Happiness = New Cross Stitch Designs

Hello friends! I have so much to share today...I am not really sure where to start...but I guess I will begin with a big THANK YOU! I am overwhelmed by the positive and kind comments regarding my last couple posts - it is not always easy to share when I am struggling, but you have all provided me with comfort. I truly appreciate all the uplifting messages - I replied to many of you, but some of you are marked "no reply", so I have no way to contact you directly...just know you are appreciated. I am still trying to focus my energy on tasks and work while I am in "my funk", so as you will be able to tell from this post, I have been quite productive...

Three new cross stitch designs have been listed in my Etsy Shop...and I feel extremely blessed by the enthusiastic response on social media. I hope you can feel the love and joy I put into each piece. It feels good sharing new cross stitch designs, even if they are in a different format. I feel like I wasted so much time trying to fit into the "industry mold" of how things are supposed to be done...and now that I am doing what works best for me and my small business, my creativity is flowing. As I mentioned in previous posts, 2021 is the year for "finding my worth" and putting out new designs on my own terms is a HUGE step for me! I am learning daily...and I now realize that there is no mold that my business has to fit into - I need to make my own mold. Today is a great day - I have put more of my artwork out into the world - I have found my joy...and I am crossing my fingers theses new designs will be well received and I can continue to pursue my passion...

Without further ado, here are the new releses. Each one is available in my Etsy Shop in digital download format. Each design includes charting in both color AND black and white - that way, if you are printing, you can save ink and print the black and white version OR if you are stitching from a device, you can use the color chart...the best of both worlds. Each design also includes full finishing instructions.

First up is "Sweet Slice of Liberty"...this is the first design in my new series "Rick Rack Rounds" (yes, there will be more of these in the future...in fact - spoiler alert - the Halloween Rounds are currently in my design software!). These have a stitch count of 48" x 48" and stitched on 32-count fabric measure 3 1/4" round. I stitched them on 32-count Light Examplar by Lakeside Linens with Sulky 12 Wt. Cotton Petites, but almost any fabric color will work for these red, white and blue beauties...and the DMC equivalents are provided. The pattern includes complete finishing instructions for my Rick Rack Rounds - and you can insert pins as I did...or they look great with just the rick rack. These make great bowl fillers or could be finished as seasonal ornaments. The pattern comes with a plethora creative ideas! If there is interest, I may film a FlossTube video showing how to do the finishing on these - let me know if that is something you would like to see...
Visit https://www.etsy.com/listing/1028614966 for more information.

My second new release is titled "Pink Positive." This uplifting sampler design was originally created as a fundraiser years ago - after quite a bit of interest, I have decided to give it a makeover and release it in my regular collection. This is a signature Blue Ribbon Designs counted cross stitch sampler with finishing instructions for the quilted wall hanging and a pin pillow. It was the perfect time to revamp this pattern - right now, I think we can all use the positive message in this design - I definitely felt the urge to hang it up in a place of prominence in my studio! The models are stitched on 35-count Linen (yes, Linen is the color) hand-dyed fabric from Weeks Dye Works and I used Weeks Dye Works Cotton Floss...again, you can use your favorite neutral fabric and DMC equivalents are provided. This design has a very special place in my heart and I am excited to release it in my regular collection...
Visit https://www.etsy.com/listing/1042823783 for more information.

Last, but definitely not least, is "Sunlight, Seeds, and Scents" - an herb garden signature style Blue Ribbon Design! Some of you may recognize this design - it was originally in a UK magazine publication (many years ago), but I have put it in a fancy frame and designed needlework smalls to coordinate with it. You can stitch the entire sampler, or select some of your favorite motifs for smaller projects. This design is stitched on Zweigart 28-count Cashel Platinum (3281-770) with Weeks Dye Works Cotton Floss (DMC equivalents are included). Complete finishing instructions are included for the scissor fob and pins & needle keep. I thoroughly enjoyed creating the pins & needle keep - it is a new finishing concept I created - holding pins on one side, needles on the other. The  sections in this design are the perfect size for bowl fillers...and a couple would be perfect for a small framed designs...you could even make a lovely selection of ornaments. The full design would look great in a tray, on a box top or as a quilted wall hanging. My signature samplers are created in sections that look good together or on their own - with each option having extensive stitching and finishing possibilities...and this design definitely hits those marks!
Visit https://www.etsy.com/listing/1029152154 for more information.

