Halloween Treats...

Although we are in the midst of a very HOT summer, it looks like many of you are working on autumn and Halloween projects. I always enjoy checking out creative blogs and social media to see what my fellow stitchers and quilters are working on and I keep seeing fall projects popping up everywhere - perhaps you are all ahead of the game OR perhaps thoughts of autumn and winter are keeping you cool during the heatwave...OR maybe it is the release of the 2015 Just CrossStitch Special Halloween Collector's Issue. This annual issue is quite impressive with 55 spooky designs...and it looks like there is something for everyone - including Blue Ribbon Designs fans - yep, I have two (yes, TWO) spooktacular design sets in this issue!

You can find my "Tricks or Treats Bags" starting on page 37. This fun duo of easy-to-finish treat bags are quick-to-stitch and even more fun to fill. The idea behind this project is to fill the "bag of treats" with candy/treats (of course!) and fill the "bag of tricks" with fun printed slips of paper adorned Halloween jokes and riddles. Each cross stitch design is attached to the front of a bag as a pocket...the finishing is truly simple and I provided instructions. Each flat bag measures approximately 6.5" W x 11.5" H with the stitched design measuring approximately 3.5" W x 5" H....and the bags are tied closed with coordinating ribbon. I stitched the models on 28-count Platinum Cashel linen from Zweigart with The Gentle Art Sampler Threads...and DMC Cotton Floss conversions are provided.

Next, you can find my "Halloween Portraits" starting on page 55. This is a set of eight feather tree ornaments...each featuring a Halloween motif. They are quick and fun to stitch with each having a stitch count of 27 W x 27 H. These were stitched on 35-count Baby's Breath Linen from Weeks Dye Works with Weeks Dye Works Hand Over Dyed Floss (DMC conversions are provided)...and they were pillow finished with black twisted cord and embellished with 1/16" ribbon. I have designed several other sets of feather tree ornaments to accommodate additional holidays, so look for those in the future from Blue Ribbon Designs!     

          

Luck me, I stitched these designs in November/December of 2014, so I am truly ready for Halloween 2015!

....AND look for another special Blue Ribbon Designs Halloween project in the The World of Cross Stitching Magazine - Issue 233 (on sale in the UK August 13)...more details coming soon....

....AND I have a feature project in the October 2015 issue of Just Cross Stitch Magazine...I can't wait for you to see it...

Currently, I am stitching the model for my 2015 Komen 3-Day exclusive fundraising chart...it is coming along beautifully and I hope it will be worth the wait! I have passed the halfway point, so I will have more information and photos for you soon...