October 23, 2015

Friday Was Fun...

Brynwood Needleworks - Liljegren's Suncoast Bella - 8 months old
Handsome, Tag and I spent Friday at Mike Sommers' ranch with Bella. She's growing into a beautiful, talented retriever, and it was so much fun to see her progress. 
 
She's come so far in such a short time. She'll be back home before we know it...if Uncle Mike let's her leave. (He's quite smitten with her!) It certainly was hard leaving her this trip. 

I took a lot of photos, but Tag is insisting that I let him share all of them next week for his post. So, you'll have to wait until Tuesday to see Bella in action. (Sorry.)
As it's Saturday, I thought I share my progress on that overzealous list I shared on Monday. (What was I thinking?)
 
• Make up three wallet orders for commissions (prepped and ready to sew)
• Make up three more wallet orders for my Etsy shop (Finished - and already sold - two)
• Finish the sleeves for the wedding gown muslin (I've still put that off.)
• Machine embroidery for a friend (On Hold. She hasn't given me her fabric choice yet)
• Project totes to restock into my Etsy shop (at least four) (In progress)
• Finish Hedwig socks (one down. still one to go.)
• Graphic work for a local client (Finished)

I know that I set my goals high. I think it's important to reach. These projects will roll over into next week. In the meantime, I'm going to enjoy every second I can spend with Handsome, Tag and our friends. 
 
Happy Weekend, friends!
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October 22, 2015

Art Is Pointless...


Artist: Jasmine Kay Uy

It's all a matter of perspective.
If you read only one side of the monument, 
it's completely different than if you take in both sides of it.

(I prefer reading it entirely. My life would be empty without art.)

This art installation can be see in Austin, Texas on the University of Texas campus.

I'll be "creating" today.
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(Happy Birthday in Heaven, Grandma. I hope 103 is wonderful for you.)

October 21, 2015

Linens, Laces and Vintage Needlework...

Brynwood Needleworks - Linens for new project totes
These are linens and trims I pulled for my next project totes. I've chosen soft, hand-dyed pieces that you'll surely love as much as I do. I'll be making and listing them in my Etsy shop very soon.
Brynwood Needleworks - Vintage Laces
Last Sunday, Handsome and I spent the afternoon with our friend, Ellen. She's been sorting through her things, and set aside a bag of goodies just for me!
Brynwood Needleworks - Vintage Crocheted Doilies (roses and grapes)
All of these lovely laces, crocheted doilies and linens were handmade by her or her own mother. They're true treasures from her hands to mine. Look at those gorgeous crocheted roses and grapes!

I mentioned that I really want to learn how to make the roses when we were together at Paneras last week. I had no idea that ladies were making grapes, too!!
Brynwood Needleworks - Vintage Table Linens With Needlework
Ellen's mother created all the wonderful vintage table linens she shared with me. There are crocheted lace edgings, cross stitch and embroidered pieces, and even cutwork accents.
Brynwood Needleworks - Vintage Table Linens With Needlework
She lovingly stitched flowers and baskets - full gardens to adorn their family table. These were all loving touches she created to adorn her home for her family.
Brynwood Needleworks - Vintage Linens With Needlework and Crocheted Lace Edging
I can well-imagine all the time it took for her to create these pieces. Look at the intricate crocheted lace. That alone would have occupied many hours.
Brynwood Needleworks - Vintage Table Linen with Crocheted Edge
This piece was especially intriguing to me. I think that the pink was originally made into its own table cover, and when the larger fabric deteriorated, she cut away the corners and made a new tablecloth, adding the crocheted edge.
Brynwood Needleworks - Vintage Table Linen Repair
Ellen and her mother grew up in a time that repaired damaged things rather than tossed them away. When this tablecloth developed a hole, she repaired it with more loving stitches so she could continue to use it...and now it has come to me. I will care for all these pieces as Ellen has, and I'll find a way to use them, as well. 

As I sorted through these treasures yesterday, I found myself thinking about Mom Grace. It was inevitable. She taught me needlework and set me on this lifelong love affair. She taught me to appreciate the craft, and to continue to improve my own skills.

I look at these pieces and I'm so grateful that Ellen gifted them to me...and that Mom taught me to value all handwork. I hope that when the time comes, I'll find someone who shares my love of these pieces and become their new caretaker.
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