Rugs and Mugs...

Brynwood Needleworks - Mug Rug Gifts 2018

 

I purchased these gorgeous "handwarmer mugs" last fall on a trip to Cedar Creek Pottery in Cedarburg, WI. I saw them and knew just who I'd get them for this Christmas.

While jammie fabric was prewashing today, I made the mug rugs (mug mats) to go with them. I really love how they turned out, and think they'll be perfect for the recipients. I may add camomile tea or hot chocolate to go with them.

If you're interested in placing an order for your own handwarmer mug (they're available in left hand - #19, or right hand - #20 use, in a variety of colors), you can contact Cedar Creek Pottery (owned by Andee Warren) at cedarcreekpottery.com. That delightful watercolor in the background was painted by our own talented daughter-in-law, Jessica. It hangs above my computer in my sewing studio. I love, love, love it!

Prize Drawing Results...

Brynwood Needleworks - Mug Mat Set One - "Broderie"

In conjunction with the March Madness Mug Mat Swap, I created two different mug mats of my own. I wanted to create them as drawing gifts for those who participated in the swap. 
 

Brynwood Needleworks - Mug Mat Set One - "Broderie"

I've added a few gifts to go with the mats. Each set includes a mug for your favorite cup of tea, coffee or cocoa. The tiny bear is filled with Sarasota honey from a local supplier. It's not from our farm in Wisconsin, but it is tasty. I don't know if the winners have ever tried chai tea, but I'm fond of Vanilla Chai, especially when I add cream to the cup.

Brynwood Needleworks - Mug Mat Set Two - "Acorns"

The second set resembles the first as far as extras are concerned. This one also has a fun mug, a honey bear and two packets of chai tea. Each set has a Florida post card, too.

Brynwood Needleworks - Mug Mat Set Two - "Acorns"

 

The first name drawn will have first choice between the two sets. That means, of course, that the second name drawn will receive the other set.

 

 

These are all the ladies who participated in the swap, and these are the only people eligible to win the mat sets. I've assigned numbers from top to bottom, as you would read their names. So, I headed over to Random Number Generator and here are the winners (drum roll, please):

WINNER NUMBER ONE

#2 - SHERRY OF CREATEOLOGY!!!!  

  WINNER NUMBER TWO  

  #9 - DENISE (HAPPYBUGS)    Congratulations, ladies!  

Sherry, you get first choice, so once you let me know which one you'd like, I'll send yours, as well as Denise's on their way to their new homes! 

I hope all of you enjoyed making your mats to send to your partners. I enjoyed the comments and photos I received from you, showing what you sent off to your partner. I've also had fun reading the comments from your partners after they received your gifts.

I think we'll do this again in the fall...after the farm is settled, our Florida accommodations decided and I have time on my hands to add a few more inspirations and a new tutorial. I hope you all had fun and hope you'll join again in the fall. Thanks!

Swap Deadline Soon...

Brynwood Needleworks - Mug Mats By One Of Our Talented Participants

  ATTENTION SWAP PARTICIPANTS: A quick reminder that our March Madness Mug Mat Swap deadline is fast approaching. 

All mug mats (and gifts) are to be mailed, shipped, passenger pigeoned or pony expressed to your swap partner by Friday, March 17th. If you have any questions, or issues, please contact me.

 

I'll be sharing photos (next week, after I know they've been received by the recipients) of all the mug mat swap items as they've been shared with me by the participants. I'm giving you a sneak peek of mats that I got from one of the participants! 

 

I can say that all the mats (and extra goodies) I've seen so far are so cool. I know that everyone who's making and sending out their mats are going to love what they get!

Make sure you send photos to me of your mats and swap gifts, please, so I know you've finished yours. I'll make sure your name is in the drawing for one of two mug mats gift sets I've put together for two lucky swap participants. Drawing winners will be announced on Saturday.

Making Mug Mats...

Brynwood Needleworks - Acorn Mug Mat

Before I really shut down the studio, I needed to make the mug mats that I'll be offering to two participants in the March Madness Mug Mat Swap currently under way.

Brynwood Needleworks - Acorn Mug Mat Detail

Once I've heard from all the participants that they've sent out their mats (hopefully taking a photo of their mat before they send it off, so they can share pictures with me), I'll put their names into the drawing for one of two gift sets centered around each mat.

This acorn mat will have accessories that coordinate with the acorn/outdoor theme, and I've already starting putting on my thinking cap. I've got some fun things to add to this one.

