Patterns Coming...

 

I've decided to create digital patterns for my Brynwood wool pincushions. There are actually three. My Woolen Acorn pincushion isn't in this photo, but will definitely have a pattern.

I'll debut the patterns in June, but I'm letting you know here first. I'm going to create each pincushion - start to finish - so I can photograph each step. Once I've written the instructions, I'll be ready to list them up in my Etsy shop. I may even make a few kits available. (I haven't decided on that yet.)

I have two appointments today. Even so, I'm going to try to get in some stitching time. Hard to believe it's already "hump day"! Hope yours is a good one.

King Scarface...

As always, once I see the photographs of my "finished" pieces, I notice things I'd like to fine tune. Such is the case with my latest spool animal..."King Scarface". My original plan was to create a lion that I'd name "Aslan" after The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe stories. Then, I learned about an extraordinary, legendary, wild lion and changed my plans.

My spoolie looks just a bit too "happy", so I'm going to fine tune the nose and mouth area on him, as I add more black fur into the top of his head. Of course, a king needs a crown, so my little lion has one, too.

King Scarface from the Masai Marah Reserve

This is what the real King Scarface looked like. Rather than try to tell you what was so extraordinary about this lion, I'm going to quote the words written by the people who knew him best on the Maasai Mara Reserve:

"The legend Scarface, the king of the Savannah and ruler of the Maasai Mara Reserve, killed 400 hyenas and 130 lions and controlled an area of ​​400 square kilometers. He had 900 lions under his command. He is also considered the only lion who was able to kill an adult hippopotamus in a single battle and expel crocodiles from his reserve because they preyed on a young cub. In 2012, Scarface got into a fight with a lion called Marsupial, who was 3 years younger than Marsupial and bigger than him. Everyone thought that Scarface would lose the fight. Scarface was injured in his foot, but he emerged victorious and kept Marsupial’s head for two weeks before throwing it away. In 2016, he and his brothers Sekiu, Hunter and Murami got into a fight with 6 lions and killed 2 of them on their own. A few days before his death, Scarface walked several miles back to his home and birthplace. On his way, the lions gave him food instead of attacking him. This is unusual in the animal world, but Scarface broke the rule and gained great respect from everyone. He also did not… A cat attacks a human being and is announced dead after a sad roar from the lionesses. He was buried by the National Geographic team in honor of his legendary life, the lion who was only defeated by death. This is from my report and personally I followed his life until his death." - Writer unknown to me

If you'd like to see one of the last videos of this magnificent lion, you can click HERE to view it on Instagram. (I don't think you have to have an account to watch the video.) 

I consider my little spool animal a pale tribute to how wonderful King Scarface really was, but I will keep it to honor his memory.

Fungi...

Image property of Sophie Wheatley

I belong to the Felted Fungi Club curated by Sophie Wheatley from the UK. These are some of the designs she offers in her club. I've belonged for a while, and have learned many great techniques from her. However, I've yet to actually create one of her fungi designs myself...so far.

My list is long, I know, but after I finish the bluebirds (no, I haven't forgotten them), then I'll play with one of these designs.

I had a really great day at work yesterday. We got a lot accomplished, and that's always rewarding. My knees held up well until after I got in the truck at the end of my shift. Handsome dropped me off and picked me up late afternoon. I was tired and a little sore. It's okay, though. I'll rest today and work on getting my April artist trading cards done so I can share them with you. So, if you're looking for me, I'll be sitting in my studio.

Working On A New Idea...

Brynwood Needleworks - Acorn Idea In Progress

I've had an idea in my head for a while. I'm doing a little needle dancing, while I perfect my process. I'll show you when it's finished.

Brynwood Needleworks - Embroidering The Acorn

 

Even if I doesn't "work", it's always fun playing with needle and thread. 

 

Thanks for your comments this week. I'm still trying to reset my comments section to include a "reply" box under each individual comment, so I can reply directly to you. (If you know someone who does this, I'd love to have the help!)

 

My doctor appointment went well, and I'm in fine health. This was a consult for a minor procedure, but nothing to worry about. I really appreciate your concern. 

