We are in the middle of another winter storm here in Iowa - inches of snow, bitter cold temperatures, and extreme winds - a great day to stay inside and be creative...in fact, I only ventured outside today to walk try to walk Simba (and that was quite an adventure, as my neighbors didn't feel it was important to clean their sidewalks and driveways). I have spent the last couple days catching up on paperwork, doing my year-end business reporting, my sales taxes, and cleaning/rearranging and inventorying my warehouse...and I must say, I am thrilled to have those "not-so-fun" tasks done. Today I decided to spend my snow day playing in my studio...the theme for today was Valentine's Day!
I decided to finish up another batch of machine embroidered lace hearts for my Etsy shop...I had some color requests and some custom orders, so I got all those finished and shipped...and I managed to get an assortment of 34 hearts listed. In my digitized machine embroidery library I found my favorite tiny lace heart, so I started making a small batch...I also played with some wools and made another one of my heart/flower embellished zippered pouches...and I got fabrics cut for several more sewing projects. It was a wonderful afternoon/evening and I enjoyed every minute...
Machine embroidered lace hearts for my Etsy Shop...
Tiny machine embroidered FSL hearts in progress...
Heart/flower embellished zippered wool pouch...
A Valentine project in progress...
I have one more fun thing to share with you today - last weekend my husband took me out for an afternoon...after all, it had been weeks since I had been out and about - the flu had kept me cooped up for WAY too long. We had a delightful lunch, then headed to our favorite coffee shop...then I twisted his arm (it wasn't hard) to take me to the new cupcake shop that just opened up in our neighborhood - it is called Scratch Cupcakery...and it was AMAZING! I have never seen so many beautifully decorated cupcakes in one place - and that is a good thing, as they were packed with people - we had to wait in line and I think we watched about 50 cupcakes walk out the door in the few minutes we were there. Their cupcake menu is extensive and we had a terrible time trying to narrow down our choices. We decided to pick-up four cupcakes - 2 for each...one for then and one for later...we both wanted to try Toffee...and I wanted to try White Chocolate Raspberry, but since they were sold out, I was "forced" to try Raspberry Love...and my husband tried Coconut. I must tell you - they tasted as good as they looked...the cake was rich and moist and they use real heavenly buttercream frosting - they were sinful. I am actually surprised a got a couple photos before they were devoured. For some reason, I see another trip to this scrumptious cupcake place in the near future...
Thanks for visiting me today friends! I am now headed to my cozy stitching nest to finish up the needlework small for part two of the mystery sampler...and since I have a chill, I may just have to make a hot cup of tea or coffee to warm up...enjoy your evening - and if you are experiencing winter weather, stay safe and warm...
Now that I am feeling much better, I have been playing catch-up with all things Blue Ribbon Designs...and one of the very few creative endeavors I can pursue while working at my desk is machine embroidery. My sewing table is only a few feet from my desk in my studio, so I am able to set-up and run my embroidery machine while I work at the computer. I have had many requests for more machine embroidered lace snowflakes, so I wanted to get a few sets put together for my Etsy shop...and with Valentine's Day right around the corner, I have been enjoying making machine embroidered motif and faux tatted hearts! I have actually been working on three different styles of machine embroidered hearts - motif hearts, faux tatted hearts, and faux tatted hearts with a pecot edge. Each heart measures just under 4" square...and is completely made of embroidery thread. I worked with several shades of red and pink - and added a ribbon hanger to each (which can be easily removed) so they can be tied to hang in a window or on an ornament tree...and these hearts would be great for scrapbooking, for embellishing a valentine card, for a gift tag, or for inserting in a valentine as a gift. I have listed quite an assortment of snowflakes and hearts in my Etsy shop....
Machine Embroidered Motif Hearts
Machine Embroidered Faux Tatted Hearts with Picots
Machine Embroidered Snowflakes
Although I have an overwhelming business to-do list right now, I do have some great sewing/quilting projects ready to go...I absolutely love fabric for Valentine's Day and just went into my fabric stash and pulled yardage of cute reds and pinks for a few fun ideas. Now I just have to make the time...
Today I am excited to share some details with you for the Elegant Stitch Workshop I am teaching in April...I should have had this information and photos to you (and Lois) a couple months ago, but the Mystery Sampler and the flu got in my way (I am not allowed to get sick ever again!). So better late than never...here are all sorts of details and photos of the workshop project....
