Sugar Cookie Hoop Ornaments

Greetings friends! It is new project tutorial day - time to share my December project created for Therm O Web with you! I always enjoy putting on my Fabric Education Designer hat and creating new projects/tutorials to share with you on the Therm O Web blog. Each month, I share a fun, new project and give you my tips and tricks for using their wonderful line of fabric, craft, and sewing products. For the month of December, the blog is focused on holiday gifts, star-themed projects, photo fabric projects and ornaments. I created a brand new project that was posted yesterday - it is a complete project tutorial for my "Sugar Cookie Hoop Ornaments." My comprehensive tutorial contains a complete supply list, printable pattern with templates, and step-by-step directions with color photos. This is a quick and easy project, perfect for holiday decorating and gift giving. You can make them as simple or as complex as you like...and I provide templates for five different ornaments! These are the perfect size to tie on a package, hang on a tree, or decorate a holiday dining table. I hope you will stop by the Therm O Web blog and check out my project and tutorial...

This is an easy, happy project that is perfect for fat quarters or fat eighths or scraps. For this post, I used HeatnBond Fusible Fleece, HeatnBond Lite EZ-Print Iron-On Adhesive Sheets, SpraynBond Pattern & Stencil Spray, SpraynBond Fusible Adhesive Fabric Spray, HeatnBond Fabric Fuse PeelnStick Adhesive Sheets and Pressing Paper Fabric and Craft Sheets...plus, I give you tips for using these items! Visit the tutorial post for a complete and detailed supply list.

To find the exact wooden embroidery hoops I used, along with other supplies listed, visit my Sugar Cookie Hoop Ornaments Supply List on Amazon (full disclosure: as an Amazon Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases - I only share products I actually use - and I truly appreciate you shopping from my links, thank you!).

Are you familiar with HeatnBond Fabric Fuse PeelnStick Adhesive Sheets? PeelnStick Fabric Fuse Adhesive Sheets contain a permanent, double-sided, press-on adhesive specifically designed for fabric and patches. No sewing or ironing needed…simply press-on and go. It is machine washable and dryable... and very strong, with an instant bond. For today's project, I cut it in strips and used it to attach the gingham ribbon around the outside of the wooden hoop.

If you have questions on any ThermOWeb or HeatnBond/SpraynBond products or would like to see a specific type of product in one of my projects, drop me a comment or email.

You will have to visit the ThermOWeb blog for my complete tutorial and pattern, but I am posting a few photos here...

Here is a direct link to the project tutorial:

https://blog.thermoweb.com/sugar-cookie-hoop-ornaments-featuring-spraynbond/

I hope this project gets you excited to create something special and unique...

I am creating monthly projects for the Therm O Web blog and will be sure to post here when a new tutorial is available. My project for January is scheduled to be posted on the 15th...and I finished it up this week...a little hint, it is a Valentine's Day project....

Thank you for stopping by for a visit today - I always enjoy sharing with you. Have a great week and make time to work on something creative...

Christmas Cookies and Holiday Hearts

My cookies at the photo station...

Greetings friends! I had to stop by and visit with you again today - I wanted to share how my holiday spirits were lifted over the weekend...

My dear friend Leslie and I took a Christmas cookie decorating class and we had the best time. We had signed up for this class almost two months ago and had been anxiously awaiting the date. We took the class from a local small business owner that teaches cookie decorating classes in her home. Cindy's Cookie Co. is located in Olathe, KS...and if you are in the area, you should check her out! We arrived at 1:00 PM on Saturday afternoon for the 2-hour class. There were ten total students and she had everything set-up so nicely! We each had our own workstation with six fresh baked sugar cookies, several bags of royal icing and all the tools needed to complete our decorating. This was my first time working with royal icing and I did pretty good for a first attempt - in fact, everyone did...we had a great teacher. She gave an educational lecture on each of the tools and supplies, her tips and tricks, and where to purchase materials...we had a practice sheet to work with the icing before starting our cookies...plus she had a bottle of water and a snack at each workstation. 

The teacher's sample cookies...

My first cookies decorated with royal icing!