 

Now, about that hickory syrup, Laurie. It's really delicious. It has a nutty flavor - compared to maple syrup - and not quite as sweet. It's made from the shells and/or bark of the tree (I use the shells), which contributes to its unique flavor. I've been making it for a couple years, now, and finally have it perfected. Once I have it bottled and labeled, I'll let you know. I sell it in my Etsy shop, and directly, for anyone interested in getting a bottle of my "liquid gold".  

So, I have a fun, but busy weekend planned. There's always something to do here, so I'm never bored...and I sleep like a rock at the end of the day. I'm always hoping you're content and satisfied with your days when your head hits the pillow each night. 

Wishing you a great weekend.

Coping...

Brynwood Needleworks - Wooly Critters Sampler Quilt Pieces

 

I got all the pieces cut out for the rest of the borders for my quilt. I admit I didn't even start on this until late day. I can explain.

 

When I'm stressed, I respond by sleeping. I'm not afraid. I'm not worried. I'm just stressed. So, yesterday morning I got up, and had my morning coffee; did a few chores around the house. I spent some time talking with Handsome, and then went upstairs with the intention to shower, make those chocolate chip cookies, and then get in a little studio time.

 

I got to our bedroom, sat down on the bed, and before long, I was under the blankets. I didn't wake up again until nearly 6 pm. I slept the entire time. Not having dreams. Not tossing and turning. Just a deep, restful sleep that had eluded me the past few nights. I regenerated.

 

When I got up, I took the shower I meant to take earlier in the day, went downstairs and fed Tag, and then prepared dinner for Handsome and me. We watched a movie together, and then I went upstairs to finish prepping all these pieces.  

I'll make those cookies today, and then see about setting up the other three borders for my quilt. Seems there's no particular rush. I mean, we're not planning to go anywhere. The project will wait for me. In the meantime, I'm going to concentrate a bit more on much-needed self-care. I do not want to get sick. No siree!

How are you spending your days? Working, playing, or resting? Each option is good if it works for you. Whatever you do, try not to stress. I'll try to do better, too.

A Primitive Day...

Primitive Gatherings' Owner and Designer, Lisa Bongean

I drove up to Menasha, WI yesterday morning to meet up with Kathy D. She invited me to join the Sit & Sew group she attends once a month at Lisa Bongean's warehouse and offices for Primitive Gatherings.

I'm sure that if you quilt, you're familiar with Lisa's name and work. She's an extraordinary designer, and her woolwork quilts and projects are beloved by many. She's also extremely entertaining and personable! As her shop is one of my favorites, I was happy to join Kathy and the ladies for a day in Menasha.

My girlfriend, Kathy D.

The gathering always begins with Lisa sharing her new fabrics, designs and or ideas with the ladies. It's also a chance for each of the ladies to share what they're currently doing, projects they've recently finished, or to get input into how to complete a block or quilt top. Lisa's opinions, as well as those of the other ladies, are helpful for everyone.

Kathy is a prolific wool worker, and I always enjoy seeing what she's been working on. She opened up her case to show us her latest completed blocks, along with her ideas for assembling a quilt top with them.

Kathy's Blocks

I'm sure you can see a number of reasons why I fell in love with these blocks! I can't wait to see it finished, and how she does her own quilting on the assembled top. It's going to be a stunning piece when it's done, for sure.

English Paper Pieced Quilt Top

I don't know everyone's names (yet), but I'm looking forward to getting to know these talented ladies better. Isn't this a gorgeous quilt top? It's all paper pieced, and she chose the colors completely randomly. I think that makes it even more charming.

Some of the attendees have never worked on an English Paper Pieced project before, so this lady brought kits of tiny hexies (and even precut fabrics) so that we could make our own tree ornaments.

English Paper Pieced Make & Take

This was one of her models for the class. I completed my hexie assembly yesterday, and just have to mount it to a wool backing. I'll finish it soon, and show you what it looks like after I do that. (It was a fun project working with tiny hexies, by the way, and very generous of her to share her teaching knowledge and materials.)

Show & Tell Wool Wall Hanging

I thought you might like to see a couple more of the pieces that were shared with the group. I love this alphabet sampler. It's a great size for a wall hanging, and I love the color choices. It's completely done in wools.

