Bookmaking 101...

 Well, this is awkward. I seem to be having some issues either with my desktop computer or Blogger. I'm not sure which, but I'm a bit frustrated. I'm unable to upload photos right now. ugh

I went to bed early last night because I developed an ocular migraine. They don't hurt, but I get a zigzag image that travels across my sight line. On one occasion, I also had an experience with speech aphasia, which was frightening. No lasting damage, and also no pain, but frightening nonetheless because you're trying to speak and know that it's not coming out as your brain is saying it. All anyone outside of you hears is gobblydeegook. Thankfully, that didn't happen last night. Rather than wait it out, I went to bed at 9:45 and there I remained until I got up this morning. Only to find that my computer is acting up. 

This Zoom class I'm taking is to learn how to assemble and bind my own books. I've had this harebrained idea to add needlework to covers of journal-type books to share and sell. I'm not sure at this point whether or not it's a pipe dream, though. 

The class is available through a website: https://handmadebookclub.com, and the instructor, Ally is very knowledgeable. I'm really enjoying the sessions, which each last about 90 minutes, and then have homework.

Yesterday was the second session of a four session class...and if I can ever get my photos to load, I'll share them here. 

If you've read this far without a photograph, Thanks! Perhaps my computer is suffering from a migraine, too?

Anyway, I'll be continuing my class homework, and if my eyes are up to it today, I'll do a little more stitching. Otherwise, I'll just take it easy and do absolutely not much for a bit. I'm just hoping February doesn't turn into the dumpster first I experienced in January. So far, this year is off to a less-than-stellar start!

See you tomorrow...or later if the photos will load. (I really don't want to shop for a computer right now!)

I Like Dreaming...

Have you ever seen Chloe Giordano's embroidery? These are two of her books currently in my personal library. I'm completely smitten with her work, and love perusing through them books for inspiration...and a little instruction, too. I heartily subscribe to the "One is never too old to learn something new" philosophy. In addition, when I can't sit down to stitch, I love to dream about my next project(s). Chloe's books are a huge assist in that regard.

I've had this book longer than the other, and was inspired to create small ornaments that I gifted to a few friends a couple years ago. This hardcover book is 175 pages "short", and is filled with images, patterns, ideas, and instruction. I love looking through it, even if I'm not in the mood to read.

This book is newer to my collection. It's a softcover book, and has 191 pages, and is actually an updated version of the other book. She's added new insights and three new patterns. It's brimming with her sweet illustrations and needlework pieces.

Chloe Giordano is a British artist whose first interest was as an illustrator. She studied in England prior to discovering an interest in textile arts. From there, her attention turned to needlework as a way to add dimension and texture to her illustrations. Thus she is able to bring her drawings to life through needle and thread.

If you are interested in her books or her work, I'd suggest the updated version (this second book) as a way to learn more about thread painting, developing a color palette, and so much more. She starts the book by sharing her favorite tools and supplies, and moves from there into the actual techniques, subjects, and patterns. She's an excellent resource and instructor. You won't be disappointed. 

The "party" starts today with my echocardiogram. Next week will be an appointment to find out the results and get clearance from our cardiologist for the surgery. I have multiple other appointments next week, too...lab work, pre-op consult, and pre-op physical therapy (three times a week for six weeks, following the surgery!). Here's keeping my fingers crossed for tomorrow.

In the meantime, I'm going to bury my nose in this book and keep my mind occupied. Our younger granddaughter also celebrates her high school graduation this weekend, so we'll be attending to cheer her accomplishments. We're really looking forward to that!

I'll be back tomorrow to show you my latest completion. Hint: This month's artist trading cards! See you then.

Surprise Mail...

An unexpected package arrived in the mail yesterday from my dear friend in Arizona. Imagine my delight when I found not only an assortment of lovely metallic threads, but these treasures inside, as well.

The book comes with a glowing review from my friend, and I look forward to reading every page (at least once). There's a lovely bookmark inside to mark my place, too. It's been a little anxious around here lately, so the book is going to be a welcome read. I expect it will become quite dog-eared as I work my way through it.

