A Day in the Shade

My husband has some time off work this week, so we made plans to go to our local Blank Park Zoo. We are blessed to have a lovely zoo only minutes away...and since we have a membership, we try to make it there several times a year. Too bad today we are in the middle of a terrible heatwave...we left bright and early and were there first thing in the morning, but the heat was brutal. A lot of the outdoor exhibits were quiet today, and many of the animals were trying to stay in the shade, as it is over 100 degrees, yet again. I did manage to take quite a few photographs (as I always do)...here is just a small sampling of some of my favorites...

Chilean Flamingos

River Otter

Baby Wallaby

Baby Wallaby

One-legged Cattle Egret

Black-tailed Prairie Dog

Inquisitive Giraffe

So now that I am back home, I am a busy little bee...my embroidery machine is humming along (working on some new Halloween freestanding lace ornaments for my Etsy shop - so cute!)...the top of my desk is almost visible....and the new BRD Halloween designs have shipped to needlework shops. I have a pile of sewing projects cut and ready for assembly and I just finished kitting fabric and threads for a new needlework model...yep, I have plenty to keep me busy and inside (with air conditioning)!

"Mischief at Midnight"

Like I mentioned in my last post, this coming Wednesday I start shipping the two new Halloween designs to needlework shops that participate in my automatic program...I am THRILLED to have two very unique Halloween pieces ready for you! Today I will tell you all about "Mischief at Midnight" (BRD-113)...and you can read the previous post to find out all about "Through The Trees" (BRD-112).

"Mischief at Midnight" is a Halloween needlework tray and matching needlework smalls. This spooky design features a Halloween scene in the base of the tray (design also suitable for framing, should the finishing scare you off)...the inside walls of the tray feature stars, bats, and ghosts...the outside walls of the tray feature a fence surrounding the entire scene (with a few jack-o-lanterns, owls, and spiders). The gate for the fence is a removable needlebook (attached with hidden magnets)...and there is a coordinating pinkeep and scissor fob to complete your needlework tray set. The tray measures approximately 8.5" x 8.5" when using the suggested 30-count linen (all measurements, instructions, and the needlebook template included in the chartpack are for 30-count linen - if you adjust your linen count, you will need to make the necessary adjustments to the finishing measurements).

Each piece is stitched with Weeks Dye Works cotton floss on Weeks Dye Works 30-count Tigers Eye hand over-dyed linen. Colors include:  Carrot, Chestnut, Galvanized, Grits, Hazelnut, Kohl, Moss, Sweet Potato, and Whiskey.

Needlework tray with needlbook gate attached and needlework smalls inside...

Stitches include:  Cross Stitch over two linen threads, Cross Stitch over one linen thread (optional), Back Stitch, Smyrna Cross Stitch, Whip Stitch, and your choice of Basketweave Tent Stitch, Continental Tent Stitch, or Half Cross Tent Stitch (diagrams for all stitches are included). The chartpack is extensive at 19 pages plus the cover and includes: charting for each of the four pieces, stitch diagrams, stitching instructions, complete finishing instructions for the tray and all three needlework smalls, needlebook template, and an alphabet/numbers for personalization.

Needlework tray with needlebook gate....

Needlework smalls...

Open needlebook gate...

Tray without smalls - base design suitable for framing....

For additional photos, visit: http://www.blueribbondesigns.com/Mischief%20at%20Midnight.html
For more details and a complete supply list, visit: http://www.blueribbondesigns.com/BRD113%20Specifics.html

Expect this new Halloween design, along with "Through the Trees", to start arriving in needlework shops the first week of September!

"Through The Trees"

This coming Wednesday I start shipping the two new Halloween designs to shops that participate in my automatic program...I am super excited to have two very unique Halloween pieces ready for you! Today I will tell you all about "Through The Trees" (BRD-112)...then we will talk about "Mischief at Midnight" in the next couple days.

