Red-Winged Blackbirds...

Michelle Palmer and her daughter, Alaina just completed a new collaboration featuring red-winged blackbirds on a toweling fabric to create a wonderful table runner. Alaina is carrying the PDF pattern file for sale in her Etsy shop, Avery Hill.

I already grabbed my copy, so if you'd like the pattern for your To Do list, HERE is the link. She has a number of other new designs, too, so you might want to browse around while you're there.

It's a work day today. The temperature is around -3º so I'm not looking forward to going out, for sure. The girls didn't dilly dally this morning either. It was down to about -12º overnight. I did manage to fill the bird feeders while it was sunny yesterday, and I added a new suet feeder that I loaded up, too. The birds were all over it before the sun went down. I'll be back tomorrow. Bundle up and stay warm, friends.

Play Day Today...

I'm meeting up with the Sewcial Sisters at Primitive Gatherings Retreat House for a play day today. I'm taking this kit with me to set up and start stitching. Once I complete the baby kimono (getting close!), I might be able to finish for Thanksgiving. I have a few other things I'd like to work on, too, so we'll see.

Tag will be here tomorrow, and I'll be back on Wednesday with more photos to share. See you then!

Sewcial Sisters Retreat...

Primitive Gatherings Retreat House

I promised to tell you about the retreat I'll be attending next week. I'll leave on Monday for Larsen, WI to join some of the Sewcial Sisters for three days.

I'll be rooming with Kathy D. at Primitive Gatherings' Retreat House. I haven't seen the guest rooms yet, but I promise I'll take photos while I'm there! The reservations include three meals a day, morning coffee (yay), a swag bag with as yet unknown goodies, and three days of fun with the Sewcial Sisters.

I'm really looking forward to it, and promise that I'll take you along on the trip. I'll share updates while I'm away so you don't miss a thing.

My "Everlasting" Quilt Top - So Far

I'm definitely packing this project, and will be working on finishing the embroideries in the outside border while I'm away. I'll likely pack a few other things in case I need a break from this. I'll share project photos while I'm there, too.

I'm going to spend this weekend choosing my attire, pulling projects and packing all my essentials for my getaway. Handsome has reluctantly agreed to make sure the Barn Girls and Leo have fresh water and food every day while I'm away, and I know Tag and the Labrador Ladies will be well-cared for, too. Handsome was completely self-sufficient before I married him, so I know he'll be happy to have a little time to himself, as well.

It snowed on and off all day yesterday, and frankly, I'm so tired of white stuff - even if it quickly melts away. I'm ready for spring and so are the tulips that have already popped out of the ground in the kitchen garden. I'm itching to get the flower beds cleaned out, but I'm waiting until the cold is gone so the little bugs and critters that might be resting under the leafy debris aren't displaced into the elements. I'm hoping that by Easter, or soon after, we'll be able to look forward to more time outdoors. In the meantime, I'm going to finish up a few projects next week, and get myself ready for gardening again.

Thanks for all your comments about seeing my progress photos and posts as I work on my embroideries or other projects. I really appreciate your kind words, and will continue to give you updates on small accomplishments as they come. For now, I'm anxious to get to Larsen and play with my friends. 

In the meantime, enjoy your weekend. I hope you have better weather where you are. If you're in the same boat as we are, you have my sympathy. Let's cross our fingers together that warm weather is just around the corner.

On To The Next Step...

Completed Applique' Block

I completed the last block I needed for the crow table runner. Today, I'll complete the assembly. I like the way this one is coming together, and I'm looking forward to seeing this one finished. 

Of course, you'll get to see it before the recipient. Even if she snoops here (which usually only happens this time of year. lol), she won't know it's for her until she opens her package. I love the holidays. Don't you?

Another Wooly Strawberry...

Brynwood Needleworks - One Wooly Strawberry Pincushion

I completed this pincushion for a client yesterday. It's always fun creating pieces of my own designs, and this one is a favorite. No two are ever exactly the same, except in size. It will be on its way to a new home today.

 

I have (sigh) another doctor appointment this morning. I'm getting my knee x-rayed, and then I'm getting a gel injection to (hopefully) alleviate my discomfort. The cortisone backfired, causing quite a bit of pain, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this alternative will work, as future cortisone is off the table.

I'll know better just what the rest of my day holds after I get home from my appointment. I'm still proofreading a friend's manuscript, and reading the latest Sydney Rye Mystery, so if I'm sitting in a chair and icing my knee this afternoon, I'll still have something interesting to do.

Come back tomorrow and I'll give you an update.

 

A Penny Gathering Center Block...

Brynwood Needleworks - A Penny Gathering - Center Block

I haven't worked on this small quilt for a while, so I thought I'd set up the center block. That way, it's ready to stitch when I am (likely, later this week).

