Meet Thaddeus...

 

Guess who I finished yesterday? Yep. Thaddeus Badger, aka Tad. Tad is Theodore's brother. It's funny. Now I'm looking at the main photo of Tad and it looks like the feet on the badger on the ribbon on the spool are his legs. lol

I changed the vest color on this badger. They're brothers, but not twinsies, after all. He also has a pocket chain, but unlike Theodore, Thaddeus has a tail! (I can't believe I forgot to give Ted a tail.) 

Also, Ted lives with our younger daughter-in-love. He was her Birthday gift (which she said looked just like he stepped out of The Wind in the Willows). Tad will live here at the farmhouse with my other spoolies.

Now to decide which spool animal I'll tackle next. Elephant? Cow? Deer? Puffin? I don't know yet, but as soon as I finish the next one, you'll be next to know!

Happy Weekend, friends. Can you believe that Sunday will be June 1st?! I surely can't. I wonder what surprises this new month will hold? I can promise you, we'll find out together.

Wednesday Friends Day...

Back Row: Deb B., Dan F., Deb and Dan N., Janet and Jay K Front Row: Donna L, Mary S., Karen S., and Cal C.

I'm sharing my photographs backward today. I'm beginning with our dinner gathering and photos of the small but dedicated group of classmates who met for dinner in spite of the crummy, rainy weather. 

The ladies sat at one end of the table, while the guys sat at the other end.  Of course, we have completely different stories to share, so we "herd up" according to gender. We had a great time.

Fun with Friends

I have to share the outtakes this month. I'm calling this photo collage "The Mullet Collage" - Business up front. Party in the back. lol Everyone in the front row has what Handsome refers to as their camera faces on, ready for the photographer. Meanwhile, the back row is jocularity and silliness. They sure were having fun back there!

Flour Sack and Vintage Embroidery Project Bag from Kathy D.

Lunchtime was fun, too. I didn't get photos of Kathy inspecting the spoolies because we were sitting in her car at the drive-in. It rained the entire time, so rather than sit under one of their canopies, we stayed warm and dry in her vehicle.

Kathy had a show-and-tell, too. (I actually refer to it as my Mum does...bring-and-brag.) When we were at a group meeting of the"Sewcial Sisters" a couple years ago, I took along my collection of vintage flour sack cloths. My sewing was going in a different direction and I knew I wouldn't use them, so I offered them for sale. Kathy bought all of them, and she recently decided to do something with them.

She's been combing antique and resale shops in search of vintage embroidered linens. Even though many of us have a collection of inherited embroideries, who wants to cut up something our ancestors created? I know Kathy and I don't. So, we purchase with the intention of cutting into it. I guess it's easier if you don't know the creator - especially when you know you're going to make something new and wonderful with it.

Kathy's been sewing these lovely project bags, and she practices her quilting skills on the patterned fabrics. She offered one to me and said I could choose the one I wanted. Of course, I chose the bag with the embroidered puppies. 

In exchange, I'm going to create a spoolie just for her. I didn't have Henrietta Chicken or Theodore Badger to show her because they were already gifted, but her favorite was Daisy Skunk. I'm planning to make a new little skunk for her. (I'm also going to make another badger and chicken for my collection, too.)

My very last stop of the day was at my friends, Vicki and Del's home. Del and I have known each other since junior high school, and I got to know Vicki after Handsome and I moved back to Wisconsin. She's been seeing my spoolies and offered her assortment of wooden spools to me. I gratefully accepted, and I traded her for quilting fabric, which she loved.

I got to meet their sweet nine month old Labrador retriever, and got a tour of their lovely home. We exchanged gifts, hugged, and I left to take dinner home from the restaurant for Handsome. 

All in all, I'd say it was a pretty fabulous day. I spent time with so many dear friends, and came home with a full heart. It really doesn't get better than this.

