Stitch Your Heart Out

You may have recently read (or heard) about the Stitch Your Heart Out (SYHO) campaign starting in February 2010. I am thrilled to announce I am one of the twelve designers participating in the SYHO Designer Encyclopedia. Each month for 12 months (starting in February 2010) a fun, new design will be released by a different designer...there will be interviews, interactive games, fun LNS stitch nights, prizes, heart healthy recipes and much much more! My design will be number three in the series, arriving in needlework shops in April 2010. Once you have stitched all 12 designs, you will receive free instructions on how to assemble the 12 designs into a stitched "designer encyclopedia". For more information and to see how you can get involved...plus see a list of all twelve participating designers visit: http://stitchyourheartout-lts.blogspot.com/

This campaign is going to be a fun way to interact with others in the needlework community/industry and promote heart health. Designers will be donating a portion of sales from their special to design to CAROL for Heart, a regional non-profit organization that educates and empowers women to take charge of their heart health. I hope you will look for these special designs each month, starting in February 2010!

A Couple VERY Good Things....

First of all - I think I am finally getting over the flu virus...at least I see a light at the end of the tunnel. Thank you to those who have sent me well wishes...healing vibes...and cold remedies! I feel better than I have in several weeks...I am down to just a dry cough and very sore throat...and I have actually accomplished some much needed work today...which brings me to my second "good thing"...

I cannot begin to tell you how I excited I am to share this with you...a sneak peek of "Just Add Tinsel"...a new design coming out in the next couple weeks...and you are seeing it here first! I have been doing my best to keep this design and idea a secret for quite some time...and now, here it is, just as I imagined. It is a needlework tree-shaped box (made from/stitched on 32-count Green Slate fabric by Lakeside Linens) and a set of three needlework smalls (stitched on 32-count Sand Dune fabric by Lakeside Linens). This design has been in the works since last fall...and turned out exactly as I envisioned. The lid of the tree-shaped box has a place to keep your threads (mother of pearl thread rings by Kelmscott Designs) and can be attached to the box, if so desired - I left mine unattached, but directions are included for attaching it to the "trunk" of the tree....and the inside base of the box has a stitching surprise - birds decorating a feather tree. The needlework smalls include a star-shaped pinkeep, a scissor fob, and a needlebook tied to look like a present! See, all your tree needs is a little tinsel. Finishing/stitching instructions are included for all pieces. I am finishing up the design files today and meet with my printer tomorrow morning, so if I goes well, I will be shipping the three new designs to automatic shops and distributors late next week...keep an eye on my website for specific details. I will be posting additional photos and design materials/specifics over the next couple days....please be patient...

"Just Add Tinsel" Sneak Peek

Happy Saturday friends and followers!

It has been a rough couple weeks trying to get rid of the flu...it is still hanging on, but I am starting to feel a little better each day....thank you to all who have sent me well wishes. H1N1 is no joke, so make sure you are washing your hands, getting plenty of rest, and taking good care of yourself...

On to new design news...it has been slow going, but I am finally ready to start the finishing work on "Just Add Tinsel". I am hoping to have it completed this weekend and to the printer on Monday or Tuesday, so I can get the new designs to a needlework shop near you in the next couple weeks. For now, here are a couple sneak peeks of the design...and to give you a little idea of what it is all about - remember "Creepy Crawly" (the Halloween needlework casket I released last year)??...well, think same idea, but a for the holidays...obviously, the shape is different (it will not be a casket)...think something more Christmas themed...and there are matching smalls...just a teaser until I get the finishing work done...I will be sharing a complete photo with you real soon....

Until the next post, stay healthy...and have a great weekend!

Capture A Miracle

Today, I thought I would share with you a newly finished embroidered pillow...with this terrible pharyngitis/flu hanging around, it took me several days to complete this project (instead of a couple hours), working in small doses. This is another test project for Shelli at Needle In A Haystack Stitchery called "Miracle"...and it will soon be available for both hand stitching and machine embroidery. I decided to turn the stitched piece into a quilted pillow (12" H x 16" W) with a rick rack border for an accent. I was quite pleased with how this turned out...and look forward to testing more of Shelli's fun designs!

As I start to feel better, I am once again busy trying to get the new designs ready for release...I know you are all anxious, but please be patient, this flu has put me behind schedule...I am still hoping for an end of October/beginning of November release...and I am working as hard as my system will allow to bring the new pieces to you in a timely manner. I will be trying to finish up "Just Add Tinsel" this week and then all three new pieces will go to print at the end of the week (or first thing next week)...keep an eye on my website for the latest updates.

My New Favorite Thing

Today, I am feeling somewhat better, but still not the best...and definitely not well enough to venture out into the world...and to be honest, I am going completely stir crazy...I am not good at "resting" or "relaxing" (as many of you know). So, I thought I would occupy some time by doing a little blog update about my new favorite thing...

You all know how much I love Liberty Hill pieces...I think Carolyn is simply marvelous! Yesterday I received her newest masterpiece in the mail...every day I have been waiting for the doorbell to ring with this delivery. It is the "First Colony Tombstone Cupboard"...and it is to die for (pardon the pun)! Oh my gosh, it is SO cool. Found inside the cupboard: a black thread board, a scissor fob (seen in the photo with my favorite black Little Gems Scissors by Kelmscott Designs), a grey thread winder set, and a needle envelope....there are even places to hang the thread board and scissor fob...and a shelf. This is such a wonderful addition to my collection....and I can't wait to see what Carolyn comes up with next!

Pair of Pouches Giveaway Winner

Happy Saturday!

I must apologize I haven't blogged much this week....I have been quite under the weather and have been on bed rest since Wednesday (not fun). Today I am feeling somewhat better, still not good...but I know you are all waiting to see who was chosen by the random generator as the "Pair of Pouches" winner....so without further ado:

Congratulations Shari - you left the 9th comment and the random generator picked #9. I have sent you an email with details.