 

After I complete the center block, my next step will be to create a number of half square triangle (HST) blocks (each measuring 1" square finished!). Those blocks will be a border all the way around the large center block. Then, The small floral blocks are sewn into position around the center motifs.

The embroidery won't take me all that long, and I'm really looking forward to making those mini HSTs. Yep. I'm really looking forward to doing that. Uh, huh.

There'll be more once that much is done, but I'll tell you about it when I get to it.The finished quilt only measures 27" square, so there's a lot of detail packed into a small project. I'll work on this one for a while. until I need another break, and go back to working on one of the other unfinished projects. I'm not sure having these multiple projects in progress is a good thing or a bad thing. What do you think?

Drawing "Everlasting" Border Ideas...

Brynwood Needleworks - Border Ideas

Let me begin today by stating that my artistic talents definitely lie with needle and threads, not in drawing. That being said, I'm doing rough drawings of a couple ideas I have for stitching the borders on "Everlasting". 

 

Another option might be a wandering vine-type configuration with sprays of lavender sprinkled about. The thing is, I'm really trying to avoid a directional design that would look odd on the top and bottom. I'll continue thinking and drawing, but I'd love to know what you think.

 

I'm Getting There!...

Brynwood Needleworks - "Everlasting" My Way - Time For Borders

I got all my blocks assembled over the weekend! I still have the 3-1/4" borders to apply, and then decide how I want to embellish the light space around the outside.

 

Yesterday, while I was baking bread (yes. I baked bread in this heat in our un-air-conditioned farmhouse!), I was entertained by the birds coming in to the feeder just outside the window. Every time a red-winged blackbird came to the feeder, it announced its arrival. Like a bolt of lightning it ocurred to me...why not change the crow to a red-winged blackbird? I can add the colored shoulder stripes, and not have to figure out where to add another crow!

Another bonus would be that every bird shown on the quilt would be a bird that regularly eats at our kitchen feeders. So, what do you think? Add shoulder stripes?

I'm currently designing the needlework for the light border areas. I don't want to overdo it, but I do want it to be hand embroidered, as opposed to wool applique'. I'll get the borders sewn on and then the rest will happen while comfortably seated on the first floor (it's cooler than upstairs, and I'm just not ready for us to hook up the air conditioners yet. We do have ceiling fans in every room.).

We're meeting friends for breakfast this morning, and then I'm making a quick run to Menasha to Primitive Gatherings. I won a $20 gift certificate in their latest drawing!!! I may have to spend it as long as I'm already there. I also have that wrong Wool Box that I need to return. lol I'll start testing some embroidery layouts on the quilt after I get back home. It's going to be a great day.

Making Good Progress...

Brynwood Needleworks - My "Everlasting" Center Block Detail

It seems my boy let the cat out of the bag yesterday. Honestly, he just can't keep a secret. So, now you know what this next month will look like for me. In the meantime, I'm occupying myself with more joyful pursuits.

 

This is a detail of the center motif I designed for my version of the "Everlasting" quilt I've been working on. I chose a bee skep and lavender. Of course, I needed bees for the skep!

 

 Brynwood Needleworks - My "Everlasting" Center Motif
 The entire new central motif.
 

Brynwood Needleworks - "Everlasting" Center Blocks

  This quilt (like all others) is "built" in sections.These are the four blocks that comprise the central section of my "Everlasting" quilt.
 

Brynwood Needleworks - My Next Blocks

Now that I've completed the four central block assembly, it's time to work my way outward. I haven't sewn these together yet, but will be doing that today. We'll see how much further along I get from there.

It Was A Bright, Sunshine-y Day...

Brynwood Needleworks- Karen's "Everlasting" Quilt

 

The weather couldn't have been better for our Sit and Stitch with the Sewcial Sisters at Kathy D's home yesterday. Sunny, with a bit of a breeze. Perfect to sit outdoors on the deck or in her screened gazebo. We really had a nice afternoon together.

 

This is an "Everlasting" quilt, completed by our friend, Karen. She changed out her center block, too, saying she just kept "piling on flowers until I think I have enough". Isn't it lovely? 

 

She also knows a long-arm quilter who did a fabulous job completing it for her. I got the long-armer's name, as I didn't yet know anyone in Wisconsin who I could take mine to when it's done. My long-arm quilters are in Florida and Georgia.  

 

Karen didn't put the last border on her version, because she has a specific place she wants to hang it, and there are space constraints. Frankly, if I didn't know the pattern calls for one more border, I'd love it just like this.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Gifts From Friends

I also came home with a few gifts. Frequently, one or more of the ladies will bring something they don't want anymore. Kay had a lovely, big piece of purple wool that she had no plans to use, so a few of us split it up and I got a nice-size piece. Kay also had a duplicate of one of the recent quilting magazines and gave that to me, as well. (I don't know about you, but ending up with two issues of the same magazine happens to me more often than I care to mention!)

