Travel Time

I  am headed off to the Dominican Republic for a wedding, plus a little rest and relaxation - I'll be off the grid until next week, enjoying good times with friends...so, this is my short public service/housekeeping announcement....

While I am out of my office/studio, I will have very limited access to correspondence (I will be out of the country), so please be patient if you send me a message/comment/inquiry that requires a response. All shippable items will be deactivated in my Etsy Shop. Shippable items (paper patterns/charts, project bags, Stitch Starter Rulers, etc.) will return on Monday, May 6th. All digital items will continue to be available. I will respond to all messages, comments and emails in the order received on May 6th. Thank you for your patience!

I'm sure I'll be back to blog soon, when (I'm guessing) I will have TONS of fun and creative things to share with you! Have a wonderful
week/weekend....

BRD 20th Celebration Giveaway Week 4

Greetings friends and welcome. It's another exciting week in the month of April and time for my 4th (and final) giveaway of the month. Friday, April 5th marked the official 20th Anniversary of Blue Ribbon Designs and I am celebrating all month long with a BIG giveaway each week...AND I've had a few surprises too (read previous posts to find two new free designs)! To everyone that has supported my small business over the last 20-years, THANK YOU!

Simply follow the guidelines to enter for a chance to win this week’s prize pack! 

✂️This week you will need to enter via the Rafflecopter form below. There are a handful of ways to get entries this week (please know I will be verifying information). One prize pack winner will be selected randomly from all eligible entries. Start by entering your e-mail address and name (or log-in through Facebook) - we will not save, use, or share your email - it will only be used to contact the winner. The options for entry will then appear - you can receive up to 12 entries/person - you may chose to enter through all the options or just one or two.

✂️This week, since I have AMAZING prize sponsors that will be shipping items, you must have a United States address to be eligible. A HUGE thank you to Poppie Cotton, Therm O Web, and Lady Dot Creates! Please visit and follow these incredible sponsors for creative content (and you get an entry for each one - see the Rafflecopter form below)!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

THIS WEEK'S PRIZE:

Cosmic Cottage Pincushion Prize Package

Everything needed to create a handful of Cosmic Cottage Pincushions...one for yourself and some to give/gift/share...these are the exact items I used to create the model for my pattern...

✂️ One Fat Quarter Bundle of Fabrics (Moodbeam Dreams designed by Amanda Grace Design for Poppie Cotton) provided by Poppie Cotton.

✂️ One $50 Therm O Web Gift Card (for use on thermoweb.com) provided by Therm O Web.

✂️ One package of Hand-Dyed Rick Rack (color: Birds Nest), one package of Hand-Dyed Pom Poms (color: Sandy Gold), and one package Hand-Dyed Twill Tape (color: Vintage Ruler) from Lady Dot Creates provided by Lady Dot Creates.

✂️ Cosmic Cottage Pincushion Pattern by Blue Ribbon Designs (I will include the color quilt pattern, with the foundation block printed on a StitchnSew EZ Print Quilt Block Sheet from Therm O Web - my favorite base for foundation quilt blocks...and I will include several 1/4" buttons!

While you won't receive my personal pincushion model, you will get everything listed on the pattern (and more!) to create a plethora of pincushions for yourself and a friend or two! The Moonbeam Dreams Fat Quarter Bundle has 21 prints, so you will have all sorts of lovely fabric...and the Therm O Web gift card will cover the StitchnSew EZ Print Quilt Block Sheets, HeatnBond Medium Weight Non-Woven Fusible Interfacing, and Fusible Fleece, with plenty leftover for some additional items! Plus you will receive THREE packages of hand-dyed trim from Lady Dot Creates and I will send you a color printed pattern with the foundation block printed on a StitchnSew EZ Print Quilt Block Sheet and a few 1/4" buttons...I'd say that is definitely worth entering for....

One winner will be chosen randomly from all eligible entries.

The giveaway will run from 12:00 AM on April 22, 2024 until Sunday, April 28, 2024 11:59 PM.

...and don't be discouraged if you don't win the prize pack - you can download my Cosmic Cottage Pincushion pattern for FREE. The pattern can be found here:
https://blueribbondesigns.com/free-charts/

GOOD LUCK  TO ALL! 🎉

Cosmic Cottage Pincushion - New Free Pattern

Greetings friends - thank you for visiting with me today. As you know, I am celebrating the 20th Anniversary of Blue Ribbon Designs this month, with a giveaway each week (four total) and a few surprises. Today I'm here to share a 2nd surprise...another brand new free pattern! I want to say thank you for your kind support over the last 20 years...and what better way to do that, than to design another new complimentary pattern - this one is for my sewing and quilting friends/fans.

