DAY THREE GIVEAWAY...

Are you having fun yet? I sure am! We've made it halfway through my Five Days of Giveaways to celebrate my sixteenth year of blogging. YIPPEE!!

I've chosen something a bit more special to me for today's giveaway. I hope you like it! When I owned my needlework shop, I decided to teach needlework classes. I had this idea in my head to create a primer for my students to take away with them from my class. 

I also wanted them to have a project to work on, so my very first design "Examplar One" was born. It led me to a decade of designing and creating samplers for my customers, and also for other shops around the world. I remember driving to needlework markets on the east coast, as well as teaching classes in surrounding states in America's Heartland. My sampler charts shipped to shop owners in the UK, Australia and across the United States. I'm very grateful for the enthusiasm shown me during those years, and have planned something special to reintroduce the designs very soon. My first pieces will be included in this giveaway gift.

I'm so pleased to offer this gift to one lucky winner. This is one of three remaining copies of my "Primer and Class Companion" for my "Examplar One" counted thread sampler. 

The verse for Examplar One is:

"I learned my stitches one by one, and some I did repeat. I wrought each one with special care, til my sampler was complete."

The Primer is thirty pages of tips and tricks I learned over many years of experience, and classes from other talented needleworkers and designers. There are diagrams, additional charts, and other images, too. I've also included blank pages for notes. Previously, you had to take one of my classes to get one of these primers, but one lucky winner will have a copy for herself. I am planning to reprint this primer in the near future, but it won't be in this format.

This gift would be incomplete without the accompanying chart photographed on the front page of the Primer. I've also added DMC size 26 tapestry needles. Not shown are the twelve cotton floss colors called for in the chart, along with a wooden needlecase to hold the needles. Rest assured they will be included. I may even add a few other surprises!

As I mentioned before, I'm sharing the rules each day of the drawing to avoid any confusion.  Also, remember you can click on any of my blog images to enlarge them.

HERE ARE THE ENTRY RULES: (Not many actually)

1) Follow my blog and/or follow Brynwood Needleworks on Facebook or Instagram (let me know which)

2) You must enter a comment in the section below (this post only) to be in the drawing for these items.

3) You can live anywhere in the world, but you're responsible for any tariffs or VAT taxes imposed on your end.

4) Only one entry for each drawing, please. 

5) You may enter every giveaway offered, however again, only once per drawing.

6) Make sure you monitor the drawings next Monday for results. If you win, I'll need a mailing address. If I don't hear from winners by Tuesday, March 24th, I'll choose another name.

 

GOOD LUCK!!!

 

 

Corgi Caboodle...

Corgi Caboodle From Plum Street Samplers

Look what I found! Of course, I ordered my own copy, and it arrived last week. This is a definite stitch on my list, but I have another project to complete first.

My Version of Primitive Gatherings "Everlasting Quilt"

I'm going to bring out my "Everlasting" quilt project and finish that next. If you remember, I chose to personalize my version with a bee skep, lavender and bees as the center theme. I'm going to add lavender and bees all around the border to finish it.

Once all the stitching is complete, I'll be on the search for a long-arm quilter to custom quilt it for me. I may send it back to Florida to one of my talented friends. We'll see. First things first.

It's Back Home...

Brynwood Needleworks "Horicon Marsh Sampler"

 

I designed this sampler in 1993, and it was available as a chart. I chose Horicon Marsh - located in an adjacent county - because at that time, it was designated as a a Wetland of International Importance by the Ramsar Convention of the United Nations. I served on the Wisconsin Conservation Congress at that time, and this designation was historically important to our state.

When we moved to Florida in 2001, I gifted this completed sampler to a dear friend, Wendi (also my hair dresser now) because of her and her family's love of the outdoors. When the camper in which it was installed burned to a crisp, this piece had already been long-removed, so it survived.

Wendi had considered gifting it to the new nature center at Horicon Marsh...and she would have had Handsome and I not returned to Wisconsin. Now that we're back, she thought that such donation should be something I should do, not her. Hence, when I went for my hair appointment on Tuesday, she returned it to me.

Brynwood Needleworks "Horicon Marsh Sampler"

The sampler is in great condition, but the frame has seen better days. So, I'm going to keep it here for a while before having it professionally reframed. Once that's done, I'll make some telephone calls and see if this is something the people at the Marsh might like to have in their Center. If so, I'll donate this copy.

One of the things I'm contemplating in the new year is converting all of my samplers to pdf format to make them available for purchase again. I'd love some feedback about that. (If you need to see my samplers before having an opinion, you can see all my designs by clicking the link in my sidebar.) I actually have a few more designs that have never gone to print (yet). I'd add them, too. So, please let me know what you think.

Finally, thank you for the anniversary wishes. We didn't get to go for dinner last night as planned. Handsome woke up feeling ill, so out of an abundance of caution, he laid low and we stayed home. I'm happy to report he was feeling much better by evening. 

We'll make reservations for next week, and the owner of the restaurant already said that we'll just make believe the night we go is our "anniversary night". I already love the new owners, and can't wait to meet them!

Our House Samplers...

