November 3, 2016

A Perfect Day To Harvest...

Brynwood Needleworks - Harvest 2016

The farmer harvested the corn off our land recently, and Shelly sent photographs to me so I wouldn't completely miss it. You can tell by the photographs that it was a perfect day for it...sunny and dry.


Brynwood Needleworks - Harvest 2016

Everything was cleared off in a single day, and the landscape has been transformed for the winter. We imagine that there will be cranes, turkeys and deer looking for any leftovers. I'm sorry I missed being there for the first harvest since we purchased the farm, but I'll look forward to next year.

Brynwood Needleworks - Harvest 2016

  "...I bring, to you...
Windfallen apples, berries from the hedge
Long shadows on the barrows, and the chalk
Wild winds to stir the willows and the sedge
And mist, and myth, down every path you walk

I'm here, again...
The promise of the harvest to fulfil
The energy of autumn, streaming through
The swirling springs that spiral round the hill
To drench the land in red and russet hue..." 
 
 - From "Here Again: The Autumn Equinox", by Gail Foster 2016

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November 2, 2016

The Turtle Footstool...

Brynwood Needleworks - Turtle Footstool

Last year, I was grazing around on Ebay when I came across this little footstool. The seller didn't know anything about it, but I did. You see, I purchased a kit just like this in the early 1970s and made one like it!

Brynwood Needleworks - Turtle Footstool

I well remember the time I spent stitching away to create the shell for this little stool. I enjoyed stitching the satin stitches, French knots, stem stitches and even the spider web blossoms. When I finished it, I gave it away and hadn't thought of it again until I saw this one for sale.

The seller offered a "Best Offer" option, so I sent a note to her with my offer, which she accepted. In no time, I had it in my hot, little hands.

Brynwood Needleworks - Turtle Footstool Embroideries
 
I admit, when it arrived it was in pretty rough shape. Yesterday, I pulled all the staples and removed the stitched piece from the wooden turtle base. The foam that was used to cushion the design practically disintegrated when I touched it. I scraped all the debris off the wood, so it's all cleaned off now.

Brynwood Needleworks - Naked Turtle Footstool
 
I'm going to use the old needlework piece as a model for a new piece. I'll use a lighter or natural linen and draw the design onto it. I think the new piece will be stitched all in neutral colors, rather than bright threads like the original. (I'm still contemplating that.) I know I won't use foam, but batting instead for longevity.
 
As for the turtle footstool base, I'm going to paint it white before I remount my newly stitched piece to it. This little turtle is going to get a complete, fresh makeover, and then she'll move to the farm. Of course, I'll share my progress with you. (Don't I always?)
 
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November 1, 2016

Tick...Tock...

Brynwood Needleworks - Art by John MacDonald Aiken
 
I found out yesterday that the part received to repair Destiny was the wrong one. They'll need to reorder, and I won't see Destiny before Saturday (if I'm lucky). Likely, I end up waiting to pick her up until after the Election on Tuesday. sigh

So, while I wait, I'm cleaning the studio, photographing fabric to list in my shop, taking pictures of two Horn cabinets I'm going to sell (rather than move north), doing my prep work for Election Day....and trying to be patient. big sigh Don't worry. I'll be okay. There's always Plan B...or C (as in "Christmas sewing").

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