This is a celebratory one and I am calling it "Cosmic Cottage Pincushion." This unique pincushion has a hidden/secret pocket to hold your scissors. ✀ I had so much fun creating this new original pattern. It is a blend of foundation piecing and traditional piecing...and will truly brighten up your stitching nest! The fabric I used is from the Moonbeam Dreams collection by Amanda Grace Design for Poppie Cotton....and of course, I used some of my very favorite Therm O Web products. For embellishments, I used Hand-dyed Rick Rack, Hand-Dyed Pom Poms, and Hand-Dyed Ruler Twill Tape, all from my favorite Lady Dot Creates!...plus I added a 1/4" button for the cottage doorknob. The printable color pattern is five pages, including my Cosmic Cottage quilt block foundation. You will need basic foundation piecing knowledge, but it is a simple pattern that a beginner can handle and comes together quickly! I stuffed my pincushion with a mix of fiberfill and sawdust and had fun pulling some decorative pins from my collection to adorn it.

You can find the printable PDF chart here:

https://blueribbondesigns.com/free-charts/

I kindly ask you do not post the actual pattern on the Internet/social media or on Pinterest - instead, post a photo of the finished piece and/or direct users to this post or my website.

Some of you may recognize this fabric collection - this anniversary pincushion is made from the same fabrics I used for my "Flutter and Flower" Sewing Machine Dust Cover and Sewing Machine Mat Pattern.
You can find the digital pattern here: https://blueribbondesigns.etsy.com/listing/1607789751
You can find the paper pattern here: https://blueribbondesigns.etsy.com/listing/1607784455

I have also added a post to my Amazon Shop, where you can find the exact tools and supplies I used to create my pincushion (full disclosure: as an Amazon Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases - I only share products I actually use - and I truly appreciate you visiting and/or shopping from my links, thank you!): https://www.amazon.com/shop/brdgirl

For those who have kindly asked if they could purchase the Cosmic Cottage Pincushion pattern (💗), I ask you talk about my designs with your quilty/stitching friends (spread the word about Blue Ribbon Designs) and/or visit my Etsy Shop to make a purchase...or you can Buy Me a Coffee or shop at Amazon via my link...it is definitely not required or necessary, but truly appreciated - thank you for supporting my creativity and valuing my artistry!💕

Finally - if you plan to sew up a "Cosmic Cottage Pincushion,"  I hope you will share an image of your progress or finished pincushion on social media and tag me, so I can see it.

Enjoy and sew/quilt it with happiness in your heart!

Oh and one more thing, if you have read this far and you like the Cosmic Cottage Pincushion, you are going to want to return on Monday to enter my (fourth and final) 20th Anniversary Giveaway...it is one you won't want to miss!!🎉

Patchwork Pocket Organizer with Treasured Threadz

Greetings friends! It is new project tutorial day - time to share my April 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 new project and you give you my tips and tricks for using their wonderful line of fabric, craft, and sewing products. For the month of April, I am excited to be a part of a collaboration with Therm O Web and Treasured Threadz. I created a brand new project that was posted yesterday - it is a complete project tutorial for my "Patchwork Pocket Organizer." My comprehensive tutorial contains a complete supply list, printable pattern with appliqué templates, and step-by-step directions with color photos. This is a fast and easy project, perfect for a fun afternoon of sewing/quilting. I hope you will stop by the Therm O Web blog and check out my project and tutorial...

If you are like me, then you are a HUGE fan of Amy Barickman...and for those of you who don't know Amy, she is the founder of Indygo Junction...and together with the artists she has helped discover and launch, released over 1000 patterns and published 80 books. Amy and I have a bit in common - her mother owned one of my very favorite shops in Valley Junction (West Des Moines, IA), just minutes from my Iowa home of many years. Kansas City is home for Amy...and of course, Kansas City is now home for me. We also both share a love of vintage treasures, fabrics, notions, books and patterns. So, imagine my excitement when Therm O Web planned a collaboration with Amy Barickman/Treasured Threadz this month!

This month, along with Therm O Web products, I also worked with a GORGEOUS Treasured Threadz Fabric Panel (Quilt Block Fabric Panel - Postage Stamp Retro) and Treasured Threadz Favorite Fabric Stabilizer.

A little about these products:

Treasured Threadz™ Fabric Panels are designed especially for sewing, quilting and embellishing projects. Curated and designed by Amy Barickman using her collection of rare vintage art, textiles and quilts, Treasured Threadz Fabric Panels are a shortcut to creating your own unique style. Upcycle thrift-shop finds, refresh favorites from your closet or make entirely new clothing, accessories and home décor. 

