Wednesday, April 20, 2022

Project Potpourri

©Copyright 2022 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC http://www.blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com
Hi friends - happy Wednesday! Thank you for visiting...and you are here on a great day...I'm going to share a handful of finishes that have come out of the studio recently...well, maybe a few more than a handful...I have been creating daily! We all know that I like to work in quite a few mediums...and I wear numerous creative hats. Today's photos include a plethora of project bags, quilted pillows, needlework finishing, an embroidered pin pillow, an appliqued wall hanging, stitch starter ruler sleeves, mug rugs, tote bags, needle and scissor keeps, and even a tomato and a pumpkin!...and that is just a selection of projects. Some of you may be wondering why there isn't much cross stitch...well, the truth is, I am stitching a couple new design models in the evenings and you will get to see those soon (well, as soon as I get them complete - there are only so many hours in a day!). So get ready for loads of eye candy and I'll be back at the end for a few final notes...

©Copyright 2022 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC http://www.blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com

©Copyright 2022 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC http://www.blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com

©Copyright 2022 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC http://www.blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com

©Copyright 2022 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC http://www.blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com

©Copyright 2022 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC http://www.blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com

©Copyright 2022 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC http://www.blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com

©Copyright 2022 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC http://www.blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com

©Copyright 2022 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC http://www.blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com

©Copyright 2022 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC http://www.blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com

©Copyright 2022 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC http://www.blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com

©Copyright 2022 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC http://www.blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com

©Copyright 2022 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC http://www.blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com

©Copyright 2022 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC http://www.blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com

©Copyright 2022 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC http://www.blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com

©Copyright 2022 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC http://www.blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com

©Copyright 2022 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC http://www.blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com

©Copyright 2022 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC http://www.blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com

©Copyright 2022 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC http://www.blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com

©Copyright 2022 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC http://www.blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com

©Copyright 2022 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC http://www.blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com

©Copyright 2022 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC http://www.blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com

©Copyright 2022 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC http://www.blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com

©Copyright 2022 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC http://www.blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com

©Copyright 2022 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC http://www.blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com

©Copyright 2022 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC http://www.blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com

©Copyright 2022 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC http://www.blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com

©Copyright 2022 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC http://www.blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com

©Copyright 2022 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC http://www.blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com

©Copyright 2022 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC http://www.blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com

©Copyright 2022 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC http://www.blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com

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©Copyright 2022 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC http://www.blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com

©Copyright 2022 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC http://www.blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com

©Copyright 2022 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC http://www.blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com

©Copyright 2022 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC http://www.blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com

How was that for a variety? I hope you saw something that inspired you  to finish your next project!

I want to take a moment and thank everyone that sent me lovely comments and messages regarding my new website, my new quilt patterns and my class schedule. While it is hard to make time to reply to each and every message, I want you to know how much I appreciate the uplifting messages and comments. In a world that can often be negative, your kind words of support and encouragement mean so much to me. Thank you!

I am headed back to my mile long to-do list today - I will be busy in the studio. I am working hard before we take our vacation in a few days! I am very excited to take a road trip with my husband and refresh my my creative spirit. We have some wonderful things planned while we are in Fredericksburg, TX...and a good friend reminded me that I will be VERY close to The Tinsmith's Wife (how could I forget that?) in Comfort, TX (where another dear friend told me we must visit!), so that may be happening. As always, I will take TONS of photos and share a few with you.

Until my next post - create something that brings you joy! 💗

Tuesday, April 19, 2022

My Teaching Schedule for May

Hello friends - it is a sunny, springtime day here in Kansas and I hope you are enjoying a beautiful day in your corner of the world! I am stopping by to share my teaching schedule for May 2022. I have three quilting/sewing classes scheduled with The Quilted Sunflower in Spring Hill, KS...so, if you are in the Kansas City area, I hope to see you in class!