Brynwood Needleworks - BW "Our House" Sampler Detail

Years ago, I designed a pair of samplers -  one main, larger sampler, and a coordinating smaller one - which never went to print. I came across the original stitched pieces I created yesterday.

 

Do you like the detail of this one? I'm thinking about producing the charts in pdf format, and making them available for sale. Are you a needleworker? Do you like counted thread designs...specifically samplers? If so, I'd love your feedback. 

I Couldn't Resist...

Brynwood Needleworks - Coming To America Kit

I don't usually purchase new charts these days. I still have hundreds that I love from my days as a shop owner. So many wonderful pieces, with not nearly enough time to work on them. However, when I see patriotic designs now, I look twice and decide whether or not I want to add them to my library. This kit was one such design.

This chart was designed by With Thy Needle & Thread, and I purchased it through Ye Olde Cross Stitchery in Bristol, PA. I believe this was a limited edition piece, so I consider myself fortunate to have found one. If you're interested, I suggest you order from this shop HERE. (Last I checked, there was only ONE left.)

The chart arrived in a sturdy box, and included additional items over and above the main chart. I'll need to add fabric and fibers, but I've got plenty of those things.

Brynwood Needleworks - Coming To America Kit Contents

When I checked inside the box, I found a little, magnetic, Pilgrim needle minder; a ring to hold my threads, and a second free chart called "Celebrate Harvest" by Brenda Gervais.

Brynwood Needleworks - Coming To America Kit Contents

There was also a card featuring an interesting history lesson, along with fabric that's been printed in an old ledger design; a bookplate to attach to the frame once the design has been stitched; and a ring card to hold the threads.

Brynwood Needleworks - Coming To America Kit Main Chart

This is the full cover image for the chart. I love it. While I know that it's commemorative of the Pilgrims landing at Plymouth Rock, Massachusetts, we also live a short ten miles from Plymouth, Wisconsin. Sister cities, many miles apart. Even so, I know that I'll stitch this design in the next year, and then frame it for the farmhouse.
 

Holly Berry Strawberry...

Brynwood Needleworks - Holly Berry Strawberry Design by Erica Michaels

 

I completed this commission on Sunday, and sent it on its way yesterday. My client requested that I fill it with lavender buds, so it smells heavenly. It was truly a pleasure to stitch this small design on 32 ct. linen, although I admit, I'm much more dependent on my lighted magnifier now than I used to be.

Today, I'm making two pieces for a client...one is a Corgi Clutch bag, and the other is a Kirby with dachshund fabric accents. I'm going to make two of those, so I have a second one to put in the shop. It's a cute design. 

I'll show you the completed pieces tomorrow. Then, I'll only have one more commission to complete before I get to this year's Grammie's Jammies. Off to the studio! The elves are calling!

Special Custom Project...

Christmas Counted Thread Strawberry

 

I'm now working on a custom counted thread strawberry for a client. I'll show you the completed project tomorrow. For now, I'm getting back to stitching. (I'm having too much fun to hang out on my computer. I know you understand.) 

 

Thanks for stopping in to visit. I'll see you tomorrow!

Farmhouse Pincushion...

Brynwood Needleworks - Farmhouse Pincushion

I received a wonderful surprise yesterday from my dear friend, Kathy D. We were able to get together for lunch and a little "retail therapy". Whenever we see each other, she has a gift for me...and knowing that, I made one of the cork clutches (I showed you in yesterday's post) especially for her.

She came out to see our farmhouse and, as always,  had a lovely gift bag in her hand for me. We came inside and I gave her the 25¢ tour. (It's not a 50¢ tour until we're finished with the renovations.) After we sat down, I gave her the Grab and Go Clutch I'd made for her - and opened my gift to reveal a new pincushion she'd made for me.

Brynwood Needleworks - Farmhouse Pincushion Detail

 

Kathy knows I love and collect pincushions, so she's made some really beautiful ones for me using wools and applique. This is the first with counted thread. What makes it especially wonderful is a personalized detail she added. She told me the date from the original pattern was supposed to be "1798" (I think), but she changed it to "1918"...the year our farmhouse was built! 

 

Each stitch is perfection, the sleigh carrying a pine tree, the lovely, big farmhouse, and (oh, yes) the snowflakes. It really couldn't be a more thoughtful gift from the hands of my talented and generous friend. 

I'll treasure this gift, Kathy. A most fitting memento of our first winter and Christmas in our Wisconsin farmhouse. Thank you, dear, from the bottom of my grateful heart. xo

 

What A Wonderful World...

The Lord works in mysterious ways. Yesterday, when I least expected it, a package arrived in the mail from one of my Wisconsin friends, Kathy. It came with a beautiful card, a handwritten note (don't you love those?) and a wool pincushion created by her own hands.

Kathy used to come into my Wisconsin needlework shop (Stitches) years ago, and like me, she misses having the shop in Fond du Lac. I miss it because of the daily contact I had with so many talented and lovely people - and the friendships that were nurtured over our handwork. She told me she misses it, too - especially at this time of year, when the needlework bug bites her to create something new in counted thread. Those were fine days, my friend.

