A New Toy - A New Creative Spark!

A brand new toy arrived on my doorstep this week, courtesy of My Crafter Corner! My Craft Corner is an online community for all types of crafters and artisans - this community with over 1,500 members has all sorts of groups, forums, and member pages, all full of creativity and inspiration. Each year they have a "Meet & Greet" contest where the grand prize is a Cricut Expression cutting machine...and this year, I happened to be the big winner (I can't believe it - I am still in awe)! I never expected to receive such a generous prize simply for meeting other creative people. I actually received two prize packages - one containing two Cricut cartridges and one containing the Cricut Expressions machine (and it had two additional cartridges!). I am not a big scrapbooker, so I wasn't as familiar with this personal cutting system as I probably should have been...but once I watched the enclosed DVD and saw what it's capabilities were, I was blown away by this amazing prize! If you read my blog often, then you know I am a huge stationery fan and love to send notes in the mail - when I found out I could make my own cards and gift tags, I was over-the moon!

After looking at the manual and viewing the enclosed DVD, I jumped in and loaded a piece of white card stock - I just started cutting/trying different shapes and sizes, getting used to how the machine worked...oh my goodness, was I ever impressed...all of a sudden my mind was working overtime thinking of all the creative aspects and how to incorporate this machine into my already overflowing studio...I was inspired more than I ever imagined! After understanding how the machine worked and trying a couple different cartridges, I decided to jump in and make my first card - I opted for a thank you note - cutting a dark brown card and beige envelope...then cutting the letters for THANKS and a couple flowers and a heart - WOW, I made one on my first try - it is not the most exciting and it is far from perfect, but I am learning!

Okay - so now I have another new crafting addiction...I know, just what I needed...I have already purchased some beautiful papers and cardstock...and I have a couple more cartridges on the way. If you have one of these fancy schmancy machines and have any tips or tricks for me, please pass them along...and if you have favorite cartridges, I would love to know what they are, as well...

Thank you to My Craft Corner for such a phenomenal contest prize...and for sparking my creativity...

Sunshine on a Gloomy Day

Today has been a rainy, gloomy day...good thing I had a little road trip planned with my dear friend Merry to lift my spirits!

She arrived this morning, bearing gifts, as usual. I feel like the luckiest girl in the world...a couple weeks ago, we were in a yarn/knitting shop together and I mentioned how much I liked a display scarf...well, my awesome friend went home and started one for me right away (which is SO COOL, because my knitting and crocheting skills are extremely limited!)...and it is perfect! This ruffly scarf is beautiful neutral shades and will fit in perfectly with my wardrobe...I almost changed my clothes so I could wear it today. Merry, if you are reading this....I LOVE IT....and you are so unbelievably talented and thoughtful!

We were then off to Creston to visit Quilts & Other Notions (oh, how I love this quilt shop!). I have been procrastinating taking in my sewing machine for service...actually, I have been looking for a new dealer to service my machine...and since they are a Husqvarna Viking dealer, and the service tech came highly recommended, and they have the friendliest owner and staff on the planet, I decided it was time to make an appointment to have my Designer Diamond cleaned. Merry and I enjoyed the "little over an hour" drive and it gave us a chance to catch-up...when we arrived, we did some power shopping...then went to a wonderful local Mexican restaurant for lunch...then returned for more shopping...and by the time we were ready to check-out, my machine was ready! As usual, I found a nice big pile of stash to bring home and play with...I found a fabulous new line of fabric (Lilac Hill by Brannock & Patek for Moda) - I just loved the birds - and I picked out several coordinating fabrics....I also found a couple great bags of buttons....a couple charm packs....a fun retired sewing border fabric (Making a Quilt by Janet Carija Branda for Moda)....and a few fun trims....I even got a couple packages of empty bobbins for my sewing machine....it was a wonderful trip!

Tonight, it is back to my stitching nest to work on an upcoming class model....but after my fun day, I feel refreshed and ready to get back to work....