Please do not be discouraged if your name has not been chosen - you all know I LOVE to make things and give them away...so there definitely will be more drawings in the future and plenty of chances to win.

Have a wonderful weekend...

Autumn Patchwork Pillows

This morning I took a much needed break from Blue Ribbon Designs and went to Ankeny to sew and quilt with my girlfriends...it felt so good to get out of my studio for a few hours! I had the pleasure of finally finishing a couple patchwork pillows I started a several weeks ago. Both of the digitized designs (Autumn Glory and Autumn Redwork) are from Needle In A Haystack Stitchery and are available at SWAK Embroidery. The fall fabric (which I love) is from the line "Gobble Gobble" by Sandy Gervais for Moda. It felt so satisfying to complete a couple projects from my "in progress" pile....plus, I actually finished them before Thanksgiving. It was the perfect way to spend part of my Monday...

Reminder: There is still plenty of time to enter for a chance to win my "Pair of Pouches Giveaway"...see my blog entry from Saturday, October 10th!

Autumn Leaves and Sunflower Seeds - Smalls

I promised I would share a peek at the needlework smalls for "Autumn Leaves and Sunflower Seeds" with you soon...and here they are! The charting and finishing instructions for each small will be included with the sampler - there is a needlebook, floss ring tag, pinkeep, and scissor fob. I am hoping to have this design ready for release at the end of October...for the latest information, keep an eye on my website.

Also, there is still plenty of time to enter for a chance to win my "Pair of Pouches Giveaway"...see my blog entry from Saturday, October 10th!

Have a wonderful week....

Pair of Pouches Giveaway

Happy Saturday!

If you have been keeping up with my blog lately, you know I have been having fun making zippered pouches...and you know I said we would have another giveaway in the near future....so, here we go!

One lucky recipient will receive the two zippered pouches pictured: one larger project size pouch (approximately 7.25" W x 11" H) and one smaller tool size pouch (approximately 6" W x 4.75" H). The sampler fabric is from the Beach House line by Blackbird Designs for Moda (#2637). Both pouches are quilted and lined....and both were made with my own two hands.

How do you enter?? Simply post a comment to this topic regarding these fun little zipper bags...how would you put them to good use...or where you would keep them...or what treasures would you keep inside them. Then, next Saturday, October 17th, I will use the random generator to choose one lucky recipient from all the entries. PLEASE make sure you leave your email (or your email is in your profile), so I can contact you should your name be chosen.

Thank you so much for reading/following my blog - I truly enjoy hearing from you, reading your comments, and answering your questions. Good luck to all...

Harvest Delight Follow Up...

I took a little time late last night and early this morning to finish testing the "Harvest Delight" design for Needle In A Haystack Stitchery. This time I worked on the 5" x 7" design and framed it in an 8" x 10" frame....and yes, I used fabric for the "mat" around the design. This was a very fun project to work on...and a great break from my own designs! Sewing always heps me clear my head...

Now back to work on the upcoming releases...doing hand finishing today! I will have an update for you soon...

Harvest Delight

I just had an immense amount of fun testing out this new design by Shelli at Needle In A Haystack Stitchery...how cute is this pillow?! This design is called "Harvest Delight"...you can find the digitized design for machine embroidery available at SWAK Embroidery.....and for you hand embroiderers, the design will soon be available for you, as well. I enjoyed picking out small scraps of autumn fabric for each of the pumpkins and decided to go with only one fabric for the border (so it wouldn't be too busy). I used the 6" x 10" design file...and made it into a pillow using a 14" x 14" pillow form. I am so excited to have this new pillow ready for display...it is the perfect time of year...plus it just makes me happy!

Now back to official Blue Ribbon Designs work...I am just completing the stitching on the needlework smalls for "Autumn Leaves and Sunflower Seeds" and hope to start the finishing work later today....fingers crossed, I will be able to post a photo for you soon...

Sunday Samplings

It is a beautiful Sunday here in central Iowa...a gorgeous day...finally some sunshine. I spent the morning doing a little yard work and taking Simba for a long walk to the park - enjoying this fabulous fall weather!

This afternoon I found a little "me" time to work on some more machine embroidered stationery. I finished the pocket piece I showed a bit of the other day...and a new envelope. Both of the digitized designs are from the same Husqvarna Viking collection I have been working on (Hoop! Sew! Go! by Lena Mattsson)...I never knew when I purchased this design collection I would enjoy working on these projects so much! These two designs are stitched on dupioni silk fabric with Robison-Anton metallic and rayon threads. These will be kept in my stationery collection until a special event or sent to an unsuspecting recipient.

The rest of my day will be spent working on the needlework smalls for "Autumn Leaves and Sunflower Seeds"...along with household chores, laundry...and baking some cookies (I feel the need to be in the kitchen). Enjoy your day...

Winter White Woodland Smalls

Here they are....the ornament smalls for "Winter White Woodland". If I had the stitching time, I would stitch all eight of them right now...I am so extremely pleased with how this design has turned out. I am picking up the framed sampler today...can't wait to see it...I chose a lovely deep red frame molding.

















I worked on the smalls for "Autumn Leaves and Sunflower Seeds" again last night - they are coming along beautifully...and I promise to share them with you soon...

On a personal note:
A very dear friend of mine has been fighting breast cancer this year and is having a mastectomy today. Please know I have been thinking of you and wish I could be there with you - your strength and grace continue to amaze and inspire me. I am sending you good vibes and well wishes as you continue along this journey...you are loved.

Ladies, PLEASE do your monthly breast self-exams and your yearly mammogram - early detection is key!