Today, my Explorer will be getting an early morning oil change, and then I'm going to get my hair trimmed this afternoon. Once I get back home, I think I'll be getting a little crafty. I don't know what I'll work on yet, but I'll let you know tomorrow. I'm going to grab a cuppa for the road now and be on my way. Later, 'gator!

No "Island Hopping" Today...

Image via Facebook

 

I'm not playing in the kitchen today. Rather, I'm having lunch with my girlfriend, Kathy D., and then I'm having dinner with the high school classmate group. I'll be a "social butterfly" instead. lol

I haven't seen Kathy in a while, and since our last lunch date, she's traveled to a quilt retreat and I've been doing my "thing" around the farmhouse. I can't wait to hear all about the retreat, and I'm hoping she'll bring whatever she made to show me. She asked me to bring the spool animals with me so she can see them in person. I'm sure we'll have a great visit, and I'll try to remember to get a photo (at least of her with the spoolies) for my post tomorrow.

Our classmate dinner is at the usual place, and we never know exactly how many will attend until they show up. Of course, I'll get their photo, too.

Last stop before I come home will be to another friend's home who offered her collection of mini thread spools to me. I'm trading a bag of quilting cotton scraps in exchange, as she's also a quilter.

It's going to be a busy day, so I have a few things to accomplish before I go. Handsome will be home with the girls today, but I'll be sure to bring treats home for him, too.

Have a great day and I'll be back tomorrow with photographs to share! See you then.

Rex The River Otter...

Knowing this is my newest spoolie, I'm sure many of you were thinking I'd name this little guy "Steve" after the famous comic otter featured in many of my Saturday Silliness posts. But I was specifically asked by Handsome not to. (If you know, you know.) I honored his request and named my latest spool animal, "Rex the River Otter" instead.

I'd love to have a small snail, stone, or a wee crab in his paws, but until I find or create such a think, I'm going to leave him as is. No necktie. No vest or jacket. Just Rex au naturel.

What do you think? Does he look like an otter to you? He's a wee bit larger than my other spoolies, but not enough to require a larger spool. Feedback appreciated. 

I have another blissful day off today. Time for a bit of homekeeping, and then I'm going to work a bit more on my bluebirds. A little zen stitching before I go back to work tomorrow. aaaaahhhhhh

Spring In Wisconsin...

Spring has finally arrive at the farmhouse. All the trees and bushes have begun greening up, and the flowers are opening again. The most wonderful gift here is to see our old apple tree bloom and bless us with her fragrant, showy flowers each year. This year is no exception.

I was working on my spoolie last night, but am completely unhappy with the head shape for this animal, so I'm going to start over today. After two days of standing on my feet at work, all I want to do is give these old knees a rest. A little needle dancing (where I can just sit) is just what I need.

My plan is to rework and complete my spoolie today, and then I have this month's Artist Trading Cards to do. This month's theme is flowers, so I'm looking forward to creating something pretty and floral. 

I'll share whatever I complete today with you tomorrow. I'll also be able to do a little housekeeping around here tomorrow, too, after my "day of rest". As for today, I shall play.

Thinking About My Next Spoolie...

I'd planned to show you a finished spoolie today, but truthfully I ran out of gas when I got home. I brought dinner with me, so I changed out of my work duds while Handsome set up our dinner plates. I made salads to go with the rest of our meal, we ate, cleared dishes and I fell asleep in my chair before I could even begin my project. 

A few hours later, Handsome asked me how it was coming along, knowing full well I haven't even touched it. We'd been in the same room all evening so he was just teasing me.

These are the materials I've pulled together for the next spoolie. Any guesses? It's been mentioned and was added to my list. One hint: the thread on the wooden spool is meant to represent water. I know it's green. Green river water. Leave a comment to see if you can guess what it's going to be.

Another work day today. sigh Once I get through this seven hours or so, I'll have off until Friday. yay! See you tomorrow!

Loads of Spools...