Brynwood Needleworks - Broderie Mug Mat

The second mat I made I'm calling "Broderie" for the embroidery-theme fabric on the right side of this mat. Of course, I'll add fun accessories to this one, too.
 

Brynwood Needleworks - Broderie Mug Mat Detail

 

Naturally, I've got a few ideas to go with the themes, but there should be an item or two related to the fact that they're also mug mats. You know..."Large enough for a cookie and a cuppa". hee hee

 

Swap participants have until March 17th to mail out their mats, with a little "something extra" for their partners. I know some are already on their way, and some will be exchanged in person (which I just love!). 

 

The mats I've seen so far are beautiful, and I know there will be some very happy recipients. Thanks to those who have already sent photos of your mats to me. I look forward to getting a picture from each of you, and I'll be doing a wrap up post (sharing all of them here) before the drawing. 

 

I hope you're all having fun with your projects. I sure had a great time putting these together for our drawing!

 

Mug Mat Swap Partners...

  It's time to announce the swap partners for our March Madness Mug Mat Swap! As there are an even number of people who signed up, I'll sit this one out, and work on making the two mug mats that I'll give away after our swap is complete.

I'll be sending an email to everyone with their partner's email address so you can contact each other. If you are participating, but don't receive an email from me, it's because I don't have your email address. Please contact me asap so that I can put you in touch with your partner.

• Terry G. (Goatldi) and Sherry E. (Createology)
• Danice G. (Homespun Hannah) and Jody A. (tja)
• Lucy G. (The Farmer's Attic) and Mary Ann M. (Handcrafted by Mary Ann...)
• Toni S. (Sewing in CT) and Noreen H. (auntmeanie)
• Denise E. (Happybugs) and Gloria Martin 
• Lyn S. (Australia) and Nancy Stone (Nancy Matters)

Just to recap, here are the rules (reprinted from the last swap post) so everyone knows them. (Now that you know your partner's name, please contact them through the email I'll be sending to you to find out the information listed below.):

• I will need your name, address and email information to correspond with you outside the blog, and to transmit your partner's information to you. I may post partner lists on the blog, but not your private information. It will not be shared with anyone except your swap partner. PLEASE contact me if you don't hear back from your partner.
• What's your favorite color or theme? Your swap partner will need an idea of what you like to make your custom mat. When I assign you to your partner, I will share that information with them, and their information with you.
• Yes, you may add a few goodies to your package when you ship the mat. If you want to share a local candy, or something that represents where you live, that would be nice. Nothing expensive, please. These are just little things...a tea bag of your favorite tea, a postcard from your state, or a treat. You'll need to make sure that whatever you include doesn't "leak" onto your mat, so separate ziploc bags are a safe precaution. You could choose to include a notion or two that you especially love...vintage buttons, ribbon... You get the idea.
• Remember, you're committing to send a mug mat to your assigned partner. It would be sad (and not nice) if your partner sent a mug mat to you, but they didn't get one in return.
• I'll ask that you each take a photograph of your swap packages before you send them out, and then email them to me. Once everyone has their package in the mail, I'll do a wrap up post here on my blog. I think it will be fun for everyone to see all the beautiful creations I know are going to be made. 

Due date to send out your swap package is: March 15th, 2017.

Have fun! I can't wait to see what you create for each other.

 

Swap Participants - Last Call...

Brynwood Needleworks - Mug Mats

 

Last call for participants in our  

March Madness Mug Mat Swap!!

If you're interested in joining us (or if I missed your earlier message and your name doesn't appear in my list) for our mug mat swap, please let me know by Friday, Feb. 10th. You can send an email to me HERE. (Just click on the word "here" to send me a message.) Please be sure to put "Mug Mat Swap" in the subject line.

To date, these are the names of the people I know of that want to participate:

• Terry G - Goatldi
• Danice G - Homespun Hannah blog
• Mary Ann M - Newark, OH
• Jody A - tja
• Lyn S - Australia
• Nancy S - Nancy Matters blog
• Gloria M 
• Noreen H - auntmeanie
• Sherry E - Createology blog
• Lucy G - The Farmer's Attic blog
• Toni S - Sewing In CT 

If you're participating and haven't yet given me your address, please send me a note when you can. It will help me when I assign partners. Although I'll post the names (as shown here) for the swap, all contact information will only be shared between partners. (ie. Partner A will know Partner B's information and vice versa. I won't share that information with other participants - or openly here.) I'll share this information so that you can contact each other to find out favorite colors, themes, etc.

Remember, I'll participate in the swap only if we have an odd number of partners, however, I'm going to make up two swap kits of my own and will have a drawing for two names from the group after we complete our swap.

