Brightening and Inspiring

Hello friends! I know I have been a little quiet the last couple weeks...but that is just because I have been busy with projects (most of which I can't share with you just yet)...my fingers have been stitching and sewing up a storm.

Part three of the mystery sampler "Blue Jeans and Daisies" is complete and back from the printer, so I will be getting those bagged and packaged this weekend - the fun finishing idea for part three turned out adorable...and the mystery bonus turned out even better than I expected (I just adore it!) - I can't wait until the week of March 25th, so I can share them with you! I also have stitched and finished my ornament for the Just CrossStitch 2013 Ornament Issue - and I am very pleased with the results...it will coordinate nicely with my ornaments from the last couple years. I have been working every night on the class project for the New England Stitcher's Retreat and hope to have everything finalized and photos available by the end of the month (fingers crossed)  - it has an autumn theme and is designed around a Shallow Shaker Carrier (made by the same artist who made the "Beauty In Simplicity" Shaker boxes) - one of the unique smalls has been giving me some designing fits, but I think I have it all hammered out now. I have also been finishing up the details for the Elegant Stitch Workshop I am teaching in April - I have all the extensive finishing kits prepared and I am now working on the class binders...all of which will be shipping to California by the end of the month. Plus I have a couple new designs I am preparing for printing that will be released in late April/early May.

With all those irons in the fire, I somehow managed to cut and prepare around 60 items for my Etsy shop - a new pile of Stitch Stater Sleeves...more Needlework Pouches...and there will also be some new Project Bags. I have been trying to schedule a few hours each day to sew....and I have started to get a nice little pile of complete items - I hope to get some listed over the weekend...

We have still been having undesirable weather here in Iowa, however, yesterday, the temperatures were in the mid-40s and the snow finally started to melt away - it was so wonderful to see the sun shine! I decided to celebrate by getting in almost ten miles of training/walking yesterday afternoon - I started out with just over 2 miles with Simba (a good warm-up)...then dropped him off at home and walked 7.5 miles on my own. I was so happy to  break in my new shoes, even though I had to dodge the puddles and melting snow.

I know many of you have already started to experience springtime weather...and I am so very jealous (I am completely green with envy)...I sure hope it reaches us soon (although I see "frozen mix" is in the forecast again for next week). Good thing I have friends that send me sunshine and flowers in photo form (even if they are trying to be vindictive and rub it in my face - you know who you are!). Here is a collage of photographs from a dear friend in California that have been brightening and inspiring my days...I am so excited to travel there next month and see some of this beauty in person...

Finally, my husband just returned from his annual 10-day fishing trip to Lake Fork, Texas....every year, he travels to Texas in early spring for some bass fishing. I wanted to share just a few photos from his trip with you...he only took a handful of photos, but did manage to capture a beautiful sunset and an eagle perched high atop a tree branch...and of course, I have one with him holding his "catch of the day"...

Wishing you an inspiring, wonderful, and creative weekend...

Blue Jeans and Daisies - Part Two Revealed

Part Two of the Mystery Sampler Club is shipping this week - it shipped to Norden Crafts last week and they started shipping to your favorite needlework shops on Monday! I am so excited for you to see the second installment of "Blue Jeans and Daisies"...

For those of you who are not familiar with the Mystery Sampler Club - let me quickly catch you up to speed...
You have to sign up with your favorite needlework shop (you can only get it through a needlework shop - your shop of choice - LNS or ONS) - they will have all the details for the program...and before you comment/post/email "I don't have a local needlework shop" - contact the shop where you purchase your stitching stash (charts and supplies)...it can be a local shop OR an online needlework shop...OR visit the "Locate" page on my website for a list of shops that will be able to assist you.  There will be three parts to the "mystery sampler" - the first part (featured in a January post) started shipping in January - the second part (featured in this post) is currently shipping - and the third part will be released in March....together all three parts make one large sampler...with a photo of the entire project to be released with the third and final installment (hence the "mystery"). Many of you are familiar with the Lizzie Kate "Very Scary" Mystery Sampler and the With Thy Needle & Thread "Birds of a Feather" Mystery Sampler - this is the very same program.