I have had the concept for "Bluebird Sewing Box" in my head for months - in fact, Lois and I started talking about the design in February of 2012 at the Nashville Needlework Market - and although the design shifted and expanded over the last few months, it is exactly what I envisioned!
This cheerful sewing box comes complete with three needlework smalls. The project
includes: stitching/mounting a piece for the top of the box, stitching/mounting
a piece for inside the lid of the box, stitching/mounting a piece for the
inside base of the box and a fun felt flower closure....then there are
three adorable needlework smalls - a tiny bird shaped
pincushion, a wool felt scissor fob, and a bitty button bag.
The Walnut Hollow Basswood Box measures 8.21" L x 5.44" W x 3.33" D...and will easily hold the three needle work smalls along with your stitching treasures. The stitched design for the lid is embellished with both posy and round mother of pearl buttons (from Kelmscott Designs) and is framed with red rick rack...and there is a wool felt posy faux box latch. Inside the box you will find two stitched inserts...the stitched insert on the inside of the lid has a wool felt heart for holding project needles and three Kelmscott Designs mother of pearl thread rings and rick rack to hold project threads - the stitched insert in the base of the box has an attached ribbon to tie your scissors in place (scissors not included).
This project is stitched on 30-count Sanguine hand-dyed linen from Weeks Dye Works with Weeks Dye Works cotton floss...and, as always, your class kit includes all the supplies needed (including the Kelmscott Designs buttons and thread rings, ribbon, rick rack, mounting materials, pre-cut wool felt shapes, and even acrylic paint for the box - the color is Dark Chocolate!). The project stitches include: Cross Stitch over two linen threads, Cross Stitch over four linen threads, Smyrna Cross Stitch over two linen threads, Back Stitch, Long Straight Stitch, Satin Stitch, French or Colonial Knots, Whip Stitch, and Blanket Stitch....and in class we will discuss: preparing/painting the
wooden box for needlework, stitching instructions, all specialty stitches, finishing tips and
techniques for the box and needlework smalls, and personalizing your piece(s).
I am so THRILLED to be headed back to California and can't wait to see all my needlework friends (and hopefully make some new ones!)...there are still a few seats available for this workshop taking place on April 19-20...my last class at Elegant Stitch sold out, so if you are interested, please don't delay! You can find all the details on the Elegant Stitch website...there is a link of the front page that will get you all the information and registration form - or click here: http://www.elegantstitch.com/es_workshops.htm
Please join us - I would LOVE to meet you!
...and one last thing - before I get a million questions - this special project has been designed specifically for this workshop and will not be available to the general public until approximately one year after the event...so if you are not attending and are excited about this design, you will have to be very patient....
The Mystery Sampler Club is kicking off this week, as patterns for part one have started shipping from Norden Crafts to your favorite needlework shops! I am so excited for you to see the first installment of "Blue Jeans and Daisies".
For those of you who are not familiar with the Mystery Sampler Club - let me quickly catch you up to speed... You have to sign up with your favorite needlework shop (you can only get it through a needlework shop - your shop of choice - LNS or ONS) - they will have all the details for the program...and before you comment/post/email "I don't have a local needlework shop" - contact the shop where you purchase your stitching stash (charts and supplies)...it can be a local shop OR an online needlework shop...OR visit the "Locate" page on my website for a list of shops that will be able to assist you. There will be three parts to the "mystery sampler" - the first part (featured in this post) is shipping now - the second part will be released in February - and the third part will be released in March....together all three parts make one large sampler...with a photo of the entire project to be released with the third and final installment (hence the "mystery"). Many of you are familiar with the Lizzie Kate "Very Scary" Mystery Sampler and the With Thy Needle & Thread "Birds of a Feather" Mystery Sampler - this is the very same program.
Now that we have everyone on the same page...here is a look at part one...and a few details...
The mystery sampler is stitched on 30-count Blue Jeans hand-dyed fabric by Weeks Dye Works - this exact fabric is also available in 35-count, should you prefer a higher count linen. It is stitched with Weeks Dye Works cotton floss...and a DMC conversion is provided.
See a complete supply listing on my website: http://www.blueribbondesigns.com/BRD109A%20Specifics.html
Part one uses the following stitches (and yes, diagrams are provided): Cross Stitch over two linen threads, Back Stitch, Rhodes Heart, and Fly Stitch Variation.
The chartpack also includes part one of the Springtime Jumble. Here is a little information about the Springtime Jumble: The answer to the springtime jumble will be the password to open a mystery bonus design - this mystery bonus will be revealed on my website (http://www.blueribbondesigns.com) when the third and final mystery sampler installment is released. You will need to collect all three patterns to complete the Springtime Jumble and unlock the mystery bonus. Details can be found inside each package.