Once we decorated all six cookies, she had shopping set up, a station where we learned to tie bows for our cookie boxes, photo albums of her work for inspiration...even a staged photo area where we each placed our cookies for a photo op. She took pictures of each of us with our cookies...and had a gift bag for us when we departed that included a shiny new cookie cutter! It was a super fun afternoon and I am already looking forward to taking another class with her in the future. Best of all, the cookies were delicious. Goody, goody, yum, yum, yum!

Blue Ribbon Designs Newsletter

A very quick post this early morning to let you know the latest Blue Ribbon Designs Newsletter has been emailed to subscribers. This e-mail contains all the latest noteworthy news and showcases my latest pattern releases.

To read the lastest newsletter, visit: Blue Ribbon Designs Newsletter December 2023

To subscribe to my newsletter, visit: Subscribe to the BRD Newsletter 
I won't fill up your inbox - I only send a newsletter when I have actual news (new releases or products)...several times a year.

I will be back later today with a fun post sharing what I did this weekend... Thanks for stopping by for a visit!

Four Winter Wishes - New Cross Stitch

Greetings friends - I'm so happy you stopped by for a visit today!

These last couple weeks have found me in my happy place, working on new patterns and designs. Today, I am here to share my latest cross stitch pattern release, "Four Winter Wishes." If you have been following along, then you know this is my fifth pattern release in the last two weeks - two cross stitch patterns and three quilting patterns!

My heart has been smiling while working on all sorts of creative projects - so let's talk about the latest one. Yes, it's another NEW cross stitch release alert! I just listed another winter/holiday cross stitch design called "Four Winter Wishes" and it is available in both paper pattern and digital format in my Etsy shop. Here are a few more details...

Four Winter Wishes (BRD-135)

This set of four winter/holiday designs is in a traditional sampler format - and includes both Cross Stitch Over-One and Cross Stitch Over-Two...and some Back Stitches (if finished, as shown). I finished these four designs as ornaments with a beaded edge, but they work perfectly as bowl fillers, finished with your favorite method...they would also look lovely as small framed designs. The fifteen-page pattern contains charting for the Four Winter Wishes counted cross stitch designs (in color and black and white), stitching instructions, stitch diagrams, personalization page, enlarged Cross Stitch Over-One charts, and complete finishing instructions (to finish as shown). Models are stitched with Weeks Dye Works Cotton Floss (DMC conversions included) on 32-count Examplar from Lakeside Linens, but most any neutral fabric will do...just make sure the white snowflakes will be visible. 

Digital Pattern: https://blueribbondesigns.etsy.com/listing/1625845067
Paper Pattern: https://blueribbondesigns.etsy.com/listing/1611661922

I really hope you like this winter/holiday/Christmas design - I found my joy working on this special pattern!

I have another new cross stitch model in the works and two more quilting/sewing patterns, as well...so stay tuned for those...

...and, I have needlework finishing and custom work to complete for clients...piles of sewing to complete for my Etsy shop...and another project tutorial for the ThermOWeb blog that will be available December 20th, so I will be back to visit with you again before you know it! 

Thanks for stopping by today and for always being so supportive of my creativity...💗

Farmstead Finds - NEW Quilt Pattern

Greeting friends - happy Friday! I am back today with yet another new quilt pattern release...yes, my friends, I have been quite busy this week, getting more new patterns written. I want to thank you for your enthusiastic response to my latest cross stitch and quilting designs - the kind words have been very encouraging. 

This pattern has been a LONG time in the making. Those who know me well, know that I have wanted to convert many of my cross stitch designs and motifs to quilting patterns....this has been on my BRD bucket list for years! I have created a couple quilts from my cross stitch designs in the last year or two, but this is the first one I am releasing as a pattern for purchase. The special blocks in this quilt were created by converting four of my cross stitch motifs from some of my classic gameboard designs. I am calling this quilted wall hanging/throw quilt "Farmstead Finds." 

This quilt measures 42" x 42" and I added hanging pockets on the back to make it easy to display. I used a fat quarter stack of Prairie Sisters Homestead from Poppie Cotton, along with several Farmhouse Favorites (Country Confetti in Marshmallow White for the background and Country Confetti in Waffle Cone for sashing and binding...plus Gingham Picnic in Grass for the flower stems and strawberry hull)....but the pattern is written to use your favorite fabric collection. One of the reasons this pattern has been in the works for a few months is the amount of details and number of graphics I had to create - this pattern is 35-pages...yes, 35-pages of color images! Each block has step by step instructions and diagrams...and since it is all traditional quilting, I believe that even a beginner could tackle it. It is precut friendly and is great for fat quarters, charm packs and a small amount of yardage.