Treasured Threadz Fabric Panels are 100% cotton, measure 14”x44” and feature faux patchwork and original collaged art ideal for applique and small projects, plus embroidery, quilting, stitching and collage techniques. Every panel purchase includes exclusive QR Code Content: three original PDF patterns, video tutorials and a digital Look Book that features 25+ pages of project ideas and creative inspiration. 

For an extra layer of stability, use Treasured Threadz Favorite Fusible Stabilizer, a low-loft fusible batting designed for hand quilting and embroidery projects. Treasured Threadz is distributed by Colonial Patterns.

....and here is a wonderful introduction video from Amy, definitely worth a watch... 

This month, for my Therm O Web post, I worked with a Treasured Threadz Fabric Panel and Treasured Threadz Fusible Stabilizer, in conjunction with several of my favorite HeatnBond products. I combined them to create my Patchwork Pocket Organizer, which is the perfect project for an afternoon of sewing and quilting. I added some fun machine appliqué and button embellishments. Visit the tutorial post on the Therm O Web Blog for a complete and detailed supply list, along with the pattern and templates.

To find the small quilt hanger I used for my organzier, along with some of the other supplies/tools listed, visit my Patchwork Pocket Organizer 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!).

If you have questions on any Therm O Web 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/patchwork-pocket-organizer/

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

I encourage you to visit Amy Barickman's website and look through her patterns and books (many of which are in my collection!)...you can find PDF patterns and PDF books on her website...and print versions of her books are available on Amazon. If you haven't checked out her book "Amy Barickman's Vintage Notions," you are missing out - it is a favorite in my library!

I am creating monthly projects for the Therm O Web Blog and I will be sure to post here when I have a new tutorial available. My next project will be available on May 14th...

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...

Visit the Therm O Web Blog for a chance to win!
https://blog.thermoweb.com/category/fabric-projects/

BRD 20th Celebration Giveaway Week 3

Greetings and a warm welcome to all stopping by for a visit. It's another exciting week during the month of April and time for my 3rd giveaway of the month! Friday, April 5th marked the official 20th Anniversary of Blue Ribbon Designs and I am celebrating all month long with a BIG giveaway each week...AND a surprise or two still to come! To everyone that has supported my small business over the last 20-years, THANK YOU! This week is for my cross stitch friends, near and far...

Simply follow the guidelines each week to enter for a chance to win that week’s prize pack! 

✂️This week you will need to enter via the Rafflecopter form below. There are many ways to get entries this week (please know I will be verifying information). One prize pack winner will be selected randomly from all eligible entries.

✂️This week, the giveaway is open to all - the prize package is shipping from me, so international entries are welcome. 

✂️A HUGE thank you to Lady Dot Creates - she provided her hand-dyed rick rack and hand-dyed velveteen for this giveaway (please go follow and support her)! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

THIS WEEK'S PRIZE:

Blue Ribbon Birdie Prize Package

Everything needed to create a your very own "Blue Ribbon Birdie" Rick Rack Round...these are the exact items I used to create the model for my new complimentary pattern...

✂️One serged 7.5" x 9" piece of 32-count Light Examplar Linen from Lakeside Linens.

✂️10 skeins of DMC 6-Strand Embroidery Floss (only eight are pictured, but the prize package includes all 10 colors!).

✂️One package of Lady Dot Creates Hand-Dyed Velveteen in the color Shallot (Fat Eighth).

✂️One package of Lady Dot Creates Hand-Dyed Rick Rack in the color Chianti (3-yards).

✂️One can SpraynBond Basting Adhesive from Therm O Web.

✂️One package HeatnBond Light Weight Fusible Interfacing from Therm O Web.

✂️One package Pressing Paper from Therm O Web.

✂️One finishing package, including: two precut comic book board circles, two precut batting circles, 8-yards of lacing thread, 4-yards transparent thread, six wonder clips, package of coordinating light blue pins, one tapestry needle, and one sharp finishing needle.

✂️Blue Ribbon Birdie Pattern by Blue Ribbon Designs.

While you won't receive my personal Blue Ribbon Birdie model, you will get everything listed on the pattern to stitch your very own, along with all the finishing supplies! I'd say that is definitely worth entering for....

One winner will be chosen randomly from all eligible entries.

The giveaway will run from 12:00 AM on April 15, 2024 until Sunday, April 21, 2024 11:59 PM.

