Sharing A Skill...

It was so lovely spending part of my day with these ladies. My eldest niece (and goddaughter) and her youngest were visiting from out of state, and came to help me can thirteen pounds of pickles.

When my niece was little her mama (my sister who has passed)) canned pickles nearly every year. My niece and her sister were always tasked with scrubbing the cucumbers to prepare them.

Yesterday, my plan was to teach my now-adult niece and her daughter how to do one thing her mom loved to do. 

My great-niece did the scrubbing, but then I taught her to safely use my Cuisinart food processor to slice the veggies. It was so much easier than her mama and me hand slicing! Then I taught them how to fill the jars, clean the rims and seal them.

In the end, we had eight quarts of bread and butter pickles, and two quarts, plus two half pints of dill pickles. Of course, I sent them home with some. AND, I finished everything in time for me to sit down for an hour before I had to shower and be at work for my shift.

I will say I didn't stay up late last night. I crawled into bed early and was soon out like a light.

I'll wash and put away my jars this morning, and will put in a little time with my needlework this afternoon. It started raining last night, and continues today. It's just what we need, so it's a perfect day for hanging out indoors.

Welcome August!

Niece Time...

It's always wonderful when family visits, and even more so when they bring someone special they want you to meet. My niece/Goddaughter, Jen came to visit so we could meet her special friend. You can tell from the photograph that they look quite happy together.

They came out to the farmhouse, so I had a light brunch prepared for them, and Handsome, Jen, her friend and I sat on the porch visiting for quite a while. Jen brought her two dogs...fourteen year old male and fourteen month old puppy, too. Jen was quite sure that neither would run off, but for most of the time, we closed the gate on our porch stairs to keep them close. 

At one point, Jen took her older dog off the porch to air him out, and she was more than a little surprised when he perked up his ears, put his nose in the wind, and trotted off on his otherwise unsteady old legs. The rest of us sat on the porch giggling as she had to chase him down halfway across our neighbor's field. He looked like a pup again, wind in his ears as he loped across the field. She came back with him after a bit. She was winded, and he seems quite proud of himself. It was pretty cute.

After our visit, they were heading to see her dad, and then to a backyard concert at a friend's. Their schedule was pretty busy, so we were more than happy that they'd made time for us. We're already looking forward to their next visit back to Wisconsin.

Father's Day was quiet. Our sons spent the day with their own families, but called their dad to check in. We mowed the yard, and later, I made a special dinner for Handsome. I expect this week will go pretty quickly, so it was nice to just relax.

We're planning on setting up a "recovery bedroom" downstairs for a few weeks. I don't want to try to negotiate a steep staircase on crutches, so this will be the best option. I have to decide what I want to have downstairs, so I'm going to make a list. Handsome rarely goes into my studio rooms, so I'll try to cover all the bases.

Otherwise, I expect to be working on my bluebirds today. I work tomorrow, and I can't think of a better way to rest my knees. I'll share my progress during our next visit. Happy Monday, y'all!

Taking Time...

Verse from Life Is Simply Bliss

Yesterday could have been an easy work day, as it was relatively quiet at the station. However, I was training a new cashier. That means, not only am I attentive to the customers, but also helping the trainee at the same time. Thankfully, my boss closed out the till with her at the end of the day, so I didn't have to go downstairs to help with that part. By the end of my shift, I was ready to go home.

Once back at the farmhouse, I went upstairs and changed out of my work clothes, put on something comfy and warm and made a cup of tea to relax. It must have worked well, because in no time, I'd fallen asleep in my chair. So much for actually accomplishing anything once I got home. It was a quiet night, and I turned in early (for this night owl). 

My niece/goddaughter, Jen is coming today. She's traveling with her boyfriend who we've yet to meet. She told me that this introduction would usually have been with her mom, but since my sister, Lyn passed in 2023, she coming to me instead. I told her it would be an honor for me, so they'll be coming for brunch mid-morning. I'm looking forward to meeting her beau, and I'm sure I'll find myself "talking" with my sister about them during my evening prayers.

