Halloween Star - NEW Quilt Pattern

Greetings friends - happy Friday. This VERY early morning, I am back with another brand new quilt pattern release. Those of you who follow my blog and my Poppie Cotton Fabric Tour posts will recognize this quilt. I had a lot of messages asking for a pattern for this design...so without further ado, here is "Halloween Star!"

“Halloween Star" is machine appliqué, along with traditional piecing and assembly...and the pattern is available in both digital and paper format. It measures 25.5" x 25.5" and works perfectly for a wall hanging or table topper. The pattern contains basic machine appliqué instructions, appliqué template, and comprehensive/detailed instructions with color diagrams...AND is super quick and easy to create. This 9-page pattern is designed to use pre-cuts or scraps and small pieces of fabric...or would work great with your favorite fabric collection. This project is suitable for beginners or those wanting to dabble in appliqué....and is perfect for seasonal sewing and gift giving! It is easily adaptable to a larger size by adding borders or additional fabric squares.

The fun advantage to this quilt is you can use different fabrics for different effects - here are a few suggestions:

• Christmas fabrics for a holiday quilt
• Red, white and blue fabrics for a patriotic quilt
• Traditional fabrics for a primitive quilt
• Modern fabrics for a more abstract quilt
• Juvenile fabrics for a baby quilt

I hope to make several samples of this adaptable quilt to show off some of the options!

The cover model was created with Sweet Tooth by Amanda Cocoron for Poppie Cotton (which is new in quilt shops!) along with Jailhouse Stripes in Blondee Yellow (also from Poppie Cotton) for the binding. It uses HeatnBond Lite Iron-On Adhesive (paper backed fusible web) and HeatnBond Fusible Fleece (you could use batting, but fusible fleece makes it easier). I also added a couple hanging tabs, so I could use a wrought iron quilt hanger for display. 

Paper Pattern: https://blueribbondesigns.etsy.com/listing/1753958787

Digital Pattern: https://blueribbondesigns.etsy.com/listing/1753961725

I hope you will spend a little time in your sewing space making a "Halloween Star" quilt that fits your personality and decor...just think, if you start now, it will be ready before Halloween (or Christmas, if you make a "holiday star" quilt)! I do have a very sweet "mom-to-be" in my life, so I may need to make one with juvenile fabrics for a baby quilt...

For now, I am back to my design table and sewing studio - I am finishing up two more quilt patterns for the upcoming Cottage Charm Fabric Tour (stop back on Friday, July 5th)...plus I have a new cross stitch model in the works in my stitching nest...and I am in the process of sewing some patchwork project bags for my Etsy shop. So many projects and deadlines and so little time...❌❌❌

Made with Love

Greeting friends! Thank you for stopping by to visit with me today. I find myself sitting down to write this post shortly after midnight. Yes, we are still on a night schedule at our house - and yes, it is still challenging. Really (if I am being honest), life as a whole is extremely challenging right now. These late nights have been hard on me mentally, but good for my productivity - no interruptions in the middle of the night is definitely good for getting things done. In fact, I have been so productive, that I finally made the tough decision to start selling many of my one-of-a-kind sewing creations and models. I have been slowly adding single pieces to my Etsy shop...this will give me room to create more! I have a few favorite items that I am holding on to, and I have gifted MANY pieces over the years, but my pile has been steadily growing...and in this difficult economic climate (running a small business isn't always the best financial decision, as my husband has been reminding me), I decided it was time to part with some of my special pieces. Many of the totes and zipper bags have sold (but there are still a few, as of this writing) and I have now started posting my one-of-a-kind pincushions. I am still thinking on my pillows and quilts. I just know I can't use them all...and the joy is in the creating, not the storing...so it is time to do a little spring summer cleaning...and I am hoping I can find good and loving homes for my creative works. If you are interested in any of my special "made with love" pieces, keep an eye on my Etsy Shop: https://blueribbondesigns.etsy.com - I am adding pieces as time allows.

I have also been working on and listing more Stitch Starter Ruler and Sleeve Sets and I have some patchwork project bags in progress that will be listed later this week. 

On the designing front - for quilters and sewists, I am putting the finishing touches on several new quilt patterns (including my Halloween Star Quilt)...and for my cross stitch fans, I have three new cross stitch models in the works. It has been harder to balance it all lately - I find myself working on projects that pay the bills and not the creative endeavors/new designs I want to explore...which is another reason life feels so challenging right now. It is all making me a bit emotional and frustrated.

