Playing With Wool...

Handsome thinks I should make another spoolie, so I've pulled out my supplies and will attempt a wee puffin today. I've pulled wool colors and will work on the pattern pieces to see if I can get the shapes right. I saw the cutest image of a puffin standing on one leg, so I'm going to attempt to recreate that. We'll see.

We're running a couple errands first thing this morning, and then I'm going to sit down with my wools to see if I can pull this one off. I hope so. I do love these quirky, little birds.

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.

Fungi...

Image property of Sophie Wheatley

I belong to the Felted Fungi Club curated by Sophie Wheatley from the UK. These are some of the designs she offers in her club. I've belonged for a while, and have learned many great techniques from her. However, I've yet to actually create one of her fungi designs myself...so far.

My list is long, I know, but after I finish the bluebirds (no, I haven't forgotten them), then I'll play with one of these designs.

I had a really great day at work yesterday. We got a lot accomplished, and that's always rewarding. My knees held up well until after I got in the truck at the end of my shift. Handsome dropped me off and picked me up late afternoon. I was tired and a little sore. It's okay, though. I'll rest today and work on getting my April artist trading cards done so I can share them with you. So, if you're looking for me, I'll be sitting in my studio.

A Productive Weekend...

Brynwood Needleworks - Primitive Gatherings "New Beginning" Pincushion

  I've been busy.

I spent most of the weekend stitching. I completed this sweet pincushion from Primitive Gatherings. It's called "New Beginning". I chose a "redder" colored wool because this color is often seen on Wisconsin deer in the spring.

I filled this pincushion with crushed walnut shells. It's my favorite filler for pincushions because it's heavy and keeps the pincushion from scooching around my work table. (Yes "scooching" is a real word. lol)

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Wool Box - Dragonfly Dreams Block

 

This is the first block I completed from the Wool Box. The finished project is called "Dragonfly Dreams", but no one knows what it will look like when it's done.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Wool Box - Dragonfly Dreams Block

This was the second block I completed. Don't you love the colors? I'm going to stick with the Wool Box subscription just so I can get more of these blocks!

 

On another note, I was contacted by MA yesterday, asking that I draw a new number for the third giveaway gift from the "Be My Valentine" Giveaway. She lives in Canada and asked that I give the gift to a domestic commenter instead. The new winner was chosen via Random.org, and the result is below. (Yes. I screencapped on the correct computer this time!)

Congratulations, Bonnie Biggers!!!

I already have your address, so you won't need to email it to me.

(Thanks again for your generosity, MA.)

A Creative Day...

Brynwood Needleworks - Primitive Gatherings/Moda "Create" Case

 

I think I've shared this Moda case before, but I pulled it out yesterday for a reason. I decided to "fit out" the interior, so that when I use it, the contents don't rattle around inside. These cases (I have two) were created by Moda specifically for Primitive Gatherings, and feature one of Lisa's fabric lines.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - A New Interior

 

I added a fabric interior, sewing one of the fabric pouches I purchased from Michelle Palmer to the fabric before attaching it to cardboard for the lid. Of course, a squirrel is a perfect subject for a case in which I'll "squirrel" a project in progress. When I sewed the pouch to the fabric I used for the lid lining, I didn't sew  the top area behind the pouch, creating an extra pocket. I can use it to hold supplies, patterns, or other items. My Brynwood needle keep is magnetized, so it holds tight to the lid. I even added a tiny round tin to hold the Valdani threads I use on the pennies.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Michelle Palmer Artwork Pockets

 

The sweet chipmunk pouch can hold more supplies, or in this case, some of the extra wool penny circle sets.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Primitive Gatherings' Penny Flowers

 

So, a recent Wool Box came with the kit to make either circle flowers or these. I like the shape, so I'm going with these. The fabrics and colors are indicative of the color scheme for an ongoing project. By the time you read this, I will have finished the embroidery on all of them, so I'll show them to you tomorrow.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Flower Pennies - Second Version

When we were at Lisa's yesterday, she showed me a second colorway she was creating. I have plenty of wools, so I decided to do the same. Maybe I'll work on these today. They work up pretty quickly! More pictures of these tomorrow.

Remember: The "Be My Valentine" giveaway ends at 11 pm Saturday night. Dont' forget to enter the drawing!

Waiting For My Needle...

