Lined Baby Kimono...

I completed the Baby Kimono for Wendi's granddaughter yesterday. 

I thought you'd like to see what it looks like now that the lining is installed.

I love the way it turned out!

It's completed hand stitched into the kimono, and it's the softest flannel.

I knit the kimono using Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran yarn. It's a blend of 55% merino wool, 33% microfibre and 12% cashmere. The lining is something soft against baby's skin in case she's sensitive to the wools.

Also, for that reason, I stitched the Brynwood Baby label near the bottom 

front lining of the kimono. It's visible, but won't irritate baby's neck.

I attached two (removable) cards at the neckline. This one has the content written on the back of it.

This was the card I designed when we still lived in Florida. I still have a couple left, but they had the Florida address on them. I'll need to get these redone with current information. I did these when I thought I might concentrate on making Christening gowns, bonnets, booties, and kimonos for my shop. Then I discovered bag making. 

I haven't completely put that idea aside. I do love making things for babies. I always have. But for now, at least, I'll keep making bags and accessories from cork. I still think I'll update these cards, though. Just in case...

Nearly Finished!...

I kept my hands busy this weekend, completing the knitting for the baby kimono. Just in time, too! I saw that the baby for whom I've been making this was born on Thanksgiving Day! My dear friend, Wendi is a grandma for the first time, and I'm so thrilled for her. Being a grandma is one of the greatest blessings I've been given.

Now that the knitting is complete - except for grafting the sleeves together - all I have to do is cut the lining and sew it in. I waited to join the sleeves so that I could measure, cut and assemble the softest flannel lining for it.

I'll do that today, and this piece will be finished and ready to wrap for the new parents. I'll take a few more photographs when it's all done to share with you, along with a picture of the beautiful, wee girl born to Danielle and Josh. Just past their first wedding anniversary, they are now parents. God is good.

Knitting At Night...

This is one of my earlier baby kimono projects, but I wanted you to see what I'm working on after the sun goes down.

Remember last October when my girlfriend's daughter, Danielle got married? Well, she and her husband, Josh are expecting a new baby in December (very close to my Birthday!). I'm invited to their baby shower the end of this month, so I decided to make a baby kimono for the wee one.

I may line the one I'm working on with flannel this time. I'll decide after I finish the knitting. It's a perfect project for evenings, as I'm more comfortable working on the cardinals during the daylight hours. That project is coming along nicely, too. I'll share photos of that tomorrow.

I want to thank you if you've left a comment on any of my most recent posts while I was away. I'll catch up with responses in the next day or so. I love reading what you have to say to me after each posts, so thanks for each one. Thanks so much!

Whatever Handsome Wants...

Handsome's New Handknit Wool Cap

 

...Handsome gets.

After I finished my pair of socks, Handsome requested a new wool cap. I'd purchased a whole, beautiful, big ball of wool tweed yarn that - when woven - creates Harris tweed fabric. I doubled up the yarn and got to knitting.

The result? A new cap for Handsome - knit up in one day. It fits him well, and he loves it. It's supposed to get really cold(er) by Thursday, so he'll be able to road test it. I'll try to get a photo of him wearing it during daylight hours. He's so cute handsome.

Today is a bread baking day here. I'll take care of the Barn Girls first, then enjoy my first cup of coffee. I'll officially start my day after that.

Possum Socks...

They're Finished!

As I write this post, I'm doing a happy dance in my finished socks! I completed my possum blend socks on Sunday (finally!), and immediately put them on.

Before I show me wearing them, I want to clarify something I needed to learn, too, about the critter that contributed to the composition of my yarn.

On the left of the image above is the North American Opossum - the only North American native marsupial. I have watched and fed them on our property since the first winter we owned the farmhouse. These are nocturnal and beneficial, eating up to 5,000 ticks each per season. They rarely carry rabies because of their low body temperature. They carry their babies in pouches, much like kangaroos, and they're docile - even though they look fierce when they're cornered. They'd sooner "play possum" than attempt to harm a dog, cat or human. I love them.