Front of Scissor Fob
Pins Side of Pins & Needles Keep

Back of Scissor Fob
Needles Side of the Pins & Needles Keep

I truly hope one or all of these new designs will speak to you...and you will find joy in stitching one for yourself or a friend! I am already working on more new cross stitch releases - seriously, I have piles (yes, piles!) in the works...so if these are well-received, I will continue to bring you pieces that make my heart happy.

A couple other notes:

I have been slowly be converting my vintage cross stitch designs to digital download format and listing them as I go - ten have already been listed in my Etsy Shop. If you have a favorite you would like to see available in PDF format, send me a message or drop me a comment.

Also I am doing some work on the Blue Ribbon Designs website. There were some glitches after a recent software update and I am working to make things a bit easier to navigate. For the next couple weeks, you may notice some of the menus are missing or a few cosmetic issues, but know I am in the process of making some changes behind the scenes. Thank you for your patience. I have already updated my website with the new design images and details. I am still working on listing the digital designs for sale on my website (there is a learning curve), so for now, visit my Etsy Shop to purchase the new designs...

Finally - I will be filming a new FlossTube video this week...so look for that in the future. I will share/discuss the new designs and catch you up with all the creative things happening in my studio...you can find my YouTube Channel here: 
https://www.youtube.com/c/BelindaKarlsNace

Thank you so much for visiting with me today and sharing in my happiness...I hope you are inspired by this post to work on something that brings you joy!

A Creative Boost

Hello friends. My words will be short today, with a lot of (maybe too many) photos. Truth is - I don't really have many positive things to say today and I like to keep it as happy here as possible. It is one of those days when I am questioning my life choices, my friendships, my goals, and how I want to proceed with different aspects going forward - I'm pretty sure we all have "those days" when everything is a bigger deal than it needs to be...and things are more emotional than normal. I'm learning I need to recognize and remove the negatives in my life (people and things)…and the list of negatives has been overwhelming lately. Rather than delve into the gigantic mess of me contemplating life, let's talk about the creative things that have been happening in my studio. Like I mentioned in my last post, I have been working on client orders and getting what I have on hand done and shipped out, so I can focus on my own designs and pieces that bring me joy. My finishing piles are getting somewhat manageable and I almost feel like I can breathe (and after this extremely frustrating week, I have no plans of taking on any more needlework finishing in the foreseeable future). The photos in this post are all projects I have done for clients and two gifts I created for friends (which are noted)…project bag sewing and cross stitch finishing. The cross stitch is not my stitching or my designs, just my finishing work - even though I always mention this, today a client subtly let me know that the likes and comments I receive on my photos are not based on my detailed (and many times unique) finishing work, but the original stitching and designs...ouch! If I have details on a design, I will post it with my image...oh, and I guess one of these cross stitch finishes IS actually my own stitching and design and all of the bags are finished in my own style/my own sewing pattern. I hope you enjoy this picture heavy post and are inspired to pick up your stitching, sewing or needlework finishing project...

Hands On Design - Love My Stitching
My own personal project bag pattern.

Brenda Gervais/WTNT - Coming to America Project Bag Panel
Heart & Hand Project Bag Panel
and Stitchers Rule Project Bag Panel
All finished in my own style.

 Country Cottage Needleworks - Snow Love

Brenda Gervais/WTNT - Coming to America Project Bag Panel
Heart & Hand Project Bag Panel
Stitcher's Lingo Word Play Project Bag Panel
Winter Rose Manor Project Bag Panel
and Stitchers Rule Project Bag Panel
All finished in my own style.

Glendon Place - City Sidewalks

Country Cottage Needleworks - Popsicle Cart (Snow Village 6)

Notforgotten Farm - Sewing Strawberry

Notforgotten Farm - Patriotic Strawberry

Brenda Gervais/WTNT - Winter Rose Manor Project Bag Panel
Finished in my own style.

Lucy Beam - Coverlet Needlebook (Outside)

Lucy Beam - Coverlet Needlebook (Inside)

Homespun Elegance - Merry Noel Sampler Santa

Blue Ribbon Designs (yes, that's me!) - Under My Wing
This is my stitching, my finishing and my pattern.
Created for a gift.

Brenda Gervais/WTNT - Winter Rose Manor Project Bag Panel
and Stitchers Rule Project Bag Panel
Both finished in my own style.

