Saturday Stitching Station

Greetings friends! I'm back again for another late night post. I actually had a few quiet hours this afternoon and sat down for a model stitching session. I have been busy working on a couple new cross stitch models and thought I would give you a sneak peek at the larger one. 

This cross stitch design idea was born from a finishing idea...and I won't give too much away now, but I am excited to complete it and hope it turns out as I envision. I am still wrestling with the title, but rest assured, I will have more details for you in the coming months. I am working with Weeks Dye Works cotton floss on Lakeside Linen fabric. This is a view of my stitching station...complete with a hot cup of tea (Lemon Lift, my favorite!) and my very favorite wooden floss bobbins from The Bitsy Brocante Shop.

Aren't those bunny floss bobbins the cutest?! Even on my worst day, they make me smile. My online friend Ellie (EllieBugMakes on Instagram) and I bonded over our love of Poppie Cotton fabrics and our creative designs/projects...and she makes and sells tons of the most creative things. She has two Etsy Shops - TheBitsyBroncanteShop, which sells fabrics, sundries, and notions....and EllieBugMakes where she sells her handcrafted makes (if you need a sweet gift, please check her out). Her husband makes the wood crafted items in The Bitsy Brocante Shop, including the bunny bobbins and box in my photos. He also makes sheep and spools...and you can get them on rings or in a box...and what makes them even better - the back side of each bobbin is chalkboard, so you can write your floss name/number with a chalkboard marker! I used to always bag my floss to save time, but now I use these wood bobbins for my special projects. I'll add some links to my photos, so you can check them out...

Bunny or Sheep Bobbins with Holder 

Spool Bobbins on a Ring

Sheep Bobbins on a Ring

Bunny Bobbins on a Ring

When I placed a wooden bobbin order, Ellie was kind to include a special handmade gift for me...a pretty and practical pincushion, which is currently in use next to my sewing machine. It lists types and sizes of needles, so if you change your needle often, you can park them in the correct spot and find them easily for use again. I just love this! You can find her handmade items in her EllieBugMakes shop.

There you have it -  a sneak peek of a new cross stitch design...and some of my favorite stitchy products that I just had to share. Enjoy the rest of your weekend, and I will be back soon with more creative updates...happy stitching!

Four Winter Wishes - New Cross Stitch

Greetings friends - I'm so happy you stopped by for a visit today!

These last couple weeks have found me in my happy place, working on new patterns and designs. Today, I am here to share my latest cross stitch pattern release, "Four Winter Wishes." If you have been following along, then you know this is my fifth pattern release in the last two weeks - two cross stitch patterns and three quilting patterns!

My heart has been smiling while working on all sorts of creative projects - so let's talk about the latest one. Yes, it's another NEW cross stitch release alert! I just listed another winter/holiday cross stitch design called "Four Winter Wishes" and it is available in both paper pattern and digital format in my Etsy shop. Here are a few more details...

Four Winter Wishes (BRD-135)

This set of four winter/holiday designs is in a traditional sampler format - and includes both Cross Stitch Over-One and Cross Stitch Over-Two...and some Back Stitches (if finished, as shown). I finished these four designs as ornaments with a beaded edge, but they work perfectly as bowl fillers, finished with your favorite method...they would also look lovely as small framed designs. The fifteen-page pattern contains charting for the Four Winter Wishes counted cross stitch designs (in color and black and white), stitching instructions, stitch diagrams, personalization page, enlarged Cross Stitch Over-One charts, and complete finishing instructions (to finish as shown). Models are stitched with Weeks Dye Works Cotton Floss (DMC conversions included) on 32-count Examplar from Lakeside Linens, but most any neutral fabric will do...just make sure the white snowflakes will be visible. 

Digital Pattern: https://blueribbondesigns.etsy.com/listing/1625845067
Paper Pattern: https://blueribbondesigns.etsy.com/listing/1611661922

I really hope you like this winter/holiday/Christmas design - I found my joy working on this special pattern!

I have another new cross stitch model in the works and two more quilting/sewing patterns, as well...so stay tuned for those...

...and, I have needlework finishing and custom work to complete for clients...piles of sewing to complete for my Etsy shop...and another project tutorial for the ThermOWeb blog that will be available December 20th, so I will be back to visit with you again before you know it! 

Thanks for stopping by today and for always being so supportive of my creativity...💗

All Spruced Up - New Cross Stitch

Greetings friends - I'm so happy you stopped by for a visit today!