Each installment contains a fun finishing idea...and the finishing idea for part one is a scissor fob - finishing instructions are included. Use a motif from part one of the sampler (I used the Robin square) and some fabric and floss from your stash to make a springtime scissor fob!
Specifics (complete supply listings, stitch counts, stitches used, etc.) can be found on my website:
Contact your needlework shop of choice to join in the fun...or if you have questions...they will assist you with obtaining the patterns, the threads, the fabric...and they can answer questions and provide you with alternative sizes and supplies.
I hope you are excited to get started on this special springtime edition of the Mystery Sampler Club!
Happy Monday friends! I am back today with a quick post...playing catch-up. I just had to share some fun, creative, and inspiring holiday gifts that I received from my dear friend Terri. Terri always does the best themed holiday packages...this year she focused on my love for bees (with a couple other special items I have to share too!)...my PERFECT package included JABCO bee pins and a bee needle threader (and we all know I am obsessed with Just Another Button Company items)...a Teresa Layman "Beehive Pincushion Kit" (including everything needed to make an adorable beehive - even the silk ribbon flowers) - I *need* to get this put together soon...and a Lang "The Bee's Knees Classic Mug" in a wonderful decorative box!
She also included an adorable wooden redbird ornament - and the insert on the wing is cross stitching on perforated paper! So very cute...
And finally (and this is so very cool!) a Warwick Model Thimble in the shape of a teapot - I have never seen anything like this before...the top of the teapot even opens up to reveal a rounded thimble underneath. I had fun taking a close-up of this unique piece so you could see the detail...
So there you have it - a few photos (mostly relating to needlework) to inspire you! I'll be back in the next day or two with an update on the Mystery Sampler Club (Blue Jeans and Daisies Part One) and photos of the workshop project for Elegant Stitch (Bluebird Sewing Box)....I have lots of goodies to share this week!
After two weeks of being completely miserable, I am finally feeling better...I spent last night and this morning cleaning, washing, and giving everything the "Lysol treatment", hoping the flu bug is gone for good! I still have a few sinus issues - but I am functioning and getting back to work. Thank you all for your well wishes, notes, and comments - I am doing my best to get caught up on correspondence - if you have been waiting on a response from me, thank you for your patience...
A few highlights to share with you...then some creative things to inspire you!
Part one of the Mystery Sampler "Blue Jeans and Daisies" shipped to Norden Crafts last week - and they begin shipping it to needlework shops tomorrow...so those of you joining in the springtime mystery fun should have the first part of the sampler very soon! I will post a photo of part one in the near future...
I have finished the project for the Elegant Stitch Workshop being held in April - Lois will be posting the photos very soon and then I will share all the detail here! I can tell you, the project is called "Bluebird Sewing Box" - it is a wooden box with a hinged lid - you stitch a piece for the top of the box, a piece for inside the lid of the box, and a piece for the inside base of the box....then there are three adorable needlework smalls - a tiny bird shaped pincushion, a wool felt scissor fob, and a bitty button bag. I am super excited about this project and my trip to California....and there are a few seats still available - I sure hope you will join us! Stay tuned for photographs...
I am now getting to work on the project for the New England Stitcher's Retreat taking place October 4 - 7 in Enfield , NH...this class project will feature on an oval Shaker Shallow Carrier Box (11" H x 7 3/4" W x 2 3/4" D - with a 9" H handle). This special design is inspired by my research on the Shaker culture and gift drawings, the simplicity of the Shaker lifestyle, and the beauty of the autumn season. We will be stitching a padded base for the inside of the carrier box - along with several needlework smalls – giving you a unique stitched Shaker-style display. I will keep you updated on my progress...
I received my copy of The World of Cross Stitchingmagazine that features my design "Garden Sampler" - what a beautiful publication!...and I was also excited to see the latest video by The World of Cross Stitching that features my herb garden design...this video is all about using hand-dyed threads...enjoy!
Two more quick things:
Many of you have asked about my walking and training progress for the Komen 3-Day (60-miles in three days!)... with the terrible flu bug, I have been unable to do much walking lately...but I plan to get back in the swing of things this week. It is snowing today and bitter cold, so looks like I will be using the treadmill for a little bit longer - I can't wait to get outside and log many more miles in the fresh air! A huge THANK YOU to those who have made a donation supporting my walk - to date, I have raised $780.00 of my $6,000.00 goal - I am so thrilled with my progress, but still have a LONG way to go to reach my goal...I really appreciate your support! Together we can fight this disease and find a cure for breast cancer...