All swap packages must be mailed by March 17th, and I ask that each of you photograph your mat before you send your package off to your partner. (More on that later.) Anyone with questions is encouraged to contact me. 

I'll assign partners on Saturday, February 11th, and will post the partner list that day. I'll then send an email to each of you to share your partner's contact information. I'll also set timelines for contact, creation of your mug mat, and mailing in your emails.

Remember, there's still time if you want to join in. I know this is going to be fun!

Prepping Labels...

Brynwood Needleworks - Labels In My Vintage Tin

We had our Open House yesterday, so I was away from home most of the afternoon. When I got home (to a sparkling clean abode!), I decided to do some prep work for my bag projects. In addition to setting up my d-ring tabs for my next batch of Grab & Go Clutches, I had some label prepping to do, too.

This is how I store them (until I have too many to put fit). I use a vintage English Huntley & Palmer children's biscuit tin that I've had for decades. The froggy on the lid is from "The Wind In The Willows", one of my favorite childhood stories. I even have a vintage copy of the book, which I would have shown you, but it's already packed to go to the farm.

Brynwood Needleworks - Prepping Labels

Even my label setup is production style now. I start with my woven labels from CustomCoutureLabelCo on Etsy. (In fact, I just placed another order with them.) Then I take long 1.25" strips of natural cork. I make the strips from scraps leftover from making bags, wallets and my other cork pieces.

I use a glue stick to secure the labels - centered on the width of the strip(s) - and about .75" apart, lengthwise. Once they're glued down to the strips, I set my machine to make tiny stitches and sew each one to the cork. I cut them apart when I'm finished and into the tin they go!

Today, I'll cut the pieces and assemble the parts to make new Grab & Go Clutches. Once they're finished, I'll list them up in my shop.

Brynwood Needleworks - Mug Mats

Just a reminder that there's still time to sign up for our March Mug Mat Swap. You can read about it HERE. I've put together a list of those who have already signed up, and we've have a nice group so far. There's always room for more, so if you'd like to join in, just email me using the link in my right side bar. Be sure to put "Mug Mat Swap" in the subject line so I don't miss it.
 

Time For A Swap...

Brynwood Needleworks - Mug Mats

I've been thinking about this for some time. I realized we haven't done anything fun together in a while.

Brynwood Needleworks - Mug Mat

You've seen these mug mats before on my blog. Some were made as gifts. Some were made for clients. Some I may still be using here at Brynwood.

Brynwood Needleworks - Mug Mat

We haven't had a swap in a while, and I love making mug mats. How about you? Would you like to participate in a Brynwood-hosted Mug Mat Swap? You don't have to live in the US to be included. I'll match you to someone who lives near you to help avoid costly shipping fees.

Brynwood Needleworks - Mug Mat

If you'd like to participate, you can send an email to me dliljegren(at)brynwoodneedleworks(dot)com - or you can leave a comment on this post., and I'll add you to my informal list.

I haven't chosen a date, yet, but I'm thinking that a Valentine's Day or St. Patrick's day deadline could be fun. I would match you to a partner; all of whom will agree to follow through on their word to make and mail a mug mat to their partner by the deadline date.

In the event we end up with an odd number of participants, I'll join in the swap. If we have an even number of participants, I'll draw a name from all the participants and give one lucky person a mug mat I'll make especially for them.

Let's start by commenting to this post (make sure I have a way to reach you through your comment!!), or send me an email, just so I can gauge interest. Also share your thoughts about a deadline date. I'll see if I notice a common thread.

I'll write another post to you with the deadline date, and a little questionnaire that every participant will complete, so I can choose your perfect match. (Sounds a bit like FarmersOnly.com. LOL) If you want a specific object; have a favorite color; theme, stuff like that, I'd like to be able to accommodate you. It will just help you to receive or create that best possible mug mat for your swap partner.

So...Are you in? Please leave a comment below, including a way to reach you. I think this could be great fun! I hope you do, too!

Good Tired...

Brynwood Needleworks - Lab Mat

My first experience as an election clerk went really well. We all arrived by 6 am on Election Day and we jumped right into our jobs. I got up at 4:30 in the morning, was at the precinct by 5:55; polls closed at 7 pm; and we completed our bookkeeping and closed the precinct at 8:10 pm. Fourteen hours flew by, and I'm now "done in".

My assistant clerk, inspectors and deputy all pulled together and we made a great team. We wrapped up just over an hour after the polls closed. I'm going to contemplate our successful job, and then I'll plan my next project. Nothing better than being "good tired". 

