Welcoming the New Year

 As we welcome the new year, I'm taking a look back at the last 365 days...it sure has been a year of ups and downs...2014 was full of triumphs, challenges, growing pains, and new directions. Thank you for contributing to the success of Blue Ribbon Designs and for your support, encouragement, and loyalty - there are many talented designers/finishers/teachers out there...and a vast amount of needlework and quilting patterns to choose from - I sincerely thank you for welcoming my designs and allowing my dream to be a reality. I truly love sharing my creativity and I hope you will continue to receive my designs with open arms and share in my passion for all things done with needle and thread. As we advance into 2015, I have many goals (too many to list) and a good amount of projects in the works...a pile of creative design ideas and exciting plans for the future. Thank you for allowing me to pursue my passion!

Here's a look back at just of few of the designs and items I created in 2014...and my studio tables are FULL of new things for 2015...

As 2014 comes to a close, I would like to thank you for supporting Blue Ribbon Designs and my blogging journey. You continue to inspire me with your creativity, kindness, and generous spirits - BRD would not be possible without you. In preparation for 2015, take a moment to reflect on the past year and the many blessings bestowed upon you...and be sure to take a look at all the beautiful stitching, sewing, and crafting projects you have accomplished. I wish you a happy, healthy 2015 filled with joy, laughter, and creativity!

Comfort and Joy

It's been a quiet week in our household...we enjoyed a small Christmas celebration/dinner with my husband's parents...and other than that, it has business as usual. For some reason, I basically skipped Christmas this year (which is unlike me)...I usually thoroughly enjoy making and sending gifts and cards, but this year, it just didn't happen. I spent the weeks leading up to the holidays working on some gigantic project deadlines and I still have a table full of custom and finishing work to complete. I am taking this afternoon to work on a couple small gifts...so the fun squirrel card I received from my "sister" in NH (shown right) is exactly how I feel! I did receive some VERY fun surprises from faraway friends across the country and they know how much I truly appreciate them and the gift of their friendship...I am a very blessed girl...and they know one day something special will show up in their mailbox from me. My sewing table and stitching nest have been overflowing with creativity and although I can't show you the projects I have been working on just yet, here are some photos of things that are currently inspiring me and making me smile....

How awesome is this memo/memory board and clips??
It was made for me by a very dear friend...

Yep - that's a cross stitch squirrel on a tiny sled...and some beautiful
fat quarters...I'm in love...

Sometimes a gift from a faraway friend brings happy tears to your eyes...
this is "so me"...isn't it perfect?!

A custom project in the works...I've used this Riley Blake fabric
before - it makes me happy!

GORGEOUS Jan Mullen fabrics from a new friend in WA - don't they
immediately brighten your mood? I haven't been able to shop for fabrics
in a while so receiving this fun assortment was a TREAT!

Working on a custom stitching wallet - the last one I will be able to make in these
cheerful  fabrics...good thing my stash is full of many other fabulous fabrics!

I hope the Christmas holiday was magical for you and filled with family, friends, and festivities!

In closing today, I want to take a moment and thank each and every one of you who has continually supported the many avenues of Blue Ribbon Designs - your love and encouragement bring me joy on a daily basis. As a designer, I put my heart and soul out there for everyone to see and you always receive it with such kindness and generosity - thank you from the bottom of my heart - your support is truly a gift.

Winter Whirlwind

Wow...I can't believe it has been two weeks since my last post - where has the time gone?? To be honest, the last couple weeks have been a whirlwind of work deadlines and I've barely had time to breathe....but it's all good GREAT, because I am still pursuing my passion...

In the Christmas department - there is no news. This year it is a quiet holiday...in fact, I have joked that I have canceled Christmas...to be honest, I have been so focused on work obligations that I haven't even thought of decorating, baking, shopping, wrapping, caroling, or cards. This year is a first for me - I haven't had a chance to make one single gift or send one single package (which is something I really enjoy). Those who know me well understand - I'm definitely not bah humbug, I'm just taking a break from Christmas...

In the stitching department, I have been working on (believe it or not) Halloween designs for Just CrossStitch magazine...these designs will be published in 2015. Obviously I can't share them just yet...but here is a teaser of one of them...I have several more designs and ornaments to complete for JCS...lots of fun things are on the way...

...and since I can't show you my upcoming designs, here is a peek at what is in my personal stitching basket...Winter Wonderland by Blackbird Designs....

In the fun mail department - I have received a couple AMAZING Christmas packages with wonderful wrapped gifts (which I am saving until Christmas)...my fabulous friends who sent them had no way of knowing that I had cancelled Christmas...they'll be waiting a wee bit longer this year for a package from me. I also received the coveted Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks mug - woo hoo! - the designers who participate in the special 100 Blocks issue each receive one...who knew how fun it would be to drink out of a mug with one of my block designs on it - it is my current favorite thing!

