Special Delivery – My 2025 Cross Stitch Christmas Ornament

Greetings, friends—and to those celebrating in the U.S., Happy Thanksgiving!🦃

Today is one of my favorite days of the year—my annual complimentary Christmas ornament release day! Thanksgiving feels like the perfect time to share this gift with you because my heart is overflowing with gratitude. If you’re here reading this, you’re part of the stitching community I cherish so deeply.

Since 2020, I’ve proudly released my yearly ornament independently—after designing 15 ornaments for a publication that didn’t truly value my artistry. Every year, your kindness reminds me why I chose this path. Your support—through purchases, comments, emails, and sharing your enthusiasm—fuels my creativity and allows me to keep pursuing my passion for needle and thread. Thank you for believing in me, valuing my work, and cheering me on!

📬Introducing “Special Delivery”

This year’s design is the fifth in my Woodland Ornament Series, and it’s called Special Delivery. Picture a charming little rabbit delivering holiday cheer—a Christmas card in paw—against a cozy winter backdrop. It coordinates beautifully with previous ornaments in the collection (My Frosty Friend, Bundled Up Birdie, Peppermint Pressie, and Festive Fox) and uses the same classic color palette and finishing style.

I continued my tradition of a flat finish—if you stitch on 32-count fabric, a 3¼" circle works perfectly. For the model, I used hand-dyed 32-count fabric and Weeks Dye Works cotton floss (with DMC conversions included). I finished mine with two-tone twisted cord (DMC 321 and 505), a gingham bow, and a couple of jingle bells for extra holiday sparkle.

This cheerful rabbit is sure to bring a smile to your face—please stitch it with a happy heart!

🐰Download the Chart

You can find the printable PDF chart for Special Delivery here:

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

Please do not post the actual chart online or on Pinterest—instead, share a credited photo of the finished piece and/or link to this post or my website instead.

✀Finishing Help

As an added bonus, you can find a step-by-step finishing tutorial on the Therm O Web Blog—complete with templates and photos—so you’ll have plenty of time to stitch your ornament and finish it beautifully. You can also watch a short video tutorial on my Instagram and YouTube Channel as well!

🍬Previous Ornaments

If you’re new here and missed the previous ornaments in this collection, I have good news! I’ve released a new pattern that includes the first four ornaments in the set - it is called "Woodland Series Volume 1" and is available NOW in my Etsy Shop!

Paper Pattern: https://blueribbondesigns.etsy.com/listing/4415678605

Digital Pattern: https://blueribbondesigns.etsy.com/listing/4415678888

This new pattern includes color and black/white charts and full finishing instructions for:

• My Frosty Friend
  
• Bundled Up Birdie
• Peppermint Pressie
• Festive Fox
  
  

🩷A Heartfelt Thank You

My hope is that this complimentary design inspires you to pay it forward—maybe gift your stitched ornament to someone who needs a little holiday cheer. If you’d like to support my creativity, please visit my website or Etsy Shop, or consider buying me a coffee (never required, always appreciated!). 

Thank you for being part of my stitching journey and for valuing my art. Your encouragement  and kind support of my small business truly means the world to me. 💕

If you stitch “Special Delivery,” please share your progress or finish on social media and tag me—I love seeing your creations. 📷

This holiday season, may your heart be full of joy, may you find creative time each day, and may you see the beauty that surrounds you. Take a little time to count your blessings…and a little time to stitch.

Merry Maker Needle Books

Stitch Up Some Holiday Cheer!

Greetings, friends! You are visiting on a great day, as it is new Therm O Web tutorial day—and I'm absolutely delighted to share a festive project that will make your holiday season sparkle with handmade joy. If you’re searching for a thoughtful, creative gift that’s as practical as it is charming, you’re in the right place!

With Christmas just around the corner, now is the perfect time to dive into a project that celebrates the magic of giving. These Merry Maker Needle Books are small in size but big on personality—and they’re ideal for the crafters, sewists, and needleworkers on your list. Whether you keep it simple or go all out with embellishments, each needle book is a little treasure waiting to be gifted.

Imagine pairing one of these beauties with a pair of embroidery scissors, a bundle of needles, or even a gift card tucked inside. It’s a heartfelt way to say, “I made this just for you.” Plus, this project is beginner-friendly and perfect for using up those fabric scraps and bits of wool felt you’ve been saving for something special.