I plan to take it easy the rest of the weekend, spending time with Handsome. I also see some needle dancing in my immediate future. I'll be thinking of my dad this Father's Day, too. I hope you have a peaceful weekend.

Welcome June...

Well-hidden Robin's Nest

What a lovely way to start the new month. I planted basil plants in one of my raised beds, and some onions in another on Saturday. Yesterday Andy and Shelly shared some of their bell pepper plants with me. Because I'm unable to kneel at this point, I haven't even cleaned up my raised beds from last year. (I know. I'm embarrassed to admit it.) 

So, my plan was to plant a few herbs in one of the beds, and then purchase more gorgeous tomatoes from a local grower for canning. The addition of pepper plants was a nice change of plans, and I'll likely plant a tomato plant or two just for fresh eating over the summer. 

I also learned that one of the "old ways" to preserve tomatoes so they're like fresh-picked all winter is to store them completely covered in clean ash. I may try a small box like that to see if it really works. I'm planning to just save the wood ash from our fire pit for the experiment.

While I was planting, I noticed a robin that stayed fairly close to me the entire time. She'd chirp at me and fly from one perch to another, but never too far away. Once I finished planting the basil and onions, I got on the riding mower to cut the lawn. Usually Handsome and I would do that job together, but he's had serious back issues for the past week and wasn't up to bouncing around on the tractor...so I did it alone. 

As I was mowing, I notice the robin disappear into the honeysuckle bush near the garden. Aha! That's why she was agitated. When I finished mowing, I went over to the bush and confirmed my suspicions. She has a nest in the bush and there are four perfect eggs in it. I was careful not to disturb a single leaf, but took this photograph to share with you. 

After I went back into the farmhouse, I saw that she'd returned to her nest to sit on her eggs. Now that I know, I'll do my best not to disturb her until her babies fledge.

Farmhouse Strawberry Scones

I made homemade scones to go with Sunday breakfast. I saw some gorgeous strawberries at the store on Saturday, and although I hadn't planned to purchase more than the couple things on my list, a box of those lovelies came home with me. 

Rather than just eat them on cereal, I decided to make my favorite scone recipe, adding some of the cut up fruit. They did turn out just as I'd hoped. I had one, Handsome had two, and the rest were gifted.

Family Time with Niece and Great-Nephew

A really nice surprise was that my niece, Stephanie was in Sheboygan with her son for his soccer tournament. She called to see if they could stop to visit on their way home. 

Stephanie is learning to knit with the help of my Florida friend, Ann! Ann now lives in the retirement village where Steph is the Director (of the whole operation!), and I think it's wonderful that she and Ann share this pastime. 

Of course, I went through my yarn and knitting needle inventory, and shared an assortment with her. I also gave her one of my travel totes so she can keep her project supplies together for easy location and transport. She was pretty tickled when she left. I did tell her that I'll come up soon to sit and knit with both Ann and her - and any others who get together for the weekly knit day that Ann organized for the residents.

When Steph and her son left, some of the scones went home with her. She was also kind enough to drop off a couple with my mom and stepdad on her way home. 

I'll be baking again today, and then I have an MRI this afternoon to see exactly what's going on with my knee. I'll know more about the results when I meet with my orthopedist on Wednesday. I'll be glad when the procedure today is behind me. I sure hope they play music while I'm inside the tunnel. 

I'm hoping it's not what the doctor thinks it is either. If it's, in fact, a torn meniscus, that will mean surgery. I'm sure you can understand why I'm not anxious for yet another surgery. I'm pretty sick of doctors and hospitals - even the good ones. I just want this resolved so I can walk normally again. Wish me luck!

A Little Photo Shoot...

Over ten years ago, I made this wedding gown for my eldest niece, Jennifer. We nicknamed it the "Princess Bride Gown". 