A Teeny Tiny Needlework Finish

I had to share this teeny tiny finish with you! Last weekend when teaching at the Heart's Desire Cross Stitch Camp, I was actually awarded a door prize....which was so much fun. After opening my package, I knew I would have to start stitching it right away...and with it being a smaller project, I knew it was something I could finish (for a change). I was the recipient of Milady's Needle "Milady's Quaker Pendants II"...which happened to be in kit form - including the pendant piece, the linen (36-count Luna from Lakeside Linens) and silk floss (VCS Oxblood)...it actually included the charting, fabric, and floss for four different pendants. I changed mine up a bit from the model, which was stitched with a light blue silk floss. The design is stitched one-over-one on 36-count linen and measures 1 1/8" x 1 1/8"...I told you, it was TINY. I actually started it while I was at the retreat and worked on it during the car ride home...then finished it up this week....and yes, I did complete Cross Stitches (not Tent Stitches). The finishing instructions tell you to use designer scrapbook paper for the back, but I used a little picture of a bird that makes me happy (the artwork is done by Becky Kelly - I just adore her illustrations and artwork!). It was a quick stitch and so much fun....in fact, I have chosen another one to stitch as a birthday gift...

Sparkle Slim Tree Pillow

Okay, so I know it is not Christmas time....however, once again (for me), it is Christmas in April. Several weeks ago, AccuQuilt was kind enough to send me three dies to play with and review - and late last night, I was busy playing!

I am a huge Sarah Vedeler fan...and if you are a quilter or machine embroiderer, then chances are you are familiar with her work. Sarah's amazing designs feature embroidered applique done by machine - and they are all incredible! She does a lot of work with vibrant, brilliant colors...using beautiful silk fabrics and luscious AURIfil threads. So why am I telling you all of this??....because Sarah teamed up with AccuQuilt for a line of licensed cutting dies and coordinating digitized designs for machine embroidery....and I used one of these dies and her embroidered applique for today's post.

The trees were cut with my AccuQuilt Go! Fabric Cutter, using the GO! Sparkle-Slim Tree die. This die cuts both the large slim tree ( 4 1/4"W x 13 3/16"H) and the small slim tree (2 1/8"W x 6 9/16"H). I love how precise all the pieces are....making it SUPER easy to assemble the applique. I wanted to to a little experimenting, so instead of the recommended silk fabrics, I used cotton fabrics...and making it easier, I used charm pack squares to give me a variety of fabric patterns. I also used only two colors of rayon thread for the machine embroidered applique, instead of the multitude of fabulous colors Sarah uses (one day I will have the gorgeous AURIfil threads to play with!). I wanted a more subdued look...more eye-pleasing with my home decor. After cutting one large tree and two smalls trees (in a matter of minutes), I debated over doing machine applique to attach the pieces...or using Sarah's GO! Sparkle Embroidery Designs to machine embroider the pieces....we all know how much I love to do machine embroidery, so I opted to use the digitized designs (Sarah's digitized designs are top-notch and very detailed, as you can see!). The combination of the fabric cutting die and the digitized software gave me QUICK and FABULOUS results - I was so impressed with both!

After getting the trees cut and machine embroidered, I decided to add a couple reindeer as a finishing touch! Using the same fabric line (Frosted Memories by Holly Taylor for Moda), I used my Slice Fabrique to cut the reindeer (using the 'Tis The Season design card)...then machine appliqued them in place.


Once I had the block done - I had to decide how to use it - I could have put it in a quilt...or a wall hanging...but I decided on a pillow, using a coordinating fabric for the borders and backing. The borders were cut easily with the GO! 3 1/2" Strip Cutter die. It is a large pillow - 20" W x 20" H - and will be the perfect addition to my holiday decor!

I feel blessed to have so many great sewing and quilting tools - they make projects like this so much fun...and allow me to create intricate projects with my crazy busy schedule. I have two more Sparkle dies to play with and review: Sparkle-Snowflakes and the Sparkle-Tree, so look for more fun holiday projects soon!