The New Zealand Possum on the right, is "A native of Australia, the southern hemispere possum is an introduced pest to NZ that destroys native wildlife, endangered birds, forests & spreads disease to livestock.  Heavy culling is required to keep possum numbers under control." (The copy in quotes is from the Skeinz website that produced this yarn.) The two skeins I received were a gift from my long-time friend, Marrianne, who lives in New Zealand. 

Now that I've cleared that up, I know you want to see my new socks!

They're A Perfect Fit!

As soon as I completed tucking in the tails from beginning and ending these socks, I slipped them on. They were a perfect fit.

I Love Them!

The yarn is a blend of wool, alpaca, nylon, and possum. The combination makes for a perfect sock yarn. They're so soft and warm...and I love the color.  Can you tell I love them? Squeeeee! I'm also very happy to be finished.

Handsome thought they were nice, too. I thought he'd be asking for a pair of socks, but rather, he asked me to make a warm winter cap for him. I have just the yarn and will share more later this week. For now, I'm going to enjoy this finish.

Uncooperative Thumbs...

Knitting The Heel Flap

I'm knitting as much as my arthritic thumbs will allow. I knit until I can't and then I take a break. This sock would usually take me a day to knit, but my thumbs are howling after an hour or so. 

I knit; stop to take a break; knit; repeat. I'm trying not to be frustrated, but...sheesh. This issue usually goes away as quickly as it flares. Eventually, I'll be back to pain-free, but for now, my thumbs are giving me grief. I'll get this sock finished over the weekend, but my hopes for having it finished by today's post were dashed by my temperamental hands. Sorry to disappoint. These are really going to be beautiful...soon. I'll just keep plugging away as I'm able, and I'll aim to have them finished and photographed for Monday's post.

Knitting Or Needlework...

My Current Embroidery In Progress

 

While yesterday was much warmer than Tuesday, it's still that season where Wisconsin is not as balmy as our former January days in Florida. That means, I'm more likely to spend my time indoors than out.

Sometimes it's no blessing to have so many options for occupying my time. (Of course, I say that tongue-in-cheek. My blessings overflow and for that, I'm grateful.) The top of the list right now would be completing either this embroidery or that second sock. 

Handsome and I had a lovely meal and visit with our neighbor, Mary Jane yesterday. We were invited for lunch, and it was late afternoon when we got back home. We had such a nice time, but by the time we took care of the dogs, it was time to make our evening meal (we usually eat at 7 pm). Then I caught up on a few other necessary tasks. As a result, I neither knitted nor embroidered.

I have studio work today, but I'm actually scheduling time for handwork so I'm not just spending time at the computer. I have items to list in my Etsy shop, which takes time. My alarm will go off to tell me when it's time to back away from that so I can play. Let's see if I can finish that sock.

Completely Derailed…

Then This Happened

The day began with big plans and high expectations. One (little) dog derailed my day. Yep. Tag completely changed my plans.

I was sitting in the kitchen, and glanced into the pantry as Tag emptied his breakfast dish and turned to leave the room. On his way out, he looked right at me, raised his 10-1/2 year old rear leg on our Amish oak trash cabinet, and…!!! He stood there as I asked him (possibly in a loud voice) what he was doing. When he finished, he just sauntered out of the pantry, giving me a “What’s your problem?” look on his way. (I promptly kenneled him, as Handsome came to find out what had me all agitated.)

I explained the inspiration for my ire, and we proceeded to move the cabinet out so I could do cleanup. When the space was cleared, I saw that this had been going on for a while. (Please don’t judge. Who moves a heavy cabinet every week to clean under it?) I was really hacked. Yes, I’d been smelling an offensive odor, but was sure he must have hit the rug, so I kept laundering it like a madwoman.

I spent the next twenty minutes on my hands and knees, cleaning the floor. (Handsome had to help me up when I was finished.) Then, we took the next hour cleaning the cabinet. I didn’t want his scent calling him back to the cabinet to continue his infraction. I didn’t put the cabinet in the old location for the same reason.