If you would like to learn more about the Susan G. Komen 3-Day - visit: http://www.the3day.org/
If you would like read more about why I am walking, make a donation to help me reach my goal, or see my training updates - visit: http://www.the3day.org/goto/belinda
On the sewing machine front - the parts for my sewing/embroidery machine have FINALLY arrived and I have an appointment to have my machine fixed tomorrow afternoon! I am so EXCITED - I can't wait to have "my baby" repaired and ready for hours of sewing/embroidery time. I have so many fun projects on my list and can't wait to get back to work on items for my Etsy shop. I have my fingers crossed that the new parts keep the belt in place and I will be able to enjoy hours of sewing and machine embroidery time!
Now on to a few creative photos to inspire you!
A couple weeks ago, I met my dear friend Lorrie for lunch to celebrate the holidays. Lorrie is so extremely talented and gives the BEST gifts - she is so versatile with her creative endeavors and is always working on something extremely inspiring and creative. Her gifts to me were so thoughtful and unique - I just know they will inspire you...
First up - a set of GORGEOUS patchwork placemats - Lorrie used wonderful winter fabrics that match my dining room perfectly! I love that these can be used for an elegant or casual table setting...and she sized them for the plate to fit perfectly on one side and silverware on the patchwork side. If you would like to try your hand at making a set, Lorrie has a great tutorial and information on her blog: http://www.astitcherssnippets.blogspot.com/2012/12/placemat-tutorial.html
Next - Lorrie gifted me a with LOVELY cross stitch hanging - "Gone Sledding" (design by The Sampler Girl)...I love the jute hanger and have this wonderful piece hanging in our entry on the door to our garage. She also gifted me with another one of her FABULOUS fabric pine cone ornaments - I just adore these...
Saving the biggest gift for last, Lorrie made me this incredible stitching chest - isn't it AMAZING?! After finding the small wooden chest (7.5" H) in a hobby store, Lorrie was inspired - she stained the box and drawers with walnut stain and creatively mounted a stitched piece on top (Tin Toppers: 8 Quaker Friendship by Samplers and Such). This piece is truly spectacular - and she even put gifts in the drawers - a pair of scissors and some hand-dyed ribbon and trims. I hope this will inspire you to make a unique gift for a friend!
I also wanted to share with you a gift I made for Lorrie - a special "LOVE" pin pillow. Last fall, my friend Ruth gifted me with yards (basically an entire bolt) of beautiful retired alphabet fabric (Elsie's Kitchen by Anna Griffin for Windham Fabrics) and I have been having so much fun finding special uses for it. I wanted to spell out Lorrie's name, but with each letter block measuring approximately 2" H x 2.5" W, it became larger than I wanted...so I decided to use the word "LOVE". I was thrilled with the results and look forward to making more of these fun pillows....
So there you have it - all sorts of fun information, a video, and inspiring photos! I will be back this week with photos of some more stitchy gifts from my friend Terri, photos of the workshop project for Elegant Stitch, and photos of Part One of the Mystery Sampler....
Enjoy the rest of your weekend...and stay healthy and warm!
Hello friends - I know this blog post is long overdue...and my apologies. Unfortunately, I have been under the weather with a TERRIBLE case of the flu...in fact, the girl who never slows down (who has to constantly be busy) has been in bed for eight completely miserable days. I don't ever remember being this sick, nor spending this many days out of commission - and truth be told, this blog post is being written on my laptop from the comfort of my bed...while I feel well enough to sit up and partially function, I am still pretty miserable and experiencing nasty symptoms. Thank you to everyone who has sent well wishes and comforting notes and emails my way....I am hoping to be back to "normal" soon!
I do have something fun to share with you today - I designed a special signature sampler for The World of Cross Stitching magazine and it is being featured this month in Issue #199. You can see "Garden Sampler" (I call it "Sunlight, Seeds, and Scents") on the top right corner of the magazine cover and find it inside starting on page 18. This springtime "herb garden" design uses Weeks Dye Works cotton floss on Zweigart 28-count Cashel Platinum (3281-770)...and includes the following stitches: Cross Stitch over two linen threads, Back Stitch, French (or Colonial) Knots, and Smyrna Cross Stitch. WOXS199 went on sale in the UK on Janurary 3rd...and will be available in the US soon....
