the bluebirds, I went to sleep thinking about where it might be. Two places came to me overnight.

I woke up yesterday and immediately went to the first place. I pulled out a drawer and moved the contents that were toward the front. There it was, safely tucked under one of my small notebooks. Waiting for me.

I smiled as I took it from the drawer, turned on my small iron, and pressed all the folds out of it. In no time, I had drawn outlines of the feather (two of them mirror image) four times, and by dinner time last night, I'd completed all my feathers. It doesn't bother me that they aren't all exactly the same, because they don't all match in nature either. 

The lines represent the two inch squares of fabric I'll need for the corner blocks when I begin cutting the coordinating fabrics to create the wall hanging. First, I have to press and square up the center blocks with the bluebirds. Then, I'll work out from there.

I may work on more of this today, but I have a few other household tasks begging for my attention. You'll have to come back tomorrow for an update!

Shhhhhhh. I'm Hunting FABRIC!...

Elmer Fudd

 

I worked for nearly four hours yesterday, and by the time I got home and changed into my sweats, I was wiped. Even so, I wanted to pull out the ground fabric I used in the bluebird piece to start working on my feathers. One big problem. I couldn't locate it.

 

Ground Fabric For Bluebirds

I actually have it in two colorways. This one, in a tan colorway that I used for the bluebirds and cardinals, and a gray colorway that I used for the robins (and plan to use for the goldfinches). 

I went to the fabric studio shelves expecting to see it right next to the gray colorway bolt. It wasn't there. Then I remembered that I'd pulled the last of it off the bolt for this piece, and folded what I wasn't going to be using for the central block to use later for the corners. 

I spent at least an hour searching, sorting, rearranging, and yet was unable to find the last piece of the fabric. I went back to the main piece to see whether or not I have enough to tease the corners from it, and if I have to I can, but it will be tight.

I'm going to look again today. I'll go back through the places I looked yesterday, and open every container and drawer to see where I put it for "safekeeping". Needless to say, there was no feather stitching yesterday. I'll keep hunting until I find it, and perhaps I can begin that process later today. Wish me luck!