First of all, thank you so much for the super sweet comments and messages regarding my recent quilt patterns and ThermOWeb design tutorials - I am so thrilled you like my designs! I look forward to sharing more patterns and tutorials with you in the coming months...

I have been crazy busy working on all sorts of creative projects, while fighting a yearly cold/flu that has moved to my chest with a bag cough - but enough of that - let's get to the happy news! Today, I am here to tell you all about one of those projects....yes, it's a NEW cross stitch design alert! I just released a brand new winter/holiday cross stitch design called "All Spruced Up" and it is available in both paper pattern and digital format in my Etsy shop. Here are a few more details...

All Spruced Up (BRD-134)

Introducing the fifth set of Rick Rack Rounds!

Just like it's predecessors Sweet Slice of Liberty, Hitchin' A Ride, Sunflower Delivery, and Perched on a Pincushion, these have a stitch count of 48" x 48" and are stitched on 32-count fabric, measuring 3 1/4" round. I stitched "All Spruced Up" (named for the pine trees and the little details I added on these three) on 32-count Sand Dune by Lakeside Linens with Sulky 12 Wt. Cotton Petites (DMC equivalents are also provided). You can use almost any neutral fabric color for these winter beauties (just make sure your white floss will show) and pick your favorite cheerful floss colors. The pattern includes complete finishing instructions for my Rick Rack Rounds - and you can insert pins as I did...or they look great with just the rick rack (or trim of your choice) - I used hand-dyed rick rack from Lady Dot Creates. For a little added detail, I added a few fun, optional embellishments: a mini pom-pom to the bird's hat (you could use wool or wool roving), red and white baker's twine to the reindeer's tree, and a floss bow to the wreath on on the gingerbread house...these tiny details make me HAPPY! Rick Rack Rounds make great bowl fillers or could be finished as seasonal ornaments. The pattern comes with a plethora of creative ideas! I filmed a comprehensive FlossTube video showing how to do the finishing on these, you can find it here: https://youtu.be/YkBe77naAZI. These winter/holiday-themed rounds are quick to stitch and easy to finish...and more seasonal/holiday Rick Rack Rounds are on the way!

Paper pattern: https://blueribbondesigns.etsy.com/listing/1616743073

Digital pattern: https://blueribbondesigns.etsy.com/listing/1602577212

I really hope you like this new winter/holiday/Christmas inspired design - I found my joy working on this special set!

I have another new cross stitch design in the works and three more quilting/sewing patterns, as well...so stay tuned for those...

...and, I have needlework finishing and custom work to complete for clients...piles of sewing to complete for my Etsy shop...and another project tutorial for the ThermOWeb blog that will be available in December, so I will be back to visit with you again before you know it! 

Thanks for stopping by today and for always being so supportive of my creativity...💗

Songbird Wisdom - New Cross Stitch

Greetings friends - I'm so happy you stopped by for a visit today!

First of all, thank you so much for the super sweet comments and messages regarding my ThermOWeb designs - I am so thrilled you like my project tutorials! I look forward to sharing more pattern tutorials with you in the coming months...

My new overnight schedule means less interruptions, so I have been working on all sorts of creative projects...and today, I am here to tell you all about one of those projects....yes, it's a new cross stitch design alert! I just released a brand new cross stitch design called "Songbird Wisdom" and it is available in both paper pattern and digital format in my Etsy shop. This design contains charting for both the Green Tree and the Singing Bird designs – each with TWO lettering options (one lettering option is Back Stitch with Cross Stitch Over-Two and the other lettering option is Cross Stitch Over-One), stitching instructions, stitch diagrams, and comprehensive finishing instructions. 

Long time fans may recall a similar design I did for The World of Cross Stitching Magazine ten years ago. I gave the design a facelift, made some charting changes and additions, and finished it in my personal style (years ago, the magazine finished the pieces to fit their particular look and gave it a generic name). I have always loved this Chinese Proverb that offers joyful words of encouragement and hope - I wanted to release this design in my catalog with my own personal vision.

Here are a few more details...

Songbird Wisdom (BRD-132)

This pattern includes two designs that fit together. I opted to stitch each on a different color of linen, but it would look great with both on the same color of fabric. I chose two different finishing options (instructions for both are included in the pattern). 