 

Last, but certainly not least, Kathy D. had leftover parts and pieces from a pin drum tutorial she filmed with Lisa Bongean (Primitive Gatherings owner/designer/friend). She's been making quite a few of them lately and told us she was "over them", so she offered up her partially completed supplies. 

 

I've been wanting to make a pin drum - and I love everything she does - so I asked when she was offering. She's done most of the work on this one. I just have to sew the top on, stuff it with sawdust, sew the bottom on and voila, it's finished! I'll share once I finish it.

If you'd like to see Lisa and Kathy's video, HERE'S the YouTube link. Kathy makes it look easy, and the finish is certainly elegant. Grab a cup of coffee or tea, put your feet up and enjoy the show. By the way, Lisa has lots of interesting videos on her YouTube channel "Stitch with Lisa Bongean". You could lose track of time watching them!

 

Stitching Today...

Brynwood Needleworks - My "Everlasting" Center In Progress

 

I'll be at Kathy D's today. She's hosting Sit & Stitch at her home, and we're all looking forward to it. I spent part of yesterday planning and designing a personalized center for my version of the "Everlasting" quilt. I know that all the flowers and birds need the bees to survive, so it was appropriate to change out the wording in the original design to a skep and bees in my quilt.

Brynwood Needleworks - My "Everlasting" Center Design Vision

Here's my rough rendering. Once I've stitched down the skep, I'll be adding embroidered lavender stems and buds. There will be bees scattered around the central motif, too! When all my stitching is finished, I'll add a bow at the bottom where the mirror-image sprays of lavender meet in the middle.

 

This is the project I'll work on at Kathy's today. I'm really looking forward to spending a little time with the ladies. It's past due, for sure. 

Brynwood Needleworks - "Everlasting" - BW Farmhouse Block Substitution

I've completed the last two main blocks for my "Everlasting" quilt project. As you know, I've changed something in almost every block, and this one is the most drastic. I made a Compass Barn block, including our three dogs (HERE), and I knew I was going to do a block that resembled our farmhouse.

This is my adaptation of our farmhouse. Of course, I've taken a few liberties with its features, but I've captured most of the main ones in my block. The stone wall, window mullions, and porch rail are all represent.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - "Everlasting" - Pincushion Flower - Box 10

I also stitched out the last block, Box 10's Pincushion Flower. You can see the differences between the two images. All the changes were in my stitch choices on the pink flower blossom.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - "Everlasting" Brynwood Blocks

This is a photograph of all my completed blocks. We had a rainy day yesterday, so I took this picture of all the blocks laid out on my bed. I had a lamp on, which apparently threw off the uppermost right corner block. It isn't as yellow as it appears. It's also a beige fabric, similar to the beige color in the other beige blocks.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - "Everlasting" Center Block (Dark Sections)

This is the center block as shown in my finishing kit. If you don't know, I'm not a fan of putting the wording onto my pieces, so I'm working on how I'm going to complete my quilt differently than the pattern. I haven't worked out my version yet, but I'll make my decisions very soon.

In the meantime, I have to square up my completed main blocks and assemble the balance of each block. I'll show you my progress soon.

Today is laundry and breadmaking day. One not quite as much fun for me as the other. You decide which is which. Tag will be here tomorrow, and I'll see you again on Wednesday.

When I Wasn't Outside...

Brynwood Needleworks - My Farmhouse Block for the "Everlasting" Quilt

Handsome and I mowed our lawn yesterday. It typically takes a couple of hours (even using two riding mowers!), so we had some nice time enjoying the outdoors. 

Of course, I spent time with Crystal and her kittens, making sure Crystal has plenty of food and fresh milk to support her babies. They're nicely situated in the dog crate, so it will be easier to transport them later today without too much disruption. (Don't get me started or I'll start crying again.) I also got in some great cuddle time with Mrs. Katz. She's such a sweetheart. She loves the attention.

When I finally came back inside late yesterday, I started stitching on my Farmhouse block. I'm finished except for the porch rails and a little stonework. I'm just contemplating how I want to stitch them. I'll figure it out later today.

The kitties all go to the rescue at 6:30 tonight, when Claudette will be back from the Madison vet who provides the spay and neuter services for their rescue facility. I'll be babying her to make sure she heals well, and it will help keep my mind off the two girls (and kittens) leaving. Wish me luck with that, okay?

Once my farmhouse block is finished, I only have one flower block to go. Maybe I'll show you all the blocks together tomorrow! We'll see...

My "Everlasting" Signature Block...

