"Theodore Badger"...

 

Meet "Theodore Badger", my latest spool animal. I'm so in love with this guy. I know. I say that about all of them, but truly, this one just makes me smile. 

Theodore is a gift for someone celebrating a Birthday later this week, and will already in the mail on Monday, but I just had to take photographs before boxing him up so you could see him, too.

I made a wee vest for him, and even included buttons and a chain for his pocket watch. And what learned badger doesn't need his own pinz nez glasses perched on his nose? (I did sew those on so they wouldn't fall off.)

Handsome has already told me I'm going to have to make a second one for my spoolie shelf. I always show them to him first, and he declared there should be two. I'll probably work on this one's brother while I'm recuperating from my procedure this week. It's a great project when one is sitting in a semi-reclined position, I think. I'll be thinking about a good name for Theodore's brother, too. (I'm not inclined to go with Alvin or Simon. Those are the names of the three chipmunks, which I may save for when I might make a chipmunk!) I'd love ideas, though.

I'm working today, so I won't get to the bluebird's wings again until tomorrow. Have a great day, my friends. See you tomorrow.

 

More Thread Catchers...

Brynwood Needleworks - Thread Catchers

 I was sewing thread catchers again yesterday.These will be gifts, on their way to new homes in today's mail.
 

Brynwood Needleworks - Thread Catchers

They're all wool on the exterior, with flannel on the interior. I used vintage buttons to embellish these. There will definitely be more of these in the future, but next up are some Brynwood Nocturne travel bags, Ensemble hobo bags, and a few Bryn wallets. It's so nice to be back in the studio!

 

Tiny Acorns...

Brynwood Needleworks - Little Acorn Pinkccp

This is what I was working on this weekend. I've created an embroidered Tiny Acorn Pinkeep. This has been in my head for a while, so I just sat down and worked on what I've been imagining.

Brynwood Needleworks - Little Acorn Pinkeep

 

It measures approximately 2.5" long by 1.5" wide. It's small size makes it a perfect, compact addition to your needle roll or workbox. Inside is a small muslin pouch filled with emery, which helps keep needles and pins sharp, wrapped in organic wool roving to help keep them smooth.

 

This one is just my prototype. I'm now contemplating whether to make (and sell) them myself, or create a pattern so others can make their own. Your input would be appreciated.

 

As soon as I finish my morning coffee, I'm driving for my weekly visit with Dad. Tag will be back tomorrow with photos of Bella's six week old puppies! I'll see you again on Wednesday! 

"Mighty Oaks From Tiny Acorns Grow"

 

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.

Slow (Needle) Dancing...

Brynwood Needleworks - Wooly Critter Sampler Flower Detail

I'm working on my Wooly Critter Sampler quilt borders. When I came to making my color choice for the corner floral motifs, I was sure I'd choose a hand-dyed shade of ivory. I changed my mind. I selected this wonderful lavender shade instead.

Brynwood Needleworks - Wool Applique' Embroidery

 

The design called for a second piece of wool fabric to create the center of the flowers, but I chose, instead, to create a dimension center of myriad French knots. 

 

I haven't stitched the flower to the ground fabric yet, because this is at the corner, and I need to join another stem under the edge before I can complete it. So, that's where I am right now. Stitching...and more stitching.

 

A Quick Hello...

Brynwood Needleworks - Wooly Critter Borders In Progress - Detail

It seems I'm incapable of accomplishing as much as I like when I don't start in the studio before noon. Handsome is doing really well in physical therapy, so it's worth it from that standpoint. I end up not being able to show you much progress on my "off day" posts, though.
 

Brynwood Needleworks - Wooly Critter Borders In Progress

 

I am working on the borders for my Wooly Critter Sampler quilt. I'm choosing colors as I go, and I really love the hand-dyed green wool I've picked for the vines that will work their way all around the quilt. The red berries will also be seen again. I'm not a fan of the mustard-y colored corner flowers (see pattern above the fabrics), so I may go with a nice hand-dyed ivory. I think there should be a small heart between the leaves under the blue-colored birds, too. What do you think?

I'll be getting back to work on this as soon as I've had my morning coffee. After everything is fused, I'll be able to start stitching...and I can't wait! I'll share more tomorrow.

 

It's Installed...

Brynwood Needleworks - Shorty Pattern File Cabinet

The first thing I accomplished yesterday was to bake five loaves of farmhouse sandwich bread. One went into the bread box, one to our nephew, and the rest to the freezer until they're needed.

The second thing I accomplished (with the help of said nephew) was to get my new short pattern file cabinet upstairs and into the fabric studio. It fit perfectly under my cutting table!

Brynwood Needleworks - First Drawer Wools

I'm putting all of my applique' wools (hand dyed and other) into the two top drawers, and the wool project kits will go into the bottom drawer. In the first drawer are all of my neutral-colored wools, along with all of the blue-colored wools.