 

We lived half a country apart during the process, so before I cut into the expensive fabrics, I made a beautiful cotton version of the gown to be sure the measurements would be right for her. Once the "muslin" (a tailor's term) was complete, she flew to Florida for a fitting and necessary adjustments were made. I then created her wedding gown from those alterations. (I made the bridesmaids' dresses, too.)

 

 

The main body of this gown is the muslin I created for Jen's dress. I've since added different sleeves, to resemble a "bar wench" look that I thought might be suitable should someone want it for a Renaissance Fair, but it would also be a pretty bridal gown for a less formal wedding. The overskirt is hemmed, but the underskirt is not. It should be shortened and hemmed at an appropriate length for the person who would wear it.

 

I was so happy when I knew Jenni was coming to visit, because I couldn't think of a better model for the dress I originally made for her.

I'm going to offer it on Facebook Marketplace, but will also list it today in my Etsy shop to find a buyer for it. No sense in me keeping it anymore, so I'm hoping it will be just the piece someone has been searching for. 

Goldwork Floral Wreath...

ClaraStitching Goldwork Wreath Class Piece

I received an email today from @clarastitching (on Instagram) with a pre-offer to her new class offerings. She's going to do another Zoom session for the Four Leaf Clover class that I took last month. When I took that class, we asked her about a piece that was behind her in her work space. The gorgeous embroidery shown above was that piece.

We asked her if she'd teach it, and if she did, to please offer it to her former students first. (We were pretty cheeky on that point, I admit.) She did just that yesterday, though. I immediately signed up and paid for my kit. I'll have the opportunity to prepare my materials prior to the start of the class in early April. 

If you're interested in taking this class, you can go to Instagram and follow @clarastitching. She'll soon offer the class to all, and you'll get signup links for both classes.

In the interest of full disclosure, I didn't get any stitching in today. I ran errands in the morning, went with Handsome for our hair appointments, and then went for a late lunch with my girlfriend, Wendi. We tried a new bar/restaurant that offered Caribbean fare, and it was delicious. We sat and visited with the owner until the after work crowd started arriving. His restaurant is in Kewaskum, WI and it's called Caribbean Joe's. (He's from Chicago, IL, and his mom grew up in Mississippi. He explained to us how he came to this specialty, let us taste his personal season blends, and then we placed our orders.

Everything he brought to us was fabulous. Some was spicy hot, and others were flavored with the perfect blend of seasonings to compliment the dish. I had what I think was the best mac and cheese I've ever had. I'll definitely order that again (when I take Handsome to check it out).

Wendi and I sat and visited for a couple of hours, so I got home in time to air the dogs before Handsome got home. I think I told you about him slipping on the ice a week ago. When he went to Urgent Care right after the event to say he was in pain, they sent him home with meds, but they never did x-rays.

Handsome got his hair cut before me, so after he "got his ears lowered" he went bakc to Urgent Care to find out why he still hurt. They did x-rays, which revealed that he actually has two broken ribs. I felt so bad for him. The doctor sent him home with a new pain killer prescription, and instructions for a bit of breathing therapy to help him. 

We also kept track of our two loved ones who were hospitalized yesterday. My niece is stabilized now, and will be hospitalized and monitored over the weekend. She'll possibly go home on Monday. They'll determine that after Sunday.

Our friend has been admitted to the hospital, too. She was diagnosed as having an "ischemic stroke" last night. I had to look it up, and my search revealed good explanations. She had speech therapy today and her husband said she did well. We're waiting to see if she will regain use of her left side, and what we can expect for that issue. She's in her early fifties, so we're praying that she heals completely from this scary diagnosis. 

Thank you to all who lifted prayers at my request. We all appreciate it, and know that every prayer is heard and answered. We know their families are grateful, too.

Oh!! before I go, remember the opossum photos I shared last week? Well, the little black one is sleeping in the Compass Barn during the day. It seems that my concerns about him (or her?) being bullied by the cats were unfounded. They're all in the barn together, and they're not bothering each other one bit. Cool, right? 