"Through The Trees" is a framed design and two coordinating needlework smalls (a pin pillow and scissor fob). This spooky design with an original verse contains an assortment of specialty stitches, including: Cross Stitch over-two linen threads, Back Stitch, Four-Sided Stitch, Long-Armed Cross Stitch, Smyrna Cross Stitch, Nun Stitch, Tent Stitch, Cross Stitch with Bar, Point Croise Stitch (Double Back Stitch), Long Straight Stitch, French or Colonial Knots (minimal) - stitching diagrams and instructions are included in the chartpack. The charting also contains complete finishing instructions for the scissor fob and pin pillow with place for scissor attachment. The models were stitched on 32-count Tundra hand-dyed fabric from Lakeside Linens...but I would also suggest Weeks Dye Works Dolphin (a little darker grey) or Weeks Dye Works Dove (a little more green) for a good Halloween look. I used Weeks Dye Works cotton floss, but as always, DMC conversions are provided....and those cute little scissors you see attached to the pin pillow model (which are NOT included with the chart) are Primitive Little Gems by Kelmscott Designs.

You can find a complete supply list and all the details on my website:
http://www.blueribbondesigns.com/BRD112%20Specifics.html

Expect this new Halloween design to start arriving in needlework shops the first week of September!

A Touch of Autumn

Here are a couple photos of my latest batch of pincushions. The top and bottom of each tuffet is patchwork with rick rack and a button, making these pincushions reversible...the patchwork fabric is Posh Pumpkins by Sandy Gervais for Moda...and the pincushion sides are Jolly Jungle Foliage by The Henry Studio for Makower UK. I dressed up these four-patch tuffets with coordinating rick rack and buttons...and embellished each one with three decorative pins. These are now listed in my Etsy shop...along with several others I posted about in the last few weeks. I have more quilting/sewing projects in the works and hope to have additional goodies to show you soon!

For now, I am off to the Blue Ribbon Designs "warehouse" to bag charts and prepare the new Halloween designs for shipment...I can't believe they start shipping next week...

A "Funky Tree" Fundraiser

Class Model - "Funky Tree"

Last night I had the pleasure of attending a fundraiser for 5k for 5charitites organized by my dear friend Mary. The event took place at The Social Canvas and raised money for five fabulous organizations (Children & Families of Iowa, YESS, Iowa Department of Corrections Victim Advisory Council, Mid Iowa SART, and Blank Children's Hospital). The room was full of supporters/painters and the project for the evening was called "Funky Tree"...we had so much fun!! The Social Canvas provided the project idea, canvas, paint, brushes, apron, and easel - along with fun music, an instructor, and a beverage bar (complete with wine and cocktails)....and there were even some treats provided by our wonderful host! The instructor talks you through the painting, step-by-step...from start to finish - but everyone is encouraged to take their own path while working on their masterpiece. As you can probably tell, this project would not be something I would normally choose - it is not really my style...but it was actually quite fun to work on something outside of my creative box...something whimsical and modern - and it was for such a great cause. A marvelous time was had by all...and everyone took home a brand new piece of artwork (each one was special and unique)!

Model/project samples on the wall at The Social Canvas...

Model/project samples on the wall at The Social Canvas...

My very dear friends Lorrie and Mary - I ADORE this photo...

My blank canvas...ready to be decorated...

The instructor's area before we got started...

The backgrounds for our "Funky Tree" - mine is on the far left...

Me with my painting in progress...

Our finished trees! L-R: Belinda, Lorrie, and Mary

Mary with her co-workers and their masterpieces...

Me with my finished "work of art"...

It was a fun-filled evening with good friends for a great cause...and we got to be creative...who could ask for more?!

My Creative World...

