DAY ONE GIVEAWAY...

Let the celebration commence! Today is Day One of my five day celebration drawings. It's going to be a fun week, friends! These are the gifts I've chosen for my DAY ONE Giveaway to mark the occasion.

 

First thing I have to share is a copy of Carolyn Pearce's Home Sweet Home book. Between the pages you'll learn to assemble and embellish your own little cottage! But wait...there's more! (hee hee. I've always wanted to say that.) I loved this book so much I bought it twice, so I'm offering up one copy to a lucky winner.

The winner will also receive a generous size piece of 32 ct. natural linen fabric, a SIXTY color assortment of DMC floss, and a zippered pocket pouch to hold 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.

 

That's it! Easy peasy. Happy St. Patrick's Day. My you find the luck of the Irish this season.

Good Luck!!

Grateful, Thankful & Blessed...

Brynwood Needleworks - Five Boxes of Stitchy Goodness

 

Not long ago, one of my online friends offered to gift me with linens to use for my current (and ongoing) embroideries. I told her I would be so grateful, and that I would definitely create something special for her in appreciation.

The mail carrier stopped at the farmhouse yesterday and handed me a box from that friend. I said "thank you" and turned for the house, when she stopped me and said there was more. Turns out there were five boxes total. I was stunned.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - A Box Full of Perle Cotton

 

I took the boxes up to my studio and opened them one by one. In addition to multiple boxes of beautiful linen, organza and silk fabrics, I opened this box to find it overflowing with perle cottons. So many balls of threads! Truthfully, I started to cry.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - A Box of Gorgeous Threads

Then I opened this box to find more beautiful threads, and yards and yards of vintage laces. Packed in the bottom of one of the boxes were a stack of needlework books, too. Have I ever told you how much I love needlework books? Oh, yes! 

One especially meaningful gift was tucked in with the rest. She has a friend who carves crosses from granite. I'll share that another day, because it's just that special.

 

I immediately sent a message to my friend to let her know that I'd received her generous gifts. Words can't convey just how much was included in the boxes, nor how I reacted when I saw the bounty she'd sent. I was a puddle of emotion.

I'm looking forward to creating something wonderful for her to express my everlasting gratitude. I've promised to respect her privacy as she'd like to remain anonymous, but God knows just how kind and generous she's been. I'll never be able to adequately express my thanks, but I'll do my best in the coming days and months. I'm truly grateful, thankful and blessed.

 

What's Next...

Brynwood Needleworks - Completed Embroidery

 February Already?

 

I completed the "turtle footstool" embroidery piece yesterday. I spent a lot of my needlework time contemplating how I might finish this piece. I think I may have made my decision.

I have a wonderful, sturdy, little wingback chair and ottoman that's seen better days. It needs to be recovered or slipcovered. As we have three resident hairbags, (lol) I think the slipcover route might be the more wise option. 

I have more than enough of this linen fabric to create such a slipcover for that sweet chair and ottoman. That being said, I think I'll make this piece into an oval cushion to place in the chair once the chair has the new cover.

I'll be making my own oval pillow insert to get the exact size I need, and will turn my embroidery into a pillow soon. I think it's a good time to recover that chair, so I'm planning to do that this week, as well. I'll take before and after photos for you, perhaps adding progress pics along the way.

Still Dancing...

Brynwood Needleworks - Turtle Embroidery Progress

When I'm not homekeeping, I'm spending blissful hours with needle and thread. I'm making progress on my turtle embroidery, but not as swiftly as I did on the first half. It's alright. After all, it's not a race, right?

I'll keep stitching, and I'll share this one again once I've completed the embroidery. Then, you can help me with ideas of how I might finish it. What are you doing today?

Linen Strawberry Sachet - Queen Anne's Lace...

Brynwood Needleworks - Linen Strawberry Sachet - Queen Anne's Lace

 

I completed my prototype linen Strawberry Sachet yesterday. I chose my favorite Queen Anne's Lace as the flower for this one.
 

I have so little of the original fabric I was using for these strawberries, and I can't get more of it. That's the motivation for me looking to different fabrics to use as an alternative. Linen was my obvious next choice.

Brynwood Needleworks - Linen Strawberry Sachet - Queen Anne's Lace

 

I'm happy with the way the flowers show on the ground fabric. I also like the organic feel of my blossoms on this color.

Brynwood Needleworks - Linen Strawberry Sachet - Queen Anne's Lace

 

Now it's your turn. I'd love to know what you think of this fabric as a choice. Do you like the color of the fabric? What about the texture as a base for my thread and silk ribbon creations? Do you think it works, or it's too rustic? If you have a moment to let me know in the comments, I'd really appreciate it. Thanks!

Back To This Strawberry...

Brynwood Needleworks - Strawberry Sachet - Queen Anne's Lace Detail

I completed my project from yesterday, but I can't show it in full yet. It's part of Primitive Gatherings' latest Wool Box (11), and we agree not to show projects publicly until we know that everyone has received their box. I can share it in about a week, so be sure to check future posts so you don't miss it. (It's very cool!)

