Traveling, Teaching, and Time Away

"A Sampling In The Square"
Class Project Needlework Smalls:
Pinkeep, Scissor Fob, Needlebook

Tomorrow morning (Friday) I leave for another one of my teaching trips...this time I am headed to visit with the Buffalo Chapter EGA in Lockport, NY....those of you who have taken one of my classes know teaching needlework projects is one of my favorite things! I am super excited for trip, with the exception of my extremely early flight time...but the good news is, since my flight is scheduled for departure before the sun comes up, I will arrive in New York with a little time to see the area before my class starts on Saturday morning.

The project I am teaching is "A Sampling In The Square"...and I have had multiple questions about this piece. Event coordinators have the choice of having me design a special project for their event...OR have me teach a design that is currently in my catalog...many times this depends on time restraints. This design happens to already be in my catalog and you can find it at (or order it from) your favorite needlework shop. Of course, class participants are privy to special class binders with detailed colored photos and charts, very detailed finishing tutorials, additional stitches, complete kits, and usually I change up one or more of the pieces to be exclusive to the event - this time I changed the needlebook from the original chartpack. I am thrilled to be teaching this particular design and I am definitely looking forward to meeting the members of the Buffalo Chapter EGA....it should be a fabulous weekend!

"A Sampling In The Square" Sampler (BRD-086)

While I am out of my office/studio, I will have limited access to correspondence, so please be patient if you send me a message that requires a response....and my Etsy shop will be on vacation until my return. I will be back in my studio on Tuesday, September 18 and business will resume at that time. Thank you for your patience.

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

A Quilted Bag with a Twist...

I am an analytical learner...I always have been...great when reading instructions and looking at diagrams...not so good when someone tries to "show me how". I was put to the true test with my most recent sewing project! A prototype of a design a friend is working on - I only had paper instructions...no model, no photo of the finished item...just written directions. A little bit of mystery not knowing what the quilted bag was supposed to look like...but I was up for the challenge. The pattern called for five coordinating fat quarters, fusible fleece, and a button...so I went through my stash, grabbed five fat quarters and a matching button...and the bag in the photo was the end result. There is an outside pocket on both sides of the bag and the entire inside is lined with various sized pockets. It measures approximately 14 1/2" L x 7" H x 4" D - a nice purse size. I was very happy with the results...and hopefully it turned out the way my friend envisioned...it will be interesting to see if my analytical skills passed the test....

A note about Blue Ribbon Designs:
I have updated my website with information on the three new designs for September - visit http:www.blueribbondesigns.com and click on "Future" in the left-hand menu to check out new photos, design specifics, and material lists!

"A Sampling In The Square" Needlework Smalls

After a couple weeks of late night (early morning) stitching, the final set of needlework smalls is complete! Since many of you are curious (thank you so much for all the enthusiastic e-mails)...here is a little peek at the needlework smalls for "A Sampling in the Square". Again, this is not a "cover shot"...it isn't perfect lighting...but you get the idea! The smalls include a needlebook, floss ring tag, pinkeep, and scissor fob. The charting and finishing instructions for all four pieces will be included with the sampler chart...and will be released in September. Of course, I will be updating my website in the next several days with cover photos, supply lists, stitch counts, etc. (please be patient). I know you are anxious for the new designs - as soon as I finish the file layouts for the printing process, I will start posting updates...

You See It Here First!

As many of you know from following my updates on Twitter, I have been diligently working on the the needlework smalls that coordinate with some upcoming designs (tentative release - 1st of September). Today, I finished the smalls for "Black Cats and Flying Bats" and you are seeing them here first...along with a photo of framed design....just a little something special for those of you who follow my blog. I have had so much fun working on the new Halloween designs! I am currently working on needlework smalls for "Afraid of the Dark"...they should be done in the next week. I am also putting the final touches on the matching pieces for "A Sampling in the Square". Keep an eye out here and on my website for the latest information!

You See It Here First

I was so excited yesterday to pick up a new design from the framer....and although this design will not be ready for release for a couple months, you are getting to see the framed piece here first...just a little peek for my blog/twitter followers! The piece is titled "A Sampling in the Square" and I hope to release it sometime in August. I know there are a few shadows and the photo is not perfect, but you get the idea...

This design makes me so happy that I have to create needlework smalls to complement it...