Brynwood Needleworks - "Everlasting" House - Box 4

 

I completed another house block for the "Everlasting" quilt. This will be the signature block when the quilt is complete. 

What did I change on this block? Well, for starters, I stitched fewer panes on the windows, and then I outlined them. The pattern pieces for the house (grey) and roof were designed to sit next to each other (as opposed to overlapping), so I wanted to use a different treatment for the join on the house piece. I decided to do a more decorative chain stitch along the eaves.

 

I also chose different threads for the trees and roof, as I wanted the threads to blend, not contrast. Finally, I stitched my initials on the door.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - "Everlasting" House Box 4 & Colonial House

 

These two blocks will be placed across from each other in the finished quilt layout. I have one house (which I've modified to look like Hickory Hill Farmhouse), and a flower block left to stitch toward completing the quilt. 

Once they're finished, I'll work on the center section. I'll decide ahead of time how I'm going to change it because I don't want to have words as they appear in the pattern.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - "Everlasting" House Windows

So, when I compare these two house blocks, one has the windows outlined, while the other doesn't. Do you think I should leave them as is, or add outlines to the windows on the block on the left? Let me know in the comments, please.

 

More Blocks...

Brynwood Needleworks - "Everlasting" Colonial House Box 5

 Two more completed. Three to go! 

I didn't change much on this block. The base of the tree is different, and I added a knothole. I added another set of panes to the dormer window, and instead of the star on the front door, I decided to make this my date block. (I'll add my initials on a different block.)

Brynwood Needleworks - "Everlasting" Primrose Flower Box 11

There are only two changes on this block - I added the curly veins on the leaves, and more Colonial knots on the flower centers. Otherwise they're the same.

I'll get the last three blocks finished this week, and then I'll be tackling the large center block. I think it's coming together nicely. Tag will be back to visit tomorrow. Happy Monday!

Five To Go...

Brynwood Needleworks - "Everlasting" Peony Flower Box 9

I got sidetracked yesterday with a few errands (can't wait to share one of them with you soon!), so I only completed one block. This is the Peony Flower block from Wool Box 9.

 

I used the same threads called for in the pattern, but I think we just used different areas of the Valdani variegated threads. I added small blanket stitch wheel sections at the top of the green stems. I added chain stitch veining on the leaves, and finally, I added closer stitching, radiating the blanket stitch on the pink part of the blossoms.

 

I'm already working on #5, as I count down through the final five blocks. I'll likely have these completed by the end of the weekend. (squeeee!) Of course, I have other things to do before this project will be complete (the center applique' and block), and of course, squaring up all the blocks for assembly. That will all take more time. Of course, I'll share everything as I continue working on this project.

 

Two More...

Brynwood Needleworks - "Everlasting" Bleeding Heart Box 12

 

These are my latest finished blocks for the "Everlasting" project. You can see my changes on this block from the pattern. I'm especially fond of my treatment where the flowers meet the top of the stem. I love how it turned out. 

 

I also changed the stitches for the magenta tips, adding a Colonial knot at the ends. Then I added the veining on the leaves to complete the block. (I still don't think they look like bleeding hearts, though.)

 

Brynwood Needleworks - "Everlasting" Canna Flower Box 12

Let's see. On this one, I changed the stitching on the flower petals and their attachments to the stem. I also added a blanket stitch wagon wheel at the top of the stem, and then changed the veining on the leaves. Do you like? Six blocks to go! 

 

By the way, if you're interested in creating your own "Everlasting" quilt, the kits are available from Primitive Gatherings. I got mine over the course of a year through the Wool Box subscription, but you can get everything all at once. Click HERE to check out the kit. Why should I be the only one having fun, right?

 

This Weekend's Needlework...

Brynwood Needleworks - My Version of Boho Flower

It was so nice this weekend that I spent more time outdoors than in, but I did manage to get a little needle dancing done.

This is my version of the "Boho Flower" from the "Everlasting" project. Mine's not so Boho. I decided to use Colonial knots in the very center of the flower, rather than the star. I also chose to use Colonial knots instead of the fly stitches around the outside of it, making mine a little more formal, I think.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - My Version of Marigold Flower

 

Like the other mustard-colored bloom, I changed this one out to a lavender pink (It's showing more pink on my computer, but it cants toward light purple. I also opted to make the inner stitches alternate lengths, instead of all the same. 

This one isn't quite finished, though. I'm going to add the same stitches to the smaller blossoms, and I think those stems need a little embellishing. Then it will be complete.

More to come this week, but we're busy with a few outside and inside projects, too. I also have an appointment with a new doctor, as my Green Bay specialist isn't coming back for the foreseeable future, and they're cancelling all his patient appointments. I'll be driving to Milwaukee to meet my new doctor this Thursday. (I remain hopeful.)