Brynwood Needleworks - PG Woolbox 9

Woolbox 9 from Primitive Gatherings is in my hot, little hands. So many beautiful kits and supplies in this kit! In addition to the usual caramels, recipe cards, a package of needles, and stitch diagrams, there were the next installments of the "Everlasting" project,  a wooly flag kit, and an ornament kit. There was more, though...

Brynwood Needleworks - PG "Seaside Garden" Kit

"Seaside Garden" is a larger tablemat, measuring 14" x 14".  I love the colors, too. This will be fun to make.

Brynwood Needleworks - PG "Flock of Sheep" Pincushion Kit

There's also a cute "Flock of Sheep" Pincushion kit, which includes little sheepy buttons, and embroidery. I love larger pincushions, and this one measures 3 1/2" x 10". I'll fill it with crushed walnut shells, so it has some good weight, too.

Brynwood Needleworks - Fifty-Two Mini Ways Kits

I'm behind on my minis, with three kits waiting for my needle. They're really cute, too! I think I'll prep some of these so they're ready to work on when I have a minute. You know me, though. I'll change up a few to make sure I've added my own touches to these. You'll have to wait until I work on them to see what I do differently.

Brynwood Needleworks - PG Woolbox #9 Minis

This is a closeup of the minis from Box 9. Balloons, a bicycle, a sand pail and shovel (the kelly green one),  mountains (the dark green one), a book, "Happy is the new pretty", and a Fourth of July patriotic one. Aren't they cute?

Tag's back tomorrow. I bet you can't wait to hear from him! Bella's babies are seven weeks old today! There might be pictures in his post. You'll have to come back to see.

Completed This Weekend...

Brynwood Needleworks - Completed Handknit Socks

 

This pair is finished! I've got that beautiful "Joey" sock yarn that I'll be knitting into the next two pairs - one pair for Handsome, and one pair for me - perhaps this week. (Click HERE if you don't remember my post about this limited edition yarn.)

Tomorrow, I'll be working at the polls all day for Wisconsin's first primary of this election cycle (only one item - selection of a Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice - on the ballot). It probably won't be very busy, so I'll take my current book along. 

 

Today, I have a whole list of homekeeping tasks to accomplish, so I won't be thinking about any loose ends at home while I'm gone. A Wisconsin tradition is for poll workers to bring a dish for a sort of potluck to share with the other workers, so I'm also making a casserole (or chili) as my contribution. I'll make it today, and then reheat it in one of our slow cookers during the day on Tuesday.

I'm also going to set up some new wool pieces to work on this week. I'll be spending some time in a hospital waiting room on Wednesday, so I want to have a project in hand. That gets me through mid-week. We'll see how it goes from there.

Needlework Therapy...

Brynwood Needleworks - My Version of The Primitive Gatherings "Winter" Pillow

Yes. There's nothing quite as recuperative for me as a weekend spent needle dancing. I'll be in Menasha tomorrow with the Sit & Stitch ladies, so I wanted to finish another project for "Bring & Brag" (my term for "Show & Tell"). I also have the minis from the last Wool Box that I'll show, too.

As always, I changed up my version, so it's not exactly like the original pattern. I used DMC Etoile Embroidery Floss for snow on the branches, and for the snowflakes around the cardinal. (I wish you could see the way it sparkles!) I also "augmented" the buttonhole stitch used to embellish around the outside of the cream-colored wool. Mine is a little heavier than the original.
 

Brynwood Needleworks - Primitive Gatherings' Version

 

This is the cover of Lisa's original pattern, included in our last Wool Box. These designs won't be available to the public yet, as they were exclusive to Wool Box subscribers. I expect they'll be for sale in six months or so, but that's just my guess. If you slide back and forth between the two photos, you can see how they differ.

I still have designs to stitch from the last two Wool Boxes (the "Autumn" pillow, for one!), so I'll set up more to work on later. These projects are portable, so it's nice to have something ready that I can just grab and take with me. 

Tag will be back to visit with you tomorrow. We got snow again, and you know how he loves snow! I'm as interested as you are to see what he writes about. I'll be back again on Wednesday. Have a great week!

A Little This - A Little That...

Brynwood Needleworks - Completed Squirrel Pincushion

I had a productive day yesterday. First, I assembled my pincushion embroideries from Wednesday, which as great fun. I decided to give my squirrel pincushion a bullion stitch border, so I stitched all of them over the seam. I love how it turned out.

The Posey pincushion was assembled, too, but I didn't do anything extra on the seam. Perhaps later. I'll think about it for now...or just enjoy it the way it is.