I've acquired a few little spools for my spool animal projects. These two jars are loaded with them!! I put Otis in front of them so you have a size comparison. I'll be able to populate Noah's Ark with all the little animals I'll be able to create!

So, here's my thinking...There are only so many spoolies that will fit on my shelf, and after I complete all my first attempts (thinking prototypes), I could make more available for sale through my blog. I wouldn't list these on Etsy, only here. I could do oh, say, ten at a time and list them once a month or something. What do you think of that idea?

Next are two questions...I know that I usually have two to three hours in creating each one. What would you suggest would be a good price point? I'll tell you I'm thinking $39 each, including packaging and postage. Heck. Do you think anyone would even want to purchase them?

I'm interested in your thoughts on these matters. Please leave a note with suggestions in the comments today. It's okay to be honest. I asked, after all.

Tonight is the monthly classmate dinner, but I'll be taking it easy until then. Yesterday was tiring, but I'm not going to overdo it today. I don't work again until Friday, so I'll get lots of downtime in until then.

Thanks for contemplating my questions and leaving comments for me! Classmate dinner group photo tomorrow.

My Spoolie Shelf...

L-R: Ursa Polar Bear w/seal, Bella Labrador, King Scarface, Valentine Rabbit, Taylor Mouse, Otis Opossum, Spot the Dog, Sebastian Squirrel, and Daisy Skunk

I'm just leaving a quick post today. I'm going back to work this morning, and I want to give myself plenty of time.

Only two I've made aren't on this shelf...Theodore Badger and Henrietta Chicken, which were both gifted to special people. I will be making another of each for my shelf, though, so they will be represented.

I did rework King Scarface, adding more dark fur and fine tuning his facial features. I'm much happier with his look now.

I have no idea which animal I'll do next, but I am thinking on it. I also want to get back to the bluebirds, so there's that, too. 

I'm not sure how I'll do with work today. Handsome and I went out for breakfast and ran one quick errand. When we got home, I curled up on the sofa and slept for two hours. My boss offered to come in early for me today if I think I need it, but I'm going to try not to do that, but I asked Handsome to have something figured out for dinner, just in case I didn't have meal prep in me by the time we get home. 

I'll let you know how it goes tomorrow. See you later!

King Scarface...

As always, once I see the photographs of my "finished" pieces, I notice things I'd like to fine tune. Such is the case with my latest spool animal..."King Scarface". My original plan was to create a lion that I'd name "Aslan" after The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe stories. Then, I learned about an extraordinary, legendary, wild lion and changed my plans.

My spoolie looks just a bit too "happy", so I'm going to fine tune the nose and mouth area on him, as I add more black fur into the top of his head. Of course, a king needs a crown, so my little lion has one, too.

King Scarface from the Masai Marah Reserve

This is what the real King Scarface looked like. Rather than try to tell you what was so extraordinary about this lion, I'm going to quote the words written by the people who knew him best on the Maasai Mara Reserve:

"The legend Scarface, the king of the Savannah and ruler of the Maasai Mara Reserve, killed 400 hyenas and 130 lions and controlled an area of ​​400 square kilometers. He had 900 lions under his command. He is also considered the only lion who was able to kill an adult hippopotamus in a single battle and expel crocodiles from his reserve because they preyed on a young cub. In 2012, Scarface got into a fight with a lion called Marsupial, who was 3 years younger than Marsupial and bigger than him. Everyone thought that Scarface would lose the fight. Scarface was injured in his foot, but he emerged victorious and kept Marsupial’s head for two weeks before throwing it away. In 2016, he and his brothers Sekiu, Hunter and Murami got into a fight with 6 lions and killed 2 of them on their own. A few days before his death, Scarface walked several miles back to his home and birthplace. On his way, the lions gave him food instead of attacking him. This is unusual in the animal world, but Scarface broke the rule and gained great respect from everyone. He also did not… A cat attacks a human being and is announced dead after a sad roar from the lionesses. He was buried by the National Geographic team in honor of his legendary life, the lion who was only defeated by death. This is from my report and personally I followed his life until his death." - Writer unknown to me

If you'd like to see one of the last videos of this magnificent lion, you can click HERE to view it on Instagram. (I don't think you have to have an account to watch the video.) 

