Visitors To The Farm...

Susan and Me

Sunday was a perfect day here at the farm. The weather was sunny and warm, and the breezes moved through the house as they have for the past century.

My dear friend, Susan Slaton (of Wazoo Quilter) arrived in the afternoon with her daughter, Jennifer and friend, Georgia. Susan is a Wisconsin girl that I met when we were both quilt guild members in Florida, and I've written about her and our friendship before. She moved to Georgia a year or two before I moved back to Wisconsin. I hadn't seen her for at least two years, and she was in Wisconsin to see family and friends. I'm so glad seeing me was on her agenda while she was here.

I gave her a tour of the farmhouse, a few Hickory Hill Farm treats and we were able to just sit and catch up for a little while. (Susan gave me a lovely memento of her vacation here, too.) Her daughter, Jenny, is delightful and a carbon copy of her mama. She still lives in Wisconsin, about an hour from me.

Georgia, also a Wisconsin resident, went with Susan and Jenny to a James Taylor/Bonnie Raitt concert on Saturday night, so we talked about that. James Taylor's drummer is Steve Gadd - a favorite of Handsome and mine. She told me that he'll be performing with Taylor/Raitt at Summerfest this week. That may be just enough to get us to this year's festival in Milwaukee! We have to check our schedules right away.

Of course, there were more pictures during our visit. Tag is going to talk about them tomorrow, too. I'm pretty sure he and Bella were as sad to see them leave as I was! I'm so glad that Susan took time out of her schedule because she's one of my favorite people, and I'll look forward to seeing her again.

Working On "Twilight Garden" Blocks

After Susan, Georgia and Jenny left, I went up to the studio to start working on my Summer Block of the Week project from Primitive Gatherings. I began by cutting twelve blocks from the beautiful blue/gray flannel fabric. This will be the background for all my blocks.

"Twilight Garden" Wools

 

I also traced the design placement onto Swedish Tracing Paper. Some of the participants in this project used plexiglas (or their square plexi rulers) and a dry-erase marker to trace their layouts, but I don't have either large enough to do that (yet). A benefit is that all you have to do is clean off the plexiglas and you can trace the next design. Until I get a piece of plexiglas large enough to trace my design, I'm going to use the tracing paper.

 

These are examples of the wools that will be used to create the designs for my blocks. Each kit I receive in future weeks will include the wools for that weeks' block. I'll continue working on mine  during the week. In fact, tomorrow I'll be with the ladies from the Primitive Gatherings Sit & Sew group, so I'm sure I'll see more of these kits in progress. They'll be motivation to get busy with mine!

 

Around The World Blog Hop...

 Hello, Blog Hoppers! I'm a little late posting this for today, but Taggart (aka "Tag") would like to welcome you if you're new to Brynwood Needleworks.

 I'd like to thank our good blog friend,  Sharon Chapman of Wildflowerhouse for inviting me to join in the Around The World Blog Hop.

 Thanks also to Barbara Lilian in France  who organized the Around The World Blog Hop.   I have been a huge fan of Sharon's blog and her incredible artwork since I first began following blogs in early 2009, and I continue to look to her for daily creative inspiration. Thank you, my friend, for inviting me to join this fun event. Now, on to the rest of my assignment...    In case you're new to Brynwood Needleworks, I'll tell you just a little about me and what I like to do in my south Florida, USA studio.

I'm a wife to an incredibly talented, retired photographer, who has been

a musician all his life. (We've been married thirty years!) Now, he gets  to play (percussion) to his heart's content, and I am always his #1 fan.    We travel all over the country for his musical pursuits and performances  in our 27' Airstream Flying Cloud. We live a happy, blessed life, indeed.

 I used to own a needlework shop in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin in the late 1980s until the mid-1990s, called "Stitches". At that time, I also designed counted thread samplers and sold my designs as Brynwood Needleworks.

 Although I no longer sell those designs, I have and will always be a needleworker first and foremost. You might be able to find some of my charts available online, and you can check out my sidebar link to see them.

Many babies have worn my custom Christening gowns.

My creative process begins with creating heirloom-quality items. 

I made all the gowns for my niece's wedding.

 I began sewing when I was eleven, and have made garments for years. I then  moved to handwork, and have enjoyed embroidery (needlepoint, crewel  embroidery and counted thread work), knitting and crocheting over the years.    I learned early on that I'd rather spend my time creating things that  will outlast me and be cherished by those who come after me.

One of my recent quilt projects

These days, you'll most likely find me in the studio creating quilts, handbags,  and home decor items. As we move toward Christmas, I share my gift list  and my creative process as I work toward my holiday giving deadlines. So  far, I haven't missed getting them out on time! I'm already starting to put it  together and I usually start November 1st. I'm getting anxious to begin!   I try to spend some time in my studio every single day. I have what I refer to as a "creative imperative"...I need to have my mind and hands busy working on something all the time. When I'm not able to work, I'm thinking about what will be my next project. I can't help myself.