Brynwood Needleworks - Lab Mat

 

I finished this mug mat for a client Monday evening. I'm glad I had it ready to mail so I could show it to you before I mail it off today. I'm not expecting to do much else now (except rest). 

 

Maybe you'd like to tell me what you've been working on? I could live vicariously through you until I get back into the studio.

Tea Mats Shipping Today...

Brynwood Needleworks - Tea Mats

 

A friend of mine uses the term "under the needle", which I really like. I hope she won't mind that I use the term, too.

Under the needle yesterday, was a pair of tea mats. That's what I'm calling these larger-than-mug rug-sized pieces. Most of my mug mats measure approximately 11" x 7". My tea mats measure 14" x 10". 

I'm making these for a dear friend and her special, little girl. They love pinks and having tea parties, so my friend requested something just a bit larger than my mug mats. I've even incorporated a fabric that she shared with me months ago!

Brynwood Needleworks - Tea Mats

I'll finish binding them this morning, and they'll be in the mail before the end of the day. I'm tickled that I was asked to do this special pair of tea mats for them! I'm hopeful, when they arrive at their destination, there will be two happy, special ladies, too.

 

Cheerio, Chums!

Brynwood Needleworks - Retreat Bag and Mug Mat

I finished two more projects yesterday. These are going to a new home, and because the recipient may see this post, I needed to smudge the image a bit.

 

After I know they've been received, I'll share more photographs, without the filters on the images. I'm very happy with the way they turned out, and I'm quite sure they'll be liked and appreciated where they land. 

With Love From Me To Him...

Brynwood Needleworks - Retreat Bag Embroidery

Today is Handsome's Birthday. 

I know. Tag already told you about the Birthday this week, but he didn't tell you what I've been working on. Actually, I'm surprised, because Tag is awful at keeping secrets!

Brynwood Needleworks - Drummer Retreat Bag

I really love these Retreat Bags. They're perfect as shaving kits or supply totes or travel bags...the possibilities are endless!

Handsome really liked the ones I made as Christmas gifts a few weeks ago, so I knew I wanted to make a special one for him, too.

Brynwood Needleworks - Handsome's Drummer Retreat Bag

Of course, his had to have a music theme - outside and inside.

Brynwood Needleworks - Drummer Retreat Bag Interior

I added a zippered pocket, too. (My first one!)

Brynwood Needleworks - Drummer Retreat Bag Finishing Touch

The finishing touch...one of my Brynwood zipper pulls.

Brynwood Needleworks - Labrador Retriever Mug Mat

A number of years ago, one of my blog friends made a beautiful music-themed mug mat for Handsome. Believe me when I tell you he wore it out! It sat on his desk all this time, used every day.

Brynwood Needleworks - Labrador Retriever Mug Mat

  I made a "Bella-themed" mug mat for him.  

Nothing says "Love" in our family like handcrafted - and the gift of time. I always put a piece of myself into everything I create. When it comes to Handsome...well, I think you already know.

 

Happy Birthday, Husband.

A.B.& A., A.M.L.

More Corgi Projects...

Brynwood Needleworks-Corgi Coraline

I've been immersed in Corgi projects lately, and loving it!

These are custom orders for clients, but I'll be listing them as options for purchase after Christmas. Of course, they can be embroidered with other breeds, so they're truly personalized for my clients.

Brynwood Needleworks-Corgi Coraline

This is a wonderful, smaller clutch/wristlet, and I've added a currency pocket and credit card slots inside to make it even more convenient. This one is on its way to a new home today.

Brynwood Needleworks-Corgi Mug Mat

Another custom order is for my client's husband. They have a brand new Corgi puppy (lucky them!) and my client wants to give this to her husband for Christmas. I worked with her to choose the colors and I think we've come up with a beautiful mat.

Brynwood Needleworks-Corgi Mug Mat

Of course, my logo is (now) machine embroidered on the back of the piece, and the binding is always finished by hand. This one is also heading out in the mail today.

Brynwood Needleworks-Corgi Mug Mat

This is my favorite "Pemmie"embroidery (in case you couldn't already tell!), but today, I'll be stitching out another breed for my last custom order on the books for this season. I'll be finished by the end of the weekend on the order. Do you know what that means?

Next week, I'll start sharing my Christmas projects with you! Grammie's Jammies; more hand-knit socks; and more. I'll be making a list over the weekend, and I'll share the whole list with you! 

You can help me count down to the 15th, which is usually my self-imposed deadline to get everything in the mail with plenty of time to arrive by Christmas. 

So, I'm going to get this last order filled and then we're truly off to the races!