I'll get back to the teddy bear soon enough, and you know I'll share photographs as soon as she's finished. I'm going to have a little coffee and then go out and feed my girls and their house guest. See you tomorrow with my Sunday post.

I Have To Do This...

Brynwood Needleworks - Inspirations Magazine Issue 109

 

My latest issue of Inspirations Magazine arrived last Saturday and I've been enjoying paging through it. The cover design features a gorgeous butterfly designed by British needleartist, Emillie Ferris. I actually have a few of her designs.  

This was just the first of the designs that caught my eye. There are a few lovely designs with crewel embroidery tutorials, and so much "inspiration"!

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Inspirations Magazine Issue 109 Baby Blanket

 

You have to know I fairly squealed when I turned the page to see this project. It's a beautiful wool blend baby blanket with a wee opossum front and center!! This piece was designed by Jenny McWhinney of Australia using a technique called threadpainting.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Inspirations Magazine Issue 109 Opossum Embroidery Project

I have a brand, spankin' new great-niece, born yesterday (her name is Wynter Carol), and she's gorgeous. I think I may have to do this blanket project for her. I know I'm absolutely going to make the project, at least once!

 

I have to locate the blanket fabric first (the kit from the magazine is a bit pricey for me at $276.25.) I have lots of supplies (threads, needles, hoops) but I need to purchase the blanket and backing. I don't think that will be a problem. Once I locate that, I'll be ready to work on it in no time. 

 

Isn't it just adorable? I've come to really love the Hickory Hill opossums, and this little critter will be a perfect tribute to them.

 

One Last Birthday Gift...

Brynwood Needleworks - Fox Buttons To Pins

When I was shopping for buttons for the little girls' dresses, I found these. Considering that there were little foxes running through the print I used for the pinafore fabrics, these couldn't have been more perfect. I immediately knew what I'd do with these.

Brynwood Needleworks - Fox Buttons To Pins

I got back into the studio and grabbed one of the tools in my toolbox to cut the button shanks off the backs. I made sure there were no high spots where I wanted to put the pin findings, and then grabbed my tiny pin backs and glue.

I glued the pin backs...and then waited to be sure the glue was completely dry. I pinned them onto the pinafores of each of the dresses.

I also embroidered the girls names (and year) onto a queen-size pillow cover, cut a hole in the opposite end from the zipper, and then finished the cut opening with pink ribbon as a folded binding. That created a perfect child-size garment bag for the dresses.

I had a great time at the party, and when it was time to open the gift from us (Handsome and me), the little girls sat on chairs, watching their mommy open up the garment bag. Everyone was quiet, and when the dresses were revealed, the girls' eyes widened. They even noticed the little pins!

Their parents thanked me, and later, my sister and others looked at the dresses and told me they thought they were beautiful. I asked their mom to let me know when we might get together next week so I could take pictures of the twins, wearing their new dresses. She liked the idea, and we agreed to get together again soon.

It's so much fun to watch the world through the eyes of children, and last night was especially fun for me. I sat on the staircase as they opened myriad wrapped gifts, revealing one treasure after another. Four is a magical time, and each of the girls squealed in delight, and always thanked each person for the gifts they received. I felt so blessed when they both came running up the stairs to hug me for the dresses that had love sewn into every stitch. Those hugs and kisses were the best thanks of all.

It's hard to believe we already have one month of 2020 behind us. Where does the time go? 

Next week, I'm turning my attention to a custom order that came my way. A long-distance friend mailed her daughter's well-worn jean jacket to me with the request to turn it into a handbag. I've got some contemplating and drafting ideas ahead of me, so I'm going to kick out of gear for the rest of this weekend. That way I can approach this with a fresh and rejuvenated mind. I'm looking forward to this one!

Happy February!

 

Complete!...