 All classes are offered through The Quilted Sunflower in Spring Hill, KS
Contact the shop to sign up:
111 South Main St.
Spring Hill, KS 66083
(913) 592-0100
Students receive a 10% discount on all supplies purchased for class(es) at The Quilted Sunflower.

Classes take place at The Creative Place, right across the street from the quilt shop.
118 South Main St.
Spring Hill, KS 66083

Blue Stitching https://www.blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com

Floral Charm Table Runner ©Copyright 2022 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC http://www.blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com
PATCHWORK Quilting 101
May 17th – 9:00-3:30
Teaching for The Quilted Sunflower
Location: The Creative Place
$40.00 Includes Patten

A class to learn the fundamentals of quilting. This is a beginner class or a great refresher class for a seasoned quilter. Class will cover basic tools/notions, fabric selection and care, rotary cutting, accurate piecing and pressing, quilt layering and basting, quilting with a walking foot and binding.

Class will cover creating two patchwork pot holders and a patchwork table runner. Plan to finish your pot holders in class and get a good start on your table runner.

Table Runner : 52″ x 16″ Pot Holders: 8″ x 8″

You must be familiar with your sewing machine and know how to thread and operate it.

Information regarding materials:
• The class fee covers the pattern.
• Details regarding the materials needed for the projects are on the back of the pattern you received when signing up for this class. You will want to bring a neutral sewing thread for piecing and a coordinating thread for quilting. I will be demonstrating machine binding using Dritz Wash Away Wonder Tape, so you may want to have that on hand, as well.

What to bring:
You will want to have your sewing machine and basic sewing supplies with you, along with the materials for the projects. The Creative Space has a couple cutting stations with cutting mats, and a couple pressing stations with irons – you’ll need to bring a rotary cutter and ruler(s). You will want to have fine sewing pins with you and if you have wonder clips and/or curved quilting safety pins, they will be beneficial. If your sewing machine has additional presser feet, such as: a patchwork foot and/or a walking foot, please have those presser feet with you. The projects can be completed without specialty presser feet, but they do make the projects easier. We will be working with multiple layers, so I would suggest a 90/14 needle (an 80/14 needle would work, as well). You may wish to have a notebook and writing utensil to take some notes.

We will have a casual break for lunch – you may want to bring lunch or snacks with you.

Before class:
You do not need to do any cutting or sewing before class, we will be covering
each step in class.

Floral Charm Table Runner and Pot Holders ©Copyright 2022 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC http://www.blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com

Blue Stitching http://www.blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com

Starflower Pillow and Pincushion Foundation Piecing 101 May 18th – 9:00-3:30 Teaching for The Quilted Sunflower Location: The Creative Place $40.00 Includes Patten  A class to learn the fundamentals of foundation piecing. This is a beginner class or a great refresher class for a seasoned quilter. Class will cover tools and paper types, cutting fabrics and using scraps, placing fabrics and trimming, working with sections, removing papers.
Foundation Piecing 101
May 18th – 9:00-3:30
Teaching for The Quilted Sunflower
Location: The Creative Place
$40.00 Includes Patten

A class to learn the fundamentals of foundation piecing. This is a beginner class or a great refresher class for a seasoned quilter. Class will cover tools and paper types, cutting fabrics and using scraps, placing fabrics and trimming, working with sections, removing papers.

Class will cover creating a foundation pieced pillow and pincushion. Plan to finish your pincushion in class and get a good start (if not finish) your pillow.

Pillow: 16″ x 16″ Pincushion 6″ x 6″

You must be familiar with your sewing machine and know how to thread and operate it.

Information regarding materials:
• The class fee covers the pattern.
• Details regarding the materials needed for the projects are on the back of the pattern you received when signing up for this class. You will want to bring a neutral sewing thread for piecing and a coordinating thread for quilting. The materials listed on the pattern will cover the class projects and some practice piecing, but you may want to bring some fabric scraps along to practice.
I will be printing and providing the foundation papers for each student on newsprint for working in class, so you do not need to copy or trace the foundations found in the pattern.