The first finishing option is a quilted wall hanging (would look great in a frame, as well). For this option, I stitched the "green tree" on Zweigart 28-count Cashel Summer Khaki (3281-323) and the "singing bird" on Zweigart 28-count Cashel Antique Ivory (3281- 233). This options shows the Back Stitch lettering for the verse. I used two fat quarters of cotton quilting fabric for the finishing, along with Hand-Dyed ½” Rick Rack from Lady Dot Creates (Chianti). 

The second finishing option is a set of bowl fillers/small pillows (would work great as ornaments or knob hangers, as well). For this option, I stitched the "green tree" on Lakeside Linens 40-count Wood Smoke and the "singing bird" on Lakeside Linens 40-count Pearled Barley. This option shows the Cross Stitch Over-One lettering for the verse. I used a cotton quilting fabric for the backs, along with Hand-Dyed Pom Poms from Lady Dot Creates (Chianti and Ballerina).

All models were stitched with Weeks Dye Works Cotton Floss and DMC conversions are included.

Paper pattern: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1447587816/songbird-wisdom-brd-132-counted-cross

Digital pattern: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1447591256/songbird-wisdom-brd-132-counted-cross

I really hope you like this cheerful, inspirational design - I truly enjoyed creating it!

Now, if you made it this far, you get a very funny TRUE story. We all know our household is on the night shift, so I find myself working into the wee hours...and let's be honest, this schedule has me a hot mess. Last night, I sent my dear friend Terri a text and asked her to proof this design before I listed it (she kindly proofs all my designs). I went to bed at 5:00 AM (and woke up at noon) to a text with just a few things I had to fix - five total typos for fourteen pages, which I was pleased with...until I saw the first correction. It was for the cover page - arguably the most important page...and it was for the title. Somehow, I had typed "Songbird Wisdoom" and didn't catch it (and I was working in Adobe Illustrator, so it does not spell check). I laughed so hard at this - wisDOOM kind of sums up my life perfectly right now. I hope sharing this makes you chuckle...it made me laugh out loud!

Next up, I will be adding a new sewing/quilting pattern to my catalog, so stay tuned for that...

...and, I have needlework finishing and custom work to complete for clients...piles of sewing to complete for my Etsy shop...another project tutorial for the ThermOWeb Blog that will be available in May...plus my blog will be a stop on the Hollyhock Lane Fabric Tour for Poppie Cotton in a little over a week, so I will be back to visit with you again before you know it! 

Thanks for stopping by today and for always being so supportive of my creativity...💗

Perched on a Pincushion - New Cross Stitch

Greetings friends - I'm so happy you stopped by for a visit today!

First of all, thank you so much for the super sweet comments and messages regarding my ThermOWeb design tutorial - I am so thrilled you like my Growing Hearts Valentine Pocket! I look forward to sharing more pattern tutorials with you in the coming months...

I have been crazy busy working on all sorts of creative projects...and today, I am here to tell you all about one of those projects....yes, it's a new cross stitch design alert! I just released a brand new stitchy/quilty cross stitch design called "Perched on a Pincushion" and it is available in both paper pattern and digital format in my Etsy shop. Here are a few more details...

Perched on a Pincushion (BRD-131)

Introducing the fourth set of Rick Rack Rounds!

Just like it's predecessors Sweet Slice of Liberty, Hitchin' A Ride, and Sunflower Delivery, these have a stitch count of 48" x 48" and are stitched on 32-count fabric, measuring 3 1/4" round. I stitched "Perched on a Pincushion" (named for the bluebird perched on the tomato pincushion) on 32-count Bisque by Lakeside Linens with Sulky 12 Wt. Cotton Petites (DMC equivalents are also provided). You can use almost any neutral fabric color for these stitching beauties and pick your favorite cheerful floss colors. The pattern includes complete finishing instructions for my Rick Rack Rounds - and you can insert pins as I did...or they look great with just the rick rack (or trim of your choice) - I used hand-dyed rick rack from Lady Dot Creates. These make great bowl fillers or could be finished as seasonal ornaments. The pattern comes with a plethora of creative ideas! I filmed a comprehensive FlossTube video showing how to do the finishing on these, you can find it here: https://youtu.be/YkBe77naAZI. These sewing-themed rounds are quick to stitch and easy to finish...and more seasonal/holiday Rick Rack Rounds are on the way!