Brynwood Needleworks - Completed Dresses For The Twins

I completed the dresses for my nieces - just in time. All along, I thought the party was on Sunday. Turns out it's tonight!!! No worries. I finished in relaxed fashion, with no impending-doom-filled deadline. lol

Brynwood Needleworks - Buttons On The Pinnies

Thanks to everyone who left comments for me yesterday. I read them throughout the day, and I think most (all?) agreed with me, without even knowing it! I loved the little scalloped flower buttons, too.

Brynwood Needleworks - Dress Buttons - Blue

My Destiny makes such lovely button holes, and they're so easy on my machine that it's a pleasure to make them.

Brynwood Needleworks - Dress Buttons -Lavender

Once the buttons were all sewn on, I could turn my attention to hand sewing the hems. Button holes, then buttons, and then hems.

Brynwood Needleworks - Hem Detail

I first sewed hem lace to the bottoms of the dresses, and then turned the lace up to hem the dresses and pinafores. I sat down to finish sewing the hems by hand. 

I've chosen to hang the dresses, so I'll be making a little garment bag to protect them and "wrap" them, rather than fold them into boxes. I think I'll machine embroider both their names on the garment bag, and then add a bow to hold the hangers together.

Once that's finished, I'll be ready to party! I can't wait to see their reactions, and I'll definitely get photos to share with you. Thanks again for your input! Wasn't that fun?

 

Button, Button...

Brynwood Needleworks - Buttons

 

I chose the buttons I want to use. Well, mostly. I love my choices for the colored dresses. Those were easy. I made sure they're flat (so they don't dig into the girls backs if they lean back on a chair), and I picked colors that are close to the fabric colors.

Brynwood Needleworks - Which Ones?

I brought home two choices for the pinafores. I really am not sure which style to choose. What do you think and why? Would you use #1 (top) or #2 (bottom)? Unlike the dresses, whose buttons are on the back, these buttons will be on the front of the pinafores. 

 

Please leave a comment and let me know which ones you'd use. I'm leaning toward one over the other, but I'd love your input. If you can't leave a comment on the bottom of this post (click on "__friends clicked here to leave a message for me"), just send me an email by clicking on the email icon in my sidebar. Thanks!

Almost Finished...

Brynwood Needleworks - Almost Finished Dresses For The Twins

 

If you could see all the buttons I have in large apothecary jars and divided plastic boxes, you'd find it as inconceivable as I do that I don't have what I need to finish these dresses. facepalm But, I don't.

I'm going out first thing this morning to buy buttons for each of the dresses. When I get back home,  I'll add buttonholes, sew on the buttons, and hem the dresses. That's all I have left to do. 

I have to crow just a teeny tiny bit. I'm tickled how the designs lined up on the pinafores! Look that that fox, front and center! And the animals and plants lined up on the pinny for the blue dress, too.

I'll share photos tomorrow of the finished dresses, top to bottom and front to back. I'm looking forward to seeing the twins wearing them, too!

 

Working On Dresses...

Brynwood Needleworks - Fabrics For Dresses

 

I've settled on the fabrics, and now I'm busy assembling dresses for my great nieces. I chose a pastel blue for "M", who loves Frozen and sings all Elsa's songs. I chose the pastel lavender for "O", who loves Elsa's sister character, Anna. The animal print fabric will be made into pinafores for each dress. I'll also machine embroider their names (along with their favorite character) onto the underskirt of each dress. I shared the pattern (and photos of my sweet nieces) HERE, to refresh your memory.

It's been snowing (on and off) for two days, so I expect I'll get a lot of sewing accomplished. We'll see how far I get this weekend. I'll be sewing and watching the weather.

 

Starting A Surprise...

Brynwood Needleworks - Fraternal Twins (My Nieces)

 

These two sweethearts are my great nieces, and they'll be celebrating their fourth Birthday very soon. I've decided that I'm going to make special gifts for them this year. 

Brynwood Needleworks - McCalls Pattern 3949

 

They love princess dresses, so I'm going to make one for each of them for their special day. Their mama says they're already wearing size 5, so I may make them just a bit bigger so they can wear them a little longer.