By the time we completed all that, I went outside and fed the cats. The high winds last night had them more than a little rattled. I sat and loved on them for a while, fed them, and then came back inside. It was after 1 pm.

With my sewing mojo gone for the day, I went back downstairs, where Handsome and I decided to engage in a little online Christmas shopping. We finished our list, and I went back upstairs, hoping I could sew for a while. Instead, I shifted fabric around, without making any headway.

So, after making and consuming dinner, Handsome and I did cleanup. Kitchen sparkling, I again went upstairs. In light of the hour, I figured I’d start knitting a pair of socks. I knit socks in the round. That means, once the stitches are all cast on the needles, the row is joined, and then you knit around and around to build a sock. 

The yarn that feeds the process should be outside the circle. As you can see, after completing two rows, I realized my yard was inside the circle. As I knit more and more of the sock, this would be a major frustration. I decided to set the sock WIP aside, and will start over the next time I pick it up. That’s how my day ended. 

I’m confident today will be a better day, all around. I remain hopeful that today I shall not be derailed. Wish me luck…

Ready To Party...

Brynwood Needleworks - Christmas Sheep Cookies

 

I originally planned to make sheep and quilt block cookies for the small gathering I'm attending today. Truthfully, I knew I wouldn't have the stamina to decorate the two different cookies (I'm only two weeks post op today!), so I opted to make just one of them this time.

As it was, the cookies mixed and baked in no time at all. It took me three hours to decorate 2-1/2 dozen. By the time I was finished...I was gassed. I made a cup of tea and put my feet up. I'm pleased with the results, and I think they'll be appreciated by the ladies today.

Rather than make another dish to pass, I signed up to bring a savory snack. I cheated. Handsome and I went to the store yesterday, and I chose a bagel dip (to serve with New York bagel chips), and a spinach dip (to serve with nice bread crisps). 

I'll be with the Sewcial Sisters today at Lisa's house on the lake. There are a number of the ladies who won't be attending because they're being Covid-cautious, but most of the people who'll be there have been sticking close to home this entire year, as we have. I'm sure we'll be just fine, and I personally need some socialization. I haven't been to many of the gatherings all year, and I'm missing my friends. A Christmas party is just the thing.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Finished Pink Socks

The pink socks are finished, too. I finished them on Monday night. Now to decide what to work on next. 

So Close...

Brynwood Needleworks - Almost Finished

 

It wasn't for lack of trying, but I didn't quite finish the pink socks. I'll get them done today, and then I'll have a pair of pretty pink socks to gift for Christmas.

 

I have an appointment with my surgeon this afternoon. I'm sure he'll be happy with my post-op progress. See you again tomorrow! I have cookie making on my agenda.

I Can't Believe It...

Brynwood Needleworks - Extremely Large Sock

 

I'm going to put all the blame for this on the meds. Yes. I'm still uncomfortable enough to need them, and am able to function moderately well with them. I'm not allowed to drive under the influence of them, and apparently, I've got a few other deficiencies, too. 

I know full-well how many yards of yarn I need to knit a pair of socks (400 yard hanks/balls), yet I chose to begin a pair of socks using a 280 yard ball...and I don't think I have more of it. Also, the blue  is also a thicker yarn, so this first sock will likely fit Handsome - making it waaayyy to big for one of the girls. ugh

Brynwood Needleworks - Rose-Colored Sock

So, once I finished one huge sock, I decided to cut my losses and start on the rose-colored pair. This is sizing as it should be, and will become a lovely pair. 

 

I haven't made up my mind whether or not I'll unravel the blue sock - or if I'll make a funky mismatched pair for Handsome. I'm going to keep moving forward (making the socks, mittens and caps on my list) and look back at that blue one after I finish the gifts. I guess I'd better stay focused. Perhaps coffee would help?

Already Choosing The Next Yarn...