Heart's Desire Cross Stitch Camp

What a fabulous long weekend I had in Kansas at the Heart's Desire Cross Stitch Camp! It was so much fun, I honestly don't know where to start... Heart's Desire has been putting on this camp for many years - held at the Rock Springs 4H Center in Junction City, KS. When I first heard the location, I thought the venue might be a bit "rustic" for my taste...but, boy was I wrong...the lodge we stayed in was like a hotel...and it was nestled in over 700 acres of natural surroundings. There were loads of windows and natural light...and all sorts of wildlife right outside - including deer, turkeys, and all sorts of birds. Our classroom was located in a different building...and meals were held in a dining hall - both a nice walk from the lodge. I took several long walks and lots of lovely photographs, as signs of spring were everywhere. Cellular phone coverage was non-existent in the area, so it was a true getaway!

(The lodge we stayed in...and the breathtaking view from the wall of windows in the stitching room...)

For this trip, my husband rode along with me - his best friend lives in Manhattan, KS (a few short miles away), so he spent the weekend with him while I was teaching. Before he dropped me off at the cross stitch camp, we made the trip to Abilene, KS, so I could go to Picture This Plus and check out their amazing hand-dyed fabrics and needlework shop. During my visit, Marilyn was so kind and accommodating - I got a tour of the dyeing facility, which was quite interesting....and their shop has TONS of models, materials, and charts...and of course it was fabric heaven! I am embarrassed to say, I have never tried their fabric before - but I left with a huge GORGEOUS pile for future projects (and a new pair of scissors!).

Once I got settled in at the Lodge, I made my way to the giant stitching room and started setting up my models so the attendees could do some shopping. This group got the special treatment, as I was able to pack quite a few pieces to bring along - they had thirty-five models to view (and they were fantastic shoppers!). Debbie also had a very nice selection of merchandise set up from her shop. Once everything was in place, I started going from table to table and meeting all the stitchers....we took a break for dinner....then later in the evening they received their door prizes (and even I got one!! - how cool is that?! - a lovely Milady's Needle kit - Milady's Quaker Pendants II - perfect for me...and I have already started one!). All of the prizes were wrapped and it was fun to see everyone tear into their packages and open their prizes (which were quite awesome - and were all different). Many of us stayed up past midnight...and then I had to get a bit of sleep before a full day of teaching on Saturday.

Debbie (center), her daughter, and some of the shop staff (who all did an amazing job getting things put together for this event)...and you can see some of the models in the background....
























Saturday morning (bright and early - 7:00 AM) we made our way to the dining hall for breakfast...then to the classroom. We had a fun morning starting the project and even had a mid-morning break for fresh cinnamon rolls (yummy!). Before lunch, I started working one on one with each of the students making twisted cord and talking about finishing techniques. At lunch time, there was plenty of time to take a walk and enjoy the beautiful scenery....then back to class. We worked on the project all afternoon, with another break for homemade cookies (no, we did not starve!). I really didn't need to eat dinner, so while many made their way to the dining hall, I took a walk to the highest point on the grounds, where I was able to make a phone call to my husband and make sure he knew what time to arrive on Sunday...then I took a long walk on several of the trails. The entire evening was filled with stitching, laughing, shopping, and more laughing - it was like being at a giant slumber party! I made my way around the room and helped and answered questions about the project and had a chance to get to know each of the attendees a little better. Around midnight, I got the giggles and just couldn't stop laughing (thanks to Nita, Carmen, and Lori - they instigated everything!)....then around 1:30 AM, I finally made my way to my room.

Students hard at work in the classroom...followed by TONS of fun happening in the stitching lounge....and some photos of the wonderful scenery on the grounds....