Paper pattern: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1372943436/perched-on-a-pincushion-brd-131-counted

Digital pattern: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1386931977/perched-on-a-pincushion-brd-131-counted

I really hope you like this new stitching/sewing/quilting inspired design - I truly enjoyed creating it!

I have another new cross stitch design that will be available REALLY soon and a sewing pattern, as well...so stay tuned for those...

...and, I have needlework finishing and custom work to complete for clients...piles of sewing to complete for my Etsy shop...and another project tutorial for the ThermOWeb blog that will be available in February, so I will be back to visit with you again before you know it! Send some good vibes that my fancy sewing machine will be repaired really soon...my heart will be much happier when it is home...and it will make my job so much easier. 

Thanks for stopping by today and for always being so supportive of my creativity...💗

Rollercoaster of a Journey

Greeting friends! It's been a while since my last post...and I have so much to share (which I will do over several updates). Time has been a hot commodity lately and it has been a challenge to find balance. I do my best to keep this a positive and creative space...but lately I have been struggling and focusing the majority of my time on work...and (to be completely honest), I just can't seem to get ahead. Each time I reach a goal or a proud moment, harsh reality seems to be right there to bring me back down a notch (or two, or three!). I am really looking at the future of Blue Ribbon Designs and what positive changes I have to make in order to continue to work in the needlework and quilting communities...because in this current economic climate, being a small business owner is not for the faint of heart. I know many of you are struggling as well - and just know, you are not alone.

While I haven't posted in quite some time, I have been doing all sorts of creative endeavors behind the scenes. After building a brand new website, I managed to convert all of my classic paper patterns to digital PDF designs and all my new digital designs are now available in paper format, as well. That means ALL Blue Ribbon Designs are available in either format - for those who like a traditional printed paper pattern, I have you covered....and for those who like the digital format and working from a device - or if you are overseas (or the US) and prefer not to pay the extremely high cost of shipping - or if you like the instant gratification of having a pattern in your hands immediately, I can take care of you too! I know that there are supporters of both formats and I wanted to make everyone happy (yes, we all know by now that I am a pleaser). I hope you will stop by my updated Etsy Shop and take a look - designs are separated into sections for PAPER or DIGITGAL...and all digital designs have a round blue badge on the cover...

Funny story - when converting all my classic designs to digital format, I found I only had my earliest designs on 3.5" floppy disk - REALLY!! - I have been designing that long! I had to order an external USB floppy disk drive from Amazon to load all my early design files onto my current computer....

I have also been adding new project bags to my Etsy Shop as often as possible...this includes more of my signature bags made from vintage Blackbird Designs fabrics. I have been adding both my classic bags and some patchwork bags, as well. While working on listings this past week, I did a little research and found that I sold my first project bag in 2010 - over 12 years ago...which doesn't even seem possible. I really wish I would have kept count over the years, as it would be interesting to have an accurate number of project bags I have created...but going through the folders of images I have, I am sure I am in the thousands. More interesting - when I started making them, I didn't know anyone else that made project bags for purchase...now there are so many makers and shops popping up, it is hard to believe I still have clients and customers. If you happen to be carrying around or using one (or more) of my signature project bags, THANK YOU...project bags are just one part of my small business, but they have allowed me to continue to work in this creative industry and I am so grateful for your patronage - especially with all the new competition...your project bag orders and purchases have been a blessing! Here are a few that I have listed this week - some of which are still available at the time of this post...

If you follow my social media, then you know I have also been continually working on needlework finishing and custom sewing/quilting/project bags - I actually have quite a bit of travel scheduled over then new few months and was hoping to get all my client orders finished beforehand...but as projects have continued to arrive, I don't think that will be an option. I have completed quite a few orders and will be posting some creative photos over the next several days.

On the design front (my very favorite branch of Blue Ribbon Designs), I have three new quilt patterns I am currently working on and four new counted cross stitch designs. These will all be coming in the next several months - hopefully before I travel out of the country for a few weeks later this year.

Add all of that to basic life and real world obligations and I guess that is a BIG part of the reason I am having a bit of a hard time finding a balance. Real talk - when I struggle to make financial ends meet, I take on more creative jobs (which let's be completely real, are not big money makers), then I struggle to keep up with all those jobs and find it hard to make time to do the actual designing that brings me joy...and it is a vicious circle...at some point, something is going to have to change, because right now, I am feeling quite defeated. Someone recently shared the following with me on social media and it pretty much sums it up:

The unfortunate truth of owning and running a business.

