Stitch Starter Rulers

Greeting friends - thanks for stopping by to visit with me today! Just a quick update today, to let everyone know that my popular Stitch Starter Rulers are back in stock in my Etsy Shop and on my website. They are packaged and ready for shipping. The cross stitch charts that come with charting/directions for making the sleeves (each includes one ruler) are available, as well.

Stitch Starter Ruler: 

• It is 1/8" clear acrylic plastic, making it durable (these are slightly thicker than original version).
• It has marking lines for both 1" and 2" seam allowances, so you only need one tool.
• It is clear, making it easy to see your fabric placement.
• It has 1/4" and 1/2" markings on three sides.
• It has complete 3" ruler markings down the left side - these can be used for: finishing work measurements, measuring between stitched designs, counting threads to figure fabric count.

Instructions for using the Stitch Starter Ruler can be found here:
http://www.blueribbondesigns.com/PDF/USING%20THE%20STITCH%20STARTER.pdf

I have contacted everyone that was on my wait list via email and Etsy message - thank you for being so patient!

I will be making more quilted pocket sleeves that make up my "Stitch Starter Ruler and Ruler Pocket Sleeve Set" in my Etsy Shop, but it could be several weeks before they are ready for listing.

Currently, you can find single Stitch Starter Rulers and the companion cross stitch charts "Blessed Beyond Measure" and "Holiday Helpings" by visiting:

Website: https://blueribbondesigns.com/stitch-starter-ruler/ OR

Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BlueRibbonDesigns?ref=seller-platform-mcnav&section_id=11683865

A Colorful Catch-Up

It is a cold, windy, rainy night and I am just about ready to head to my cozy stitching nest for the rest of the "evening". I am still working away on a huge pattern writing freelance design project - it is monopolizing most of each day, but I continue to make time to do a little model stitching each night (for my sanity!). Here is a sneak peek at what I am working on at the moment (right). I also have a couple other colorful/creative things to share tonight...

A couple new books that are full of sewing inspiration arrived a few days ago - I managed to take a break this past weekend and give them a quick once over with a hot cup of tea...oh how I wish there were more hours in the day! These books are full of cheerful ideas to keep me busy...you know, in my "free time"...

 Also, if you ever wondered what 200 colorful 14-inch zippers look like, here is a photo to quench your curiosity - I go through quite a few making my zippered pouches and bags and it was time to stock up...I'm obsessed...and these make me happy!

Etsy has launched a new website program called "Pattern by Etsy"...it gives Etsy shop owners the ability to have a stand-a-lone eCommerce website that directly links to their Etsy shop. I already have my own eCommerce website that took me moths to build and perfect, but thought I would give the 30-day trial a chance (it's always good to try new things!). It is a nice, simplified twist on the standard Etsy shop - you can find my new "pattern" shop here:
http://blueribbondesigns.patternbyetsy.com/

 Etsy has also been "remodeling" and ALL shops will have a new look - they started updating today and although it may take up to a week for all shops to have the new format, I think you will like the changes. Sometimes you need to freshen things up...so while you might still be seeing my original shop, here is a just a peek at the new layout...
http://etsy.com/shop/BlueRibbonDesigns

Finally, here is a small sign of spring...and I can't wait for more! This was taken a few days ago...we actually had a few nice days...but then the winds and cold returned and now it is feeling like winter yet again. These daffodils are giving me hope...

I hope you are starting to see signs of spring in your corner of the world...

Monday Musings

Just a quick post today, as I am knee deep in a HUGE project (and when I say huge, that is definitely an understatement) - I will be be wearing my designing/pattern writing hat (sitting at my computer) for the next couple weeks, working on a (somewhat overwhelming) freelance job. I have been keeping busy with my assorted creative endeavors - stitching, sewing, quilting, designing and working on a TON of new things...plus lots of walking and training.

Over the weekend, the most amazing thing happened - I was finally able to replace my desktop computer, thanks to a nice tax return (regular readers know my ancient desktop computer died early this year and I have been working on my laptop). I spent all day Sunday getting it set-up and loading my design files, software, and tools....and today I am excited to get back to work on my FAST new system. My husband also insisted I get a REAL office chair, instead of the old folding chair I have been using for as long as I can remember...it's like having a brand new office...I feel very blessed and overjoyed! This is my fist blog post using my new computer and monitor and it is so much easier/faster - YAY! 

Miss Schatzi turned three-years-old last week and we celebrated by taking a walk around the lake (her favorite) and she got to be off-leash. She didn't get in the water, as there has been some flooding and the inlet I usually take her on was in bad shape...but she still had a marvelous time! I can't believe she is already three - seems like we just got her yesterday. She continues to be be a great training partner for the Komen 3-Day...and makes me smile on a daily basis...

This is how Simba spends his time while Schatzi and I are on the move...

I have started stitching a new model and I am enjoying every minute - it incorporates a plethora of my favorite things and the cheerful colors make me happy! Evenings are my designated stitch time and I am making progress, slowly, but surely...