Brynwood Needleworks - Miss Bab's Tea Rose Sock Yarn

I'm already thinking about the next pair of socks I'll knit. This is a lovely sock weight yarn from Miss Bab's. It's a 400 yd. ball of 100% merino wool, which is ample for knitting a complete pair. It reminds me of sherbet!

Still working on the variegated blue yarn. I forgot to tell you it's also 100% superwash merino wool from Sunshine Yarns. The color is "Surf". This pair is coming along nicely, and I'll share as I get them finished.

Doing What I Can This Christmas Season...

Brynwood Needleworks - Socks In Progress

Even when I'm under the weather, I have a difficult time just sitting around. When I'm healing, I sleep most of the time, but I don't really just want to snooze through my recuperation. I'm trying to move around, gently, but I really have to be careful.

So, I decided it was time to find a gentle pursuit to keep my mind and my hands busy. I'm thinking socks, mittens and caps are on the gift list this year. It's a lot easier than sitting at my sewing machine, and unless I buy them this year, there may not be Grammie's Jammies. I know our grandchildren will understand, but it will be the first time in eighteen years that I probably won't be able to make them. (insert sad face here)

 

The most important thing is for me to completely heal, so I'll keep my needles busy as I knit my gifts this year. I know that, in the long run, they care more about Grandma's health than a pair of pajamas. I want to be here with them for a long time to come.

Completed This Weekend...

Brynwood Needleworks - Completed Handknit Socks

 

This pair is finished! I've got that beautiful "Joey" sock yarn that I'll be knitting into the next two pairs - one pair for Handsome, and one pair for me - perhaps this week. (Click HERE if you don't remember my post about this limited edition yarn.)

Tomorrow, I'll be working at the polls all day for Wisconsin's first primary of this election cycle (only one item - selection of a Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice - on the ballot). It probably won't be very busy, so I'll take my current book along. 

 

Today, I have a whole list of homekeeping tasks to accomplish, so I won't be thinking about any loose ends at home while I'm gone. A Wisconsin tradition is for poll workers to bring a dish for a sort of potluck to share with the other workers, so I'm also making a casserole (or chili) as my contribution. I'll make it today, and then reheat it in one of our slow cookers during the day on Tuesday.

I'm also going to set up some new wool pieces to work on this week. I'll be spending some time in a hospital waiting room on Wednesday, so I want to have a project in hand. That gets me through mid-week. We'll see how it goes from there.

Knitting Day...

Brynwood Needleworks - My Sock Knitting Kit

When I wait, I knit. Sometimes, I'll do needlework (stitcheries), but when I'm unsure of my light availability, I knit.

I'm waiting today. Handsome has appointments and his knee keeps him from driving, so I'm his chauffeur for the day. I'm going to work on the second sock in this yarn, and should make some good headway today.

Brynwood Needleworks - Panorama Fiber Arts Sock Yarn - Joey Colorway

This image came across my Facebook feed while the fires were raging across Australia. Panorama Fiber Arts offered this for preorder, dedicating $10 from every skein sold donated to Fire Relief Fund for First Nations Communities and the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital. In fact, Handsome saw it, too, and suggested I order it. (I'd already ordered enough to knit a pair of socks for each of us!)

Brynwood Needleworks - Mine Arrived

My yarn arrived over the weekend, and it's really beautiful! Each hank is 460 yards of 75% merino/25% nylon sock yarn. The texture and colors are so soft. I can't wait to start knitting with it, but of course, I must complete my current project first! Now I have extra incentive to get that done.

I wish I could tell you that you could get your own, but this was a limited edition, preorder colorway, and when I checked their website, it's shown as "Sold Out". Nevertheless, there are some truly wonderful colors available on their site that you may want to look at. Click HERE to go to their website.

Disclaimer: I have been in no way compensated for my references to or promotion of Panorama Fiber Art or their products. I just happen to love what I recently purchased from them, so I chose to crow about them without remuneration of any kind.

Bits and Bobs...