I do have new Poppie Cotton pieces to share a week from Friday (July 5th) for the Cottage Charm Fabric Tour...here is a peek at this new fabric collection I snapped before I cut into it...

...and I do have a new Therm O Web project tutorial in thought progress for July. I just got the schedule and themes for next month, and my post will be on the Therm O Web Blog on July 17th...

I will finish up this post on a happy note...here is a fun, short video/Reel I created with some of my special pincushions...this is the version I have on my YouTube channel, but for the best version (because of the music and video timing), view my Reel on Instagram. I have to change music for YouTube to follow copyright guidelines.

Have a happy and creative week!

Twinkling Tree Farm - NEW Pattern

Greetings friends - happy Thursday! I am back today with a brand new quilt pattern release. If you read my post yesterday, then you had a sneak peek of this new holiday quilt, created with a brand new fabric collection from Poppie Cotton called "Prairie Christmas."

“Twinkling Tree Farm" is machine appliqué, along with traditional piecing and assembly. It measures 24.5" x 24.5" and works perfectly for a wall hanging or table topper. The pattern contains basic machine appliqué instructions, appliqué templates, and comprehensive/detailed instructions with color diagrams...AND is super quick and easy to create. This 12-page pattern is designed to use pre-cuts or scraps and small pieces of fabric...or would work great with your favorite fabric collection. This project is suitable for beginners or those wanting to dabble in appliqué....and is perfect for seasonal sewing and gift giving! It is easily adaptable to a larger size by adding borders or additional fabric squares.

The cover model was created with Prairie Christmas by Amanda Cocoron for Poppie Cotton along with Country Confetti (also from Poppie Cotton) for the appliqué background and binding. It uses HeatnBond Lite Iron-On Adhesive (paper backed fusible web) and HeatnBond Fusible Fleece (you could use batting, but fusible fleece makes it easier).  The stars above the large trees are cut from Wool Blend Felt from Benzie Design (Bronze). I also added a couple hanging tabs, so I could use a wrought iron quilt hanger for display. 

Paper Pattern: https://blueribbondesigns.etsy.com/listing/1732456348

Digital Pattern: https://blueribbondesigns.etsy.com/listing/1746647893

I hope you will spend a little time in your sewing space making a "Twinkling Tree Farm" quilt that fits your personality and decor...just think, if you start now, it will be ready WAY before Christmas! I am thinking it would be fun to make this quilt in woodland fabrics (without the stars) for year-round use.

For now, I am back to my design table and sewing studio - I am working on my "Halloween Stars" quilt pattern that was so highly requested...plus I have a new cross stitch model in the works in my stitching nest. So many projects and so little time...🪡🧵✀❌❌

BRD 20th Anniversary Celebration

Greetings friends and welcome. It is a BIG week...a REALLY BIG week! Friday, April 5th marks the official 20th Anniversary of Blue Ribbon Designs...I  know, I truly can't believe it myself. On April 5th, 2004, my attorney legally registered my company and I became an official small business owner....and I released my first cross stitch designs. I have been going down memory lane the past few weeks and thinking about everything that has led to this day...the highs, the lows, and everything in between. This industry isn't for the faint of heart and I have made a lot of sacrifices to pursue my passion....but being able to create on a daily basis has its own rewards! I am grateful, truly grateful. It takes a village - and I have had incredible help along the way...thank you to my circle for your love and encouragement. To everyone that has supported my small business over the last 20-years, THANK YOU.

I am inviting YOU to help me celebrate this month! I will be showcasing a new giveaway each week during the month of April (a total of four giveaways – each with one prize). 

Simply follow the guidelines each week to enter for a chance to win that week’s prize pack! 

This week the prize is HUGE and you will have to visit my Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/brdgirl/) to get in on the fun! Don't worry if you are not on Instagram, you will have a chance to enter a giveaway on a different week.

THIS WEEK'S PRIZE:

✂️One of my highly sought after BBD project bag sets, including: one large project bag, one trifold needlecase, and one stitch starter ruler with pocket sleeve (as shown in photos).