Lucy Beam - Eyelet Sampler

Pineberry Lane - A Sprig of Holly

Brenda Gervais/WTNT - Coming to America Project Bag Panel
Heart & Hand Project Bag Panel
Stitcher's Lingo Word Play Project Bag Panel
Winter Rose Manor Project Bag Panel
and Stitchers Rule Project Bag Panel
All finished in my own style.

Brenda Gervais/WTNT - Merry & Minty

Blue Ribbon Designs (yes - that's me!) - Cosmetic Bag
My own design - created for a gift.

Brenda Gervais/WTNT - Stitcher's Lingo Word Play Project Bag Panel
Finished in my own style.

Stacy Nesh - Little Redwork Pinkeep
This is a two-sided pinkeep - top of photo is front, bottom shows front and back.

The Little Stitcher - Christmas Light (free pattern)

Little House Needleworks - Merry Skater

La-D-Da - Louisa Clark

Erica Michaels - Be Well Berry, Sunshine Berry, Give More Berry

Brenda Gervais/WTNT - L. Genders 1875
Top - Bookmark Sewing Roll - Open
Bottom - Bookmark Sewing Roll - Rolled Up

I actually have more photos, but I think that is enough for today - whew! Time for a very late lunch and to give myself a much needed attitude adjustment. Thanks for visiting with me - I hope today's post sparked your creativity and gives you a boost to finish one of your creative works...happy sewing and stitching!

Real Talk & A Long Overdue Update

Greeting friends! I know it has been a while since my last post...and real talk - it is because I have been struggling...and when I am struggling, I close off into my own little work bubble and focus on tasks. I truly believe that happiness is something we create and when I am blue (or in this case heartbroken), rather than mope and/or cry, I work...I dive deep into studio projects, cleaning, yardwork...anything to keep me busy enough not to be sad. I hibernate - I stay away from people and focus on anything that will give me a sense of accomplishment. A couple months ago, Kansas was starting to feel like home and my creativity was blooming...but these last several weeks have truly been a test, both personally and professionally.

I removed my last blog post in mid-May, a couple days after I shared it...it was my Full Heart Farm Quilt for the Poppie Cotton Fabric Tour...and to be honest, I just left it sitting in my drafts trying to decide what to do with it. I have always been very honest with my readers and do my best to keep it real here. If you have visited my blog before, then you know that creativity is in the foundation of who I am - I have been designing cross stitch and quilt patterns for nearly 20-years and have been in the industry for almost 23-years. Like most artists and designers, I have my own style and it is recognizable. 

Before I share a bit more on this subject - a few details: I have been working with Poppie Cotton (a fabric company) for quite some time, creating for their Fabric Tours - they send me a fat quarter stack of a new fabric collection (at no charge) months before release and I design and play with it. I take photos of my projects to help showcase their fabrics - I do this for personal satisfaction and enjoyment and they do not pay me. I just love their fabric collections and working with them brings me joy. I send them the images of my projects and I post here and on all my social media accounts to raise awareness and excitement for their new fabric lines. If I make any money from these projects, it is because of consumer interest in my design(s) and I write a pattern for purchase, listing Poppie Cotton as a fabric source. When I am working on my projects, I have no idea what other creators are making, like I said I am usually working on my ideas months before the fabric is even released. 

My Full Heart Farm Wall Hanging (shown in my last post, which I am reactivating, but removing links and details about a pattern) was created in my normal fashion - I sat down with a fat quarter stack from the Poppie Cotton Farm Girls Unite fabric collection, uploaded fabric swatch images into EQ8 Quilt Design Software and designed my sampler quilt....doing what I always do - creating from the theme of the fabric and design motifs.

I was extremely proud of this quilt - I spent days upon days designing and creating my wall hanging (as my regular readers know, I am a pleaser and perfectionist and put my whole heart into each project - I wanted it to be something Poppie Cotton would be proud to share). Since any work I do is a reflection on my Blue Ribbon Designs brand, I give 110%, no matter what.

Several days after I made my original post, I received a message from Lori at Poppie Cotton saying my quilt had "definite similarities" to a quilt they designed for the same collection. It went on to say "we know how hard it is to be unique in the creative industry but striving to be unique really does validate our creativity" and [we] "would only hope you are true to your process." Basically challenging my creativity, my idea, my uniqueness, my process and my design/professional integrity....and it all came from someone I admired in the industry. Probably the worst words an artist can ever hear.