Brynwood Needleworks - Second Drawer Wools

 

Drawer Two is filled with yellows, oranges, browns, reds, purples, and greens. Now, I can see what I have at a glance, and easily pull the colors I need for any given project. 

 

The best part of this whole deal was that the cabinet cost me a whopping...wait for it...twenty dollars!!! Isn't that awesome? It's in like-new condition, too!!

 

I'll finish filling it tomorrow, and then I'll be able to clear off the top of my cutting table so I can get back to work. I had an overall restful weekend, and now I'm ready to roll into the holiday week. Tag will be back tomorrow with a PSA (Public Service Announcement), and I'll see you again on Wednesday. 

 

Welcome to July. I hope we can all make it a great one.

 

Next Up and A Little Confusion...

Brynwood Needleworks - Primitive Gatherings - Wool Box #2 - Table Runner Project

 

This is the next project I'm going to make from Primitive Gatherings' Wool Box #2 collection. It's a sweet "Hello Spring" table runner. Although, measuring 9" x 20", I consider it more of a table mat than runner. 

 

I love the design, and the colors, so I'll have fun making this one, too. I'll set it up today, and then work on it as I'm able over the weekend. We'll see how far I get. 

 

Pretty soon, it will be time to get out into the yard and do my spring cleanup. The lilies around the base of the old apple tree, chives and my tulips next to the house are already peeking out of the ground! 

 

The fence across the yard is on my list, too. I want to paint it white, in hopes of finishing it before the bluebirds move into their houses. I don't want disturb them while they nest. That means I need to get my inside projects done soon, so I can play outside. 

 

What are you working on? What's on your list? I'm thinking I might do a once-a-month blog post of your projects...inside, outside, needlework, crafting, whatever you'd like. I'm thinking it would be fun to see what others are doing, and might spark a new creative bug for you. Would you find that interesting? What do you think?

 

***I've been a day ahead of myself all week, so my end-for-entries notice yesterday was a day early. One more day to get into the drawing!

Today is the last day to enter my 10th Blog Anniversary Giveaway! If you haven't entered yet, there's still time. I'll shut down the entries around 11:30 pm tonight, and I'll be announcing winners tomorrow! (Enter by clicking on the button at the top of my sidebar. Follow instructions from the linked post.) Good luck, everybody!

 

A Sweet, Wooly "Spring" Pillow...

Brynwood Needleworks - Primitive Gatherings "Spring Pillow" Design

I got my "Spring" pillow finished, so I sewed it together to share with you today. I've added a zipper to the back of mine, suspecting that there will be three more seasons throughout the year. That way, I can fold this one, tuck it away for safe keeping, and use the pillow form for the next.

Brynwood Needleworks - Primitive Gatherings "Spring Pillow" Design Detail

This was a nice, quick embroidery/applique' project, and I really enjoyed working it. The design was from the bi-monthly Wool Box subscription from Primitive Gatherings. This won't be available for purchase in the near future, but I'm sure Lisa will make it available after the end of the year.

Brynwood Needleworks - Primitive Gatherings "Spring Pillow" Design

 

I'm sure most of you already know this, but you don't have to follow any designer's exact layout or color scheme. You're always free to improvise to suit your decor, taste, or just because you want to make it your own.

 

I love everything about the original, but wasn't quite sold on the black lettering for myself. I went through my #5 pearl cottons, and decided that a medium lavender was more to my liking. I chose DMC #5 Color #3041 for my hand embroidered "Spring" lettering.

 

I think I'll be making the table mat from the Wool Box next. I'm waiting to hear back from my handbag client, so I can't work on those yet. I'll embroider while I wait.

 

***Today is the last day to enter my 10th Blog Anniversary Giveaway! If you haven't entered yet, there's still time. I'll shut down the entries around 11:30 pm tonight, and I'll be announcing winners tomorrow! (Enter by clicking on the button at the top of my sidebar. Follow instructions from the linked post.) Good luck, everybody!

Joy Spring!...

Brynwood Needleworks - Pillow Detail

 

I completed all the stitching on this project yesterday, but haven't assembled the finished piece yet. I'll do that today, and share it with you on Wednesday. (Tag frowns on me interrupting his Tuesday posts.) This is my first project from the Primitive Gatherings second Wool Box. I love how it turned out, and am looking forward to sharing the finished pillow with you.

I'm going to be listing up more fabrics in my shop today. You can check HERE later today to see what's new!

Holiday Needle Dancing...

Brynwood Needleworks - Snow Days Bowl Fillers Project

We're leaving for Florida over the weekend, so I didn't want to start anything that will require a sewing machine. While we're away from home, I'll be working on needlework projects. This one is perfect for the season!

These are pre-printed panels to which you fuse felted wool. You can do as much or as little (including none) needlework to the fabric. Of course, you know me. I'll be stitching over much of the printed areas of each small panel. I've even chosen one of my Kreinik metallic threads for the snowflakes.

Once the panels are complete, I'll be sewing backings on each, and then filling them with poly stuffing or crushed walnut shells. They'll be all set for the rest of this winter, and then again next year.