The fabric case behind it was created just for me. When I sent off a recent box, filled with an assortment of fabric to her, she commissioned a local friend to make some things for her using this fabric (which I knew she'd love). Never in a million years did I expect her to ask her friend to create something wonderful for me at the same time. The closure is a large, vintage pendant repurposed for this application. I think it's just perfect! Now, when I use the case, I know that my dear friend will be using hers in the exact same fabric. 

This package made my month, to be honest. Handsome continues to improve and life is getting back to our normal, but I admit, these gifts really lifted my spirits. Thank you, dear C. You knew just what I needed, and this long-distance hug from you is so appreciated. I love, love, love everything! You'll hear from me again soon. xoxoxo

Weeds...

 

I've added a new reference book to my needlework library. It's A Golden - Weeds. It's a reference guide to "the pest plants of the United States that invade lawns, gardens, fields, and roadsides." I guess one man's weed is another man's treasure. I love and promote them in our yard.

Let me explain. When the weather is so dry that the grass dies off, the weeds grow up and show off their natural finery. Chickory, Queen Anne's Lace, mullein, English daisies, sorrel and more are all considered weeds in this book, yet it wouldn't be summer in Wisconsin without them. In fact, many of them have medicinal properties and were used as poultices, teas, and other remedies by native Americans and settlers. There's much we could learn from them.

 

I saw this for sale online - paying a few dollars more than the $1.95 cover price - and wanted it to add to my needlework library as a reference guide for flower and plant embroideries.

 

While the copy is less than favorable to each plant, the illustrations are accurate and I'll be able to build upon them for my projects. I chose the mullein page because we also have these magnificent plants in the surrounding farmlands, and occasionally on the edges of our fields. They're highly prized for medicinal value, so I actually seek them out when I'm walking or driving. It's sad to see that it - and many other beneficial plants - were, and still are considered undesirables.

This small book nearly fits in the palm of my hand, so it will tuck nicely into my sewing basket when needed. It's 160 pages long, so there are a lot of illustrations to draw from. I'll look forward to paging through it for inspiration as I work on my Autumn Strawberry Sachet.

I'm having lunch with my almost sister-in-law/sister-by-choice, Deb (Mom Grace's daughter) today. When I get back I'll sit down to my frogs again. I'm working as I'm able toward completion. My self-imposed deadline is Saturday so I can package them up to mail out on Monday. I'm quite sure I'll make it on time. I think now I'll make my morning cuppa and sit down at the needlework frame for a bit before I have to leave. See you tomorrow!

Grateful, Thankful & Blessed...

Brynwood Needleworks - Five Boxes of Stitchy Goodness

 

Not long ago, one of my online friends offered to gift me with linens to use for my current (and ongoing) embroideries. I told her I would be so grateful, and that I would definitely create something special for her in appreciation.

The mail carrier stopped at the farmhouse yesterday and handed me a box from that friend. I said "thank you" and turned for the house, when she stopped me and said there was more. Turns out there were five boxes total. I was stunned.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - A Box Full of Perle Cotton

 

I took the boxes up to my studio and opened them one by one. In addition to multiple boxes of beautiful linen, organza and silk fabrics, I opened this box to find it overflowing with perle cottons. So many balls of threads! Truthfully, I started to cry.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - A Box of Gorgeous Threads

Then I opened this box to find more beautiful threads, and yards and yards of vintage laces. Packed in the bottom of one of the boxes were a stack of needlework books, too. Have I ever told you how much I love needlework books? Oh, yes! 

One especially meaningful gift was tucked in with the rest. She has a friend who carves crosses from granite. I'll share that another day, because it's just that special.

 

I immediately sent a message to my friend to let her know that I'd received her generous gifts. Words can't convey just how much was included in the boxes, nor how I reacted when I saw the bounty she'd sent. I was a puddle of emotion.

I'm looking forward to creating something wonderful for her to express my everlasting gratitude. I've promised to respect her privacy as she'd like to remain anonymous, but God knows just how kind and generous she's been. I'll never be able to adequately express my thanks, but I'll do my best in the coming days and months. I'm truly grateful, thankful and blessed.

 

What I'm Reading Now...

Sydney Rye Mysteries by Emily Kimelman

 

When reality gets to be a bit much, the best thing is to slip between the covers of a good book. I decided a few weeks ago to tackle a series. I have Books 1-8 of Emily Kimelman's Sydney Rye Mysteries.

