Amazon Associate Favorites...

I worked in my Etsy shop yesterday, creating a new banner, and adding new listings. Soon, I'll be adding new digital files featuring my wooly acorn pincushion, corgi pincushion and strawberry pincushion patterns. It's nearly time to update my blog banner, too, so look for a new look here, as well.

Today I'm creating a new page for my blog to link to all my favorite needlework, sewing and quilting tools and accessories. I think I told you already that I'm now an Amazon Associate, so as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases made through my links. 

I'm only going to share items I've personally used and highly recommend, so you know you can trust your purchase. I'll be adding more as I sort through my links, and I'll have my "Amazon Associate Links" listed on my menu at the top of my blog to make it easier for you to locate.

One more thing - If you are looking for something specific but don't see it here, please contact me and I'll happily share my link for it, and then add it to this page.

 

This is the exact stand I use. It's stable, sturdy and never loosens up when I'm stitching. The best stand I've owned in 40 years! Here's my link: https://a.co/d/7fV8OYT

#ad #commissionearned

 

Yamato Sticking Paste, the standard of starch glue, is made from environment-friendly natural materials
Yamato paste is made from tapioca starch and is an indispensable traditional Japanese product when working with washi, chiyogami and katazome-shi.
These squeezable tubes of prepared adhesive are perfect for when you don't have the time to mix your own. Yamato green tube adhesive is acid free, non-toxic and dries clear. It is very consistent and has long drying time.

I use this to secure threads on the back of my stumpwork/goldwork pieces. It's used by many needleworkers, and was recommended to me by my friend and teacher, Clara of Clara Stitching. Here's my link: https://a.co/d/821Eco5

#ad #commissionearned

 

Hazel Everett's Goldwork: Techniques, Projects and Pure Inspiration It's a wonderful book and I'm so glad it's in my library! Recommended to me by my needlework teacher, Clara of Clara Stitching.
Here's my link: https://a.co/d/3guoGPU

#ad #commissionearned

 

A wonderful little book from the Royal School of Needlework. I love my copy! Here's my link: https://a.co/d/cX9tXp3

#ad #commissionearned

 

My favorite "everything needlework" book. I purchased my copy immediately after returning from my RSN week in Lexington, KY. Here's my link: https://amzn.to/3tpftBb

#ad #commissionearned

 

Kaverme 3PCS Precision Tweezers Set, Upgraded Anti-Static Stainless Steel of Tweezers, for Electronics, Soldering, Laboratory Work, Jewelry-Making, Model, Craft

I love this set! I use the ESD-11s all the time with my goldwork, and the other two for all my needlework and sewing. Reasonably priced, too! Here's my link: https://a.co/d/7qvN75G

#ad #commissionearned

 

Madeira Thread Chest. This is filled with all the colors of the rainbow. Rayon threads in a beautiful drawer cabinet. Great for machine or hand embroidery. Everything is at your fingertips. Here's my link: https://a.co/d/5ZvqXNc

#ad #commissionearned

 

Jinmaya Silk Mulberry Silk Thread for Handmade Embroidery 60 Colors Spools Cross Stitch Needle Point DIY Handicraft Supply Chinese Suzhou Embroidery Silk

Imagine thread painting with these beautiful threads. Yum!! I admit I don't own these yet, but the reviews are great, and I'm looking forward to adding them to my studio.
Here's my link: https://a.co/d/b1oetWv

#ad #commissionearned

 

Thread Wax Thread Conditioner Beeswax for Sewing Thread Beeswax Thread Conditioner for Quilting Sewing Strengthening Line Embroidery Wax for Thread (4 Pieces) 

These are perfect for conditioning your thread for strength when working on embroideries or goldwork. There are actually four of them in the set, and each one will look like these. You can keep one with each project, because we always have more than one in progress, right? Here's my link: https://amzn.to/45Bm093 #ad #commissionearned

 

Just imagine how wonderful it would be to have this assortment at your fingertips whenever you wanted to begin a new thread painting embroidery, or simply to work on a new project. I love having mine handy, and have frequently reach for this luscious metrosene silk finish thread from Mettler when I'm embroidering my seasonal birds. Here's my link: https://amzn.to/3QdLWDk

#ad #commissionearned

 

This is all for now, but I'll be adding more items as they come to mind - or when I order and fall in love with something new. Check back frequently so you don't miss anything, and as always, thank you for supporting my love of needlework and all things handcrafted.

