Never Stop Growing

BRD-001 "Never Stop Growing"

I've recently been taking a look at Blue Ribbon Designs - where it all started, where it has progressed, and where it will be in the future. Not only has the cross stitch industry changed drastically over the years, but so has my design style. Looking back at my design catalog, each piece contains special memories...and it is so interesting to see how my design style has evolved over the past nine years. When I first started counted thread designing, I was extremely inspired by historical samplers and the history of needlework...I think you will always see a bit of that in my artwork....but now my signature style has grown immensely and become much more (for lack of a better word) modern. Taking a look at my very first design "Never Stop Growing", I have to smile and think about how far my work has come over the years - this design is very "spot motif" based....and although it is detailed, it is very basic. Looking at my latest designs, I have definitely left the "basic" historical sampler style behind, but I am still extremely inspired by the same organic motifs and themes...and everything just seems to "flow" a little better. As I look at the future of Blue Ribbon Designs and set new personal and professional goals, I can't help but reflect on my first design title and how very closely it relates to me (and my work) today - it is so true, we "never stop growing"...

A selection of recent releases (L to R):
BRD-104 "Beauty In Simplicity"- BRD-106 "Redwork Garden" - BRD-105 "Friendship Blooms"

Upcoming Design Spotlight: "Beauty In Simplicity"

If you read my February Newsletter or follow me on Facebook, Google+, or Twitter, then you know I have been working hard on the three new releases for later this month at the TNNA Nashville Needlework Market (a needlework industry trade show for manufacturers, designers, and needlework shops). Look for my three new designs to start arriving in needlework shops following the the Nashville Needlework Market being held on February 25-26th. In the meantime, I thought I would do several blog posts featuring each of the upcoming new releases.

Today's design spotlight is on "Beauty In Simplicity" (BRD-104). This special design was inspired by my research on the Shaker culture and gift drawings...and was originally a teaching piece for the New England Stitcher's Retreat. It features charting for an oval Shaker box lid, three needlework smalls (a scissor fob, pinkeep, and needlebook), and a framed sampler design. I have posted all the details on my website - including additional photos and a complete supply/materials list - simply visit: http://www.blueribbondesigns.com and click on "Future" in the left-hand menu. All model pieces were stitched on Navy Bean hand-dyed fabric by Lakeside Linens with Weeks Dye Works cotton floss. The Shaker box lid and needlework smalls are stitched on 32-count linen; please note, if you use a different count of linen, your stitched design will not fit the recommended Shaker box lid appropriately.

If you are wanting to purchase the beautiful Shaker box used in my design, here are a few details:

They are handcrafted by a wonderful woodworking artist in Canterbury, New Hampshire. His workshop is called Canterbury Box Shop - and he handcrafts each oval box with quality woods, utilizing traditional techniques formed by the Shaker community. This special order oval cherry box comes with a 1/4" recessed lid for mounting your needlework - and the box itself measures 3 1/2" x 6 1/8" x 8 5/8". The retail price of the box is $62.00 + shipping; to order by phone, simply call 603-783-0394 and specify the item "custom recessed lid #4 Cherry Box". As each box is handcrafted (and absolutely gorgeous), please allow four weeks for delivery.

Canterbury Box Shop

http://www.canterburyboxshop.com

Phone: (603) 783-0394

info@canterburyboxshop.com

I am so thrilled to finally have this design ready for consumer purchase...and I hope you will look for it (after release) at your favorite needlework shop!

Shaker Box - Lid Design

Needlework Smalls - Front View

Needlework Smalls - Back View

"Beauty In Simplicity" For A Frame

Hello friends and followers! Well, under the advice of a very dear friend, I just spent the last 72 hours resting and sleeping - basically trying to get over my nasty cold/flu...and I finally feel like I am on the mend...so thank you all for your well wishes - I hope to be 100% healthy real soon (fingers crossed by the Thanksgiving holiday)...

I did manage to (finally) finish the framed model for "Beauty In Simplicity". Some of you may remember this design - it was a teaching piece for the first New England Stitcher's Retreat in the spring of 2010. For the class, we did the lid of an oval shaker box, a pinkeep, a scissor fob, and a needlebook (seen upper right)...but for consumer release, I also wanted to add a framed version of the design. I put in the final stitches a couple nights ago and it will be headed to the framer this week. To be quite honest, I am not sure when I am going to release this design - by the time it is framed and the printing files will be ready, it will be January and with the TNNA Nashville Needlework Market in February, it may make the most sense to release this design at market....so rest assured (for those of you who have been requesting this design) it will be released in early 2012...I will be sure to let you know all the details when I have them sorted out. This chartpack will include charting, directions, and finishing instructions for the framed design, the shaker box, and all three smalls. So here you go - a peek at the framed design - and you are seeing it here first...

...and since I just mentioned the New England Stitcher's Retreat - I will share some more news with you - I have been invited back to teach at the amazing Enfield Shaker Museum again in October 2012! This is breaking news, so obviously, I don't have a design to share with you yet - but the theme for this upcoming fall retreat is Halloween and I am already brainstorming for the project...I hope to see many new and familiar faces at this New Hampshire event next year! You can read more about the events at http://www.stitchingretreat.com.

Tonight I will be stitching on the model for "Friendship Blooms" - I am well underway on this new design and hope to have a peek to you by the end of the month. I also have some really fun handmade holiday gifts underway and will have some great sewing/crafting ideas for you in the next couple weeks...and yes, I am still taking it easy and getting plenty of rest...

Beauty In Simplicity Oval Shaker Box

I am putting the finishing touches on the class I am teaching for the first New England Stitching Retreat...and I am getting more excited, as I fly out next week. It will be my first trip to New England and I am looking forward to visiting a new area of the United States. The class materials are just about ready to ship...and I have finally received the gorgeous hand-crafted Shaker Box and mounted the needlework in the lid. I am thrilled to share a photo of the finished box with you!

























This class design is titled "Beauty In Simplicity" and includes charting and instructions for the Shaker box and three matching needlework smalls...and those taking the class are getting the lovely oval box (it truly is gorgeous!). For those of you taking this special class, I can't wait to meet you...and for those unable to attend, but interested in the project; you will need to be patient, as it will be at least one year before this design is released to the public. For more information on this unique retreat, visit: http://www.stitchingretreat.com/ ....I believe there are still a few seats available...

New England Stitchers' Retreat Teaching Design

Here is another reason I have been slow to post lately...and I know you have been waiting to see this...it is my teaching design for the New England Stitchers' Retreat(Enfield, NH - May 2010)! I have been working hard to get these class pieces stitched and finished.

The design is called "Beauty in Simplicity" and was inspired and influenced by the Shaker culture and lifestyle (as the retreat is being held at the historic Great Stone Dwelling House). The beauty of nature is the focus of this design, made to fit the oval lid of a hand-crafted Shaker box. Matching needlework smalls (scissor fob, pinkeep, and needlebook) complement the box, giving you a complete sewing set.

Class will cover the stitching of the box lid and needlework smalls, working the Basketweave Tent Stitch (grass), finishing techniques for each of the needlework smalls, mounting your piece on the shaker box lid, personalizing your smalls, and making twisted cord. Plan to complete your scissor fob in class!

I know many of you are curious if I will release my teaching designs to the general public...and the answer is yes; however, I wait a minimum of one year before putting them on the market....so those of you who cannot attend will have to be extremely patient.

Photos and details will be posted soon on http://www.stitchingretreat.com/ soon!