Brynwood Needleworks - Summer Pillow Kit

 

My sister, Sherry, stopped over yesterday and picked up the lighthouse crossbody bag she'd commissioned. She hadn't expected the embroidery, thinking I'd give her lighthouses in printed fabric, so she was thrilled with the embroidery. I must say, it's so rewarding when you make something for someone and they love it so much. It makes the labor so worth while.

The rains never developed last night, so it was the perfect night for a concert in the park. The families filled the hillside, and the kiddos loved the music that had been planned just for them. Of course, I always enjoy the music. I sat with Mom Grace's daughter, Deb and two of our other friends. It was quite delightful.

Today, you'll find me in the studio. I have lots of work to do for commissions, as well as restocking wallets in my shop. Don't forget I'm having my Christmas In July sale. there should be lots of new items by the weekend, so I'd better finish my coffee and head upstairs. 

Thanks for stopping by today. It's really nice to know you're out there, reading my musings. I just want you to know how much I appreciate that you take a little time to spend with me. I hope you have a wonderful day, and look forward to visiting with you again tomorrow.

 

Sidetracked...

Brynwood Needleworks - Old Glory Table Mat

 

I admit it. I got sidetracked yesterday. I was pawing through my wool projects because I wanted to just sit and stitch the afternoon away. While sorting through kits, I came across one that I thought I should do this weekend, in honor of Memorial Day.

This will become a table mat, designed by Lisa Bongean of Primitive Gatherings. It's called "Old Glory", and it's one of the patterns in her book, "Star and Stripe Gatherings". The book is filled with patterns for patriotic quilts, table mats, pillows and other embroidery projects, and I love everything! I know I'll be creating more items from this book, but for this weekend, "Old Glory" is on the workbench.

All my pieces were traced, fused and cut yesterday. I'll attach them to the ground fabric this morning, and will stitch the weekend away. I'll get back to my Dresden Heart Cardinal table runner next week. This patriotic table mat will be finished first. You'll see. wink

 

I hope you enjoy observing Memorial Day, and take a little time to honor the fallen before picnics and other relaxing family time. I'll be back to share a verse tomorrow, and a finished project on Monday.

A Sweet, Wooly "Spring" Pillow...

Brynwood Needleworks - Primitive Gatherings "Spring Pillow" Design

I got my "Spring" pillow finished, so I sewed it together to share with you today. I've added a zipper to the back of mine, suspecting that there will be three more seasons throughout the year. That way, I can fold this one, tuck it away for safe keeping, and use the pillow form for the next.

Brynwood Needleworks - Primitive Gatherings "Spring Pillow" Design Detail

This was a nice, quick embroidery/applique' project, and I really enjoyed working it. The design was from the bi-monthly Wool Box subscription from Primitive Gatherings. This won't be available for purchase in the near future, but I'm sure Lisa will make it available after the end of the year.

Brynwood Needleworks - Primitive Gatherings "Spring Pillow" Design

 

I'm sure most of you already know this, but you don't have to follow any designer's exact layout or color scheme. You're always free to improvise to suit your decor, taste, or just because you want to make it your own.

 

I love everything about the original, but wasn't quite sold on the black lettering for myself. I went through my #5 pearl cottons, and decided that a medium lavender was more to my liking. I chose DMC #5 Color #3041 for my hand embroidered "Spring" lettering.

 

I think I'll be making the table mat from the Wool Box next. I'm waiting to hear back from my handbag client, so I can't work on those yet. I'll embroider while I wait.

 

***Today is the last day to enter my 10th Blog Anniversary Giveaway! If you haven't entered yet, there's still time. I'll shut down the entries around 11:30 pm tonight, and I'll be announcing winners tomorrow! (Enter by clicking on the button at the top of my sidebar. Follow instructions from the linked post.) Good luck, everybody!

A Needle Dancing Day With Friends...

Brynwood Needleworks - Needle Keep Project From Florida

 

I was at our monthly Sit & Stitch with the ladies yesterday in Menasha. My project was this little needle keep kit I purchased from Searsport Rug Hooking when I was in Florida. I sat, happily needle dancing, while visiting with Kathy D., Lisa Bongean, and our friends at Primitive Gatherings Studio. 

I really was missing attending, so I'm glad I could be there today. Tag rode up with me, and he was quite content to sleep in my Explorer while I was there. Afterward, we drove over to my sister's home (the one I saw over the weekend), and we had dinner together at a great sushi restaurant before I drove back to the farmhouse. I'm not an adventurous sushi eater. I prefer my seafood cooked, so there was no raw fare on our table. It was delicious.