This is the style I'm contemplating. Of course, I'll need to use fabrics that are reminiscent of Elsa and Anna - their favorite characters from Frozen (I and II)...or I may choose to go in another direction, like a soft yellow dress with Beauty and The Beast fabric for the pinafore (for one), and something else for the other. 

I have until their Birthday party on the 31st to choose and sew everything together, so I'll likely start on this in the next week. I haven't made little girl dresses in ages, and I'm really looking forward to this! I'll be sharing my progress as I go. Hope you'll follow along!

 

They Love Dressing Up...

Brynwood Needleworks - Twins

 

These are my beautiful, three year old great-nieces. Their daddy is my sister's son, Dan. I've written about him before, because we spend a lot of time together, and he comes running whenever we need a set of strong arms at the farm. I adore him for many more reasons.

 

His girls are fraternal twins, and they love dressing up. I haven't asked their mama just how many princess dresses they have in their closet, but I know it's a lot. Rather than put their names out here, I'm just going to refer to them by their initials..."O" on the left, and "M" on the right. 

 

They're both blondes, but "M" is wearing this fun, braided wig. Their mama is a talented, hobby photographer, and the girls are her favorite subjects (of course). When she posted this image of them, I couldn't help but smile. I thought I'd share their sweet photo with you today, too.

 

I'm not sure (because the girls haven't decided yet), whether or not they'll wear these outfits for Halloween. I'm sure they'll be adorable, whatever they decide to be, but I think it's a safe bet, they'll be girly and princess-y. I'll let you know.

I baked bread, as planned, yesterday, with so many more projects in mind, but my neck had other plans. I spent most of late day with an ice pack on my neck and taking Tylenol. I managed to stave off a bad headache (thankfully), but I wasn't 100% either. My body said, "Rest.", so I obeyed.

 

I'm planning yard work today, so we'll see how it goes. The sun's shining, and I'm looking forward to being outdoors. Wish me luck!

Tuesdays With Tag - I've Got Sunshine...

Brynwood Needleworks - Taggart - October 1st

 Hi, Everybody!

Welcome to October 1st.

I don't know about you, but aside from a little rain, our weather's just peachy. It was 80º yesterday!

Brynwood Needleworks - Taggart Sees His Shadow

Whoa! Oh, it's just my shadow. That means at least another six weeks of CORGI! hee hee No matter. I have to tell you about my spectacularly awesome day yesterday...

Brynwood Needleworks - Tag's Girls - Miranda and Olivia

My two favorite little girls came to visit me yesterday! These are our great-nieces, Miranda and Olivia. We have a mutual admiration society thing goin' on, for sure. We're all crazy about each other. Makes me wanna sing "My Girl(s)". (I know you're hummin' now! It's okay. I am, too!)

When they visit, just like in this picture, they're dressed like princesses. Yesterday, Miranda was dressed as a Frozen princess, Elsa, and Livvy was dressed as Rapunzel. They were just adorable. They gave me lots of attention...and a few treats. They love it when I give 'em a paw first, and I don't mind doin' it because it makes 'em laugh (and I get an animal cracker for my tricks).

They came and had lunch with Mom and me; and their momma, Alex; and Mom's sister, Di were here, too. Di is their Nana. (They call her "Nana Ponygirl" because she always gave them pony rides on her knee when they were really little. Isn't that adorable?)

We all had a nice visit, and as usual, it was too short. We see each other often, though, so it's not so bad. I usually get to see their brothers, too, but the boys were in school today.

Brynwood Needleworks - Regal Corgi

 

They gave smooches to Mom and me, and then I got to watch them drive down the road to go home. After they were gone, we thought back on our nice afternoon. Giggles and play were had, and everybody was tired when it was all over. Mom and I even took a nap after they left. (Mom needed it more than I did.)

We can't wait until they come back. I guess that leaves the entertainin' to Bella and me for now. I think we can handle that. We're pros, after all.

 

 I'll see you again in seven. 'til then...

"Live Like Someone Left The Gate Open".