...and don't be discouraged if you don't win the prize pack - you can download my Blue Ribbon Birdie pattern for FREE. The pattern can be found here:

https://blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com/2024/04/BlueRibbonBirdie.html

GOOD LUCK  TO ALL! 🎉

For more details on finishing supplies I use, visit my Amazon Shop: 

https://www.amazon.com/shop/brdgirl 

Click on the Blue Ribbon Birdie image (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). 

Blue Ribbon Birdie - NEW Complimentary Chart

Greetings friends - thank you for visiting my blog today. As you know, I am celebrating the 20th Anniversary of Blue Ribbon Designs this month, with giveaways and a few surprises. Today I'm here to share one of those surprises...a brand new free chart! I want to say thank you for your kind support over the last 20 years, and what better way than to design a new complimentary pattern.

This is a special one and I am calling it "Blue Ribbon Birdie." If you have been following me, then you know I have a signature design series out called "Rick Rack Rounds" - counted cross stitch patterns that feature three round designs finished in my signature style, with rick rack and pins around the perimeter. I have already released five patterns in this series, with more to come. To give you a chance to make one (they are addicting), I decided to design one for my 20th anniversary celebration to give to you. 

You can find the printable PDF chart here:

https://blueribbondesigns.com/free-charts/

I kindly ask you do not post the actual chart on the Internet/social media or on Pinterest - instead, post a photo of the finished piece and/or direct users to this post or my website.

Blue Ribbon Birdie complements all the designs in my Rick Rack Round Series and is finished in the same fashion. Full finishing instructions are included with each pattern in the series (but not with the free design). This free pattern is stitched on 32-count linen (any light neutral linen will work) with DMC cotton floss. For finishing, I used Hand-Dyed Velveteen in color Shallot from Lady Dot Creates for the backing...and Hand-Dyed Rick Rack in the color Chianti from Lady Dot Creates. I used coordinating light blue sewing pins. You can find a complete list of the actual items I use to finish my Rick Rack Rounds in my Amazon Shop  (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!). 

Rick Rack Rounds make great bowl fillers or could be finished as seasonal ornaments. The patterns come 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....and I am working on a fun REEL with some UPDATED finishing tips that will be posted soon. These seasonal/holiday-themed rounds are quick to stitch and easy to finish...and more seasonal/holiday Rick Rack Rounds are on the way!

The signature patterns in this series can be found in my Etsy Shop, in both paper and/or digital format.
Sweet Slice of Liberty: Digital Pattern OR Paper Pattern
Hitchin' A Ride: Digital Pattern OR Paper Pattern

Sunflower Delivery: Digital Pattern OR Paper Pattern

All Spruced Up: Digital Pattern OR Paper Pattern

Perched on a Pincushion: Digital Pattern OR Paper Pattern

For those who have kindly asked if they could purchase Blue Ribbon Birdie in the spirit of valuing my work (💗), I ask you talk about my designs with your stitching friends (spread the word about Blue Ribbon Designs) and/or visit my Etsy Shop to make a purchase...or you can Buy Me a Coffee or shop at Amazon via my link...it is definitely not required or necessary, but truly appreciated - thank you for supporting my creativity and valuing my artistry!💕

Finally - if you plan to stitch "Blue Ribbon Birdie,"  I hope you will share an image of your progress or finished Rick Rack Round (or ornament or your choice of finishing) on social media and tag me, so I can see it.

Enjoy and stitch it with joy in your heart!

Oh and one more thing, if you have read this far and you like Blue Ribbon Birdie, you are going to want to return on Monday to enter my Week 3 Giveaway...it is one you won't want to miss!!🎉

Nature Sings Fabric Tour

Happy Monday - welcome to my stop on the Nature Sings Fabric Tour - thank you so much for dropping by for a visit. I am thrilled to be sharing such lovely fabrics from Poppie Cotton today! I have some very special projects lined up, created with the new Nature Sings fabric collection designed by Lori Woods for Poppie Cotton. I enjoyed putting on my quilt designer hat and playing with these stunning prints. This brand new fabric collection (shipping to quilt shops this month) has a truly wonderful focal fabric - a bold floral. The entire collection shows a love of nature...and there is a print with the sweetest little birdies! Plus, there are prints featuring roses, daisies, lavender, and flower bunches…and a large gingham check print…all done in a soft, but striking color palette. The tiny details in this collection make my heart smile!

This Poppie Cotton collection brings me joy - it has a lovely springtime feel! I knew a table runner for my large farmhouse table was going to be in the works, along with a couple smaller projects. This month, for the runner, I didn't use a pattern - in fact, as usual, I just started playing around in EQ8 and made it up as I went along. I also whipped up a patchwork project bag and a whimsical pincushion.