I consider my little spool animal a pale tribute to how wonderful King Scarface really was, but I will keep it to honor his memory.

Guess What's Next...

So, this is the fabric I've pulled for the next spoolie. I'm going to let you all guess what this one is going to be. I've chosen a name, too, but I'm not going to share it yet.

I'm going to be spending a little time in my recliner, so I'll have plenty of time to work on this and a few others while I'm lolly gagging about.

"Theodore Badger"...

 

Meet "Theodore Badger", my latest spool animal. I'm so in love with this guy. I know. I say that about all of them, but truly, this one just makes me smile. 

Theodore is a gift for someone celebrating a Birthday later this week, and will already in the mail on Monday, but I just had to take photographs before boxing him up so you could see him, too.

I made a wee vest for him, and even included buttons and a chain for his pocket watch. And what learned badger doesn't need his own pinz nez glasses perched on his nose? (I did sew those on so they wouldn't fall off.)

Handsome has already told me I'm going to have to make a second one for my spoolie shelf. I always show them to him first, and he declared there should be two. I'll probably work on this one's brother while I'm recuperating from my procedure this week. It's a great project when one is sitting in a semi-reclined position, I think. I'll be thinking about a good name for Theodore's brother, too. (I'm not inclined to go with Alvin or Simon. Those are the names of the three chipmunks, which I may save for when I might make a chipmunk!) I'd love ideas, though.

I'm working today, so I won't get to the bluebird's wings again until tomorrow. Have a great day, my friends. See you tomorrow.

 

Sweet As A Daisy...

I had all sorts of suggestions for my future spool animals, so I started Saturday night. Meet "Daisy the Skunk"!

I told this story on Facebook, but I want to share it here, too. When I was a preschooler, my Dad - who was also a college student/veteran with two daughters and a wife - owned a pet shop in Stevens Point. We had lots of fish in aquariums, budgies (like parakeets), and even a pet monkey. 

I've heard stories of how I fell into a salt water tank (right after a fish delivery, no less) and needed stitches above my eye. I also had to have my young stomach pumped because I'd eaten a container of water purification tablets (chlorine). Not too bright then, I guess. The monkey tried to pull out my mum's long hair in a fit of pique, and when someone asked me  what my name was and where I lived, I'd reply, "Donna Uby, Budgie Shop". (My maiden name was Newby, but hey. I was only about three.)

So, among other critters, Dad also had a de-scented skunk he named "Daisy". My grandparents lived on a the south side of Stevens Point, and I vividly remember our family visiting them with Daisy in tow. Somehow she got loose, so Dad went out looking for her. My grandparents lived near a dump, so naturally, Dad headed that way. 

When he saw Daisy, he was so happy. He ran up to her and scooped her up. Thing is...that wasn't Daisy. He got sprayed...a lot...and came back to the house, stinking to high heaven. Mum, my sister and I all squealed at the smell, and Grandma flatly refused to let him in the house to take a shower. She made him strip down outside and handed him a big container of tomato juice. I don't think we ever saw Daisy again, but Dad managed to get back into Grandma's graces after a tomato bath. This is my little tribute to Dad's little skunk...the one that didn't smell. 

I have more animals on my list now, but this is the only one I did this weekend. I also completed Bobbi's travel sewing case which shipped today, but I'm not going to share photographs of it until I know it's in her hands. (I sure hope she loves it!)

Meet Ursa...

It snowed two days ago and was downright cold until late last night. The wind is still blowing, but the air is warmer. Perhaps we'll have a nice weekend (or not), but I wanted to share my latest spoolie with you. I've come to enjoy quietly sitting with my supplies after dinner, just so I can create something cute from Handsome's or my ideas.