Now that we have everyone on the same page...here is a look at part two...and a few details...

The mystery sampler is stitched on 30-count Blue Jeans hand-dyed fabric by Weeks Dye Works - this exact fabric is also available in 35-count, should you prefer a higher count linen. It is stitched with Weeks Dye Works cotton floss...and a DMC conversion is provided.

See a complete supply listing on my website: http://www.blueribbondesigns.com/BRD109B%20Specifics.html

Part two uses the following stitches (and yes, diagrams are provided): Cross Stitch over two linen threads, Back Stitch, Rhodes Heart, and Four-Sided Stitch.

The chartpack also includes part two of the Springtime Jumble. Here is a little information about the Springtime Jumble: 

The answer to the springtime jumble will be the password to open a mystery bonus design - this mystery bonus will be revealed on my website (http://www.blueribbondesigns.com) when the third and final mystery sampler installment is released. You will need to collect all three patterns to complete the Springtime Jumble and unlock the mystery bonus. Details can be found inside each package.

Each installment contains a fun finishing idea...and the finishing idea for part two is a pin pillow - finishing instructions are included. Use a motif from part one or part two of the sampler (I used the ladybug bands in the lower section on the sampler - part two) and some fabric and floss from your stash to make a springtime pin pillow (NOTE: the chart explains to use fabric and floss from your stash for the fun finishing idea - if you purchased a kit including linen and threads, it does not include amounts for the fun finishing idea). I chose to add beads around the perimeter of my pin pillow for a special touch...you could add cord - or ribbon - or trim...or leave it plain...be creative!

Specifics for part two (complete supply listings, stitch counts, stitches used, etc.) can be found on my website: 

http://www.blueribbondesigns.com/BRD109B%20Specifics.html

Additional photos of part two can be found on my website:

http://www.blueribbondesigns.com/Blue%20Jeans%20and%20Daisies%20Part%20Two.html

Contact your needlework shop of choice to join in the fun...or if you have questions...they will assist you with obtaining the patterns, the threads, the fabric...and they can answer questions and provide you with alternative sizes and supplies.

I hope you are excited to see part two of this special springtime edition of the Mystery Sampler Club!

Blue Jeans and Daisies - Part One

The Mystery Sampler Club is kicking off this week, as patterns for part one have started shipping from Norden Crafts to your favorite needlework shops! I am so excited for you to see the first installment of "Blue Jeans and Daisies".

For those of you who are not familiar with the Mystery Sampler Club - let me quickly catch you up to speed...
You have to sign up with your favorite needlework shop (you can only get it through a needlework shop - your shop of choice - LNS or ONS) - they will have all the details for the program...and before you comment/post/email "I don't have a local needlework shop" - contact the shop where you purchase your stitching stash (charts and supplies)...it can be a local shop OR an online needlework shop...OR visit the "Locate" page on my website for a list of shops that will be able to assist you.  There will be three parts to the "mystery sampler" - the first part (featured in this post) is shipping now - the second part will be released in February - and the third part will be released in March....together all three parts make one large sampler...with a photo of the entire project to be released with the third and final installment (hence the "mystery"). Many of you are familiar with the Lizzie Kate "Very Scary" Mystery Sampler and the With Thy Needle & Thread "Birds of a Feather" Mystery Sampler - this is the very same program.

Now that we have everyone on the same page...here is a look at part one...and a few details...

The mystery sampler is stitched on 30-count Blue Jeans hand-dyed fabric by Weeks Dye Works - this exact fabric is also available in 35-count, should you prefer a higher count linen. It is stitched with Weeks Dye Works cotton floss...and a DMC conversion is provided.
See a complete supply listing on my website: http://www.blueribbondesigns.com/BRD109A%20Specifics.html

Part one uses the following stitches (and yes, diagrams are provided): Cross Stitch over two linen threads, Back Stitch, Rhodes Heart, and Fly Stitch Variation.

The chartpack also includes part one of the Springtime Jumble. Here is a little information about the Springtime Jumble:
The answer to the springtime jumble will be the password to open a mystery bonus design - this mystery bonus will be revealed on my website (http://www.blueribbondesigns.com) when the third and final mystery sampler installment is released. You will need to collect all three patterns to complete the Springtime Jumble and unlock the mystery bonus. Details can be found inside each package.