I'm currently on Book 4, and zipping right through this action-packed series. The language is sometimes a bit raw (so I wouldn't recommend it for kids or the faint of heart), but I'm enjoying the story line immensely.

I've updated my "Completed Book List" in my right side bar (to date), so I wanted you to know why you haven't seen any sewing or needlework lately. This is a deeper escape from the events of the past few weeks, and I can completely engross myself in the characters. Just what I need right now.

My plan is to get back to handwork first - and very soon. I promise to share something handcrafted as soon as I start a new piece. For now, you'll find me in a comfy chair with a good book.

Currently Reading...

Brynwood Needleworks - The Wind In The Willows Book Cover

 

I realized that I'd promised to share what I'm reading throughout 2020, but forgot to tell you about my first read. I pulled out a book from my childhood to enjoy again...a British printed copy of "The Wind in the Willows" by Kenneth Grahame.

 

This copy was a gift from my British aunt and uncle, gifted in 1970. I've always loved books, and took great care of this one because it was so special to me.

 

There's nothing better than finishing the day by reading a few chapters of a good book (except, as quoting from this one, "There's nothing half so much worth doing, as simply messing about in boats.")

 

I'm going to complete this book, and then I'll let you know what I pick up next. I'm sure it will be another old favorite, but I'll wait to tell you until after this one is wrapped up.

 

Old Books And My Reading List...

Brynwood Needleworks - Old Copy of "Birds of America"

I love books. I love old books. I love new books. I love the heft, the feel, and even the smell of books. IPads and readers just don't compare...although my arthritic thumbs prefer them.

I hate to admit it but I have hundreds of books, and they're mostly still in boxes from our move. Why, you might ask? In Florida, we had special built-in units made to house all our books. All we had to do at any given time as walk into the "library", select one, and sit down to read. So far, we have neither the space, nor the shelving to house those favored tomes. So, for now, they sit - safe and dry - in sealed boxes in our basement.

Brynwood Needleworks - "Birds of America" Bluebird and Robin Illustrations

I have a master list of every single box we packed, journaling the contents, so that I'd know the exact box I'd need to go into to find something I needed. I was pretty general when it came to the books, so although I distinguished between "cookbooks" and "history books", I was a little fast and loose with my "fiction" categories. Wouldn't you know it, that's the category that encompassed the book I was looking for yesterday.

While I was looking for that one book, I decided to look through other boxes that were completely off topic. Joyfully, I found a few that I want to read (or re-read), and a few I just wanted to have handy. This was one of those books.

It's an old copy, and it had that old book smell when I first ordered it off Ebay years ago. The pages are in pretty good shape, although the paper slip cover has seen better days. I tucked it under my arm with the other selections and brought it upstairs. The first color plate I saw when I opened the cover was of our Wisconsin robin, and the eastern bluebird which lives on our farm every spring and summer. Serendipity, you might say!

Brynwood Needleworks - "Birds of America" Finch Illustrations

 

Here's another pretty page, just for you to see how wonderful the illustrations really are. I'm sure I'll go back to this book frequently, to see if I can find images of all the birds that frequent Hickory Hill Farm.

 

I'm also going to make a point of reading more this year. I love to read, and have since I was a child. But with all the things that have occupied my time since moving back to Wisconsin, reading has fallen by the wayside. That's going to change in 2020. 

 

I'm going to decide which book to read first. I'll post a new widget in my sidebar to show you what I'm currently reading, and then I'll keep a list of all the books I CoMpLeTe this year. Some will be childhood favorites that I haven't read in...ahem...decades, while others will be new on my list.

I think I'll start with an old favorite - reading the actual book I had as a kid. Two of them that immediately come to mind are a lovely copy of "Black Beauty", and another of "Wind in the Willows". I also have a copy of "Watership Down" that I love. Hmmmm. Where to begin? Watch my sidebar for the first book on my list.

 

Homekeeping On The Farm...

Fresh Basil Pesto and Banana Nut Bread

After pruning (harvesting leaves) from my basil plants last week, the remaining plants exploded with more leaves. I'm sure the rain and lightning (which precipitates nitrogen) had something to do with that. It was time to take my second harvest and make more pesto. This time, I made seven more jars full.

The bananas that had ripened past where we will eat them in cereal were ready to make another loaf of banana nut bread, too.

