My Next Project(s)...

Brynwood Needleworks - Flora and Fauna Cork Fabric

I actually paced myself for Christmas creations, knowing that I had a little extra time (based on scheduled gatherings). I knew that I didn't have to have everything made by December 25th, so I held off on my plans for this fabric until this week.

 

I'm going to make two zippered project bags with this nature-themed cork. They can be used for everything from makeup to lunch! I'll trim them differently, so the ladies receiving them will be able to tell them apart.

 

I'll be in the studio today, and will share photographs on Wednesday. You know who to expect tomorrow. I'm hoping he'll tell you exactly where he explored on Christmas Day, but I'm not holding my breath. You just never know what he's going to over share. lol 

 

Can you even believe that this is the last week of 2020? I'm ready to move on. Are you? Have you planned a New Year celebration with someone you love? As usual, Handsome and I will be home, but I'd like to plan a little something different. Do you have any good ideas for me?

Back To The Drawing Board...

iPad Case - Beta Version

 

As a dearly departed, old friend used to say, "Some days, it just doesn't go by the book". Today was one of those days. 

Handsome asked for a case for his newest (larger) iPad, so I set about making one for him. I chose a beautiful (authentic) Harris tweed fabric, and a coordinating cork fabric. I pulled a beautiful, soft, organic cotton flannel for the lining. Then, I measured the iPad, cut out the fabric components, and began my assembly process. When all was said and done, it fit, but was a tight squeeze, and after all the adjustments I made trying to make it fit, it ended up with more than a few flaws. ugh

What I have to change: 

1. The strap for tucking in the flap has to be longer. (I made it the same size, and it was holding the body of the case too tight to insert the iPad.)
2. I need to taper the flap from the fold to the end of the flap so that it properly fits under the strap.
3. I need to increase the size of the entire case so that it's not so tight. (I didn't account for the lining taking up more of the interior space).
4. Next time, I'll make it in practice fabric to double check for fit.

It's really beautiful fabric, so it's a good thing I have more. This fabric won't go to waste, though. I'll cut it apart and create a little zip case to hold Handsome's iPad cords and stylus. I'll do that today, along with the new, improved design for his tablet.

If you're wondering where I am, just head into the studio. I'll be sitting at the "drawing board", and then my machine. (I just wanted you to know I'm just like everyone else. Some days, it just doesn't go by the book.) wink

Playing With Cork...

Brynwood Cork Luggage Tags

 

I played with my cork yesterday, and decided to show you what I'm working on. Don't look for perfect stitching on these. I was playing, but not using my edge stitch foot on my machine. Obviously, it's a foot I should keep handy!

Each tag is made with cork on each side, and a heavy duty vinyl window stitched on the front. They'll also have a tiny, belt-like strap in matching cork.

Anyway...Now that I've created my templates, I'll definitely be making more in different cork prints and colors to list in my shop. I'm just waiting for buckles to arrive so I can make the straps to attach these to luggage, etc. I'll share photos of the completed tags early next week.

 

Valentine's Day At Our House

 

Handsome gave me a beautiful card and box of chocolates for Valentine's Day. Of course, he knows my favorite variety is Whitman's. Once empty, what better box is there for a needleworker, but one that says "sampler" on the outside? I just use my labelmaker so I know what each box holds after I put them up on the shelf. It's a gift that keeps on giving...the best kind!

 

Colorful Corks...

Preparing Cork Sets

 

Saturday was a preparation day. I started my morning as I always do with coffee and conversation with Handsome. Afterward, I mailed out a few orders; picked up hickory nuts in the yard and played with the dogs; and then came inside to cut cork fabric to make more Kirby Crossbody bags this week. By mid-afternoon I had fourteen different combinations cut and set aside. I'll be adding a few new cork fabrics to the lineup, so I have to cut more fabric before I start sewing today.

I love making these bags, and the combinations of cork are nearly endless. I think the bag is stylish and can easily transition from casual to dressy. I can wait to show you how they turn out.

Tag is eager to visit with you again. He'll be back tomorrow, with who-knows-what on his mind. My little guy is definitely full of surprises. 

Ready For Assembly...

Cork For Kirby Crossbody Bags

 

I spent part of yesterday cutting and preparing fabric and supplies to make a number of new Kirby Crossbody bags. I'll assemble them today for my shop.
 

You may notice that I have a new cork, too. I think you'll like the new navy/natural paisley fabric as much as I do. I'm looking forward to showing you what my bags look like stitched up in this new cork. I'll show them to you tomorrow.