Each installment contains a fun finishing idea...and the finishing idea for part one is a scissor fob - finishing instructions are included. Use a motif from part one of the sampler (I used the Robin square) and some fabric and floss from your stash to make a springtime scissor fob!

Specifics (complete supply listings, stitch counts, stitches used, etc.) can be found on my website: 

http://www.blueribbondesigns.com/BRD109A%20Specifics.html

Additional photos can be found on my website:

http://www.blueribbondesigns.com/Blue%20Jeans%20and%20Daisies%20Part%20One.html

Contact your needlework shop of choice to join in the fun...or if you have questions...they will assist you with obtaining the patterns, the threads, the fabric...and they can answer questions and provide you with alternative sizes and supplies.

I hope you are excited to get started on this special springtime edition of the Mystery Sampler Club!

Catching Up...and Creative Inspiration....

After two weeks of being completely miserable, I am finally feeling better...I spent last night and this morning cleaning, washing, and giving everything the "Lysol treatment", hoping the flu bug is gone for good! I still have a few sinus issues - but I am functioning and getting back to work. Thank you all for your well wishes, notes, and comments - I am doing my best to get caught up on correspondence - if you have been waiting on a response from me, thank you for your patience...

A few highlights to share with you...then some creative things to inspire you!

Part one of the Mystery Sampler "Blue Jeans and Daisies" shipped to Norden Crafts last week - and they begin shipping it to needlework shops tomorrow...so those of you joining in the springtime mystery fun should have the first part of the sampler very soon! I will post a photo of part one in the near future...

I have finished the project for the Elegant Stitch Workshop being held in April - Lois will be posting the photos very soon and then I will share all the detail here! I can tell you, the project is called "Bluebird Sewing Box" - it is a wooden box with a hinged lid - you stitch a piece for the top of the box, a piece for inside the lid of the box, and a piece for the inside base of the box....then there are three adorable needlework smalls - a tiny bird shaped pincushion, a wool felt scissor fob, and a bitty button bag. I am super excited about this project and my trip to California....and there are a few seats still available - I sure hope you will join us! Stay tuned for photographs...

I am now getting to work on the project for the New England Stitcher's Retreat taking place October 4 - 7 in Enfield , NH...this class project will feature on an oval Shaker Shallow Carrier Box (11" H x 7 3/4" W x 2 3/4" D - with a 9" H handle). This special design is inspired by my research on the Shaker culture and gift drawings, the simplicity of the Shaker lifestyle, and the beauty of the autumn season. We will be stitching a padded base for the inside of the carrier box - along with several needlework smalls – giving you a unique stitched Shaker-style display. I will keep you updated on my progress...

I received my copy of The World of Cross Stitching magazine that features my design "Garden Sampler" - what a beautiful publication!...and I was also excited to see the latest video by The World of Cross Stitching that features my herb garden design...this video is all about using hand-dyed threads...enjoy!

Two more quick things:
Many of you have asked about my walking and training progress for the Komen 3-Day (60-miles in three days!)... with the terrible flu bug, I have been unable to do much walking lately...but I plan to get back in the swing of things this week. It is snowing today and bitter cold, so looks like I will be using the treadmill for a little bit longer - I can't wait to get outside and log many more miles in the fresh air! A huge THANK YOU to those who have made a donation supporting my walk - to date, I have raised $780.00 of my $6,000.00 goal - I am so thrilled with my progress, but still have a LONG way to go to reach my goal...I really appreciate your support! Together we can fight this disease and find a cure for breast cancer...

• If you would like to learn  more about the Susan G. Komen 3-Day - visit: http://www.the3day.org/
• If you would like read more about why I am walking, make a donation to help me reach my goal, or see my  training updates - visit: http://www.the3day.org/goto/belinda

On the sewing machine front - the parts for my sewing/embroidery machine have FINALLY arrived and I have an appointment to have my machine fixed tomorrow afternoon! I am so EXCITED - I can't wait to have "my baby" repaired and ready for hours of sewing/embroidery time. I have so many fun projects on my list and can't wait to get back to work on items for my Etsy shop. I have my fingers crossed that the new parts keep the belt in place and I will be able to enjoy hours of sewing and machine embroidery time!