In the kids department...we had a few clear days last week, and the snow has melted away, so Schatzi and I have been stopping at the park on our early morning walks for a few rousing games of fetch...and Simba is still looking for sunshine (which is rare this time of year) or a warm lap....

In the sewing and quilting department...my machine was purring all week long and filled with deadlines...unfortunately, I can't show you any of the finished products as they are for AccuQuilt, a magazine, and several customers...but here are a few peeks...

I can't wait to share some of these pieces with you...they are so much FUN! This coming week, I have more special projects to do, contracted designing, more magazine designs, some needlework finishing, and some customer projects (window coverings, project bags, and wall hangings) - it will be another full week and that is fine with me! Tonight I am cleaning up the studio so I can get started on list...

...but I do plan to take a couple hours off to watch a movie with my husband and enjoy a nice glass of wine. Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Saturday Smiles

I'm not sure where the last couple weeks disappeared to....seriously, has anyone seen them? Although my days seem to be a blur, my business is busy, which is a HUGE blessing! We've had snow...Thanksgiving...and I have been working on piles of projects (including: needlework finishing, custom sewing/quilting projects, cross stitch designs/models for JCS magazine, a design/model for a major quilting magazine, new designs and projects for AccuQuilt, new Blue Ribbon Designs cross stitch and quilting patterns, and Etsy pieces)...and if I can make time, I may be able to work on a few gifts before Christmas (although, doubtful - dear friends please be super patient with me - Christmas may pass me by before I come up for air!). As always, my list is long, but fortunately, I LOVE most of the tasks that need to be done...and if I didn't have my growing list, I would surely forget something...so, I apologize if my blog has seemed neglected - please know, it is on my list daily too...

Here is a quick photo tour of my blurred days...including some things that are making me smile...

A look out our back window...

Miss Schatzi LOVES the snow - she will play in it for hours...
here she is watching over me while I shovel and snow blow...

Custom sewing...

A surprise gift from a very dear friend...

The Thanksgiving chef (Travis's mother)...she made an
AMAZING meal!

Custom sewing/quilting for a customer...

Custom sewing/quilting for a customer...

Custom sewing/quilting for a customer...

Custom sewing/quilting for a customer...

Fabric inspiration - two of which are lovely gifts from friends...

My new favorite beverage cup from my "sister" in New Hampshire...
because it IS all about the squirrel...and who can't use "advice from
a squirrel"...this makes me SO happy!

So there you have it...a very quick weekend wrap-up. I'm having fun in my studio - keeping up with my dear friends and family - enjoying the winter weather...and I am even able to wear "real" shoes and walk daily again...I am happy and blessed!

Weekly Wrap-up and Winners

Things have been a bit of a whirlwind this week, as I have taken on quite a few freelance jobs and custom orders...plus I have been completing more needlework finishing jobs in time for the holidays. I am knee deep in several large projects - including more designs for AccuQuilt (yay!), a new design model for a quilting magazine, several cross stitch designs/models for Just CrossStitch magazine (woohoo!), and several unique custom sewing and quilting projects for customers...oh, and the needlework finishing too! I feel very blessed to have a list of creative jobs to keep me busy...I have a prioritized list and I am steadily working through each item...and if I plan things out just right, I can make a little time for new Etsy projects (I have some really cute ideas for my shop). Someone please wave the magic wand and give me just a few more hours in each day! Here is a little peek at some of the custom needlework finishing I completed this week...

"The Sowing Sampler" designed by Lori Brechlin/Notforgotten Farm
for The Prim Sister's Club/Country Sampler
Finished into a 14" pillow...

"Warm Hearts" by The Trilogy
Finished into a hanging pillow with pom pom trim....

"Christmas Trees II" (#87) by The Prairie Schooler (thanks for the info Robin!)
Finished into a large project bag...

...and let's end today's post with a little good news for a couple of my blog visitors! My Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks Blog Tour Giveaway has ended and the two recipients have been contacted...

The recipient of the copy of Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Vol. 10 magazine coming directly from my friends at Quiltmaker magazine is:

Lee Ann L., who commented:

Besides quilting/sewing, I enjoy cross-stitching and making beaded ornaments and jewelry. I also enjoy camping and reading.

Your block is awesome! Congrats!

The recipient of the "pre-cut block package" with all the pieces needed to make one "4 Corners of Happy" block in the same fabrics as my magazine submission, along with one copy of the magazine is:

Rachell, who commented:

oh my, right up my alley! Stars and traditional blocks, with a twist! I'm always looking to learn new skills, so adding applique to a block is great for me. I would be lucky indeed to win your prize!

I learned how to cross-stitch at a very early age, before I could use a sewing machine. I've done latch-hook rugs, a bit of toll painting, painting ornaments, and lots of other things. I sew clothes and home dec items, cross-stitch, bake, love to read, and of course I'm obsessed with quilting! I love to dance, like ballroom and latin and country.