My Etsy Shop has been busy and I thank you all for your orders and wonderful feedback! I continue to develop plans for future items...and have been color sorting all my fabric scraps for future projects...

I also have a few photos of some fabulous birthday gifts that I am finally getting around to posting...I am so blessed to have creative and talented friends that "get me" and make me the most incredible presents...plus keep me stocked with beautiful fabrics, trims, notions, and patterns/books!...and they find me the BEST squirrel and owl keepsakes...

Whimsical fabric - brown squirrel is a tea infuser - blue squirrel is a pen...TOO FUN!

Finally, I want to thank those of you who have been keeping my family in your thoughts and prayers with the passing of Travis's aunt (mother of our godson)...thank you for your condolences and comforting words - she fought an incredibly brave battle and I know she is now resting peacefully and pain-free, with the most fabulous wings!...and Travis and I have one more angel watching over us...

My Happy Place

I have been continuing to reside in my happy place this week - working on a plethora of stitching, sewing, and quilting projects that bring me personal joy. I can't wait to give you a little peek at my latest cross stitch model - it makes me smile from ear to ear (yes, those are the fabric and thread colors shown right)....and I charted a couple more new pieces over the last few days. I have also been catching up on some long overdue customer sewing...and I have almost completed a beautiful spring wall hanging the features 6" traditional quilt blocks and machine appliqué (more on that in the coming weeks). Plus, I have been busy creating items for my Etsy shop and listing new things - including more Stitch Starter Ruler with Pocket Sleeve sets and some new Blue Ribbon Designs cross stitch chart bundles....and I have some new zippered pouches (I call them tool pouches) that will list very soon - they measure 9.25" W x 7.25" H and are a great size for multiple uses!

I continue to go to the gym each morning and have been getting in some great 3-Day training walks in the afternoon - yes, some of them have even been outdoors, now that the weather is starting to improve...and yes, Miss Schatzi is thrilled to be getting in some good mileage outside. It has been uplifting to see the sun shining and I can't wait until spring truly arrives. I hope beautiful weather is arriving in your area and that you are feeling inspired...

A Creative Boost

Hello friends! I have been having an extra creative week...it is always good when you have a personal epiphany. The past few months had found me feeling defeated and searching for purpose - but it is amazing how a few letdowns and frustrations can bring clarity. It took being treated far less than I was worth to give me the proper attitude adjustment! So this week, I am getting back to basics and doing what I love...removing the negativity and jobs that abuse my talent...and I'm enjoying my creative journey. I have been designing new projects (both cross stitch and quilting), sewing for my Etsy shop each day, completing some custom projects for those who truly appreciate my talents, and model stitching each evening...and that makes me extremely happy (and isn't that what life is truly about?). So, I hope to be here more often, sharing the fun projects I work on each day...and the little things that inspire me!

The last few days have found me sewing up and listing a bunch of Stitch Starter Ruler Pocket Sleeves...I have been having playing in my fabric stash and fussy cutting some fabulous prints. These pocket sleeves measure 3.5" x 3.5" and hold my BRD 3" Stitch Starter Ruler perfectly - they are fully lined with no raw seams...and they use fusible fleece to give them a bit of padding and stability. To read about the BRD Stitch Starter Ruler, visit this link:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/210845150/stitch-starter-ruler
...and to see the available Stitch Starter Ruler and Pocket Sleeve sets, visit:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/BlueRibbonDesigns?section_id=11683865&ref=shopsection_leftnav_4

This afternoon, I am working on a springtime project of my own design with very cheerful colors (yes, I am ready for spring!)....and I am sewing up a few smaller zippered pouches to add to my Etsy shop (I call them tool pouches). It is supposed to warm up a bit this afternoon, so Miss Schatzi and I will definitely be taking a decent walk (which is always good for my sanity and creativity!). Take a little time to do something you enjoy today...

Wintry Week

It was a bitter cold, wintry week here in Iowa, but I have been keeping nice and warm in my comfy studio. I have been sewing, quilting, and stitching...working on a plethora of new projects. I have been adding more items to my Etsy shop for Valentine's Day and St. Patrick's Day...and I have been finishing some fun custom orders and magazine pieces. Plus, I finished up a special cross stitch design for The Sampler Life (a Yahoo! Group and Facebook Group with a love for cross stitch and needlework samplers) SAL - Ina has been planning this designer SAL for the last month or so and I was happy to create a complimentary design especially for this project - I am not sure when she will be releasing it, but I will keep you updated (you must be a member of The Sampler Life and sign-up for the SAL - click on the links above for more info). I have also been charting more designs and model stitching for Just CrossStitch magazine, so I will keep you updated when those will be published....and one of my quilt designs will be published in Quiltmaker Magazine in the May/June issue (I just finished up the model this weekend). In my spare time, I have been working on a few design ideas that use my AccuQuilt fabric cutters...and a tutorial for the GO! Big Blog Hop taking place at the end of February/beginning of March. Over-all, it has been a busy, but creative start to 2015!