Sunday morning was nice and relaxed - breakfast was (again) early and I decided to skip it for a few extra minutes of sleep - luckily, Diana brought me a yogurt and we had all sorts of food in the kitchen. I spent the morning working one on one with many of the attendees (and doing a little shopping of my own)...again, there was more laughter and giggling....and almost everyone finished their scissor fob or pin pillow (or both!) or had a really good start on the project! Then it was time to pack up and say goodbyes...and take a group photo (unfortunately, some had left before the group photo). All in all, it was an incredible weekend...and I am crossing my fingers I will be able to spend a weekend with this special group again...thank you to all the attendees, you made my job effortless and oh so enjoyable!

On The Road *Yet* Again....

I just finished packing up everything for the Heart's Desire Cross Stitch Camp (whew - what a job!) and I will be heading out of town bright and early for another weekend of teaching...this time I am headed to Junction City, Kansas to work with another big group of enthusiastic students. I've packed up a great assortment of models and charts and all the class materials and will be ready to hit the road first thing in the morning for three enjoyable days of needlework. It is storming here with a vengeance, so I am really hoping the weather will calm down for my trip...

I will be making a little pit stop before I get there...I have been told I just *have to* visit Picture This Plus in Abilene, KS, so I will be headed there first (I've also been told there is a good quilt shop in town, so that is on my list as well!).

I hope to be back early next week with a fun blog update from my travels...I also have some fun creative things to post about! I know my posts have been limited the last couple weeks, as preparing for two big teaching events has monopolized my time...but I promise to be better upon my return.

Also - make a trip to my Blue Ribbon Designs website "gallery" to see a couple FABULOUS pieces I got to see in person at the Heartland Stitch Counters Society event last weekend (thank you Pam and Cheryl)...they are definitely worth a view!

Finally - thanks to everyone who has taken a moment to vote for my two quilt blocks in the AccuQuilt Barn Quilt Contest - you are awesome!! I also appreciate those of you who have spread the word and sent tweets or posted on your message boards/blogs for me....every little bit helps. :-) I'm afraid I have fallen way behind in the "popularity contest", so I really hope the celebrity judges see something special in one of my entries (fingers crossed!)....or I have an outpouring of votes this weekend. There is still time to vote - voting ends on April 19th - so please, if you haven't done so already, please visit this link: http://www.accuquilt.com/barnquilt-top100 and cast a vote for me...

My first block is in the second row (below left)....and my second block is in the bottom row (below right)...and you can "like" and/or review both of my entries....both quilt blocks have Belinda K. listed under them.

• If you have Facebook, simply click on "like" under my block(s) to give me a vote.


• If you do not have Facebook, click on the image of my block(s) and rate/review my block to give me a vote....you don't need to write anything fancy, just that you like my quilt block design. I know, a little more time consuming, but you will make my day! :-)

I am going to finish up just a couple more things and then it is off to bed...I'm hoping to get in a few good hours of sleep before my alarm goes off in the early AM....

Wishing you a wonderful and creative weekend....

Crossing My Fingers...

Friends and followers....I would really love your help! (I know, normally, I am terrible about asking for help...but this is a special circumstance...)

Now if you read my blog regularly, then you know how much I ADORE my AccuQuilt GO! Fabric Cutter...in fact, I use it almost every single day. Well, when AccuQuilt decided to have a new Barn Quilt Contest, I just had to enter - in fact, I wanted to win so badly, I designed and entered seven (yes, seven) different quilt blocks. Well, imagine my shock when I received a message stating two of my designs had been selected as Top 100 Finalists in the 2nd Annual AccuQuilt Barn Quilt Design Contest - I was over-the moon with excitement!! I'm sure they had a gazillion entries, so to know two of mine made the first cut makes me giddy...

Now I need your help to gently "nudge" celebrity judges Alex Anderson, Ricky Tims, and Eleanor Burns to choose one of my quilt blocks as the Grand Prize winner. Please, please, pretty please take a moment and vote for my quilt blocks...I would REALLY appreciate it!...and if you ask your friends and family to vote for me too, that would be AMAZING....please help me spread the word...

TO VOTE:
Please visit this link: http://www.accuquilt.com/barnquilt-top100

• If you have Facebook, simply click on "like" under my block(s) to give me a vote.


