Six Bats and a Black Cat - 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 Poppie Cotton fabric designs and my Therm O Web projects - I am so thrilled you like all the patterns, projects, and tutorials I have been working on! I look forward to sharing more patterns and tutorials with you in the coming months.

My overnight schedule has me pretty much upside-down (and truthfully, a bit cranky), but it 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 pattern called "Six Bats and a Black Cat" and it is available in both paper pattern and digital format in my Etsy shop. This "merry not scary" Halloween design contains charting for the framed design (in both color and black & white), stitching instructions, and stitch diagrams. 

Long time fans may recall a similar design I allowed Just Cross Stitch to publish over ten years ago. I always maintain all my design rights and I have wanted to release this pattern in my print/digital catalog for quite some time...with my own branding, in my own style, with my specifics and details. Magazines always make changes for space and adjust wording, finishing, photography, and even provided details - this drives me a bit crazy, as I am very particular about my brand and my artwork. I have a pile of classic designs that were published in magazines, that will be added to my design catalog, where they belong...with my personal vision and attention to detail!

Here are a few more details...

Six Bats and a Black Cat (BRD-133)

When I created this design, I planned it square, so it could not only be put in a frame, but it would look good in a tray, or on a box top, or as a pillow. The motifs around the border and throughout the design were created to work well for Halloween feather tree ornaments. It is in my usual Halloween style, which means it is more classic and happy, versus scary and gory....I am definitely a "Merry Halloween" girl!

The model was stitched with The Gentle Art Sampler Threads and DMC conversions are included.

I stitched it on 32-count Sand Dune (Standard) from Lakeside Linens, but it would look great on any orange, brown, gold or natural linen - any linen dark enough to show the white ghosts. On 32-count fabric, the design measures 7.5" x 7.5".

Stitches include: Cross Stitch over two linen threads, Back Stitch, French or Colonial Knots, Satin Stitch, and Smyrna Cross...diagrams are provided...and the specialty stitches can easily be converted to cross stitch for those who are working on Aida or shy away from specialty stitches.

Paper pattern: https://blueribbondesigns.etsy.com/listing/1575848945

Digital pattern: https://blueribbondesigns.etsy.com/listing/1575851785

I truly hope you find the new design a great addition to my catalog and my vast array of Halloween designs!

Next up, I will be adding a couple new sewing/quilting patterns 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 Therm O Web Blog that will be available in October...plus my blog will be a stop on the Hide and Seek Fabric Tour for Poppie Cotton in a few weeks, so I will be back to visit with you again before you know it! 

Also - by popular demand, I have added more sets of wool felted acorns to my Etsy shop - this time they are in brighter, cheerful colors. Stop by my shop to see what is currently available...

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

New Halloween Cross Stitch Designs & Details

Greetings friends - I'm so happy you stopped by for a visit today! Summer months have gotten the best of me and it has been hard to make the time to post on my blog. Of course, I have been creating behind the scenes - working hard to finish up all the client orders I have on hand and finish up new cross stitch and quilting designs. I am down to just a few client orders and I am excited to get them finished up and be able to focus on my own designs and projects for a while - several recent customer orders have stolen my joy and I am ready to work on pieces that make my heart happy! So, for now, I am not taking on any new clients or client orders - I just need a break to refresh and regroup - and when I do start taking on client orders again, it will be extremely limited and with fresh guidelines. I do have quite a few finishing photos to share with you and I will do that soon, but today is all about my new Halloween cross stitch designs! I released four new patterns on September 1st and this post will showcase each one. These four new cross stitch designs are all 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....

Ghostly Gatherings (BRD-124)

"Happy Boo Day!" features jack-o-lanterns, owls and black birds...while, "Merry Fright Night!" features a haunted house and it's ghosts. This is a two design set - perfect for bowl fillers, small pillows, large ornaments or even small frames. The models were stitched on 28-count Cashel Summer Khaki by Zweigart (but your favorite darker fabric color and count will do - you want to be able to see the ghosts) with Weeks Dye Works cotton floss (DMC conversion included). The models use hand-dyed velveteen for the backs and hand-dyed pom pom trim for embellishment - all from Lady Dot Creates. This chartpack comes with charting for both designs (in color and black/white) along with stitching and finishing instructions. These small designs stitch up quickly and are perfect to tuck into your Halloween display!

Additional details/purchasing information: 
https://www.etsy.com/listing/1063962504/ghostly-gatherings-brd-124-counted-cross

Holding The Bag (BRD-125)

Created with children in mind, "Holding The Bag" contains charting for a pair of Halloween bags (One for Treats, One for Tricks), four pages of Halloween jokes for the tricks bag and finishing instructions. I thought it would be clever to have both a bag of tricks (jokes and riddles) along with a bag of treats. The chart pack includes four pages of printable Halloween jokes (10 per page) for the bag of tricks - these printed slips are perfect for handing out with treats, placing in a lunchbox or backpack, or adding to a card or package. The models were stitched on 28-count Cashel Platinum (but, again, your favorite darker fabric color and count will do) with The Gentle Art Sampler Threads (DMC conversion included). Finishing instructions are included for making the bags, as shown...I used cotton fabric, wool felt/fabric, and hand dyed rick rack and rayon ribbon from Lady Dot Creates. These Halloween bags will add a bit of whimsy to your holiday decorations...