Materials for my model for The Sampler Life SAL complimentary design...
For more details on this special designer SAL and/or to sign up, visit:
The Sampler LifeYahoo! Group or
The Samplerlife Facebook Group

Chain piecing on a cold winter afternoon....

More LOVE pillows for my Etsy shop....

Starbucks in the studio...

Custom Quilt Order - Garden Patch Cats by Helene Knott (Story Quilts) - Broc-Kitty

Custom Quilt Order - Garden Patch Cats by Helene Knott (Story Quilts) - Cobby Cat

Custom Quilt Order - Garden Patch Cats by Helene Knott (Story Quilts) - Walla Walla Kitty

More LUCK pillows for my Etsy shop....

Lock and Key Heart Pincushions listed in my Etsy Shop...

I have also been doing some baking this week...and I made a huge pot of homemade chili - in these cold temperatures, it's nice to have some comfort food on hand. I have also been enjoying hot beverages in several AWESOME new mugs I received this holiday season...when it is below zero every single day, hot cups of coffee and tea are a must...and they have to be in a fun mug that will make me smile!

My favorite molasses cookies...

New Topsy Turvy mugs in my collection that arrived from my very dear
friend Terri...aren't they adorable?!

Homemade chili in the crockpot...

A FABULOUS fishy mug with purple lips, daisy eyes, and a fin handle brings
happiness to any beverage - thanks Miss Mary!!

Today, I have a roast and veggies in the slow cooker...the dogs have been walked...and I am ready to work on some itty bitty quilt blocks (YAY!). I'll be back soon to share these small quilt blocks that are part of a QM Bitty Block QAL with a free monthly block released on the first Monday of each month...this month is a Bitty 3" Bow Tie block! Check out the Quiltmaker's Magazine blog "Quilty Pleasures" for all the details:
http://www.quiltmaker.com/blogs/quiltypleasures/2015/01/qms-bitty-blocks-adorable-small-designs/
...and I will back in the next day or two to share my bitty blocks....

Welcoming the New Year

 As we welcome the new year, I'm taking a look back at the last 365 days...it sure has been a year of ups and downs...2014 was full of triumphs, challenges, growing pains, and new directions. Thank you for contributing to the success of Blue Ribbon Designs and for your support, encouragement, and loyalty - there are many talented designers/finishers/teachers out there...and a vast amount of needlework and quilting patterns to choose from - I sincerely thank you for welcoming my designs and allowing my dream to be a reality. I truly love sharing my creativity and I hope you will continue to receive my designs with open arms and share in my passion for all things done with needle and thread. As we advance into 2015, I have many goals (too many to list) and a good amount of projects in the works...a pile of creative design ideas and exciting plans for the future. Thank you for allowing me to pursue my passion!

Here's a look back at just of few of the designs and items I created in 2014...and my studio tables are FULL of new things for 2015...

As 2014 comes to a close, I would like to thank you for supporting Blue Ribbon Designs and my blogging journey. You continue to inspire me with your creativity, kindness, and generous spirits - BRD would not be possible without you. In preparation for 2015, take a moment to reflect on the past year and the many blessings bestowed upon you...and be sure to take a look at all the beautiful stitching, sewing, and crafting projects you have accomplished. I wish you a happy, healthy 2015 filled with joy, laughter, and creativity!

Tuesday Tidbits...

Today's post is a little all over the place...kind of like me this week...as usual, I have about a hundred irons in the fire (and I am headed to Dallas for the Komen 3-Day on Thursday). I have been working on Etsy projects round the clock, trying to fill up my shop for the holidays. Yesterday and today, my focus has been on my large zippered project bags - I have a lot of requests for these and thought I would try to stock up again - so right now, there are a handful in the shop, ready for purchase. At the current moment, my embroidery machine is humming along, doing a custom order for ten of my freestanding lace teapot ornaments...and my cutting table is filled with piles of various items ready for assembly line sewing. My studio truly looks like a disaster...so add cleaning to my long list for tomorrow.

...and of course, Schatzi and I did another 7+ mile walk this afternoon...again, mostly off leash...and I snapped this photo of her with the lake in the background...

....oh, and remember this photo, I shared a while back??..it is the photo I entered in the PetSmart Bandana Blitz Instagram contest...and guess what??....Simba and Schatzi actually won a runner-up prize...a free grooming! I was hoping for two free grooming sessions, one for each (and my prize notification message sounded that way), but when my prize arrived it was only one...but I am definitely not complaining - I am thrilled they received runner-up honors with well over 5,000 entries!

I also must share this lovely, heartfelt gift I received from a friend in California - a beautiful cross stitched pincushion commemorating my Komen 3-Day 60-mile journey I am taking this coming weekend. I was very touched to receive such a treasure and I can definitely use an angel watching over me right now! Thank you so much Kate - I will treasure this special keepsake...

I am hoping to be back tomorrow with one more post before I fly off to Dallas to meet my Twinkle Toes teammates to embark on our yearly Komen 3-Day walk...I have so much to be thankful for this year and I am truly overwhelmed by all the love and support....