There is a lot going on in my creative world right now. I just released two new Blue Ribbon Designs for August...I am bagging and preparing two new Halloween Designs for September...and I have two new autumn designs ready for October. Plus, I am stitching models for two holiday designs - hopefully for a November release. I have an area all set-up downstairs where I have been bagging thousands of charts...and now I am waiting for more bags to arrive, so I can continue. I have also been scheduling some sewing time into my days, preparing and designing new items for my Etsy shop. I started working on some new patchwork pincushions...and this time they are square...and I am working on a prototype for a rectangular one that will also hold a pair of scissors. In my spare time, I am drafting a pattern for a special needle case that will hold packages of needles...and a clear-front zipper pouch that allows you to see the contents inside...I even have a few sketches of some small appliqué pieces I want to try. In the next few days, I hope to start listing some new items...

This is a peek at some of the pincushions I finished over the last couple days...the patchwork "four patches" are made from the Whimsy Collection by Joanna Figueroa, Fig Tree & Co. for Moda...and the white/floral sides are the Lovely Collection by Sandy Gervais for Moda. I used fun jumbo rick rack and buttons to embellish each one...and they are reversible, with both the top and the bottom of each pincushion being patchwork. I am working on these using several other fabric collections...and I have pulled both Halloween and autumn fabrics. Each one measures 4.5" x 4.5" x 1.5". Look for these to be listed in my Etsy shop later this week...

For now, I am off to walk Simba and then Schatzi...afterwards, I hope to do some sewing...and finally some late night model stitching...

Overwhelmingly Blessed...

I am feeling overwhelmingly blessed today. There must be some sort of friendship intuition happening for me this week, because I have been surprised (and choked up) multiple times this week. Most of you know I have been busy training for the Komen 3-Day Event (60-miles in 3 days) taking place in San Diego this coming November...I am so excited to be walking 60-miles with my fabulous Twinkle Toes teammates to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research and education. You, my friends, have overwhelmed me with your generous donations and messages - my heart is full. To date my fundraising efforts have reached an incredible $5765...that is 77% of my goal, with 99 days to go...I am so unbelievably touched by your outpouring of support and encouragement!

I am also choked up about two surprises that arrived on my doorstep this week. First, I received a brand new pair of shoes...yes, I said shoes (aren't they AWESOME?!)...and I honestly can't tell you how much these were needed. These shoes are usually good for 350-400 walking miles...and my current pair had approximately 600-650 (maybe more) miles on them...and yes, I was planning on replacing them in the very near future, but these shoes come with a price tag and I have been saving my pennies. About a week and a half ago, after a 10+ mile walk, I removed my shoes to have a large open blister on the back of my foot...I had completely worn the material down on the inside of the heel of my shoe and had no idea how bad it was rubbing until I took off my shoe to find a blood soaked sock. Needless to say, I had to take a week off training to let it heal. So, when these new shoes arrived on my doorstep, I squealed like a little girl - they came when I needed them the most...and left me completely speechless. Then today, I received another surprise in the mail...an aerosol spray of TRISLIDE. I have not tried this product before, but I am always up for anything that will stop hotspots and blisters from forming on my feet. I usually use Body Glide, but can't wait to try this TRISLIDE and see how effective it is!...what an extremely thoughtful gift. I also received an e-mail from a dear friend asking me what was on my list of needs for the walk, because she wants to send me a care package...seriously, I am so very thankful. I am truly touched by all the love and support coming my way...

When I started this journey, I knew it would be challenging, I knew it would be costly (shoes, airline tickets, gear, hotel, the list goes on and on), and I knew it would be time consuming (my average walks are 2 - 3 hours)...but I knew in my heart this was something I needed/wanted to do. I had no idea how I was going to raise the required funds to walk or how I was going to afford the needed gear and travel...but with the love and support of my friends, my goal has become obtainable. You are all incredible...and so very special...thank you.

For those of you wanting to know more about my exclusive needlework design for this worthy cause ("Red Rosies and Pink Posies"), it will be available until November...and you can read all about it here:
http://blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com/2013/07/red-rosies-and-pink-posies.html

I'm now off for a Thursday evening walk...I must break in my fancy new kicks and try out the TRISLIDE...I hear the fresh air calling my name...