Still Warm and Delicious

Two overripe bananas make for one large, tasty loaf. Handsome waits until it's "fashionably" cooled and then tests my latest batch. Another success.

A Little Light Reading

While I waited for the bread to bake, I pulled out two of my books to learn more about herb details, identification, and uses. I'm more interested now that I want to be growing my own. 

An Old Gift

This book was given to me by my father twenty years ago. I've always been interested in the outdoors, being a country girl at heart. He was a teacher, and during the summers, he taught outdoor summer science classes. I took those classes with him for a few summers.

We learned about edible plants and survival skills then, and in the decades following those classes, I've further embraced what I learned. He gave me this book in 1997. I got it out of the moving box that held my other gardening books to read again.

I've already found some of the plants mentioned in the book growing on our farm property. Who knows what else I'll find once I really start looking? Reading my books was a nice way to pass the time as I waited to take the bread out of the oven.

Afterward, Handsome and I mowed our lawn together. We bought a larger yard tractor when we first purchased this property, and then, when we moved north this spring, we decided to keep our smaller yard tractor, too. As a result, Handsome can mow the upper yard while I mow the lower yard (or vice versa). Things certainly go quicker when we use two mowers. We were finished in no time.

Cornish Saffron Bed

 

Tuesday night, I went to the public library in Fond du Lac to attend a demonstration. They have a monthly program called "Breads Around The World", and last night's program was for a Cornish Saffron Bread from Great Britain. 

 

After the demonstration each attendee received copies of Cornish recipes, and we were able to sample the finished bread. I found it quite tasty, and having all the ingredients here in my own kitchen, I made a batch yesterday afternoon.

 

One batch yields four small loaves (or one large one). This bread has a scone-like texture with a light saffron/lemon flavor, further enhanced with raisins and currants. I find it quite tasty. Handsome isn't quite so sure. lol

 

I'm having lunch with neighbors on Friday, so at least one loaf will be a gift to our hostess. I'll definitely be making more in the future.

 

A Rainy Sunset

 

Our day ended with a glorious sunset. The sky was a wonderful red, yellow and purple, and the clouds rained down through the colorful display. It was a perfect end to another perfect day at Hickory Hill Farm.

 

Yoko Saito and My Japanese Fabric Stash...

These two books have been on my mind for weeks. The book on the left was a 

surprise gift from Quinn's mom, Carol. It's Yoko Saito's "Scandinavian Quilts"

in the Japanese version. It's full of photos and patterns, and I can't wait to make

something from it. Thank you, dear Carol, for gifting me with this beautiful and

generous book. I can't wait to show you (and all my friends) what I plan to make first!

The book on top is called "Strolling Along Paths of Green", and is a perfect book

for this Nature Girl! I page through both of these books and dream of long walks

through woodlands and across wide open fields of wildflowers. Paging through

them is a restful and inspiring process, and I'm anxious to start creating from them.

No. These aren't shelves in a local quilt shop. They're closeup images from my

own studio. The folded fabrics are some of the fabulous, gorgeous, glorious

fabrics I purchased in Wisconsin from Primitive Gatherings last month. I had 

 one of the books with me so that I could choose what I needed to make a few

a lot of the projects within its pages. I purchased with specific pieces in mind.

More Japanese fabrics. Same shopping trip. See the peachy fabric on the upper

right hand corner of the stacks? I was tickled to find that. I know just how I'll use it.

I do have two different shades so that I can make this lovely zippered pouch.

This is the first project I'm going to tackle from the book! (Start small and grow.)

I see so many possibilities in these stacks.

I don't intend to create an entire quilt...at this point. I'm leaving my options open.

You'll see pieces of royal purple wool here, too. That's also for a specific project.

I'm constantly awestruck by Yoko's choices in subtle color variations, combined

with her use of textured and patterned fabrics. I'm going to savor every second

handling, planning and sewing with all of them to create my finished pieces.

I see many joyful days in the studio - and stitching from my favorite chair - ahead.

Shutterfly Book...

 I've ordered Christmas cards and ornaments through Shutterfly before,

but until recently I hadn't ordered any books. I usually purchase those

via Blog2Print (for my blog books) or Apple (for our year-end iBooks).

That is, until I received an offer from Shutterfly for a free 8" x 8" book.