Paper Pattern: https://blueribbondesigns.etsy.com/listing/1609839334
Digital Pattern: https://blueribbondesigns.etsy.com/listing/1624014727

Thank you so much for visiting with me today and checking out my new quilt pattern. I will be back REALLY SOON to share another new cross stitch pattern release. Plus, I am long overdue for a post featuring all the fun finishes I have had lately. I am also putting the finishing touches on my December tutorial for the Therm O Web blog - it is a holiday project and will be posted on their blog on December 20th, just in time for last minute gifts. I also hope to have a newsletter ready to send in the next week...and if I can fit in in, a new FlossTube video...so stay tuned, more from BRD soon!

All Spruced Up - New Cross Stitch

Greetings friends - I'm so happy you stopped by for a visit today!

First of all, thank you so much for the super sweet comments and messages regarding my recent quilt patterns and ThermOWeb design tutorials - I am so thrilled you like my designs! I look forward to sharing more patterns and tutorials with you in the coming months...

I have been crazy busy working on all sorts of creative projects, while fighting a yearly cold/flu that has moved to my chest with a bag cough - but enough of that - let's get to the happy news! Today, I am here to tell you all about one of those projects....yes, it's a NEW cross stitch design alert! I just released a brand new winter/holiday cross stitch design called "All Spruced Up" and it is available in both paper pattern and digital format in my Etsy shop. Here are a few more details...

All Spruced Up (BRD-134)

Introducing the fifth set of Rick Rack Rounds!

Just like it's predecessors Sweet Slice of Liberty, Hitchin' A Ride, Sunflower Delivery, and Perched on a Pincushion, these have a stitch count of 48" x 48" and are stitched on 32-count fabric, measuring 3 1/4" round. I stitched "All Spruced Up" (named for the pine trees and the little details I added on these three) on 32-count Sand Dune by Lakeside Linens with Sulky 12 Wt. Cotton Petites (DMC equivalents are also provided). You can use almost any neutral fabric color for these winter beauties (just make sure your white floss will show) and pick your favorite cheerful floss colors. 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 (or trim of your choice) - I used hand-dyed rick rack from Lady Dot Creates. For a little added detail, I added a few fun, optional embellishments: a mini pom-pom to the bird's hat (you could use wool or wool roving), red and white baker's twine to the reindeer's tree, and a floss bow to the wreath on on the gingerbread house...these tiny details make me HAPPY! Rick Rack Rounds make great bowl fillers or could be finished as seasonal ornaments. The pattern comes with a plethora of creative ideas! I filmed a comprehensive FlossTube video showing how to do the finishing on these, you can find it here: https://youtu.be/YkBe77naAZI. These winter/holiday-themed rounds are quick to stitch and easy to finish...and more seasonal/holiday Rick Rack Rounds are on the way!

Paper pattern: https://blueribbondesigns.etsy.com/listing/1616743073

Digital pattern: https://blueribbondesigns.etsy.com/listing/1602577212

I really hope you like this new winter/holiday/Christmas inspired design - I found my joy working on this special set!

I have another new cross stitch design in the works and three more quilting/sewing patterns, as well...so stay tuned for those...

...and, I have needlework finishing and custom work to complete for clients...piles of sewing to complete for my Etsy shop...and another project tutorial for the ThermOWeb blog that will be available in December, so I will be back to visit with you again before you know it! 