What to bring:
You will want to have your sewing machine and basic sewing supplies with you, along with the materials for the projects. The Creative Space has a couple cutting stations with cutting mats, and a couple pressing stations with irons – you’ll need to bring a rotary cutter and ruler(s). For foundation piecing, you might find it more convenient to have a personal cutting mat at your work station, along with a small iron and pressing mat. A CM Designs Add-A-Quarter Ruler (6” or 12”) will be quite beneficial (but is not a requirement). You will want to have flathead sewing pins with you and if you have wonder clips, they will be helpful. If your sewing machine has additional presser feet, such as: an open toe foot, clear foot, and/or a patchwork foot, please have those presser feet with you. The projects can be completed without specialty presser feet, but they do make the projects easier. We will be working with multiple layers, so I would suggest a 90/14 needle (an 80/14 needle would work, as well). You may wish to have a notebook and writing utensil to take some notes. Some optional items we will be discussing, and you may find quite useful: colored pencils or markers, water soluble glue pen (Sewline), paper scissors, fabric scraps, and a hand needle and thread to close the pincushion opening after turning and stuffing.

We will have a casual break for lunch – you may want to bring lunch or snacks with you.

Before class:
You do not need to do any cutting or sewing before class; however, if you wish
to cut the fabrics on pages 1 and 2 of your pattern (you will want to label
them), you will get quite a bit more done in class.

Starflower Pillow and Pincushion ©Copyright 2022 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC http://www.blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com

Blue Stitching http://www.blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com

Pretty Posies Pouch ©Copyright 2022 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC http://www.blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com
Pretty Posies Pouch
May 27th – 9:00-3:30
Teaching for The Quilted Sunflower
Location: The Creative Place
$40.00 Includes Patten

I will teach you how to create a zippered pouch from start to finish, including how to insert the zipper, how to box the bottom of the bag and how to attach the wrist strap. If you have your materials cut and ready to sew, my plan is for you to complete the pouch during the class.

Quilted Zipper pouch with Optional Wrist Strap: 9″ W x 8″ H x 2″ D

You must be familiar with your sewing machine and know how to thread and operate it.

Information regarding materials:
• The class fee covers the pattern and the hardware for the wrist strap.
• For the front of the bag (patchwork), you can use a mini charm pack (2 ½” precut squares) or cut any yardage or scraps into 2 ½” squares (jelly rolls or charm packs are easy to cut down…or I think we all probably have plenty of scraps for 20 – 2 ½” squares).
• The back of the bag is a coordinating focal print – a fat quarter works well. If you do not have a fat quarter and are getting yardage at the quilt shop, I would suggest getting 1/3 yard to cover the width needed – this will give you plenty for two or three bags.
• The interior of the bag (lining) is a coordinating print – a fat quarter works well. I suggest a light color solid/small print to be able to easily see the contents when in use. Again, if you do not have a fat quarter and are getting yardage at the quilt shop, I would suggest getting 1/3 yard to cover the width needed – this will give you plenty for two or three bags.
• Fusible fleece and fusible interfacing – see pattern for requirements.
• 12” zipper – ANY zipper with a length of 12” OR longer will work.
• 3” piece of twill tape – this is optional – you can sew a tab, use 5/8” grosgrain ribbon, or I will have a small selection of twill tape with me for class use.
• Zipper pull or charm – this is optional – the zipper doesn’t have to have a pull or charm; it is a finishing touch. Ribbon works well and I will talk about how to use leftover zipper tape (if your zipper is longer than 12”) for an easy coordinating pull.

What to bring:
You will want to have your sewing machine and basic sewing supplies with you. The Creative Space has a couple cutting stations with cutting mats (you’ll need to bring a rotary cutter and ruler), and a couple pressing stations with irons. You will want to have pins with you and if you have wonder clips, they may be beneficial. If your sewing machine has additional presser feet, such as: a patchwork foot or a zipper foot or an invisible zipper foot (or I like to use what is called a mega piping foot), please have those presser feet with you. The project can be completed without specialty presser feet, but they do make the project easier. We will be working with multiple layers, so I would suggest a 90/14 needle.