 When I teach my hand applique' classes, I usually take along a pile

of my applique' projects. I decided it might be fun to put images of

those projects into my free hardcover book and carry it (and a few

smaller projects) to my classes instead. I received my book last week.

 I'm really happy with the results and can definitely recommend their

book printing service to you and others. I'm only showing a few pages

here, but I can attest to the high quality work that I received.

 I "liked" their FaceBook page and found that they have a 50% sale right now. Anyone can publish their own hard cover book and save on the price by entering code: BOOKS4MOM at checkout. This offer ends April 9th, so if you want to make your own book, you'll need to head over there in the next few days. Click here to go to their site.   The process is quick and easy to upload and arrange your images,  choose a theme and publish  the book format of your choice. (If you ever receive an offer for a free book, don't hesitate. You'll  only have to pay shipping charges, along with any applicable sales tax.)
I have not been compensated in any way for this endorsement. As  always, I'm happy to share good stuff when I find it. You might want to like their FaceBook page so that you can get other discount offers, too.

Little Bee...

  I worked as an Inspector at one of our local polling places yesterday. It was a "minor" election, with only one item on our ballot (a question), so we didn't expect a large turnout. Our Clerk told us we could bring a book to read (or needlework) to help pass the time. (We were there from  6 am - 7:30 pm). It was a long day. I decided to take a book for simplicity.
I've had this book for a while as it was a gift for Christmas, so I thought it would be the perfect way to spend the "waiting time". Little did I know that the entire story line takes place in my birthplace in England! I was  reading along when "Kingston-upon-Thames" came up. Imagine my delight.
"Little Bee" is a #1 New York Times Bestseller written by Chris Cleave. This is the synopsis that appears on the back of his book: "This is the story of two women. Their lives collide one fateful day, and one of them has to make a terrible choice, the kind of choice we hope you never have to face. Two years later, they meet again - the story starts there... Once you have read it, you'll want to tell your friends about it. When you do, please don't tell them what happens. The magic is in how the story unfolds."
Well, alright then. I'm going to continue reading this book and when I finish it, I'll keep my review simple..."thumbs up" or "thumbs down". Just know that, for now, I'm enjoying it and smiling an awful lot.

Just A Peek...

 In the upcoming days, I'll share some of the purchases I made when Kathy

and I went shopping in Sun Prairie and Spring Green, Wisconsin on Tuesday.

I can't tell you how many times I walked past one of Yoko Saito's books while

shopping in Country Sampler. I finally decided to pick it up (I'll show that one

another time), only to walk past this one and "have" to purchase it, too!

 This scrumptious applique' quilt immediately caught my eye. 

Being an outdoor Wisconsin girl and my affinity for all things "nature",

I was immediately taken with the stitched and appliqued' plants in this quilt.

I know a shop that carries Japanese fabrics, so I may have to do a few online

orders to get the fabrics just right to be able to create this one, but I'm in no

hurry. Doing it right is always more important to me than doing it quickly.

 There are also patterns for the most gorgeous handbags and accessories.

I'm going to have a difficult time deciding just what to tackle first!

Here is another closeup of some of the botanical appliques'.

The price for the two books I purchased was not inconsequential - each one was 

over thirty dollars - however, I can see myself creating multiple projects from them. 

I take excellent care of my books, too, so when I'm finished gleaning all the yummy 

goodness out of each of them, perhaps I'll decide to recoup some of my costs by 

sharing them with someone else. They really are too wonderful to keep all to myself!

I know it won't be anytime soon, though. I think I'll spend a lot of time dreaming on 

them before I ever take a single stitch. When I do, you'll all be the first to know. I can't 

tell you how much I enjoy sharing this creative journey with all of you. I hope that I can 

inspire you to try something new and enjoy your own creative processes along the way.

 

One more thing before I close today...

I'm really loving my new laptop (using the latest Mac operating system), but I haven't

been able to receive or send any of the emails coming to my Brynwood email address.

I'm reading each of your notes to me every day since we left Florida on my iPhone,

but I'm sure you understand when I tell you what a pain it is to type replies on a phone

 keyboard. I want you to know that I'll answer all your notes to me when I get home,

and ask that you bear with me while I continue to train my new laptop to behave.

Thanks. 

xo