As someone who has struggled to make ends meet for many years because of the passion I have for all things done with a needle and thread, there are not words to tell you how heartbroken I was by these words. I have spent 20-years of my life building my brand with my own original designs. I deal with stealing of my ideas/designs and copyright infringement on a daily basis. Had I known any of the elements I was including in my quilt were being used by another creator, I would have steered far away from them, definitely not copied them. I know the artist the I am...and I know I have always been true to my process...and I know I put my heart and soul into every single project...but it still hurts...it hurts bad. I found myself trying to defend who I am as an artist and that is the lowest place to be...I found myself struggling.

When I received the message and removed my posts, I had not seen the quilt they designed....and after searching, I could only find a partial image of it (now a full image and pattern have been released). The two quilts have a couple of block element similarities, but (in my opinion) they are VERY different. While, their Amazing Grace quilt is truly lovely and a work of art, it is not really my style...so I am not sure why those specific words were sent to me. I am not trying to downplay Lori's feelings - she feels differently and I cannot change or control that. I have spent days over-thinking this situation and analyzing her words (yep, we all know that is me). I will continue to be cheerleader for Poppie Cotton and I definitely want them to succeed...but going forward, I'll just be doing it silently with a heavy heart.

I guess I am explaining all of this, because I need to lighten my load - clear the air - let this go and forget about it. I've let it rent a space in my mind for too long. I know a new opportunity will come along that will give my creativity wings - one where my uniqueness and creativity are appreciated and my joy can shine. I'll keep working on my own designs - cross stitch and quilting - and releasing them on my own terms for those who love and respect my work. This new speed bump is just pushing me down another path. My heart will mend and I'll find my true happy place again. For now, I find myself focusing on tasks and projects...reflecting and renewing my spirit.

Yes, new cross stitch designs are on the way - I apologize they are taking longer than planned - in fact, I am trying to get all the needlework finishing work I have done and off my plate, so I can focus on my own designs. That is my task right now - my mind numbing project - needlework finishing orders. There was a time when needlework finishing brought me so much joy - but I can honestly say after a conversation with a client last week, I don't know if  needlework finishing is something I will continue - if I do, it will be for a very limited number of clients...and those are clients who trust my abilities, let me be creative, give me minimal instruction and don't insult me (especially when they ask my advice and don't like the answer). I do have a very small handful of clients that I love working with and the projects they send are enjoyable (you know who you are)…but for the most part, I have learned that needlework finishing is a thankless job that takes loads of time and supplies and makes me pennies on the hour...and these projects are definitely not lucrative enough (creatively or financially) for me to be treated unkindly or disrespectfully. Another life lesson...I seem to be learning a lot of them lately.

To bring some happiness into this post - we had a lovely vacation at the end of April/beginning of May in the Smokey Mountains. Our secluded cabin was incredible and we took advantage of the the outdoor fireplace, hot tub, game room and jacuzzi. We did a lot of outdoor sightseeing, just breathing in the fresh mountain air. We relaxed and refreshed our spirits. We did take in a few of the local sights and a couple touristy things - but for the most past, we used the time to slow down, unplug and be outdoors. I did take some great photos and may or may not do a long-overdue blog post sharing them.

The photos in this post are of my front yard flower garden and the flower pots on my porch. My dear friend Kimber gave me a gift certificate for Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds for my birthday and I decided to try planting seeds in all my pots this year - something I have never done before. I guess my momma's green thumb and advice has nurtured me, because all my seeds sprouted and are blooming and growing...and it has truly been a highlight for me the last few weeks. My mom gets daily texts from me with photos sharing my excitement...and I have shared a few photos on my Instagram story. We also completed a big landscaping project in our backyard last weekend. Another note of happy - we finally purchased some patio furniture, installed a fabulous privacy screen on our patio...and installed a storm door, so the dogs can enjoy a view of the front yard (but mostly because it keeps them contained when the doorbell rings)…

I have a million and one creative photos to share (well, maybe not a million, but there are over 11,000 images on my iPhone right now - true story)...so I'll make time to share some of my finishes with you...and maybe when I feel a bit more myself, I will post a new FlossTube video...some wounds of the heart just take a little longer to heal. Rest assured, things are buzzing along in my studio...and I be back to share more happy, creative posts soon!