 Oh, and I adore everything 'acorn and oak leaves". From my 25 year old  logo to dishes and silverware and fabrics. You can see some of my acorn collection by clicking on this link, or you'll find acorns all throughout my blog  if you look for them. Funny how one small thing can make me so happy!

 

One of my favorite quotes is attributed to William Rutherford: "The way to use life is to do something that outlasts it." It's something I've internalized and have tried to live every day. Thanks, Sharon, for inviting me to join the blog hop.   I hope all of you enjoy exploring my blog. I'd love to hear from you!   Now... I'd like to introduce you to two of my blog friends. I know these ladies  personally, so I know you'll love them as much as I do! They will be joining the hop with their blog posts next Monday (September 29th).

Susan Slaton of Wazoo Quilting is an award winning quilter and longarm quilter extraordinaire.  She belongs to our quilt guild, and I'm fortunate to call her my friend. Check out her blog HERE to see what she's been up to.

I'd also love for you to meet my (camera-shy) talented and funny friend, Loreen of Miss Loreen's Schoolhouse Loreen designs quilts and other projects, and she loves teaching others her craft. Her blog is loaded with projects, patterns and fabric goodness. Loreen and I have been good friends for about ten years.  She moved back north and I still miss her every day! Check out her blog HERE to see what's on her design board.   Remember, these ladies will post for the Hop on their blogs next Monday! Tag writes his own blog posts on Tuesdays, so I hope you'll stop in to see him.   Next time you visit, make a cup of tea and stay a while.  There's something new going on at Brynwood Needleworks every day. 

Retreat Recap...

I couldn't end my trip without posting photographs of some of the fabulous

 quilts created by my friends. There were so many beautiful quilt tops sewn

 together over the past three days - and not all were the group project pattern.

Alice made this stunning quilt top. She was set up on the table behind me, so

I got to watch her work on it. Alice is also the new owner of Prissy! Since I

brought my new Crescendo home, I've been trying to find a new home for

my hardworking, reliable Prissy. I took her to use at the retreat and let 

everyone know that she was "adoptable". Alice played with her and decided

to take her home with her. I'm really thrilled that they have found each other.

This is the quilt top my "roomie", Melinda finished. She started this top a few

years ago and decided that fall was the perfect time to complete her UFO.

I think it turned out lovely. She was right...it was time she finished this one.

Betty is one of my friends from the guild. She always makes colorful 

quilts and this one is no exception. I love her black and red poppy quilt.

I'll look forward to Show and Tell at the guild when she's got it all done!

My friend (and retreat hostess), Susan Slaton of Wazoo Quilts made

this quilt from a precut pack of batiks that a number of the women

bought when we went shopping. She'll add borders and her stellar

longarm skills to this pretty patchwork to create a stunning new quilt.
I wouldn't be surprised if she had it finished by the weekend!

This is Paulie's black and white version of the retreat project

"Jelly Roll Jam II" (free pattern from Fat Quarter Shop. Love it!

Here's Sandi's version in fall and jewel-toned batiks. Yummy!

This quilt is really elegant. Gladys chose a soft, soothing palette for her design.

This is my new pal, Linda Macklin. She made this project quilt using

fall-colored, ACORN-themed fabrics! Squeee! I threatened to abscond

with this beauty. It reminded me of Wisconsin whenever I walked past it.

(You may think she's smiling at the camera, but she was just taunting me!)

I first met Dawna at the Sebring retreat I attended last year at the 

Kenilworth Inn. Remember, there were four "Donna"s and one Dawna?

There were only two Donnas and one Dawna at this one. hee hee

I like how she arranged her six-piece blocks from light to darks. It made

for a completely different effect for the blocks. It's very spring-like, too!

  My last picture to share with you is the official "roommates" photo of me with my new friend, Melinda. I really enjoyed getting to know her and  sharing this retreat in her company. Until we see each other at a future retreat or quilt show...Wishing all "Happy Quilting and Happy Hearts".

Jelly Roll Jam II Quilt...

Yesterday I chose the fabric I'll be using for our retreat group project. All I had to do was go shopping in the studio! (I have a boat-load few jelly rolls from which to choose.) I thought it might be fun to use this colorway from Minick & Simpson's Midwinter Reds. It's a Moda fabric, of course.   If you're interested in seeing what the whole collection looks like (before I make my Jelly Roll Jam II quilt, click this link to see every, luscious fabric!

I'm considering this polka dot fabric for the backing, but I won't make my final decision until the quilt top is done. I may end up not using the tans at all.

The pattern (free from The Fat Quarter Shop - with a link below) only calls for one jelly roll to create a 36 1/2" x 38 1/2" quilt. I'm planning to make a large  one, using two jelly rolls. I'll see how many blocks I can make without the tans.