Thanks for stopping by today and for always being so supportive of my creativity...💗

Sweet Treat Mini Stocking

Greetings friends! It is new project tutorial day - time to share my November post for the Therm O Web Blog with you! I always enjoy putting on my Fabric Education Designer hat and creating new projects/tutorials to share with you on their popular blog (Therm O Web are the makers of all those wonderful HeatnBond and SpraynBond products). Each month, I share a fun, new project and give you my tips and tricks for using their products. For the month of November, the blog is focused on holiday gifts, along with Christmas and winter ideas. I created a brand new project that was posted yesterday - it is a complete project tutorial for my "Sweet Treat Mini Stocking." My comprehensive tutorial contains a complete supply list, printable pattern with templates, and step-by-step directions with color photos. This is a quick and easy project, perfect for holiday decorating and gift giving. If you think sewing a stocking may be a bit complex, then this is the project for you; these simple, step-by-step instructions will have you making your own stocking(s) in no time! These are the perfect size to tie on a package, hang on a tree, or hold a gift card and/or holiday treats. I hope you will stop by the Therm O Web blog and check out my project and tutorial...

This is a joy-filled sewing project that is perfect for fat quarters or fat eighths or scraps. For this post, I used HeatnBond Fusible Fleece, HeatnBond Medium Weight Non-Woven Fusible Interfacing, SpraynBond Pattern & Stencil Spray, and a Pressing Paper Fabric and Craft Sheet...plus, I give you tips for using these items! Visit the tutorial post for a complete and detailed supply list.

Are you familiar with SpraynBond Pattern & Stencil Spray? I know I have talked about this product before, but it is so impressive, I am sharing it again. I use this for every project I create with paper templates - I even keep an extra bottle on hand, as it makes working with paper templates so much easier! SpraynBond Pattern & Stencil Spray is a temporary, light-tack adhesive for fabric that will hold patterns down, keep stencils in place and can be used on rulers to keep the cutting guide straight. Pattern & Stencil Adhesive is repositionable, re-usable and does not leave that icky residue on fabrics. The templates I provide for today's tutorial can be printed on regular printer paper and used with SpraynBond Pattern & Stencil Spray to easily cut out your stockings (no tracing the templates or using pins or tape to hold the templates in place).

If you have questions on any ThermOWeb HeatnBond products or would like to see a specific type of product in one of my projects, drop me a comment or email.

You will have to visit the ThermOWeb blog for my complete tutorial and pattern, but I am posting a few photos here...

Here is a direct link to the project tutorial:

https://blog.thermoweb.com/sweet-treat-mini-stocking-featuring-heatnbond/

I hope this project gets you excited to create something special and unique...

I am creating monthly projects for the ThermOWeb blog and will be sure to post here, when I do...my project for December is scheduled to be posted on December 20th...and I am working on another very fun holiday idea!

Thank you for stopping by for a visit today - I always enjoy sharing with you. Enjoy the rest of your week and make time to work on something creative...

Big Blooms - New Pattern Available

Greeting friends! I am back today with yet another new quilt pattern release...and I still have three more new designs I am working on. I want to thank you for your enthusiastic response to my "Big Blooms" large table runner (or bed runner) design. To those who commented and contacted me with such kind and positive words, you made my heart happy (once again!). I have written a pattern and it is available in my Etsy Shop in both paper and digital format...

“Big Blooms" is machine appliqué with traditional piecing and assembly. It measures 24" x 64" and fits my large farmhouse table - it would also be a lovely bed runner or wall hanging. The pattern contains basic machine appliqué instructions, appliqué templates, and comprehensive/detailed instructions with all sorts of color diagrams. This 13-page pattern is designed to use your favorite fabric collection and works great with precuts.

The model was created with a fat quarter stack of Hide & Seek by Snippets of Whimsy for Poppie Cotton (available at quilt shops now) and 1-1/4 yards Country Confetti (Heavy Cream Cream) from Poppie Cotton, plus HeatnBond Lite Iron-On Adhesive, backing fabric and batting. The pattern gives a nice breakdown of materials, should you want to use a charm pack or precuts...or change fabric collections.

Paper Pattern: https://blueribbondesigns.etsy.com/listing/1611372045
Digital Pattern: https://blueribbondesigns.etsy.com/listing/1597211682

This runner brings so much happiness to my kitchen table...and I can envision it created with several other fabric collections (I better get busy!). I hope you will spend a little time in your sewing space making a "Big Blooms" runner that fits your personality and decor.

For now, I am back to the design table - I have several more quilt patterns in the works and a cross stitch model in progress. I will be back later this week with my latest tutorial for Therm O Web...and it is a quick and easy holiday project you won't want to miss!