Additional details/purchasing information: 
https://www.etsy.com/listing/1063970040/holding-the-bag-brd-125-counted-cross

Hitchin' A Ride (BRD-126)

Introducing the second set of Rick Rack Rounds! Just like Sweet Slice of Liberty, these have a stitch count of 48" x 48" and are stitched on 32-count fabric, measuring 3 1/4" round. I stitched "Hitchin' A Ride" (named for the black cat on the witch's cloak) on 32-count Navy Bean by Lakeside Linens with Sulky 12 Wt. Cotton Petites (DMC equivalents are also provided)…and again, almost any fabric color will work for these autumn beauties. 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). These make great bowl fillers or could be finished as seasonal ornaments. The pattern comes with a plethora 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 Halloween rounds are quick to stitch and easy to finish...and more seasonal Rick Rack Rounds are on the way!

Additional details/purchasing information: 
https://www.etsy.com/listing/1063975768/hitchin-a-ride-brd-126-counted-cross

Halloween Haul (BRD-127)

This enchanting wall hanging features two black birds celebrating Halloween with their trick-or-treat candy haul! This happy Halloween design was stitched on 32-count Tarnished Silver (Standard) from Lakeside Linens with Weeks Dye Works cotton floss (DMC Conversions included). The model was finished as a quilted wall hanging and finishing instructions are included...but should you want to frame this design, it will fit perfectly in a standard 8" x 10" frame (when stitched on 32-count fabric). Use your favorite cotton quilting fabrics to complement this design or frame it up for a merry Halloween display - it would also make a fun box topper or spooky addition to a quilted tote bag. This chartpack comes with charting for the design (in color and black/white) along with stitching and finishing instructions. 

Additional details/purchasing information: 
https://www.etsy.com/listing/1063980912/halloween-haul-brd-127-counted-cross

There you have it - my four latest cross stitch designs. I hope these designs get you excited for Halloween and inspire you to finish your pieces in new, unique ways!

I have been working on two new sewing/quilting patterns, as well and they will be available in the near future. One is for a retreat mat (small quilt) and one is for a scissor holder/needle case. More details will be posted soon.

I will be filming a FlossTube video featuring the new cross stitch designs in the next day or two, so look for that on my YouTube channel within the next week. I also filmed two additional videos in August - one with the most asked Blue Ribbon Designs questions and answers...and one with storage solutions...these two should be posted in the next month or so, once I make time for editing. I have several hearing impaired viewers, so it takes me quite a while to correct/write all the closed captions (instead of letting YouTube or speech-to-text automatically generate the captions, which most times are not accurate).

I know that was a lot to cover in one post, but I wanted to get you all the latest design information. The last couple months have been a bit hectic here...aside from all the work in my studio, we managed to go see a Sporting KC (MLS) game, a couple Yankees/Royals games at the K, the Garth Brooks concert at Arrowhead Stadium, and a Kansas City NWSL (National Women's Soccer League) game. Yes, Kansas City is finally starting to feel like home! In a couple weeks, we are headed to Chicago for a wedding...then my mom and Dan are coming for a visit...then at the beginning of October, we are headed to Colorado and Utah for our yearly Jeep trip. Busy is a huge blessing and I am looking forward to sharing more with you!

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!

Pick of the Patch

Can you believe how quickly the summer months are passing?? - I can't believe it is already mid-August...where does the time go?! Halloween items are popping up everywhere...and soon stores will be setting up their Christmas holiday displays (if they haven't already). It's time to start working on Halloween and holiday items, if you want to have them completed in time to display this year...

The current issue of Just CrossStitch Magazine (October 2020) features a Halloween Spooktacular section that includes five ornaments to stitch up and decorate your Halloween tree....and yes, you can find Blue Ribbon Designs in this feature. My Halloween ornament this year is titled "Pick of the Patch" and is a fun, quick stitch!  You can locate my ornament and all the details on page 40. My ornament is worked in cross stitch, partial cross stitch, elongated cross stitch, and back stitch...and I used Weeks Dye Works linen (Confederate Gray) and Weeks Dye Works cotton floss (a DMC conversion is also provided). There are TONS of fabulous ways to finish your Halloween ornaments - for this particular ornament, I chose a classic flat-finish with black twisted cord. This is the autumn issue, so there are a plethora of fall designs, as well...and it includes Halloween ornaments by StitchyFish Designs and Charlotte's Web Needlework...along with a fun Halloween framed design by Durene Jones (featured on the cover). You can find this issue of Just CrossStitch Magazine at your favorite needlework shop or on newsstands now...