Last night, I created a polar bear because Handsome loves bears. I figured a polar bear would be appropriate for this goofy weather. When I completed "Ursa", Handsome suggested I add a tiny bottle of coke or a seal (think Coca Cola ads), so I added a pet for Ursa...a little seal to keep him company.

I handed this pair to Handsome once completed and he allowed as how each new one brings out a smile on his face. I really like that, so I'll likely continue my evening pastime of creating little spool animals. Which animal do you think I should make next?

My Latest Spoolie...

You had to know I'd be making a little Bella Labrador Retriever, right? When I showed her to Handsome he only had one request. "Could you add just the end of her tongue sticking out of her mouth, just like Bella does once in a while?" Done!

She's wearing a sparkling charm on her fashionable red collar, and I attached a "B" charm and paw print. All perfect for the WMBBD, don't you think? I'll have more projects that I worked on last week to share during this week.

I've heard from many of you already, but I'm still offering a little gift to everyone who entered. If you haven't sent your address to me yet, there's still time. I'm at work today, so I won't begin mailing out gifts until tomorrow. It's just my small way of saying "thank you" to each of you.

I guess I'd better go get ready. I'll grab my decaf cuppa and head off to the salt mines. lol (Not really, but you get the idea.) Hope you all have a great day!

She Loves Henrietta...

Shortly after sitting down when I got home from work, I received a text message from my coworker. I'd given her Henrietta at the beginning of our shift and she was tickled. She told me she was going to place it with her other farm related pieces at home.

The text message was a photograph of Henrietta, now in her rightful place, ruling the roost in my friend's collection. It made me smile, and I thought it might brighten your day, too.

Speaking of brightening our day, Handsome comes home today. I'll be picking him up at the airport, and I can't wait to see him again. The big girls and I will greet him, load his luggage into the truck and bring him home. It's a bright day, indeed.

Meet Henrietta...

I made another wee critter yesterday. hee hee This one is "Henrietta Chicken". I'm drafting my own patterns for my spool animals now. 

Henrietta sports a jaunty lace collar, and she's just laid a new egg! (The egg was actually one of a number of bead samples my dear friend, Marion created for me when we still lived in Florida. I finally have a special use for them!) The only thing Henrietta needs is a little raffia to look like a nest for her egg. I'll add that today, and she'll be finished!

Henrietta will be a gift for a friend who has chickens. She's also a co-worker who just gave her two week notice. She and I have been the "Dream Team" on Tuesdays for a long time. I'm going to miss her a lot! I hope she will love the little gift I've made for her. It wasn't intended to be a "parting gift", but I guess that's how it's worked out.

In case you were wondering...Here's Sebastian Squirrel with his acorn. This was a favorite button I've been hoarding for years. I just love it, and now I love how this little squirrel is hanging on to it - no glue involved. So, now he's completely finished and hanging out with the rest of the critters.

I'm off to have lunch with Sis (Deb) today. I haven't seen her in a while, so it's time for us to get together and catch up again. I'll likely make another spoolie later today, too. We shall see. Happy Monday!

Look! A Squirrel!...

I completed my little squirrel spool animal yesterday. I'm calling him "Sebastian". He's sporting a green coat and a big, bushy tail. I dipped into my needle felting wools to add his tail. I actually needle felted it to his backside. I think I may add some green ribbon to the spool, and I'd like him to be holding an acorn. This is the smallest acorn I have "in inventory". I'm just trying to decide whether or not it's too big for him. 

I'll play around with it later today and decide. Otherwise, (now, don't be shocked) I have an extensive assortment of acorn charms and buttons. I'm sure I'll find something I can use.

Hard to believe it's Friday again already. Handsome will be home next week, so I'm completing the last of my tasks before he walks in the door. I'll be so happy to have him here with us again. This trip seemed to last forever. 