Now on to a few creative photos to inspire you!
A couple weeks ago, I met my dear friend Lorrie for lunch to celebrate the holidays. Lorrie is so extremely talented and gives the BEST gifts - she is so versatile with her creative endeavors and is always working on something extremely inspiring and creative. Her gifts to me were so thoughtful and unique - I just know they will inspire you...

First up - a set of GORGEOUS patchwork placemats - Lorrie used wonderful winter fabrics that match my dining room perfectly! I love that these can be used for an elegant or casual table setting...and she sized them for the plate to fit perfectly on one side and silverware on the patchwork side. If you would like to try your hand at making a set, Lorrie has a great tutorial and information on her blog: http://www.astitcherssnippets.blogspot.com/2012/12/placemat-tutorial.html

Next - Lorrie gifted me a with LOVELY cross stitch hanging - "Gone Sledding" (design by The Sampler Girl)...I love the jute hanger and have this wonderful piece hanging in our entry on the door to our garage. She also gifted me with another one of her FABULOUS fabric pine cone ornaments - I just adore these...

Saving the biggest gift for last, Lorrie made me this incredible stitching chest - isn't it AMAZING?! After finding the small wooden chest (7.5" H) in a hobby store, Lorrie was inspired - she stained the box and drawers with walnut stain and creatively mounted a stitched piece on top (Tin Toppers: 8 Quaker Friendship by Samplers and Such). This piece is truly spectacular - and she even put gifts in the drawers - a pair of scissors and some hand-dyed ribbon and trims. I hope this will inspire you to make a unique gift for a friend!

I also wanted to share with you a gift I made for Lorrie - a special "LOVE" pin pillow. Last fall, my friend Ruth gifted me with yards (basically an entire bolt) of beautiful retired alphabet fabric (Elsie's Kitchen by Anna Griffin for Windham Fabrics) and I have been having so much fun finding special uses for it. I wanted to spell out Lorrie's name, but with each letter block measuring approximately 2" H x 2.5" W, it became larger than I wanted...so I decided to use the word "LOVE". I was thrilled with the results and look forward to making more of these fun pillows....

So there you have it - all sorts of fun information, a video, and inspiring photos! I will be back this week with photos of some more stitchy gifts from my friend Terri, photos of the workshop project for Elegant Stitch, and photos of Part One of the Mystery Sampler....
Enjoy the rest of your weekend...and stay healthy and warm!

Blue Jeans and Daisies

Today I have a fun little teaser to share with you...this is a little peek at the mystery sampler, which I have titled "Blue Jeans and Daisies". I originally shared a few details with you about the Mystery Sampler Club at the end of November - now I have a special "teaser" photo to entice you a little bit more!

Still keeping you in "suspense", here are a few details I can share with you about the Mystery Sampler Club...

• The title is "Blue Jeans and Daisies"...
• It has a "springtime" theme...
• Each chart will contain a fun finishing idea...
• Collect all three designs to unlock a mystery bonus on my website when the 3rd and final part is released...
• The first part is set to be released on January 21, 2013...
• Stitch count for the entire sampler is 150H x 300W - each installment will be approximately 150H x 100W...

For additional details or to sign up, visit your favorite needlework shop or stitchy website (you can only get it through a needlework shop - your shop of choice - LNS or ONS) - they will have all the details for the program. There will be three parts to the "mystery sampler" - the first part is scheduled to be released in January - the second part in February - and the third part in March....together all three parts make one large sampler...with a photo of the entire project to be released with the third and final installment (hence the "mystery"). 

(NOTE: before you comment/post "I don't have a local needlework shop" - contact the shop where you purchase your stitching stash (charts and supplies)...it can be a local shop OR an online needlework shop...OR visit the "Locate" page on my website for a list of shops that will be able to assist you.)

So without further ado, here is just a taste to whet your appetite!