Punkins!...

These guys have been in my head for a little while, so I decided to do something about it. I've had these drawings from my friend, Michelle Palmer for quite a while. I have a number of others in different themes, too, but right now, it's punkin (pumpkin) season, and I just had to play!

I've been adding embroidery to her drawings and I love how they're turning out. As you can see I also have the perfect fabrics and zipper pulls for them, too. I'm guessing you might be seeing where this is going.

 

So, pretty soon, you'll see all these as completed pieces. I'm planning to have them listed in my shop by the weekend, but of course, I'll share them with you first. What do you think? You like?

Fall At Pier One...

Brynwood Needleworks - Pier 1 Fall Squirrel Plates

Fall is my favorite time of year in Wisconsin. In Florida, this time of year is rainy, and frequently dotted with tropical storms and even hurricanes. Our oak trees don't drop their leaves until December and new ones appear by March or April. Acorns on those oaks in October or November are the only vestige of Fall that I recognize from up north. Perhaps that's why I love them so.

I saw signs for a Labor Day Sale as I passed Pier One today. I hadn't been in the store in over a year - for good reason. I love many of the items they carry. Once you see all the wonderful things I saw, you'll congratulate me for my "admirable restraint".

The first thing I saw was these gorgeous squirrel and acorn plates. I was careful not to drool on them. Truly - and I resisted the urge to buy them all.

Brynwood Needleworks - Pier 1 Fall Deer Plates

These deer plates remind me more of winter and Christmas, but I do love the little birds perched on antlers that more closely resemble a tree. Artistic license, I think. Sweet, for sure.

Brynwood Needleworks - Pier 1 Fall Leaf Plates

These dishes reminded me of many days spent afield with my beloved retrievers. I think I may need to go back for one of the canisters.

Brynwood Needleworks - Pier 1 Fall Acorn Jar

Oh, yes. An acorn covered jar. My dear friend, Denise, gave me an older version of one of these, so I wasn't tempted to get a newer interpretation. (I'm quite fond of my older one, by the way.)

Brynwood Needleworks - Pier 1 Fall Leaf Plates

These colorful table elements - dishes, table runner and decorative leaves - would brighten any autumn table. They're so warm and wonderful...

Brynwood Needleworks - Pier 1 Fall Acorns

especially if these acorns are added for more interest. Even the placemats are gathered leaves. Every little detail is a salute to this time of year.

Brynwood Needleworks - Pier 1 Fall Pillows

If you decorate with pillows, you'll love the selection of Fall pillows available in the store. There were pumpkin pillows everywhere I turned, and also those with words expressing gratitude. I don't  decorate with plaques, decals, paint or decor with words. It's not my style, but I do love these pillows.

Brynwood Needleworks - Pier 1 Fall Pumpkin Pillow

Then, I saw this pillow. I love white pumpkins, and I've decorated with faux white pumpkins here because the warm weather quickly rots real ones. I knew this one would come home with me. This is where you can find it online. Have fun looking at all the others while you're there. (Don't blame me if you're tempted to get more than one from their selections!)

Brynwood Needleworks - Pier 1 Pumpkin Pillow At Home

Here it is. My perfect touch of Fall in our Florida home. I think it fits in with our color scheme, and will coordinate well with my white pumpkins, too. 

I have some French General blue linen toweling fabric that I'm going to make into a larger square pillow to put out with this one. I'll work on that next week, as I can't be in the studio this today. We already have our first showing on the house this afternoon. I have a good feeling about it. Must be my vision of Fall in the air.

Patchwork Pumpkins...

Before we headed to Wisconsin, I showed the girls the Shabby Fabrics website image of this pattern for a Patchwork Pumpkin Table Runner. We all wanted this pattern, so Kathy and Nora ordered one for each of us, plus extras for future sales. When we got to the shop last Saturday morning, all of our patterns were waiting for us.

I almost never do holiday themes, but I will do seasonal themes from time to time. This pattern was irresistible to me. When I got home from the shop, I sorted through my stash and assembled the fabrics that would be used in my runner. I began working on it on Sunday afternoon.

I started stitching on my block at Paneras over coffee and conversation with the knitting/crocheting/sewing girls. I still have the leaf and stem to stitch down on the first block, but I have all four blocks appliqued' and awaiting my hand sewing.

The pattern calls for two different colored leaves (two of each), so I'm showing you my choices. I just know that Brenda and Fay will have theirs completed by Saturday. They usually machine applique' their blocks and I like hand stitching mine. We'll see how far I get. I'm looking forward to seeing mine finished and adorning our teak dining room table through Thanksgiving.

If your heart skipped a beat when you saw this pattern, you can click on the pattern title above. It's a link to order your own copy.

I wish you a joyful and creative day today!

Pumpkin and Answered Prayers...

I had to try a new recipe Saturday night. Handsome had listened to this program on National Public Radio. He came home and told me that he thought we ought to try making our own version of stuffed pumpkin.

The one I made was stuffed with grated gruyere cheese, cubed French bread, finely-diced sweet onion, cream, a bit of freshly grated nutmeg, salt and pepper. We agreed that, even though it was good, it needed a kick. Next time, I'm going to add sauteed Italian sausage and a little fennel. Perhaps I'll add it to our usual Thanksgiving menu.

If you click on the link and try your own recipe, I'd love to know what you use and how you like it!

(Sorry for the blurriness, but I didn't want to
distract the pups when I took these photos.)

Kes is home from the doggie hospital. She's sore and shouldn't be harrassed by boisterous puppies, so she has private day quarters. At night, when Fez is in his kennel, she still sleeps next to my side of the bed and gets lots of one-on-one attention.
That doesn't keep Fezzik from worrying about her and trying to keep her company. He was so sweet when he saw her. He's as glad as we are that Kessie is back home. The place just wasn't the same without her. Our prayers this week were definitely answered.

Wishing all of you a blessed Sunday.

Make Mine Pumpkin, Please...

I've never been asked to answer one of those blogger interview-type questionnaires. But if I did...and if I were asked what flavor pie is my favorite...I would answer, "Make mine pumpkin, please."

This is the newest cookbook on my shelf. Coming Home from Gooseberry Patch. It's filled with great seasonal ideas, inspiring images and projects, and recipes. Oh, you should see the recipes! I actually started to salivate when I saw the recipe for Crustless Pumpkin Pie!

Now, I don't want anyone to get testy with me if you're already staring Winter in the face, but here in south Florida it's still hot. I mean nearly 90º hot during the day...and humid. So, the thought of firing up the oven to make pumpkin-anything is not on my immediate agenda. But, in about a week, I'm heading to Wisconsin. I'm not telling you why at this point (that's for another post on another day), but Mum is telling me it's bloody cold up there already. Snow in October! Apparently, Wisconsin didn't get the memo about "global warming". I'm afraid I might freeze while I'm there! I'm seriously hoping for Indian Summer.

Don't you think she'd love it if I took my new cookbook with me and whipped up a little Crustless Pumpkin Pie for her? We may have to huddle around the oven if I don't get my "weather wish".

So I'm thinking - Indian Summer, Crustless Pumpkin Pie and perhaps a batch of chili for the Packers game. What do you think?

A little reminder that if you click on my images, you get a larger view. (ie., You'll be able to read the recipe!) Yea!!!