We will have a casual break for lunch – you may want to bring lunch or snacks with you.

Before class:
Please complete the cutting instructions found on page 1 of your pattern. You
do not need to do any sewing before class, but you are welcome to sew your
2½” squares together (page 2, step 1) to get a head start.

Pretty Posies Pouch ©Copyright 2022 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC http://www.blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com

Blue Stitching http://www.blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com

It has been a lot of work preparing for these three classes, but those of you who have been in my classroom before know how much I enjoy teaching. We will be adding more classes in the future - I have some really fun ideas, so stay tuned...

I have a long list for today, so after getting a bit more work done at my desk, I will be in my studio prepping some special project bags and doing some needlework finishing. I will be back one more time this week to share some recent creative finishes - there has been a lot of stitching, finishing, sewing and quilting happening in my studio and I will give you a glimpse in a day or two...

Monday, April 18, 2022

Floral Charm and Starflowers

Floral Charm and Starflower Pillow ©Copyright 2022 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC http://www.blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com
Happy Monday friends! I have two new quilt patterns to share with you today...and that is the reason for my absence the last few weeks. I have been busy designing, writing patterns and working on quilt class materials for May...I've got new cross stitch models in the works and I've also tackled a Poppie Cotton wall hanging, some needlework finishing and custom bags...and piles of Etsy items...and if you could see my to-do list, you would probably shake your head. The piles keep growing...but here I am marking another item off my list and taking a little time to blog.

I had fun coming up with the two new quilt patterns. I have been asked to do more teaching at my local quilt shop (The Quilted Sunflower) and after deciding what classes the shop would like me to teach next, I decided to design new patterns to go along with the curriculum. I will share more details on my class schedule in a future post - but today, let me introduce my new patterns...

First up is "Floral Charm Table Runner and Pot Holders" - the pattern was designed for my Patchwork Quilting 101 class. We planned for a beginner quilt class, so I wanted a project that covered all the basics - cutting, piecing, pressing, basting, binding...and I wanted a smaller project that would cover all of those in class and give each student something finished to take home...plus a larger project to start. I worked with the lovely fabric collection Beautiful Day by Corey Yoder for Moda, which is such a bright and cheerful array of fabrics. This traditional pieced pattern uses a charm pack and several cuts of yardage...and goes together quite quickly. The table runner measures 52" x 16" and the pot holders measure 8" x 8".  I am looking at a Patchwork Quilting 102 class in the future that would add triangles to the mix. This pattern is now available in my Etsy Shop for digital download...

Floral Charm Table Runner ©Copyright 2022 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC http://www.blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com

Next, is "Starflower Pillow and Pincushion" - a paper foundation pattern that will be used for my Foundation Piecing 101 class. I think foundation piecing is a skill that every quilter should have in their technique arsenal - it is great for tiny blocks, very intricate blocks, and you can get very accurate results and points. Again, I wanted a smaller project to complete in class and a larger project that the students can get mostly done (if not completely finished) in class. I really enjoy using my full scrap bins for foundation piecing, but for this pattern I used the beautiful collection Wild Iris by Holly Taylor for Moda. It uses a handful of fat quarters or 1/4 yard cuts and a 2/3 yard cut for the backs. The pillow has an envelope back and measures 16" x 16", so you can use a standard pillow form...and the pincushion measures 6" x 6". I include basic instructions for foundation piecing and the foundation patterns, plus full instructions for creating the pillow and pincushion. This pattern is also now available in my Etsy Shop for digital download...

Starflower Pillow and Pincushion ©Copyright 2022 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC http://www.blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com

Thank you so much for visiting with me today and checking out my new quilt patterns. I will be back really soon to share my upcoming class schedule and details. Plus, I am long overdue for a post featuring all the fun finishes I have had lately. I will try to get both those posts done before we go on vacation next week (yes, I am taking a week away with my husband to celebrate our 22nd wedding anniversary - we are taking a week to unplug and recharge - heading to Fredericksburg, TX). So stay tuned for more later this week...