• If you do not have Facebook, click on the image of my block(s) and rate/review my block to give me a vote....you don't need to write anything fancy, just that you like my quilt block design. I know, a little more time consuming, but think how happy you will make me... :-)

My first block is in the second row (shown here top right)....and my second block is in the bottom row (shown here bottom right)...and you can "like" and/or review both of my entries....both quilt blocks have Belinda K. listed under them.

Thanks for taking a moment to do this for me...wouldn't it be cool to see my quilt block design hanging at AccuQuilt Headquarters?! Just think, if I win more AccuQuilt products, I can make more things to giveaway...

A Weekend To Remember

I had the most amazing weekend with the Heartland Stitch Counters Society! I spent Friday, Saturday, and Sunday with this accomplished and talented needlework group as the guest teacher at their 18th (yes, 18th!) Annual Stitch-In. What a blessing it was to be asked to teach at this event - it was such an enjoyable weekend. This year was the first time they had a Halloween theme and I had the pleasure of designing a special Halloween piece and needlework smalls especially for them...what a treat!

I arrived on Friday afternoon, met the hard-working committee that puts everything together, and got right to work. The retreat was held at the Elms Resort and Spa in Excelsior Springs, MO...this unique historic hotel was a great venue and very fun to explore. The class was held in the spacious Grand Ballroom - which was a good thing, because there were 70 of us! And thanks to Old Mill Stitchery in Liberty, MO, there was a phenomenal needlework shop set-up downstairs, filled with all sorts stitching treasures....seriously, who could ask for more? It was a dream weekend. I brought along lots of models...and they had their last 17 projects on display....plus a Halloween show and tell....and a contest (where every piece was so amazing, everyone should have won a prize! - REALLY!)....and there were TONS of door prizes. Friday evening was social time with a meet and greet...and lots of stitching going on...I had a lot of fun circulating through tables and meeting each attendee. Saturday morning we all got together for breakfast and then it was time for class (and of course shopping). We had a tasty lunch and then more class in the afternoon. After a dinner break, we all returned to the ballroom for the contest and show and tell....followed by late night stitching (I managed to stay until about 12:30 AM, before heading up to my room for a few hours of much needed sleep). Sunday morning we enjoyed the breakfast buffet at the resort and had class until noon...and I managed to take a teaching break long enough to do a little shopping myself (special thanks to the students who let me cut in line in the shop). We managed to get though all my class materials and most everyone had a good start on their project. Sunday afternoon it was time to say goodbye to my new stitching family and pack up for the drive home.

I would like to thank all the committee members, Old Mill Stitchery, and all the attendees - you made this a weekend to remember! It was delight meeting each and every one of you....and you are now part of my extended stitching family. Thank you for your patience with my "red nose", scratchy voice, and occasional cough...and for not putting photos of me on Facebook (you know who you are)...I will definitely be working on my "turtle" for future photo opportunities. :-)

Here are some photos from the weekend - the chandelier yellow lighting was not the best for photography...

Here is a photo of me with the contest winners: (Left to Right) Robin - 2nd place and the People's Choice Award, me (looking who knows where), Cheryl - 1st place, Pam - 3rd place. Aren't the ribbons awesome??! - I know Kathleen stitched the Halloween centers and another attendee (please forgive me for not knowing your name) made the ribbons.

Some of my models on display...with extra "spooky" decoration by the committee members...

Some Halloween "show and tell"....

Finished projects from all seventeen previous retreats....each one was incredible...

Students hard at work...enjoying the weekend...stitching, laughing, and sharing....

On The Road Again...

I'm teaching at an event in Missouri this weekend for the Heartland Stitch Counters Society, so I will be back on Monday with a fun update...

For now, I just had to share a photo of the roses my husband had delivered for our wedding anniversary this week...aren't they fabulous?! I was a little blown away when I answered the door - this is the biggest bouquet I have ever received - two dozen roses with lilies and baby's breath - the photo just doesn't do this spectacular arrangement justice...too bad I am out of town for three days and won't be able to enjoy them while I am gone....