Find the Merry Maker Needle Book Tutorial on the Therm O Web Blog: https://blog.thermoweb.com/merry-maker-needle-books/

What You’ll Need (contains affiliate links to help keep this blog ad-free; thank you for shopping from my links):

• HeatnBond Lite EZ-Print Iron-On Adhesive Sheets – 1 sheet
• HeatnBond Medium Weight Non-Woven Fusible Interfacing – 2 pieces (6½” x 4½”)
• HeatnBond Fusible Fleece – 1 piece (6” x 4”)
• HeatnBond Fabric Fuse PeelnStick Fabric Adhesive Tape, 5/8” – 1 piece (3”)
• Cotton Fabric (models use a selection of Poppie’s Basics from Poppie Cotton)
• 2 pieces (6½” x 4½”) for cover and lining
• 1 piece (6½” x 4½”) for inside pocket
• Scraps for appliqué shapes
• Wool Felt – 1 piece (5” x 3”) plus optional scraps for embellishment (models use Wool Blend Felt from Benzie Design)
• Baker’s Twine, Ribbon, or Twill Tape – 2 pieces (9” each)
• Embellishments – buttons, sequins, charms, bells, tiny candy canes
• Basic Tools – small sharp scissors, embroidery needle, marking pencil, coordinating thread, iron, wonder clips or pins
• Appliqué Templates found on the Therm O Web Blog 

Find an Amazon shopping list with items used in this project in my Amazon Shop: https://www.amazon.com/shop/brdgirl 

Why You’ll Love This Project

🎄Quick and beginner-friendly 

🐦Perfect for holiday gifting

🎅Endless customization options

🩷Great way to use up scraps and trims

Thank you for joining me for this merry little adventure! I hope these Merry Maker Needle Books inspire you to stitch up some joy this season. They’re quick, delightful, and endlessly customizable—perfect for heartfelt holiday giving.

If you are ready to try your hand at making one (or ten!), you can find the tutorial on the Therm O Web Blog: https://blog.thermoweb.com/merry-maker-needle-books/

Tuck in a pair of scissors, a bundle of needles, or a few festive pins, and you’ll have a gift that’s sure to make spirits bright. If you share your creations, tag me—I’d love to celebrate your makes and cheer you on!

Wishing you a holiday filled with handmade happiness, cozy moments, and plenty of creative cheer.

Winter Mug Rug

Greetings, friends!

It’s Benzie Design tutorial day, so get excited for a winter project that’s as cozy as it is creative! ❄️✨

Cool temperatures are here (at least they are in Kansas City!), and I’m so excited to share a project that brings warmth and cheer to your home—the Winter Mug Rug! Imagine a steaming mug of cocoa, a sweet treat, and a handmade piece that feels like a little slice of winter magic. This design is all about cozy vibes, shimmering accents, and a touch of holiday sparkle.

I created this tutorial exclusively for Benzie Design, and it’s perfect for a snow-day craft or a relaxing weekend make. Whether you’re stitching by hand or machine, this project is beginner-friendly and full of creative possibilities. Pair your finished snack mat with a cute mug and goodies for a heartfelt gift that will brighten someone’s snowy day!

👉 Find the full tutorial on Benzie Design’s website: https://www.benziedesign.com/blogs/tutorials/winter-mug-rug

Supplies You’ll Need (contains affiliate links that help me keep this blog ad-free):

These can all be found found on the Benzie Design website:

• Iridescent Metallic Felt
• Bellwether Pure Wool Felt Sheets (Tellina, Cerulean, Ecru, Conifer, Black, Rhubarb, Amethyst, Hazelnut, Clementine)
• Peltex Single-Sided Fusible Interfacing 
• DMC Floss 310 
• Invisible Polyester Thread (Sulky) 
• Freezer Paper 
• Sequins (Iridescent Aquamarine, Metallic Graphite)
• Tacky Glue
• Glossy Accents (Sequin Glue)
• Embroidery Needles
• 5” Non-stick Titanium Scissors
• Scallop Shears (10mm)
• Coordinating Threads (for hand or machine)

Optional but handy: Oliso M3Pro Project Iron, sewing machine, tweezers, and a paintbrush.

This project is all about embracing the season—think frosty sparkle, cozy textures, and festive colors. So grab your favorite winter drink, gather your supplies, and let’s make something magical together!

Ready to start? Click here to get the full tutorial on the Benzie Design website:
https://www.benziedesign.com/blogs/tutorials/winter-mug-rug

No matter your skill level, this project is for you! Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned stitcher, the Winter Mug Rug is a wonderful way to play with color, texture, and sparkle. Don’t be afraid to experiment—mix and match felt shades, try new stitches, and add extra embellishments to make it uniquely yours. Every creative choice adds personality and charm, so have fun and let your imagination shine! ❄️✨

Farmhouse Fancy Fabric Tour

Hello, friends—happy Monday! (I am still traveling in Europe, but I made sure to schedule this post ahead of time.)