After finishing that project, I decided to go back and complete the Queen Anne's Lace Strawberry Sachet I began before my latest surgery.

Brynwood Needleworks - Strawberry Sachet - QAL Flourish Detail

One of the things I know I'm going to need to do is attach a backing to my linen before stuffing it, so the organic wool doesn't show through.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Needlework for the Strawberry Sachet - Queen Anne's Lace on Linen

 

My embroidery is complete now. I'll be putting it all together today, and then finishing it with the leaves and stem. I can't wait to see this one done, and find out what you think about it. Come back tomorrow to see it all done.

 

Trying Something New...

Brynwood Needleworks - Queen Anne's Lace On Linen

 

With the fabric I've been using for my strawberries reaching its end, I need to find something new for my ground fabric. I chose to try the obvious linen as a possibility. While, I frequently choose linen for my needlework projects, I'm not sold on this option yet.

I'm going to complete this one, and then try a few other options. To make the comparison, I'm going to stitch the same flowers (Queen Anne's Lace) on each of the options I audition. I think I'll then photograph all the options and ask you for your opinion! 

I'll keep stitching, finish this one, and then I'll post more pictures when I have another ground fabric to try out. I may even have a drawing to give away one of them! More on this project later...

Just A Peek...

Project Totes Detail

 

I'm getting ready for the party on Sunday. I'm so looking forward to seeing my Stitches pals (and one sister who also worked for me), at the farm in the afternoon!

 

I'm making gifts for each of them, and this picture is a detail of two of the five project totes I created yesterday. They're all sewn in beautiful linens, using various ribbons, embellished with crocheted lace trim. Each one is as unique as the person who will receive it. I've chosen five different colors, and five different ribbons. 

 

I'll show you all of them, and ttell you all about the party on Monday. I'll definitely have pictures to share. I'll be busy, busy today with family time and party prep. 

 

I hope you have a great weekend!

Holly Berry Strawberry Ornament...

Finished Piece - Worked by D. Liljegren. Design by Erica Michaels Needleart Designs

 

I finished this sweet strawberry piece for a client. It's a lovely Christmas-themed ornament, stitched on 32 ct. "River Willow" linen from Lakeside Linens. The threads used were from Weeks Dye Works and DMC. I filled it with organic cotton (as requested), and finished the top with an organza ribbon and vintage buttons. It's approximately the same size as the strawberries I create, so it fills the palm of my hand. It's on its way to a new home today. 

Working on this piece was great fun, but it reminded me that my eyes aren't what they used to be. I pulled out a Dazor magnifier lamp like the ones I used to sell at Stitches. It sure came in handy!

I have two new orders that I'll start today. Busy hands are happy hands, and mine couldn't be happier!

Brynwood's Tula Pink Project Tote...

Brynwood's Tula Pink Project Tote

   Newly completed and listed in my shop... Brynwood Needleworks Tula Pink Project Tote.  

Measuring approximately 8" tall  x 11 1/2" wide x 4" (deep at the bottom). Created using a delicious, royal purple linen fabric exterior, with Tula Pink woven ribbon and vintage crocheted lace embellishments. Lined with more of Tula Pink's owl fabric inside, it's the perfect size for your needlework, woolwork, knitting or crochet projects and tools...or use it as a fun clutch. It's large enough to hold a cell phone and all your necessaries for a day out. Wristlet included. See my shop listing for more information.

 

New Linens...

New Linens For Brynwood Needleworks

 

New linens arrived yesterday! I have some special things planned for them, and I can't wait to show you how I'll use them. I'm going to have fun playing with each and every luscious color.

 

Can you even believe it's already March? Where does the time go?

Linens, Laces and Vintage Needlework...

Brynwood Needleworks - Linens for new project totes

These are linens and trims I pulled for my next project totes. I've chosen soft, hand-dyed pieces that you'll surely love as much as I do. I'll be making and listing them in my Etsy shop very soon.

Brynwood Needleworks - Vintage Laces

Last Sunday, Handsome and I spent the afternoon with our friend, Ellen. She's been sorting through her things, and set aside a bag of goodies just for me!

Brynwood Needleworks - Vintage Crocheted Doilies (roses and grapes)

All of these lovely laces, crocheted doilies and linens were handmade by her or her own mother. They're true treasures from her hands to mine. Look at those gorgeous crocheted roses and grapes!

I mentioned that I really want to learn how to make the roses when we were together at Paneras last week. I had no idea that ladies were making grapes, too!!

Brynwood Needleworks - Vintage Table Linens With Needlework

Ellen's mother created all the wonderful vintage table linens she shared with me. There are crocheted lace edgings, cross stitch and embroidered pieces, and even cutwork accents.

Brynwood Needleworks - Vintage Table Linens With Needlework

She lovingly stitched flowers and baskets - full gardens to adorn their family table. These were all loving touches she created to adorn her home for her family.

Brynwood Needleworks - Vintage Linens With Needlework and Crocheted Lace Edging

I can well-imagine all the time it took for her to create these pieces. Look at the intricate crocheted lace. That alone would have occupied many hours.