Wishing you a wonderful weekend....

Christmas in April

As some of you know, I am suffering from a terrible head cold...I have been miserable for a few days. In the midst of feeling awful, the most incredible surprise package arrived for me, giving me a wonderful sense of comfort. My dear friend Terri had mailed me the most perfect box of treasures! This package is actually a Christmas package...but something she special ordered took months to arrive...so I get to celebrate Christmas in April - which is AWESOME, because I get to spread out the joy (it actually came when I needed it most). This special box included a GORGEOUS wool pin cushion (from The Daily Pincushion)...a bumble bee magnetic needle nanny (from Puffin & Company)...and some AMAZING decorated pins (from one of my favorites PuntiniPuntini - I absolutely adore these pins)! I'm sure you can see why this package brightened my day - who can feel miserable with beautiful, new needlework tools??...and they are nice and springy too!! Thank you Terri - your surprise added some sunshine to my day...

Adorable Appliqué

I have been meaning to blog about several fun things...however, somehow in one of my busiest months of the year, I have contracted another terrible head cold...I have been doing everything in my power to overcome it, as I am headed to Excelsior Springs, MO this weekend to teach a large event. I do have some fun, creative things to share with you...I'm just needing a little extra rest for my health....I will try to get a couple things posted this week before my teaching engagement....

Isn't this small appliqué owl pillow just the cutest??! I have several baskets throughout my house that have fun little handmade pillows and pincushions in them and this is my newest addition. The pieces for the owl were cut with the Slice Fabrique using the Animal Frenzy Piecing design card. I was given one of these handheld, cordless, digital design cutters by Making Memories as a gift...and it is quite a unique cutting tool - I am still learning, and have found it a bit more challenging than the videos I have seen - but as I learn, I am sure I will find it a wonderful addition to my sewing studio - I will tell you, from my limited experience, if you are in the market for one of these cutters - try one first and see what you think...and if you make the purchase, make sure you follow the directions exactly for decent results. I cut 5" squares with my AccuQuilt GO! fabric cutter for the base and back...and then machine appliquéd the owl. I thought it would be fun to use a little jumbo rick rack around the perimeter and a couple buttons for the eyes. I absolutely LOVE doing machine appliqué, so this was a very satisfying project!

For now, it is back to work - I am going to finish up some class preparations for this weekend...and start deciding which models and charts to take for the mini shop...and if I am lucky, I will get a little extra sleep, as I am feeling quite miserable....

A Stitching "Update"??

April is a full month for me, with multiple scheduled events...I have been keeping quite busy preparing class kits, teaching materials, and my mini traveling shop. A little over a week ago, I spent an evening of much needed stitching time with a few close friends - it has been months since I have been able to make time for stitching with friends, so it was a real treat!

I was super excited to pack my stitching tote and get out for an evening with the girls! I rarely have time to stitch on any projects that are not my own designs; therefore, it always seems to take me years to complete anything that is not Blue Ribbon Designs related. Well, you should have heard the comments when I pulled out a project I started last September that didn't look like it had been touched in months...it was quite comical. The last stitching update I posted for this project was October 11, 2010...and since then, it has been in my project bag, folded neatly, waiting patiently for me...funny how time has gotten away on this one...and I would really like to have it done before Christmas of 2011. The particulars (since it has been a while): it is "Winter Wonderland" by Blackbird Designs - which I feel in love with the first moment I saw it!...this is Loose Feathers Pattern 39...I have been collecting the LF patterns since they started and I have actually (*shockingly*) completed quite a few of them (at least I did years ago when the series started).

So, the roof of the house is now stitched...and I have actually started the white of the house and the windows...hmmm, how long it will it take me to even come close to finishing the house...a couple years maybe...?? I guess the lesson I have learned from this is: I need to make more time for stitching with friends....especially if I want to have this project finished before I reach retirement.