Brynwood Needleworks - Cover Photo "Snow Days Bowl Fillers" by All Through The Night

 

One of my friends in the Primitive Gatherings Sit & Sew group already stitched hers, and then made them into a quilted wall hanging. It was lovely, but I've chosen to make mine for the bowl instead.

 

In case you're interested in creating your own, this is the kit information for you. You supply your own wools. It's really a fun, little project.

Pincushion Progress...

Embroidered Brynwood Fairy Steed Corgi Pincushion

 

I completed all the embroidery for the current Corgi Pincushion. I decided to embroider it a little differently than I've done in the past, and I really like this one! 

 

I would have completed the assembly, but got sidetracked to complete two very special projects. I have a short deadline, so I had to squeeze them in before I got the pincushion done. I'll complete this one later today.

I have another bread-making class tomorrow, so I'll get this and the special project finished before I spend the day with my hands in flour. That class is called "Rustic Soups and Breads". Do you think I'm going to have fun? Count on it!

I'll share my finishes with you tomorrow, too, so I'd better get back to it. I love it when I'm busy!

The Well-Behaved Corgi...

Brynwood Needleworks' Corgi Pincushion In Progress

 

We've been doing a lot of outside work, preparing for the inevitable colder weather. Even so, when I've finished my outside chores, it's so nice to come back inside, make a hot cuppa tea and then, sit down to stitch. 

I have commissions that are waiting for my attention, so I'm happy to spend my indoor time doing what I love best. Needle dancing. Next up are my Corgi pincushions. Yes. The well-behaved Corgi.

(Tag can be like the little boy in the Calvin and Hobbs' stories. lol)

 

Brynwood Needleworks' Corgi Pincushion Embroideries

 

After I cut out and stitch my Corgi shape, I hand cut and place all the flowers and leaves. Next, I can sit down and stitch all of those. Then, I'll assemble and fill my pincushion, and it will be ready to go to a new home. See you tomorrow!

Studio Playtime...

My Prepped Primitive Gatherings Summer Block Of The Week Freebies 5-8

 

I finally made time to do a little preparation for my next five Primitive Gatherings' "Summer Block Of The Week Freebies". There are twelve in all. I've stitched four; prepared four more; and have four left to prepare. 

 

I traced and cut out all the little blossoms, leaves and baskets onto the Heat n' Bond Lite, and then fused the shapes to my wools. After cutting all the shapes, I fused them to my ground fabrics. All I have left is to stitch them down now. 

 

I'll stitch these over the next few days, and enjoy every relaxing second. I so love putting needle and thread to fabric. Stitching bliss in my future!

 

Summer Block of the Week Progress...

"Twilight Garden" Summer Block of the Week Progress

I'm all caught up on my "Twilight Garden" Summer Block of the Week setups. They're all cut and fused, and available for my needle and Valdani™ thread whenever it strikes my fancy. I am falling in love with this colorway!

Freebie Summer Block of the Week

 

I'm fully caught up on the FREE Summer Block of the Week blocks for weeks 1 through 3. They're stitched and finished.

I'm thinking there will be blossoms on each basket which will correspond to the week that the block debuted. (ie. Block One has one blossom; Week Two has two; Week Three has three.) I'm definitely seeing a pattern. 

I'm looking forward to seeing what Block Four has in store! I know that, whatever it looks like, it will be fabulous.

I hope you all had a safe and fun day off. We sure did!

A Productive Weekend...

Brynwood Needleworks - Grab & Go Clutch and Acorn Pincushion

I finished these two projects over the weekend, and shipped them out on Monday.

Brynwood Needleworks - Grab & Go Clutch and Acorn Pincushion

You've seen my pincushion design before. I've used hand-dyed wool in this one, and it really brings the leaves to life. I like the houndstooth check for the acorn top, too.

Brynwood Needleworks - Grab & Go Clutch - Blue/Silver Fleck Cork

I really love this blue cork. It has a wonderful silver fleck that simply sparkles.

Brynwood Needleworks - Grab & Go Clutch - Blue/Silver Fleck Cork - Coral Lining

  I chose a coral print fabric, and the blue/green color lining is a near perfect match. I'll definitely be making more of these.  

Woolen Strawberry Pincushions...

Brynwood Needleworks - Wool Strawberry Pincushions Detail

 

Rather than work on my hexies at Nifty 50s on Wednesday, I chose instead to do a little woolwork. I completed them Wednesday evening and assembled them into pincushions yesterday.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Wool Strawberry Pincushions

Each pincushion measures approximately 7.5" long x 4" wide, and is filled with crushed walnut shells. They can be used as pincushions (without doing any harm to the applique' or stitching at all!), or to display a collection of favorite brooches. Both are available and listed in my Etsy shop HERE.

UPDATE: "Right Leaf Up" already SOLD - Thank you!

I hope you're all looking forward to the first real weekend of summer. I sure am!