About the time I was closing Stitches and moving to the next creative phase in my life, Kathy was opening a beautiful shop (which I frequented), selling hand-dyed wools, beautiful threads and patterns to make items just like this pincushion. She purchased many of my shop fixtures (counters, cash register, etc.) for her new venture.

The note began with her condolences on the loss of our good dogs, but it wasn't a sad message. Rather, it was full of kind thoughts and reminiscences of good times we shared. Her dogs loved chasing rabbits, hence, the bunny-themed pincushion for me. So sweet!

All of your comments this week have made me smile, and I think Kathy's gift was the icing on the love-fest cake that we all shared together. You know how I adore pincushions and this will be a treasured addition to my collection. I hope that I'll be able to see Kathy sometime soon, so that I can tell her in person just how well-timed and appreciated her gift is.

Thank you, Kathy and all of my friends. I thank God for you in my life.

Sharing My Biscornu Progress...

You knew my first attempt at making a biscornu was going to involve acorns, didn't you? Of course, you did!

I chose five DMC cotton floss colors and just started stitching on 28 ct. antique white linen. This is my own design, but I haven't even put it to paper yet. I just started stranding floss and making x's. (I usually draw it out on graph paper first, but decided to just jump right in on this one.)

I like the way it looks lying flat like this. The design is 34 stitches square. I think next time, I'll make the sides an uneven number (33 or 35). I read in one of the tutorials that it might be easier to sew the two sides together if the number of stitches is uneven. We'll see. I promise to let you know how it goes stitching an even number of stitches together into the wonderfully wonky biscornu shape.

I'm happy with the design, and have already stitched the border for the back piece. I'll be putting it together today and then I'll take more pictures to share with you. Wish me luck!

Thank you to everyone who left a comment on this project idea. I'm having more fun doing small projects this summer - not my usual fare, to be sure - and I'm so glad that some of you have either made these before, or are willing to give 'em a shot. If you do, please send me photos. I'd love to share them here for everyone else to see.

In Case You Were Wondering...

I spent a nice part of Sunday just sitting in a comfortable chair and stitching. I hadn't done this in a long, long time.

I selected a kit that I'd purchased in Williamsburg, VA the day I went shopping with Shell May. It's a Maureen Appleton (The Hearts Content) counted thread kit. If you're not familiar with Maureen or her work, I'll tell you that all of her designs are stitched with one thread of floss over one thread of linen. In this case, the linen is 26 ct. Glenshee. (That's 26 threads to the inch, if you're not a needleworker.)

Maureen is from Wisconsin, and she and I are friends. Although I haven't seen her in a long time, I am a huge fan of her stunning designs. Stitching "one over one" creates a level of detail that you really must see.
This is as far as I got on Sunday. I didn't need a magnifier, but it is easier to see what I'm doing in bright daylight. I will wait for another sunny day to progress on this piece. I do know that this sweet squirrel will make a lovely scissors fob once assembled and attached to my squirrel embroidery scissors (which came in the kit).
Additionally, the ladies (Judy and Sue) have selected their mug mats (from my Second Blog Birthday celebration), so I created or chose a few special things to go along with each of their mats and Target gift cards.
I sure hope they like what I've chosen for them! I managed to include items that fit the theme of the original mat they selected.

I haven't decided what I'll work on today. Tuesdays are busy with Soundsations rehearsals from 1-3 pm, and then getting together with the Books A Million girls in the evening. I think I'll just keep it simple...whatever I decide.

I hope you all have a creative and fun day today. See you tomorrow!

A Variation On A Theme...

Today I wanted to share a little something I purchased while shopping in Williamsburg with Shell. This is a tiny scissors fob designed by my friend, Maureen Appleton of The Hearts Content.

I first met Maureen years ago when we would travel to trade shows to sell our counted thread designs. Maureen lives in Green Bay, Wisconsin - only an hour and a half north of where I used to live. She's a wonderful, beautiful woman, and her designs are fabulous. If you aren't familiar with her designs, go to her website and have a peek. Her one-over-one samplers are simply elegant!

This scissors fob features a squirrel which will be stitched onto 29 ct. Glenshee linen - one thread of floss over one thread of linen. The result will be the most perfectly detailed design as the centerpiece of the fob.
In addition to including everything needed to stitch the fob and finish it as shown in the photograph, Maureen also included this special pair of embroidery scissors. I'm sure you've seen embroidery scissors with animals on them before. Shell gave me a beautiful pair with a rabbit on them (which I adore), and it's not unusual to find them with a stork, but look at these...
A Squirrel!!! Not acorns, but a variation on a theme, don't you think? I showed the kit to Shell. It was so perfect to find the little kit, but to discover that the squirrel scissors were also included... We decided that this kit just had to come home with me!

I'll definitely need to break out my magnifying light to stitch this, but rest assured, it's on my short-term To Do list!

PS. I found out yesterday, when Francie left a comment for me, that the acorns in the previous post are boxes. BOXES?? Who would have thought? I can't wait to stuff them and use them on our tree this Christmas! Thanks again, Francie...both for the acorns, and for letting this rube know that they open up! ;-)