 

New Cork...

Brynwood Needleworks - Monsteria Cork - Gray Green

Two new cork prints arrived today! I can't wait to create something new with them.

Brynwood Needleworks - Monsteria Cork - Aqua Green

They're soft, pliable, and have all the wonderful features of cork. Now to decide what I'll make first...  

Pinterest Image

Where did the summer go? It's hard to believe it's already September. Fall is just around the corner now.  

Grab & Go Goes Irish...

Grab & Go Celtic Crossbody Clutch Embroidery

Finished yesterday, and will be handed to its new owner today. I love how this one turned out. The claddagh embroidery on the front stitched out beautifully on the cork.

Front of Celtic Crossbody Clutch

I created this one in a vertical format, rather than the horizontal format I had used previously. I'll be adding new bags in this vertical format soon.

Back of Celtic Crossbody Clutch

 

The back is all natural cork. The interior is the same green fabric shown on the front of the bag. The shoulder strap is 48" long. 

This was definitely a fun project to make. I have another commission to do in this format - with a different embroidery, but I have four Brynwood Crossbody Wallets to make first. I'm on a roll now!

 

Little Cases...

Brynwood Tea Pockets (top to bottom: Vintage Hibiscus, Natural, Orchid, Blue w/Silver Fleck and Tiles)

 

I cut out a sampling of my cork fabrics to make cases that are larger than my needle cases. These cases will hold your favorite tea bags, sugar or sugar substitute packets or ear buds. Of course, you can use them for whatever fits...coins, thumb drives...the possibilities are endless.

You can see just how wonderful, durable and pretty my cork fabrics are, too. I have more fabrics in my repertoire, but I'm going to list these in my first batch. I'll finish them today and you can find them in my shop tomorrow.

 

Have I told you how much I enjoy working with cork?  

Saturday Flea Market...

Brynwood Needleworks' Cork Fabrics

 

I've been cutting more cork fabric. This image gives you a little hint of what I'm working on for my shop. I'll have them ready to show you on Monday.

 

This morning, I'm going to a local Flea Market event with Shelly. Who knows what we'll find? I'm sure we're going to have a ball looking. The weather should be perfect for a day outside. I can hardly wait to share it with you! 

I hope you have summer fun planned for your weekend, too!

 

Cork Needle Cases...

Cork Needle Cases

What a wonderful weekend we had! Our chores included gardening (mostly weeding and watering); stacking wood, baking, grocery shopping and then we played. Family came to visit and share a meal, and I spent a little time in the studio.

I went to The Sewing Basket in Plymouth (a quilt shop) to get new needles, and a much needed table attachment for my Destiny. They're a dealer for Brother sewing machines (Babylock's little sister), and the tables for the Brother will fit the Babylock.

Once I got back home and installed the table on my machine, I grabbed some of my cork pieces and made some needle cases for my shop.

Cork Needle Cases

In addition to being needle cases, these are also large enough to hold a mini thumb drive or a sweetener packet or two.

If you're intrigued by the cork wallets and bags I've been offering, but you'd like to see if you like the cork fabric first, one of these little cases is a perfect way to get a "look see". They're not expensive, so you can test the fabric before choosing to invest in one of my larger cork items, like my crossbody bags, clutches or wallets. I have new colors coming, too!

Cork Needle Cases

 

They're durable, have a snap closure and are just the right size to see if you like cork. I've got a few print choices to start, but will be adding more by the weekend. I'll list them in my shop later this morning, and you'll be able to find them at BrynwoodNeedleworks.com before the end of today.

 

New Wallets In The Shop...

New Brynwood Crossbody Wallets listed in my shop.

Click HERE to see these (and a few more!).

Four More Finished...

Brynwood Needleworks - Crossbody Wallets #66, 67, 68 and 69

It's almost time to close up the studio and pack it up for transport north. I finished these four wallets on Saturday for a group of clients who want "purple". Each is different, so even though they may all have one of my cork wallets in purple, they'll all carry unique pieces.

Brynwood Needleworks - Crossbody Wallets #66, 67, 68 and 69 Linings

 

I chose different interiors and hardware, too. I actually love each of them in their own combination, but I'm pretty sure the fish lining is my favorite. 

I'll be taking the wallets to these clients this week, and anything unsold will be listed in my shop by the end of the week. Oh, and I'll be busy packing, too.