Brynwood Needleworks - Vintage Table Linen with Crocheted Edge

This piece was especially intriguing to me. I think that the pink was originally made into its own table cover, and when the larger fabric deteriorated, she cut away the corners and made a new tablecloth, adding the crocheted edge.

Brynwood Needleworks - Vintage Table Linen Repair

Ellen and her mother grew up in a time that repaired damaged things rather than tossed them away. When this tablecloth developed a hole, she repaired it with more loving stitches so she could continue to use it...and now it has come to me. I will care for all these pieces as Ellen has, and I'll find a way to use them, as well. 

As I sorted through these treasures yesterday, I found myself thinking about Mom Grace. It was inevitable. She taught me needlework and set me on this lifelong love affair. She taught me to appreciate the craft, and to continue to improve my own skills.

I look at these pieces and I'm so grateful that Ellen gifted them to me...and that Mom taught me to value all handwork. I hope that when the time comes, I'll find someone who shares my love of these pieces and become their new caretaker.

Playing With Hand-Dyed Linen...

Brynwood Needleworks - Linen "Roses" Project Tote

I finished two more project totes yesterday. This one was completed in the morning before I headed off to lunch with a girlfriend.

I pulled two pieces from my assortment of hand-dyed linens, and then chose the twill tape to coordinate with them. I'm quite happy with the way they came together.

Brynwood Needleworks - Linen "Carnations" Project Tote

The "Roses" project tote is a true one-of-a-kind, as I have no more of this fabric and it was hand-dyed years ago. I seriously doubt that I'd find a match for it now.
 

I do have one more piece of the linen used in the "Carnations" tote, so I could do another one at a later date. The color is a beautiful shade of gray/mauve/rose. This one came together after I got back home from lunch, and I really like the soft fabric and colors in both of them.

 

You can find more photos and information in my Etsy shop: BrynwoodNeedleworks.

I'll be starting another charity project today, and hope to have it finished by the end of the weekend. It needs to be on its way to Florida Corgi Picnic headquarters next week! 

 

The event is in November, but we want it to have some exposure before the big weekend. It's going to have machine embroidery on it, so I'll start that this morning. Everything else comes after that's done. I'll share photos soon.

Work Before Play...

Brynwood Needleworks - Destiny Before Cleaning

I started the day choosing linens, linings and tapes to create new project totes. Once I'd chosen everything, I cut out the fabrics, stabilizers, tapes and pulled hardware It took me most of the morning, but by lunchtime, I was ready to start sewing.

Brynwood Needleworks - Destiny Being Cleaned

After I've been giving Destiny a workout, I always stop to change needles and and then I check "under the hood" to see if I need to clean out the "foop".    Man, it was a dusty, fuzzy mess in there, so I needed to take the time to do a  little maintenance before I could start working on the next line of projects.

Brynwood Needleworks - Destiny Clean!

It took about an hour of careful attention, but I got Destiny back to normal.

Brynwood Needleworks - Destiny "Sparkling"

She was really sparkling "all under" when I was finished - and chomping at the bit to start something before the end of the day. I was glad that I'd kitted all my fabrics and supplies. All I had to do was choose which one I wanted to do first.

Brynwood Needleworks - Medium Linen Butterfly Project Tote

This one is heading over to my Etsy shop right now. By the end of the day today, there  will be four more - in some gorgeous, hand-dyed linens. Destiny and I are up to it!

Replenishing My Creative Juices...

Brynwood Needleworks - Linen "Butterflies & Roses" Project Tote

When I have a lot on my plate, I'm known to back away for a bit to regroup.

Brynwood Needleworks - Linen "Butterflies & Roses" Project Tote

I shared my project list last week, but got way behind (my self-imposed)  schedule when some other really fun options came into play. Getting back to my studio to jump right into those projects was going to take a little extra effort.

Brynwood Needleworks - Linen "Butterflies & Roses" Lining

When this happens, I usually start with a few smaller projects that can be completed in a few hours or an afternoon. What I came up with was particularly fun.

Brynwood Needleworks - Linen "Butterflies & Roses" Twill Tape

I love my "collection" of linen fabrics and custom made twill tapes, so I started there.

Brynwood Needleworks - Linen "Believe In Yourself" Project Tote

Before I knew it, I had two completed project totes, and a head full of ideas for more designs. These are perfect for toting around needlework, knitting, or crochet projects - or they can be used as tool bags to carry sewing items.

Brynwood Needleworks - Linen "Believe In Yourself" Project Tote

I chose some of my favorite fabrics to use as linings, and added a removable strap to make each tote into a larger wristlet. So, you could even carry your cell phone, wallet and a few extras in them for everyday use.

Brynwood Needleworks - Linen "Believe In Yourself" Lining

It was fun to choose all the components, and then create these two projects.

Brynwood Needleworks - Linen "Believe In Yourself" Twill Tape

 They're both listed in my Etsy shop, and my mind is clear and focused.   Nothing works better than taking a little creative breather for me. Now, I can get back to my studio to work on the items on that list I made.