Tag and I got back home around 10:00 pm, so we had a lovely, but long and pleasantly tiring day. I'll complete this project later in the week, and show you when it's done. I also came home with a few other things that I'll tell you about before the weekend. (It's really cool stuff!)

Brynwood Needleworks - Making A Donation Clutch For The Winner

 

I thought I'd get this donation Abby Clutch project finished on Monday, but after machine embroidering the entire dog design to go on the front, I saw that there was a blank space on the face that somehow didn't get stitched. gahh! It was 1:00 am Tuesday when I finished stitching it out, and much too late to start another one, so I headed to bed and then spent the day in Menasha. I'll redo it today, and then complete the clutch so it can mail out right away. Then, I'll be able to work on another project.

I'm having a great time reading the comments you're leaving on my 10th Anniversary Blog Giveaway! If you haven't entered yet, just click on the link at the top of my sidebar. I'll be adding more giveaway prizes before the weekend, too, so be sure to keep reading this week so you can see what else you could win.

Have a great Wednesday and I'll be back tomorrow with updates. 

Two More Fairy Steed Embroideries...

Brynwood Needleworks - Embroidery Detail

I can't tell you how much I'm enjoying reading all your comments on my 10th Anniversary Giveaway post! I know you're out there, but having you leave a comment - especially those who say they love reading blogs - over Facebook and other platforms - really warms my heart. This is definitely a celebration that gives back to me much more than any of the gifts I'm going to share with you. Thank you again for being so wonderful!

I spent Thursday creating the two pincushion fronts for the fundraiser. The winning bidder will be able to choose one of these designs, and the other will go into my shop. The colors of the flowers are slightly different, as are the embroideries. They'll also choose how I'll fill it...crushed walnut shells, or lavender.

Brynwood Needleworks - Completed Embroideries

 

I especially love the nature of hand made, in that, it doesn't have to be the same every single time. I stitch the embellished flourishes freehand every time - I don't draw on the wools, I just start stitching and go where my muse leads me. 

This is only the third time I've added french knots to the embroidery, and I love how it adds a touch of whimsy to each piece. The other aspect, is that no two pincushions are ever exactly alike, so each one is truly unique.

Once the bidder has paid for the auction, I'll be donating back 100% of the winning bid. (I think I'm expected to deduct my costs, but I'm not going to.) This high bid was $70, and it's all going to the fundraiser. The clutch sold for $50, and I'll make that after I hear back from the winner. They get to choose the color Corgi I'll embroider, as well as the color of the base fabric for the bag. Once it's finished, I'll share a photo of that, too.

Enjoy your weekend, dear friend, and thank you again for entering my giveaway by leaving your beautiful comment on that post. If you haven't done so yet, just click on the celebration button at the top of my sidebar. I've found a few new items that I'm going to add to the giveaway list. I just might get to ten items for ten years! See you again tomorrow.

New In My Shop...

Brynwood Needleworks Flower Cowl - Natural/Tan Version Detail

 

 It was a perfect day to knit at the farmhouse. I made a beautiful wool cowl to wear as a fashion accessory, or as a cowl with your winter coat.

Brynwood Needleworks Flower Cowl - Natural/Tan Version Detail

This is the natural version, with tan and peach-tone, and deep green leafy wool roving flowers. I also have a black/fuchsia version available. 

Brynwood Needleworks Flower Cowl - Natural/Tan Version

This is the actual version I knitted today.

Brynwood Needleworks Flower Cowl - Natural/Tan Version - Front

I'm sharing these photos from the same wool, knitted and photographed when we still lived in Florida. This specific one already sold, but it gives you an idea of how the cowl sits on your shoulders, and of the size.

Brynwood Needleworks Flower Cowl - Natural/Tan Version - Side

This is the side view.  I designed this cowl pattern, and it was sold through Pagewood Farms, who manufactured the yarn. Their yarn is now discontinued, but I have a few skeins left in my inventory, so I decided to knit it into my cowl design for those who don't knit.

Brynwood Needleworks Flower Cowl - Natural/Tan Version - Back

 

You can see from the back view that the roving flowers are interspersed all around the cowl, so it's pretty from any angle. 

If you're interested, you can find it in my Brynwood shop HERE. I'll be making the black version soon, too. This one is ready in time for Valentine's Day, and the cold weather we're currently enjoying experiencing in Wisconsin!