Running a business is really hard.

What they don’t tell you is that it can cause severe stress and anxiety, and drains you mentally to the point of depression in even the most laid-back people.

People will talk about you, compare you to others, use you, they will view you as a service and not a person anymore.

Friends will expect discounts and people will value you and your hard work less than a big chain store.

You have to worry about if you forget to email/message someone back, are they going to think it was on purpose? Did you disappoint them? Will they hold that against you? When in reality you just can’t get to everyone’s messages and emails.

Starting up and running a successful business puts incredible strain on personal lives and relationships, many of which fail because there is just often no work-life balance. You need to be the director, the worker, the admin, the marketing team, the accountant, the shipping department, and the cleaner; all while being a parent, a caregiver, a husband or a wife, family support, friend... it’s one of the hardest things you will try and balance.

There’s a reason you don’t see many people succeed in small businesses after a few years. If they are successful they are overwhelmed. It takes a toll. It’s freaking exhausting. Especially the past couple of years when so much has been out of our control.

Here’s a small reminder that we are just normal people with hectic lives. Be kind, be patient, support small businesses…and hopefully more of us will stick around!

All of that is the long way of saying why I haven't been sharing/visiting here much lately...I'm still around - I'm still working hard - I'm still doing creative projects every single day - I'm still trying to be focused and positive - I still believe in Blue Ribbon Designs. What the future holds for my small business in this day and age is hard to know, but I thank you all for being on this rollercoaster of a journey with me! 

Two New Cross Stitch Designs

Greetings friends - I'm so happy you stopped by for a visit today! It is a cold and snowy day in Kansas...and I am slowly starting to feel better. I do have quite a few project photos to share with you...and I will do that soon, but today is all about my TWO new cross stitch designs! I released a couple new patterns today and this post showcases each one. These two new cross stitch designs are both available for digital download in my Etsy shop...but if you would really like to have a printed paper pattern, please send me an email (I will reply with the details, then send a PayPal invoice and ship them to you - you will be charged a little extra for printing and exact shipping fees). For now, let's get to the fun part - the new designs....

Flurry Friends (BRD-129)

This cheerful snow day project features a happy snowman and snowwoman...along with cardinals and a wintery farmyard. This chartpack includes a large design (the focus on the cover) that is flat-finished for an easel, but is also suitable for framing...and two BONUS smaller versions that are perfect for bowl fillers, small pillows, ornaments or even small frames. The focal model was stitched on 40-count Tin Roof by Weeks Dye Works (but your favorite darker fabric color and count will do - you want to be able to see the snow) with The Gentle Art Sampler Threads (DMC conversion included). The smaller bonus designs included were stitched on white kitchen towels and the pattern gives you an alternate floss color for the snow. The model uses a cotton quilt fabric for the back and twisted cord with gingham ribbon for an embellishment.  This ten page chartpack comes with charting for the large design and two smaller versions (in color and black/white) along with stitching and finishing instructions for the flat-finish. A perfect stitch for a snowy, wintery afternoon...

Additional details/purchasing information: 
https://www.etsy.com/listing/1146738494/flurry-friends-brd-129-counted-cross

Bluebird Boarding House (BRD-130)

This colorful floral design features a flock of joyful bluebirds, cottages and flowers in a traditional sampler style. The model is finished as a pillow/bowl filler, but is suitable for framing. I can also see it inserted into a project bag, in the base of a tray or on the top of a tin/box. The model was stitched on 40-count Angel Hair by Weeks Dye Works (but your favorite fabric color and count will do) with Weeks Dye Works Cotton Floss (DMC conversion included). The model uses a cotton quilt fabric for the back and Hand-dyed Lace (Wading Pool) and Hand-dyed Half Inch Rick Rack (Chianti) by Lady Dot Creates for embellishment.  This twelve page chartpack comes with charting and a personalization page (in color and black/white) along with stitching and finishing instructions for the pillow/bowl filler. A lovely springtime stitch to brighten a dreary day!

Additional details/purchasing information: 
https://www.etsy.com/listing/1160696529/bluebird-boarding-house-brd-130-counted

For now, I am off to add details from the new designs to my website...and I hope to film a FlossTube video next week when I am feeling better.

Thank you so much for visiting with me today and for the continued enthusiasm for my designs. I wouldn't be able to pursue my passion without your encouragement, love and support!