Brynwood Needleworks - Current Sock Knitting

While I've been sorting and purging by day, I've been relaxing on a sock knitting project in the evening. I have lots of sock yarns, which I love using. My plan is to have an ongoing sock project all year. Then, when Christmas rolls around next December, I'll have a whole basket of completed socks to give as gifts.

Brynwood Needleworks - Mini Cookie Tin

 

I had to run a few errands for office supplies during the day yesterday, so I went to Fond du Lac to our local Staples store. How many of our moms used these (empty) cookie tins to store sewing supplies? 

 

Well, as I was standing at the checkout at Staples, I saw a display of these mini cookie tins. My mind immediately calculated that I could use these to store Valdani (or DMC, or Anchor) perle coton balls for works-in-progress! Best part? They were $1.99 each! At that price, I could throw out the cookies, if I wanted to. (Of course, I didn't!) Check out Staples online, or your local Staples store. You just might find some for yourself!

I'm torn between closing out my year-end books, and working playing in the studio. Perhaps, I can schedule my time so I can do a little of each. We'll see.

 

Thanks for leaving notes about Tag's new signature. He thought he was pretty clever, and your comments just serve to egg him on. He kept telling me to check his blog post, so I could see how he tickled his readers. So, on behalf of my little short-legged friend, and me...Thanks so much for stopping by to visit. You're deeply appreciated.

 

Winter Needle Dancing...

Brynwood Needleworks - PG Winter Minis

Whether I have other projects waiting or not, sometimes I just need to slow down and stitch. It renews me. It makes me feel happy. So, yesterday, I took out some of the minis from the latest Primitive Gatherings' Winter Wool Box and set them up to stitch. By bedtime, I'd completed my embroidery on three of them. (I'll assemble the fronts and backs once I've completed all of them.)

Brynwood Needleworks - Blocking A Completed Shawl

 

I also finished knitting a beautiful organic cotton shawl. I cleaned and blocked it, so it will be ready to package and mail to my sister-in-law as an "extended" Christmas gift. 

 

All in all, it was a nice day finishing a project and tackling another. On another note, my trail cam had to be sent off to Browning. It's not capturing any overnight images, even though wildlife is triggering the shutter. The infrared flashes aren't firing. I contacted Browning, and it's already on its way back to them. (I'm hoping they return it - repaired or replaced - quickly. I want to see what's enjoying my evening buffets!

 

Heading into another fun weekend, so I'll let you know what else I manage to complete between now and Monday. I'm also contemplating what my "Inspirational Word for the Year" is going to be. I'll post about that on January 1st.

 

Then, One Foggy Christmas Eve...

Brynwood Needleworks - Christmas Morning 2019 - East Field

This was our view from the farmhouse on Christmas morning. Doesn't it look almost ethereal? I had to take pictures to share.

The weather is unseasonably warm these days, getting into the high 40s, so it's not surprising that we'd wake up to morning fog. All the snow is melting, and we just know this isn't going to last.

It's strange. We had a blizzard for Halloween, rain for Thanksgiving, and now a full thaw for Christmas! We'll enjoy this warmer weather while we can. It's slated to snow again by the weekend.

Brynwood Needleworks - Christmas Morning 2019 - North Field

 

I'm going out to the feeders and "habitat" to fill them up every day for the evening critter show, but my trail cam has a glitch right now. Although the shutter is triggered at night, all I'm getting is a black screen image on my memory chip. I have an email in to Browning (the camera's maker) to see about troubleshooting. As soon as I get the issue resolved, I'll be sharing more pictures.

 

We're taking it easy between now and New Year's Eve. I've still got some sewing to do. We won't see some of our family until the 30th, so I'll have everything done by then. I couldn't show you photos until after they get their gifts anyway, so I guess it will be late December gift reveal.

 

We hope you all had a lovely holiday, and that you're finishing off your year with happiness and good health. I'm going to set up some wool work projects today, and then, perhaps I'll sit down and get in a little knitting therapy. I'll see you tomorrow.