To start, I created a table runner with alternating appliqué blocks...one with a circle appliqué and one with a flower appliqué. I decided to offset the rows to give it a modern feel. The table runner measures 48" x 18" and works perfectly for my kitchen table. I used a fat quarter stack with each of the prints from this collection...and a little bit of Country Confetti for the background, binding, and flower centers. I don't know if I will write a pattern for it - it depends on demand - leave a comment or send me a message if you would like to see me release a pattern…

Next, I made the cutest patchwork zippered pouch. I used each of the prints, cutting 2" squares (1.5" finished)...and added a color coordinated zipper pull...I also added a floral ribbon tag. This is a medium-sized project bag,  measuring 9" H x 9" W - perfect for a small pattern and materials.

Finally, I created a whimsical appliqué pincushion - I added hand-dyed rick rack from Lady Dot Creates and tiny 1/2" buttons...plus some abstract machine stitching. It measures 8" x 4" and is stuffed with fiberfill and sawdust shavings. I added some cute decorative pins from my collection, and viola - the sweetest pincushion to add to my growing collection!

I hope you have enjoyed this stop on the fabric tour and are feeling inspired - thank you for visiting with me today. For more creative projects using the Nature Sings fabric collection, visit the Poppie Cotton Blog. If you love this fabric collection, be sure to check out your favorite quilt shop and request it - Nature Sings is shipping this month.

I am already working on my project ideas for the next Poppie Cotton Fabric Tour in May - it is using the fabric collection "Sweet Tooth" (think Halloween! - click to see a preview). Plus, I will have a new Therm O Web project tutorial posted on April 17th, as well (it is a fun panel project)…so, be sure to stop back soon...

BRD 20th Celebration Giveaway Week 2

Greetings friends and welcome. It's another exciting week in the month of April and time for my 2nd giveaway! Friday, April 5th marked the official 20th Anniversary of Blue Ribbon Designs and I am celebrating all month long with a BIG giveaway each week...AND a couple surprises still to come! To everyone that has supported my small business over the last 20-years, THANK YOU!

Simply follow the guidelines each week to enter for a chance to win that week’s prize pack! 

✂️This week you will need to enter via the Rafflecopter form below. There are many ways to get entries this week (please know I will be verifying information). One prize pack winner will be selected randomly from all eligible entries.

✂️This week, since I have AMAZING prize sponsors that will be shipping items, you must have a United States address to be eligible (don't worry international friends - next week the giveaway will be open to all!). A HUGE thank you to Poppie Cotton, Therm O Web, and Lady Dot Creates! Please visit and follow these incredible sponsors for creative content!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

THIS WEEK'S PRIZE:

Sweet Sips Mug Rug Prize Package

Everything needed to create a handful of Sweet Sips Mug Rugs...one for yourself and some to give/gift/share...these are the exact items I used to create the model for my pattern...

✂️ One Fat Quarter Bundle of Fabrics (Promise Me designed by Michal Marco for Poppie Cotton) provided by Poppie Cotton.

✂️ One $50 Therm O Web Gift Card (for use on thermoweb.com) provided by Therm O Web.

✂️ One Package of  Hand-Dyed Rick Rack (color: Sizzle) from Lady Dot Creates provided by Lady Dot Creates.

✂️ Sweet Sips Mug Rug Pattern by Blue Ribbon Designs (I will include the color quilt pattern, with the foundation block printed on a StitchnSew EZ Print Quilt Block Sheet from Therm O Web - my favorite base for foundation quilt blocks.

While you won't receive my personal mug rug model, you will get everything listed on the pattern (and more!) to create a plethora of mug rugs for yourself and a friend or two! The Promise Me Fat Quarter Bundle has 21 prints, so you will have all sorts of lovely fabric...and the Therm O Web gift card will cover the StitchnSew EZ Print Quilt Block Sheets and Fusible Fleece, with plenty leftover for some additional items! Plus you will receive 3-yards of the Lady Dot Creates Hand-Dyed Rick Rack (Sizzle) and I will send you a color printed pattern with the foundation block printed on a StitchnSew EZ Print Quilt Block Sheet...I'd say that is definitely worth entering for....

One winner will be chosen randomly from all eligible entries.

The giveaway will run from 6:00 AM on April 8, 2024 until Sunday, April 15, 2024 11:59 PM.

...and don't be discouraged if you don't win the prize pack - you can download my Sweet Sips Mug Rug pattern for FREE. The pattern can be found here:
https://blueribbondesigns.com/free-charts/

GOOD LUCK  TO ALL! 🎉