 

I've Got Lots To Do...

Brynwood Needleworks - Batik and Black Cork Fabrics

 

I have a custom order on deck next. I'll be making two different bags using this batik/cork fabric combination. I'm also making one of my new Shop Hop Crossbody Bags, for the same client, in cork with a lighthouse design on it.

Brynwood Needleworks - A Sampling of New Wallets

 

When that order is complete, I'll be adding new Bryn Crossbody Wallets to my shop. I'm also going to make them in a slightly different style with a chain crossbody strap option. I'll show you all those when they're finished, but I have that custom order up first.

I'm also going to be making a number of Shop Hop Crossbody Bags for my shop, too. All of these will be listed and available next week, but I'll show them to you here first.

If you're interested in making your own Farmhouse Chickens Pincushions, Convertible Market Tote, or the Shop Hop Crossbody Bag, the patterns are all listed in my online shop now. (Click HERE to go window shopping.)

 

GREAT NEWS!! My email server is finally back up and running properly, and I'm receiving my emails again. Apologies if I haven't responded to a recent message. I ask that you resend if you need to reach me.

 

We've got people coming today to help move all the rest of the firewood out of our basement. (Seems unnecessary that it be there since we removed the wood burner last fall.) We have plenty in the wood shed already for our backyard firepit, so this wood is going with the people who are helping us get it out. 

I'm pretty excited about this, because our old cistern is currently filled to the brim with wood, and I have another idea in mind for that space. Once it's all cleared of the wood, I'll be giving it a good cleaning and paint; we'll add shelves, and it will become my canning storage area. All my canning supplies will go on one side, and all the canned goods will go on another. We'll only keep some of what I can in the pantry, and the rest will be downstairs.

First things first. Wood will be on its way today, while I'll be in the studio working on my commission projects. Then I can think about what's next...like the weekend!! Make it a great one!

Workin' For The Weekend...

Brynwood Needleworks - Studio work

Tag and I went down to Harbour Heights yesterday morning to say "hi" to the ladies at Nifty 50s. 

 

The boy was a big hit, hearing lots of "He's so cute"s, and getting lots of attention. I didn't go to sew, as I'm picking up my new portable sewing machine today, but I'll definitely be sewing next time we gather! (I'll tell you all about my new machine tomorrow!)

Brynwood Needleworks - Setting up an embroidery commission

I was ready to come home and start stitching out the embroidery for my client, but found a revision in my email inbox first. Soooo, back to the computer.

Working in the studio is a little awkward these days. I have the room set up with my machine table against the fabric shelves for showings, but I have to completely rearrange to this position to be able to use the embroidery feature(s) on Destiny. Otherwise, her embroidery arm would ram into whatever is in the way when she's working (which is a really bad thing).

By the time I finished setting up for the embroidery, it was dinner time, and time to shut down for the night. I'll get back to it today. I'll work on my To Do list, too....workin' for the weekend.

Finishes Are Fun...

I finished these and sent them on their way Monday afternoon. Twelve with yellow swirl backs and another twelve with a green chevron pattern. They'll be there in plenty of time for the baby shower on the 10th.

This is the green background fabric, up close. Both backing fabrics are colorful, but not "baby girl" or "baby boy". Guests won't know the baby's gender until the "reveal party". Won't that be fun?

I also did a favor for a friend. She has relatives in the service and her young son requested a messenger bag for carrying his school work that gave a nod to his elders. She asked me to embroider fabric she provided. 

I finished the embroideries for her yesterday afternoon, and she came and picked them up as soon as they came off the machine. Now, I'll turn my attention to finishing Carol's wool memory book (from my Sixth Blog Anniversary Giveaway) in hopes that I can send it off to her this week, too. Finishes are so much fun!

Weekend Studio Time...

Over the weekend, I received an order for twenty four custom, double-sided napkins for a baby shower in Wyoming. The theme is sea turtles. (This one is a rush order.)

I've already made half of the order with a yellow fabric on the reverse. I have twelve more to make with a lime green fabric on the reverse. I'll finish those this morning and they'll be on their way to arrive in plenty of time for the celebration on May 10th.