I’m so excited to welcome you to my stop on the Poppie Cotton Farmhouse Fancy Fabric Tour! Thank you so much for stopping by—I always enjoy visiting with you.

Today, I’m absolutely thrilled to share three special pieces I created with the brand-new Farmhouse Fancy Collection by Elea Lutz for Poppie Cotton. The moment I saw these charming prints, my imagination took off—I couldn’t wait to dive into designing and playing in my studio! Each fabric in this delightful farm-and-floral collection feels like country living come to life, exuding cozy charm and vibrant personality. These prints inspired me to create projects that are full of color, texture, and that warm, homegrown feeling we all love.

💮About the Collection

Shipping to quilt shops this month, the Farmhouse Fancy Collection has a vintage vibe and is brimming with delightful details. Picture chickens, strawberries, cherries, tea towels, quilt blocks, and cheerful florals—all wrapped in a warm, inviting palette of pinks, teals, reds, yellows, and whites. This collection is a celebration of country living with a fresh twist, perfect for creating projects that feel cozy, nostalgic, and full of personality.

💐Project 1: Mini Medi Tote Bag

This medium-sized tote bag was created by cutting mini charm squares - hence the name. It features two pockets on the outside with round bottoms and two large pockets inside, that can be created with feature fabrics or patchwork or charm square 5" precuts. It can be made with one charm pack and one yard of any fabric you choose, but I thought it was wonderful in these vintage-look farmhouse prints. The directions and diagrams in this pattern are quite thorough, so this is great project for all skill levels. I used Poppie Cotton Country Confetti Cotton Candy Dark Pink for the bag/pocket linings and handles.

Paper Pattern: https://blueribbondesigns.etsy.com/listing/1743026780
Digital Pattern: https://blueribbondesigns.etsy.com/listing/1743028230

🐔Project 2: Small Boxed Bottom Zipper Pouch

This small zippered pouch measures 8" x 7" x 2.5" and features one of my favorite fabric prints in this collection : Farm Quilts Red. I used Country Confetti for the lining and added a Poppie Cotton Zipper Charm—the cutest little chicken you’ve ever seen! I didn’t follow a pattern for this project; instead, I let creativity lead the way and had fun experimenting in my studio.

🍓Project 3: Large Patchwork Boxed Bottom Zipper Pouch

For this larger pouch, I went all out with patchwork, incorporating every print from the Farmhouse Fancy Collection for a vibrant, scrappy look. It measures 11.5" x 8.25" x 3" and, like the smaller version, it is lined with Country Confetti for a cheerful interior. To top it off, I added a Poppie Cotton Zipper Charm—this time an adorable strawberry! No pattern here either—I simply let creativity guide me and had an enjoyable afternoon piecing it together in my studio.

💭 Which project is your favorite? I’d love to hear what inspires you most—whether it’s the cheerful prints, the creative details, or simply the joy of stitching something handmade!

I hope my stop on the Farmhouse Fancy Fabric Tour has sparked your creativity. Be sure to visit the Poppie Cotton Blog and follow them on social media for even more inspiration using this gorgeous collection.

Bringing the Farmhouse Fancy fabrics to life through these coordinating designs has been an absolute delight. From the Mini-Medi Tote Bag to the coordinating zippered pouches, each project highlights the warm palette and vintage-inspired motifs of this collection. I love how these three projects came together, and I hope they inspire you to make something handmade of your own.

Keep an eye out for Farmhouse Fancy arriving soon in your favorite quilt shops, and find the featured pattern (and many more) in my Etsy shop.

Thank you so much for visiting today—I truly appreciate your support and enthusiasm. I can’t wait to share what’s next. Until then, happy sewing & stitching, friends! 🧵💖

Overseas Adventure

I  am headed off to Europe (Rome and Barcelona and a bunch of stops in-between), for a little adventure and rest/relaxation. I'll be off the grid until Tuesday, November 18th, enjoying new sights, cultures, and quality time with my parents...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 or 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 Tuesday, November 18th. All digital items will continue to be available. I will respond to all messages, comments and emails in the order received on Wednesday, November 19th. Thank you for your patience!

Please note - I have scheduled quite a bit of content during my absence, so you will see a couple blog posts and social media updates with a plethora of creative things (I have been SUPER busy in the studio).

I'll be back to visit with you again soon, when I will have a bunch of photos and experiences to share with you... 

For now, I'm off to enjoy the journey!