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!

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!

How Cute Are These?!

What a fun little package I received in the mail today! These special hand painted stitching treasures came from Studio Twenty...an Esty shop run by a fellow needlework designer - Monique of My Mark Designs. This was my first "Etsy Experience"...and I have to say, I may be hooked...I spent quite a bit of time browsing different shops and viewing all the remarkable craftsmanship....it is addicting. I am sure I will be adding more treasures to my stitching collection in the near future...there are so many amazingly talented artisans with fabulous items listed! Pictured below are: Little Frog Bling for your scissors, Counting Needle Heart, Pretty Threads Bluebird Threadholder, and Halloween Bat Threadholder...I am thrilled to give each of these a new home, where they can mix and mingle with other accessories in my stitching collection. I hope you too find some handmade treasures that brighten your day!

The Halloween Bat Threadholder" was perfect for today, as I finished stitching my new model for "Black Cats and Flying Bats" this afternoon...and I have already taken it to my framer. I posted sneak peek on the "Future" page of my website, so make sure to fly over there and check it out...http://www.blueribbondesigns.com/...

Happy Times Two!

I have been SUPER busy working on new designs for this autumn/winter and for the TNNA Fall Needlecraft Market in September...lots of model stitching and finishing...therefore, my posts here have been a little less frequent. However, today I thought I would share a couple things from this past week that made me happy!

First of all, my Christmas ornament made the cover of the 2009 Just CrossStitch Ornament Issue again this year...what a treat! Many of you know my design style and can easily pick it out...it is the diamond shaped ornament with the two cardinals. This issue has been a favorite of mine for many years...when I first started designing one of my major goals was to make it in this holiday magazine...needless to say, each year I am invited to participate I am beyond thrilled! You will be able to find this special issue on newsstands in September...


Secondly, yesterday, my husband and I made an out of state road trip to pick up a new SUV for me to drive! I can't believe it...my first new vehicle in 15 years...and it is spectacular! The interior is gorgeous light grey leather...and it is fully loaded (so much, in fact, that I have to study the owners manual to figure out how to use half of the options). I am constantly hauling boxes of printing and orders to be shipped...and it was extremely difficult trying to do that in my old little sports car...plus taking my sewing machine and embroidery unit to a class or a friends house was a HUGE challenge....now everything easily fits in the back...SUPER convenient for me. Plus, it is exciting to have a shiny new ride after all these years! I thoroughly enjoyed my trip driving it back to Iowa yesterday and I am ready to plan a road trip or two to visit some stitching and quilting shops...

Time for me to get back to model stitching...I am almost finished with "Black Cats and Flying Bats". Have a wonderful weekend...find time to appreciate the little things that make you happy!

Halloween Teaser

What has been keeping me busy??...a new Halloween model of course! I have been working on a new Halloween design called "Black Cats and Flying Bats"...and here is a little sneak peek for my blog readers....of course, I will post a full size photo on my website "Future" page in the next week or two, once it is at the framer. I am really happy with the fabric color for this piece...it is Lakeside Linens Tarnished Silver...