✂️PLUS, your choice of three (3) Blue Ribbon Designs patterns – choose from my entire design catalog. You may choose digital or paper patterns.

Visit my Instagram post here: https://www.instagram.com/p/C5Sn3jeOHnn/ to read all the details and to enter. This particular give away will end on Sunday, April 7th at 11:59 PM.

The other giveaways are scheduled to be posted on April 8th, April 15th, and April 22....and I have some fun friends in the industry helping me out in the prize department! I have a few other surprises planned for this month as well...so stay tuned... 💖💖💖

Sweet Snacks Mug Rug - NEW Pattern

Greetings friends - happy Friday! I am back today with a brand new quilt pattern release. Truth be told, I had a completely different plan for this pattern, but sometimes things don't work out as envisioned. So, in true Belinda fashion, I quickly changed course and decided to finish this pattern and make it available in my Etsy shop.

“Sweet Snacks Mug Rug" is machine appliqué, along with traditional piecing and assembly. It measures 10" x 7" and works perfectly for a snack mat. The pattern contains basic machine appliqué instructions, appliqué templates, and comprehensive/detailed instructions with color diagrams... and is super quick and easy to create. This 8-page pattern is designed to use scraps and small pieces of fabric...or would work great with your favorite fabric collection. The largest piece of fabric needed is for the backing (10.5" x 7.5"). This project is great for beginners or those wanting to dabble in appliqué....and is perfect for seasonal sewing and gift giving!

The cover model was created with scraps from the Prairie Sisters Homestead collection by Lori Woods for Poppie Cotton along with a small piece of Country Confetti (also from Poppie Cotton) for the appliqué background. It uses HeatnBond Lite Iron-On Adhesive (paper backed fusible web) and HeatnBond Fusible Fleece (you could use batting, but fusible fleece makes it easier). I have also created one in winter/Christmas fabrics - this one has "cocoa" in the teacup with 1/4" buttons representing marshmallows.😊

Paper Pattern: https://blueribbondesigns.etsy.com/listing/1656421646

Digital Pattern: https://blueribbondesigns.etsy.com/listing/1656427148

This mug rug brings a smile to my face, as I have it on my desk daily (the winter one is on a side table in my sewing room)...and I can envision it created with several other seasonal fabrics (I better get busy!). I hope you will spend a little time in your sewing space making a "Sweet Snacks" mug mat that fits your personality and decor.

For now, I am back to my design table and sewing studio...plus I have a new cross stitch model in the works in my stitching nest. Be sure to stop back on February 4th, for a very special Valentine treat!! 💖

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...💗

Wool Felted Acorns

Greetings friends - I'm stopping by today to share a little bit about my latest creative project for my Etsy shop - wool felted acorns! If you keep up with my blog, then you know I recently returned from northern Illinois, where I visited my momma and second dad - they have a lovely lakeside property with quite a few oak trees. While I was visiting, I helped clean up piles and piles of acorns...and I had the idea to collect and bring home some of the caps. I brought home three large Ziploc bags full. I had a master plan to make wool felted acorns for my Etsy shop. I explained the idea to my parents, who I am pretty sure thought I was a bit crazy...but after seeing the final product, I think they were impressed. I washed and roasted all the caps, to clean and preserve them...then added 100% New Zealand wool for the "nuts". Aren't they just the cutest?! You can find them here: https://blueribbondesigns.etsy.com

I have started listing them in my Etsy shop in sets of ten. Colors and sizes vary per listing – see listing images for more specific details. Most acorns have an average size of ⅝” – 1” in diameter and/or height, but as you can see in the images, some may be a bit smaller or larger. Due to the handmade nature and the natural acorn caps, there will be some minor variation in size.

Packages may contain single acorns, double acorns, or triple acorns – again, see images for the exact acorns in each listing. Created by Mother Nature, each cap is unique.

These are great for tiered trays, bowl fillers, nature/fall table decor, fall weddings or gifts. Can be used as a special pin or needle keep (my favorite use!). Perfect for seasonal decor through fall and winter… even year round. Use these wool felted acorns throughout your home to welcome the season, decorate for a wedding or special occasion, or give as a gift. Use them from year to year.

Each set of these delicate acorns is packaged carefully and boxed for shipping. Ready for gift giving.

I will continue to add more sets, as my schedule allows...visit my Etsy shop to see what is currently available...