Show & Tell Wool Quilt Top

 

This is a finished quilt top, and its owner brought it to ask about the best ideas for quilting it. She also chose her quilt backing next door from Lisa's warehouse stock. How cool is that?

 

All in all, it was a really fun day. Everyone brought a dish to pass, too, so we had a delicious lunch (and a wide choice of tasty desserts).

 

The next gathering will be held at Lisa's home, and it will be a Christmas party of sorts. I'll definitely have a project to share, and we're having an ornament gift exchange, so I'm going to make one of my own acorn ornaments. (It's pictured in the third picture of my blog header above.) You can find my pattern on my "Free Patterns and Tutorials" page (link in my top menu bar). I can't wait to do this again!

 

A New Venture...

 I'll be working to set up two more applique' blocks for the guild 

quilt this week, but I also have another project that I'll be working on.

 Gorgeous felted wools, ribbons, roses and some more handwork as I

create custom items for a new joint venture with an old and dear blog friend.

 I can't share the details right now, but there is a subtle hint in this photo.

I promise I'll tell you all about it as soon as my work is complete and

we're ready to roll our plan out together. I'm really excited about it!

Oh! Oh! Remember when I teased about a giveaway not too long ago?

I promise that there will be a friends/followers giveaway this week!

It's going to have a Valentine theme, but that's all I'm telling you for now.

Have a great week and I'll announce the giveaway in the next day or so.

Ready To Roll...

I'm finished!
(Putting my feet up now and feeling quite smug, actually.)

Embroidery is all done.

Buttons have been sewn in appropriate locations.

All the parts are sewn together.

Cording was made and attached so the envelope can be securely closed.

I really love how it turned out!

The kits are ready, too.

I cut the fabrics, wound threads onto bobbins and added a few special

 Brynwood touches to complete what my students will receive from me

to make their very own beautiful Arlyn's Embroidery Envelope.

 

All my preparations are done, so all I have to do is pack 

everything into a tote and meet my students at class.

If you're an occasional reader, I want to ask you to come back tomorrow while

I'm teaching. I have an update to share with you and the photos are going to 

make your mouth water. I'm very, very, extremely, over-the-top excited!

I just know that while I'm teaching class, you'll be drooling! Trust me.

Cutting and Kitting...

 I'm teaching a class in hand embroidery next Thursday in Venice, Florida. 

Today, I spent part of the afternoon cutting the hand dyed wools to go into the kits.

They're beautiful, pastel shades of soft fabric that will become needlework organizers. 

The pattern is Crabapple Hill's "Arlyn's Embroidery Envelope".

 I found out yesterday that I have eight students in my class who are

all eager to learn hand embroidery. I'm really looking forward to it!

After I cut all the fabrics, I turned to another task.  I have to make my

model for the class! (I know. I haven't done that yet and still I have a

full class! Pretty cool, right?) I'll probably finish my own piece today,

and I'll show you what it looks like as soon as it's put together.

 Gotta run. My needlework awaits...

Yesterday's Project...

I've had this kit for quite some time, and I decided that today would be the day I would make this. It's a little candlemat project from Bareroots called "Bunnies".

In this first photograph, I've already cut out all the blooms, leaves and bunnies and whipstitched them to the base (per the pattern instructions). I think it's already cute, but there was more to do.

I placed the backing (the green felted wool) behind the embroidery panel so you could get an idea of the finished piece.

These are the bunnies after I added the little leafy necklaces. I still had to add the flowers to the necklaces. The pattern calls for beads, but I added colonial knots instead (I prefer them to French knots.)

All that's left is to add the green backing. When it's all done, I'll take another photograph so you can see how cute it is. I really liked working on it, too. It was elegant in its simplicity, and I was nearly able to finish it in one day! (My kind of project!) I have a few more of the patterns from Barri Sue Gaudet (the designer) and might just have to start another! If I do, you know I'll show it to you.

UPDATE: Each comment left so far on today's post has asked what "colonial knots" are. I'm going to do a mini photo tutorial for you tomorrow. Thanks for asking!

I'm looking forward to a productive week this week. So far, so good. What's on your agenda?