March 16, 2018

Stitch On...

"Stitch On" from Primitive Gatherings

I'm back listing up fabrics and other treasures in my shop, so I wanted to have a quick, little project to work on. This is what I've chosen.

"Stitch On" - Framed or Pincushion?
 
Once I've finished the stitching (I'm doing the grey version), I have to decide whether it will be framed or a pincushion. What do you think?

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March 15, 2018

A Few Quilt Show Quilts...

Quilt Created by Susan Lawson from DeForest, Wisconsin

I've got to share just a few quilts with you from Kathy's and my trip to the Sun Prairie Quilt Show last Monday. There were so many beautiful pieces, including a display of quilts created by the late Nancy Zieman (of Nancy's Notions). I'm just going to show four of my favorites now, and maybe a few more later this week.

This bed quilt was created by Susan Lawson from DeForest, Wisconsin. It's called "Fresh Cut", and was machined quilted by Pat Geishuit. (Don't tell, but I chose this one for Viewer's Choice.)

Quilt Created by Kim Van Etten from Poynette, Wisconsin

This beautiful bed quilt was created over the course of one year, by making one block a day for 365 days. The pattern is Kathryn Kerr's "365 Day Challenge Quilt", here created by Kim Van Etten from Poynette, Wisconsin. She quilted it herself. It's a truly stunning piece.

Quilt Created by Judy Goldammer from Hartford, Wisconsin

This cheerful beauty was created by Judy Goldammer from Hartford, Wisconsin. It's called "Common Bride", and it was quilted by Rebecca Silbaugh. This one features pretty, appliqued motifs on a white ground. So pretty!

Quilt Created by Wanda Nelson from Monona, Wisconsin
 
The last quilt I'm sharing today is a wall quilt after my own heart. Wanda Nelson appliqued' and embroidered every motif (in Sue Spargo's style), to create a vivid and lively piece. It was also machine quilted by Pat Geishuit.
 
Kathy and I had a great day, visiting one of the local quilt shops; sharing a tasty lunch; and then taking in the show. There were approximately 100 quilts, and every one of them was lovely. I don't remember seeing a single one that didn't impress.
 
The show was set up in the community rooms of a lovely church on Sun Prairie's north side, and there were vendors to visit, too. Kathy and I are already planning what we may contribute to their next show in the spring of 2019.
 
When we left Sun Prairie, we headed back up Hwy. 151 north to our own neck of the woods, but we knew we were going to drive straight past Beaver Dam and the home of Nancy's Notions. Of course, we took a slight detour to visit the shop before going back home.
 
We each came back home with a small bag of purchases (no cotton fabric for me!), and lots of ideas for what we'll be making between now and next March. Don't worry, my friends. I'll be sharing my creations with you as I go through the process of making them. 
 
Tax papers are on their way, so today I'll be getting back to the fun stuff! First, I'll be doing a short inventory of fabrics and then I'll be listing up a lot of new ones into my shop. Fun, fun, fun!
 
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March 14, 2018

Meet "Chip"...

Susan Pilotto Commission For Brynwood Needleworks

You've seen her creations before on my blog. I'm a huge fan of Susan Pilotto of Mouse Droppings blog, and was thrilled when I received two of her pieces in years past.

Susan Pilotto's Image of My Valentine Mouse

I have written about my one of my other acquisition HERE, and I have the beauty in the above picture, too. I can't get enough of them.

When I purchased the acorn eggcup last year, I just knew that it would be a perfect base for another of her sweet creations. I learned that Susan was going to start taking commissions, so we corresponded, and agreed to make a squirrel to sit atop my egg cup.

Created by Susan Pilotto/Mouse Droppings

Other than sending her the acorn eggcup, we had no other collaboration in completing this piece. I didn't even see it before I paid her, or prior to her shipping it to me. (I could scarcely contain myself during the wait, but knew I'd love it.)

Chip The Squirrel

It arrived yesterday, and I was well surprised when I opened my package. It was everything (and more) than I could have imagined or hoped for. I almost cried!

Chip The Squirrel
 
He's perfect from every angle, and Susan chose the most beautiful, muted colors of wool to make him, Isn't he gorgeous?
Once I saw him, I knew he'd have to have a name. Coming up with one didn't take me any time at all. I first considered the porcelain egg cup, and then concentrated on my new, little squirrel. 

Please meet "Chip".

He'll be hanging out with me in my studio from now on...along with the other two pieces. I'm sure they'll have regular, little tea parties to celebrate living together with me.

Susan is going to set up a commission schedule. If you're interested, you can visit her blog HERE. If you decide you need one of her commissions, please let her know that Brynwood Needleworks sent you! (I am in no way compensated for this endorsement, either.)
 
PS. The ink-drawn mini runner under Chip was created by my talented friend, Michelle Palmer...another of my favorite artists!
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