If you'd like to make your own Jelly Roll Jam II quilt, let me know. I think it would be fun to share all the images in a future blog post. I'll make my quilt top at the retreat, but if you want to make one, too, I'll set up a Flickr page.    Click HERE to download your own (free) Jelly Roll Jam II Pattern. I'm also embedding the Fat Quarter shop video tutorial for this quilt into this post for you. Grab a cuppa and relax while you watch it! Direct link: http://youtu.be/sf98KddO1Uk   Enjoy! More to come on this project after the retreat...

Guild Night...

Pauline's Scrappy Quilt

 Last night was our monthly guild meeting, and I took lots of photos.

I'm going to share my favorites today, but you'll see more creations later.

 

 Our member, Jettie, has a friend who pieces her quilts up north and

sends them south to be quilted by Susan Slaton. This is one of the 

two shared by Jettie last night before she ships them back to her

northern friend. I really liked the blocks and the color play on this one.

 This was the other one Jettie showed for her friend. The circles

are hand appliqued'. You know I love this one, don't you? I might

have to file this idea away to make one for myself. So much fun!

 Marti showed the result of a recent art quilt class she took.

It's a wonderful little piece, and I really hope she'll make more

like this one. I think she's found her niche. I love the colors, too.

I don't know if I've said this before or not, but I really enjoy being

a member of our Disconnected Piecers Quilt Guild. Our members

are so talented, and we really become friends. They're a great group

of beautiful women. As I said, I took lots of pictures. Every quilt was

a work of love by its creator. These are just a very few. More later.

I hope your day is filled with happy moments and creative endeavors.

Thanks for visiting. I'll be back tomorrow.

The EZ-est Quilt Ever...

 Are you ready to see how to make a simple, fabulous quilt in about two hours? 

Well, make a cuppa tea and relax in your chair while I show you how it's done.

This quilt began when Susan shared the process with us at retreat.

(Warning: There are LOTS of pictures in today's post.)

 Step 1: Choose 10 fabrics and cut 5" strip x WOF (Width of fabric). Join

them with a 1/4" seam lengthwise until all fabrics are joined together. 

 **Press seams alternating in opposite directions for each strip. Once you 

have joined all the strips together, you need to sew one more seam. 

Join the first strip to the last, lengthwise. You have now formed a tube. 

Don't worry that the selvege ends are not all lined up. As Susan says, 

"You're gonna whack all those off anyway when you square up the tube."

Just be sure that you don't get a distortion in the fabrics when you sew

that last seam together. Don't try to line up the ends of the seam. You're

making sure that there won't be an odd drape in the fabic.

 Timeout! I have to run back up to Sarasota to pick up Tag at the vet's.

(Insert Jeopardy theme music here until we get back.)

 I'm back. Now. Where were we? Oh, yes... All the strips are

sewn together and the final seam is sewn so you have a tube.

Fabric tubes cut into 5" width

 Now, you need to cut off those uneven ends and while still in a tube,

lay the tube flat and cut 5" strips from the tube. You will have eight

tubes of fabric when you're finished with this step.

Decide which fabric you want to have in the upper left corner. Rotate

 the tube until you find that fabric and open up the seam at the top of

 the block. You don't even need a seam ripper for this step. Just hold it 

firmly on each side of the seam and pull. (Note: I'm holding this seam in

one hand to photograph for you. You should actually hold each block on

 either side of the seam which will make it easy to just pop them apart.)

 Lay your first strip out flat and then grab your second fabric tube.

Locate the fabric block that matches the first one, and then locate the 

SECOND fabric block and separate the seam at the top of that block. 

You will then have (in this photo) the flower block at the top of Row 1; and

the green leaf block at the top of Row 2. The blocks will form diagonals.

 See? This is what I'm talking about. Now, for Row 3, look at the next 

fabric tube and roll it until you find the third fabric in the first row. That 

will be the top fabric in the Third Row. Open the seam above the aqua 

fabric (in this case) and lay it open on your table next to the first two rows. 

Repeat this step through all the remaining strips.

 When you're finished, you'll see all the tubes are open, and the design

forms a repeating diagonal across all of the strips. Cool, huh?

Join all of them together with a 1/4" seam, matching up the intersections.

Take your time and you won't even have to bother using pins. Just hold

the intersections until you've stitched them and then move on to the next

one down the seam. Take your time and it will be easy to do.

 Look! Aren't those intersections fabulous?

 7:04 pm and I've finished the quilt top! It was that easy. I know I'll

be making more to give away and sell. If you don't quilt and are

interested in purchasing a quilt, email your favorite colors to me

and I can create a special order just for you! I can also add more

borders to make the quilt even larger. I'm also going to add applique'.

 What? Don't be surprised. I told you it was simple!

Come back tomorrow and I'll share a little trick I thought of

today while I was sewing. I took photos and can't believe I

hadn't thought of it earlier! I'll show you pictures tomorrow.

Happy Friday, all y'all!