Something Sweet & Simple

I like to bake from scratch...I thoroughly enjoy my time in the kitchen, especially when I am baking. Funny things is, I am not much on eating baked goods, just making them....which works out well for my husband, friends, and local nursing home residents. Although I rarely use a mix, I couldn't help but pick-up a couple of the summertime flavor cake mixes from Pillsbury...seriously...who can resist flavors like Orangesicle, Pink Lemonade, and Key Lime?? If anything, I figured I would have a couple on hand when I needed a quick pick-me-up or sugar fix. Well, tonight was that night...after the stresses of the day and mowing the lawn, I needed a little something sweet and some caffeine...so I grabbed the Orangesicle Cake Mix and coordinating Creamy Supreme Frosting...

Yep, the one for me has sugar crystal sprinkles...because I am a girlie girl and I love sprinkles! I must admit, event though I used a cake mix, these are pretty scrumptious...I may have to get a few more for the pantry...it was the perfect pick-me-up and easy peasy!

It's All About The Fabric

Are you familiar with Amy Friend's blog "During Quiet Time"...well, if you are not, you should be! Amy's blog is always full of fun sewing/quilting tutorials and amazing paper piecing patterns - I enjoy her creative ideas and interesting posts...she is continually working on the best projects. Recently Amy moved her blog...and when she did, she had a fabulous giveaway...and (believe it or not) I was the recipient of a fabulous fat quarter pack from Sew Me A Song on Etsy. Yep, I was the LUCKY winner of a FQ bundle of six Yuwa prints....and they are perfect for me! Plus, I think Sew Me A Song is going to be my new favorite Etsy shop to find unique fabrics (I've already marked her shop as a favorite and have a GIANT wish list)...she specializes in Japanese and contemporary cloth...and she has lots of those sought after texty/wordy prints that seem to be all the rage right now. I love to do fussy cutting, so her selection of fabrics are right up my alley. I am trying to decide how to use these inspiring fabrics that arrived in my mailbox this week (again, I am a lucky girl!)...maybe a new journal cover...what do you think - any creative ideas for me??

I have been diligently trying to use fabrics in my stash and cut down on quilty purchases...in fact, I haven't done very much stash enhancement this year (which is why it was AWESOME to win some new prints), but yesterday I met my girlfriends at a favorite local quilt shop and "my arm was twisted" to make a few purchases. They had the Moda pre-cuts for Nature's Basket, the new fabric line by Blackbird Designs, so I had to purchase a couple charm packs to use for items in my Etsy shop...although the colors are pretty much identical to their Blueberry Crumb Cake line, the prints were fresh and new...and when yardage is available, I will definitely have to add some to my shopping cart...

I also fell in love with Winter's Lane by Kate & Birdie Paper Co. for Moda - I picked up several fat quarters and a charm pack in this lovely collection; they will be perfect for winter decorating...I can see a few pillows and maybe a table runner in this lovely collection of prints...

Finally - I picked up a couple new fat quarters from the Esprit De Noel Collection by the French General for Moda...I would have liked to purchase more, but I was doing my best to stay within a budget... after all, who can resist French General fabrics - these two were my favorites (left). I also picked up a fat quarter from The Sweet Things Collection by Holly Holderman for Lakehouse Dry Goods (right)...because it was just too cute to resist...purple gingham birds and rick rack flower stems...seriously...if money was readily available, I would buy this entire collection...totally adorable!

Yes, I definitely have plenty of inspiration for some weekend sewing/quilting...now to make the time. I have some Blue Ribbon Designs work I *must* attend to, but then I am planning for some "me time"...plus I still have more quilting to do on the April project I shared with you last week. So, for now, I am off to do a little work, then I have some afternoon time scheduled with my husband...he is taking me out for sushi at one of our favorite places. Enjoy your weekend...take a little time to do something "just for you"....