....and don't forget to grab a copy of the 2020 Just CrossStitch Halloween Special Collector's Issue featuring my "Halloween Haul" wall hanging...

Halloween Haul

Hello stitching friends! Although we are in the midst of a very HOT and humid summer, it looks like many of you are working on autumn and Halloween projects. I always enjoy checking out creative blogs and social media to see what my fellow stitchers and quilters are working on and I keep seeing fall projects popping up everywhere...perhaps you are all ahead of the game OR perhaps thoughts of autumn and winter are keeping you cool during the heatwave...OR maybe it is the release of the 2020 Just CrossStitch Halloween Special Collector's Issue. This annual issue is quite impressive with 58 spooky designs...and it looks like there is something for everyone - including Blue Ribbon Designs fans - yes it's true, I have a spooktacular design in this issue!

You can find my "Halloween Haul" wall hanging starting on page 36. This "sweet design" is a relatively quick stitch and I provided finishing instructions for the quilted wall hanging...OR this design will fit perfectly in a standard 8" x 10" frame (when stitched as directed on 32-count fabric). The stitch count is 98H x 129W and the finished design size measures approximately 6.125" H x 8.125" W . I stitched the model on 32-count Tarnished Silver from Lakeside Linens with Weeks Dye Works Hand Over-dyed Floss...and DMC Cotton Floss conversions are provided. The linen matches my photo as seen in the upper right-hand corner much better than the image depicted in the magazine and shown below (it is gray, not purple). For some reason, I always lose the lottery with photography in this particular publication (insert eye roll here)...

....AND look for another special Blue Ribbon Designs Halloween project in the October 2020 issue of Just Cross Stitch Magazine (an ornament)...I can't wait for you to see it...

...and of course, I designed a Christmas ornament for the upcoming Just Cross Stitch 2020 Special Christmas Ornament issue!

Things are buzzing along in my studio and I will have quite a few new needlework finishes to share with you soon. This weekend, we are headed to Iowa - but I will be back to visit with you again soon....

Homespun Halloween

Happy Halloween to all my friends, family, and followers! I can't believe my Halloween cross stitch calendar revealed the final motif for the month of October today...I'm not quite sure where the year has gone - it seems it has disappeared rather quickly...and soon Thanksgiving and Christmas will be upon us (GASP!). My neighborhood celebrated Halloween last night with trick-or-treaters rushing from house to house getting their fill of candy - I always look forward to seeing the creative costumes that show up on our front porch....and last night I saw some great ones - including the best Ghostbuster I have seen (with an illuminated backpack) and an adorable horse (her mom had sewn the costume). I also enjoy seeing some of the fun decorating that happens in our area...here is photo I snapped of a front yard just up the street from us...I see they are ready for the negative election campaigns to stop - it made me chuckle.

Over the past fifteen years or so, I have celebrated my love of Halloween by designing quite a few needlework charts and  sewing projects especially for this time of year...I thought it would be fun to share a collage that includes many of my spooky pieces...you can find additional information on each of these pieces by exploring my website and/or Etsy shop (including "Behind the Gate" - the Halloween calendar shown above)...enjoy!

Finally....since it is always 'all about the squirrel' - even on Halloween...I had to share an image of the front of a Halloween card that arrived in my mailbox this week from a very dear friend....it made me smile immediately when it arrived! Inside, it says "Peek a BOO!"....

May Jack-o-lanterns burning bright
Of soft and golden hue
Pierce through the future's veil and show
What fate now holds for you.
                                                           -Author Unknown

Midnight Meeting

Can you believe how quickly the summer months have passed?? - I can't believe it is already almost September...where does the time go?! Halloween items are popping up everywhere...and stores are already getting out their Christmas holiday displays...personally, I'd be content to keep the summer months here just a little bit longer...but it is time to start working on Halloween and holiday items, if you want to have them completed in time to display this year...

The current issue of Just CrossStitch Magazine (October 2016) features a Halloween Ornament Spooktacular that includes twelve ornaments to stitch up and decorate your Halloween tree....and yes, you can find Blue Ribbon Designs in this feature. My Halloween ornament this year is titled "Midnight Meeting" and is a fun, quick stitch!  You can locate my ornament and all the details on page 43. The entire ornament is worked in cross stitch...and I used Weeks Dye Works linen (Confederate Gray) and Weeks Dye Works cotton floss (a DMC conversion is also provided). There are TONS of fabulous ways to finish your Halloween ornaments - for this particular ornament, I chose a flat-finish....and I used two-tone twisted cord in gold and black for a special touch. This is the autumn issue, so there are a plethora of fall designs, as well...including Seasons in Chalk Art: Fall (a collaboration by Priscilla Blain and Cathy Habermann of Hands On Design) and Amish Apple Sampler from Nikyscreations. You can find this issue of Just CrossStitch magazine at your favorite needlework shop or on newsstands now...