If you'd like to purchase custom napkins (made to order) for your special event, you can contact me for personalized service and pricing.

#25 "Corgi On"...

I completed "Corgi On" yesterday.

The Corgi is machine embroidered onto the flap.

I chose a heart-shaped paw fabric for the main body exterior of the wallet, as well as for the zippered pocket, divider and security tab. I also used it on the straps and key fob.

Of course, when everything was assembled, I added a "handmade" tag to the zipper pull. I think they're such a nice, finishing touch.

I planned this one to be mine, so I added my Florida Corgi Picnic pin to the exterior above the latch. I removed the pin back and then used a secure adhesive to permanently attach it. I don't want it falling off, and the pin back would have been in the way on the inside of the wallet.

I used two of these three fabrics in my wallet, and now I've got this design uploaded into The Boutique. Clients will have the option of which fabrics they prefer for the exterior and interior. I also added a solid black option for the exterior. 

 

I also have different embroidery designs, dog breeds, and could even do cats or other animals. I can also change up the flap fabric for different breeds so that the embroidery is showcased. Clients may choose from any of the colors in the paw print fabric for their flap choice. All you have to do is ask - and I can work on your specific request.

If you're interested in your own custom-embroidered wallet, you can click THIS LINK to go to the wallets in The Boutique. (www.BrynwoodNeedleworks.com)

Number Twenty Two...

Finally! I have a finished project to share with you today.

This is a commission for a client. I've called it "Cats Eyes".

It's Number Twenty Two.

  Colorful rascal, don't you think? It's for a local client, so I'll be delivering it today. I love the time I spend in the studio. Happy me.  Next? #23! Don't forget today is April Fools Day! Wouldn't want to be caught off-guard, you know.  (You're welcome!)

Finished Tablet Case...

I completed this commission over the weekend. It's constructed completely from my client's late father's shirt. The additional embellishments were also given to me to incorporate into the design. So, after a week of careful planning, I was ready to begin on Saturday.

The first step was to carefully cut apart the shirt. I knew that I wanted to utilize the button placket, manufacturers info/size label, and at least one complete pocket and flap. The laces I was given were bright white with a few stains, so I used the Instant Antique spray to darken them and minimize the appearance of the stains.

Her dad carried a penny with the Masonic symbol stamped into it. I chose a framed vinyl window to protect and preserve it. I placed that on the inside of the case closure flap. The closed flap is then secured by velcro strips.

I placed the full pocket on the back side of the case. I pulled half the stitches out of the pocket so that I could securely sew the last piece of lace to the outside of it without stitching the pocket shut.

 

When I'd done that, I resewed the pocket to the fabric. I added more of the button band to the back of the flap., leaving the ends open so that a pen or stylus could be stored there.

There is batting between the exterior and interior fabric, and I added just a little extra behind the silver badge on the front side. I wanted to be absolutely sure that there would be nothing to mar or damage anything placed inside the case.

Well, it's all finished now and will go to it's new owner this week. It was an honor for me to make this piece...a piece of her father to carry close. I'm anxious to see her reaction, and I sure hope she likes it!

Her Dad's Shirt...

These are the elements of my next commission project. My client brought all these precious pieces to me so that I could make a very special tablet case for her.

They are significant to her because they belonged to her father, who has passed. The crocheted ornaments were created by a family member (her mom, I think), and she asked that I incorporate them into my design, as well. I have permission to age them because there are discolored areas in the lace.

The penny was embossed with a shriner insignia and her father carried it. I have a few ideas for adding it to the design, at the same time protecting it from loss or damage. The silver pin will also be added, but I'm still contemplating how I want to attach it so it will be good and secure, too.

 

I'm honored that my client entrusted these items to me - and I'll do my best to honor the meaning that these items hold for her.

I'll start working on the design today and will share the finished case with you during the week. 

 

Happy February, my friends. 

(Already!!)

Tweets...

This is a glimpse of the commission I'm working on right now. I wanted to show you my fabric choices, along with a "birdy" custom tape (created by Anna of LillaLotta). This is how we "tweet" at Brynwood!

 

I'll be working on these again today, and hope to beat my February 1st deadline by a few days.

 

My sewing students will be here again this evening, and I promise to take pictures this time! It's going to be a great day here at Brynwood. I hope you have something fun and creative planned for today, too.