Congratulations to the recipients....and thanks to everyone who visited my blog during the 100 Blocks Blog Tour and left a comment - I thoroughly enjoyed reading about your hobbies, pastimes, and creative endeavors!

Lastly, I thought I would share a little slideshow of some of the Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks (including mine!) that Quiltmaker Magazine posted on Instagram...enjoy!

Another snazzy sampling of Quiltmaker's #100blocks Volume 10. On newsstands now or visit quiltandsewshop.com.

A video posted by Quiltmaker Magazine (@quiltmakermag) on Nov 11, 2014 at 11:10am PST

Four Corners of Happy: Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks Blog Tour

Greetings friends, fans, and blog hoppers - I am thrilled to be one of the stops on day four of Quiltmker's 100 Blocks Blog Tour. This quilty blog hop is celebrating the release of Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Vol. 10...and if you are doing the math (10 volumes x 100 blocks), then you know this collector's edition marks the milestone of 1,000 original quilt blocks! To say I am excited to be a part of this special issue for the first time would be an understatement - I am such a HUGE fan, collecting the 100 block issues over the years...and I am honored to be in the company of so many quilt designers that I admire.

If you are visiting my blog for the first time - welcome! Let me introduce myself...my name is Belinda Karls-Nace (don't let the little typo in the magazine fool you, as they misspelled my last name) and I am a counted thread needlework designer, teacher, and professional finisher by trade (Blue Ribbon Designs). I picked up my first needle at the young age of six (and made my first quilt around the age of eight) and have been designing professionally in the Cross Stitch industry for over 10 years. I am completely obsessed with just about anything created with a needle and thread - and when I am not working on my original cross stitch designs, I find sheer enjoyment sewing and quilting...and in the very near future, I will be adding my sewing and quilting patterns to my brand (along with patterns that combine my love of handwork and quilting). I am an enormous AccuQuilt fan, proudly owning three of their fabric cutters and a wide assortment of cutting dies...and I am lucky enough to do some freelance designing and sample piecing/quilting for them, as well. My blog follows my creative journey - including needlework, sewing, quilting, and machine embroidery...my handcrafted Etsy items...my original designs and patterns...tips and tricks...pretty much anything that inspires me...I hope you enjoy your stay and visit often!

"4 Corners of Happy"

My original quilt block for this special issue is called "4 Corners of Happy" - it is block #944 and can be found on page 40 (and on the cover!!). My regular readers know I love to combine traditional piecing with machine appliqué, so creating this cheerful block just came naturally. This entire block is AccuQuilt GO! friendly...and for those of you wanting to take advantage of the cutting dies I used, here is a complete list:

• 55000 (Square - 6.5")
• 55022 (Square - 2")  
• 55002 (Triangle 4 7/8")
• 55009 (Half Square - 3" Finished Triangle)
• 55319 (Half Square - 1.5" Finished Triangle)
• 55045 (Rose of Sharon)
• 55382 (Rose of Sharon #2)

I like to audition my original blocks in multiples, with other traditional blocks, and with solid blocks to make sure they can be versatile...I also like to design blocks that will work well in a number of colorways. This particular block just happens to be a great scrap buster block! I had fun playing with this design in EQ7 and creating several pieces to show it off...here is how it would look in a table runner...

Since this is a 12" finished block, I decided it would make a great bright and cozy pillow...I simply added 2 1/2" strips on all four sides and added an envelope back...perfect for a 16" square pillow form...

Thank you so much for visiting my blog and sharing in my enthusiasm...and as a reward, I have a couple giveaway prizes!

• Quiltmaker Magazine is giving away a copy of Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Vol. 10 magazine to one of my lucky readers...

• I have put together one "pre-cut block package" with all the pieces needed to make one "4 Corners of Happy" block in the same fabrics as my magazine submission, along with one copy of the magazine. I die cut all the pieces on my AccuQuilt GO! Fabric Cutter and the applique shapes even have paper-backed fusible web attached for quicker piecing...the recipient of this prize can have their block put together in no time!

NOTE: THIS GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED AND WINNERS HAVE BEEN CONTACTED.

For a chance to win one of these prizes, simply leave me a single comment telling me about the hobbies you enjoy - I would love to hear what types of projects you like to work on.... 
To be eligible, you must include your e-mail address or have your e-mail address visible in your profile - international entries are welcome - you must leave a comment, no e-mail entries will be accepted. The giveaway is open until 11:59 PM CST Friday, November 21, 2014 and the two prize recipients will be announced on Saturday, November 22, 2014. No prize substitutions. Good luck...

Make sure you look for Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Vol. 10, on newsstands now...it's the issue with the purple blue band across the top of the cover. To find links to all the other blog tour stops, to read all about the other 99 blocks, and to have the opportunity to win a plethora of fabulous prizes, stop by the Quiltmaker Magazine blog:
http://www.quiltmaker.com/blogs/quiltypleasures/

Thanks for stopping by - I hope you will return again soon!