I'll be doing a little baking today, and then a few hours of work later, so I guess I'd better get started. Time to take care of all my girls and then I can get on with my day. Happy Weekend!!

Mini Grannies...

If you're in my Brynwood Needleworks Facebook group, you've seen the post I put up recently with a granny square piece constructed from 2,000 small grannies. Each one was created using sewing thread and a 0.5 size hook. It took the woman two years to construct, and it's pretty impressive.

It reminded me of the few mini squares I started years ago using #12 pearl cotton and a size 1 hook. I seem to remember starting them to use for artist trading cards, or some other small project. These are all I've made (so far), but now it's got me thinking about using them to create a table mat or runner. Not a blanket, for sure! I do have more colors set aside in a plastic divided container, and most of the colors are represented in the squares you see here. 

I have a number of other projects that are in line ahead of this, but it would be easy to make a few each night while sitting with Handsome. I really just wanted to show these to my crocheting friends for a little inspiration. 

I took it pretty easy yesterday. I'm sorry I didn't respond to the past few posts until last night. Missing Tag hit me all at once, and it just hurt too much to stop to thank all of you for your kind words. Even so, I was in tears as I typed each reply. If you've ever lost a dear pet, I know you understand. It's a hurt that never really leaves. You just learn to live with it. One year out was still to overwhelming for me. Thank you for being there for me, and for all your kind thoughts. I really appreciated reading your memories of him, too.

I think I may start that squirrel today! The spoolies are fun, little projects, but when I'm working on them, I'm totally immersed. It will be fun to see what I can come up with. I'll share more tomorrow. 

It was snowing and blowing all day yesterday. I'm hoping for a quieter day today. Even the little girls (the cats) didn't want to go out in it. Bella and Carly didn't mind so much, but they didn't hang around outside any longer than they had to either.

I'm off to take care of all the girls, and then have a little breakfast myself before I get going with my day. I'll be back tomorrow!

Otis The Spool Opossum...

Otis the Opossum is finished! I added tiny bead buttons to his jacket, and he's holding a Brynwood acorn charm in his paw. (Remember you can click on the image to enlarge it.) I think he's a rather dapper boy!

I completed him Monday night after spending the day baking bread and doing laundry. I'm starting to prepare for Handsome's return, and I want the whole place to be tip-top when he arrives. I still have a week, but I'm nearly ready.

I have immediate ideas for two more I'll be making soon. One will be a squirrel, and the other a Corgi. I also want to make a strawberry sachet for Tag, like the one I did for Bella last year. It will have a paw print. I just have to decide which colors I want to use and which flowers I'll stitch. Any ideas?  

I've decided I'll get back to the bluebirds after Handsome is back home. Once I start stitching, it's hard to stop to let dogs (or cats) in or out. If I wait, Handsome can take on that task while I stitch away. Ulterior motive, right?

Come back tomorrow. I have no idea yet what I want to share with you, so we can both be surprised. lol See you then!

My New "Spoolie" In Progress...

He's not finished, but he already has a name. Otis, in memory of the little opossum I cared for in the Compass Barn a few winters ago. I wrote about him HERE.

I still have some things to do on him, including something for him to hold in his little paw. I've almost completed his coat. I'll also probably add something to the spool, and maybe he needs a little corsage on his lapel? I just couldn't wait to share him with you!

I'll try to finish him today. I'm still putting things away...mainly because I mostly sat around all yesterday. "Sometimes I sits and thinks...and sometimes I just sits" is an old quote that comes to mind. I don't even feel guilty because I got so much accomplished when Dan was here.

I thought I would be going to Portage this weekend, but one of the gals corrected me. Craft Day isn't until the 22nd, so instead, I'll be home. I have another Clara Warschauer class in the afternoon on Saturday, and after I complete Otis, I'm going to work on that needlework box I wrote about earlier in the week. I'm hoping to share that soon, along with my little finished opossum.

I hope you have a great weekend doing something you truly enjoy. Life's to short not to. See you Monday!