Bats, Cats, and Ravens

My embroidery machine has been stitching up a storm - filling some customer orders and making more Halloween and autumn freestanding lace ornaments for my Etsy shop. I have replenished some of the sold out Halloween ornaments, as well as the autumn leaves...and I have been working on two brand new ornaments, as well - a handful of "Gothic Bats"...and several "Soaring Ravens". These two new ornament additions to my shop are digitized by Urban Threads (should you own an embroidery machine and want to make some for yourself)...and I just adore them! The bat has quickly become one of my favorite holiday ornaments and I have several hanging on my small Halloween tree...and the soaring raven is so wonderfully unique with it's moving parts. The raven is actually four individually embroidered pieces - the body/head, a tail feather, and two wings...then they are attached together using small brads, making the wings and tail feather movable...I was just tickled with how these stitched up!

For those of you who are not familiar with an embroidery machine or freestanding lace, here is a little idea of how these ornaments are made - using digitized designs, the machine embroiders the ornaments on water-soluble stabilizer...once the design is completely stitched, you put it in water and the stabilizer dissolves, leaving you with a beautiful piece of lace made completely of embroidery thread. I like to put a piece of ribbon through the hanger on ornament before placing it in a card or on a gift. Each large motif can take anywhere from 45 minutes to well over an hour to make...the larger and more detailed the design, the longer they take to embroider. They are quite sturdy and will stay looking great for years to come...and freestanding lace can be pressed with a hot iron at any time...and starched, if needed...

 

         

Also currently in the shop - more Mischief at Midnight Finishing Kits...and a limited number of Harvest Huswif Finishing Kits - these are the same finishing materials used for the model and original class kits...and all the supplies are pre-cut and ready for use (NOTE: these are finishing kits only - you will have to purchase the chart and the stitching supplies from your needlework shop of choice).

I am now headed to my sewing machine to work on a custom order...then I am off to my stitching nest to do some model work - I am knee deep in fast approaching deadline that I am hoping to finish up in the next day or two...I hope you are having a creative and productive day!

"Harvest Huswif"

I am so excited to share a new release with you today...there are two (yep, I said TWO!) new Blue Ribbon Designs shipping to auto shops at the end of the week and to distributors next week. Today, I am telling you all about "Harvest Huswif" (BRD-114).

This special stitching case features fun-shaped wool pockets inside and a matching scissor fob...and of course, this sampler style project is also suitable for framing, should you not want to make it into a huswif. Here are some of the supply details: this autumn project is stitched on Weeks Dye Works linen (35-count Angel Hair) with Gloriana Silk Threads (Weeks Dye Works cotton threads and DMC embroidery floss conversions provided)...the wool fabric is from Moda and WDW...and the gorgeous hand-dyed ribbons are also from Gloriana. Inside: the wool pumpkin is for needles and pins, the upper acorn will hold a thimble or needle threader, the left leaf holds scissors, and the right leaf holds a 3" ruler...plus you have the large stitched pocket across the bottom.

Huswif Closed - Front

Huswif Closed - Back

Huswif Open - Outside

Huswif Open - Inside

You can find a complete supply list here:
blueribbondesigns.com/BRD114%20Specifics.html
...along with additional photos and details here:
blueribbondesigns.com/Harvest%20Huswif.html

The package contains charting for the huswif (stitching pocket) and scissor fob, stitch diagrams (there are some specialty stitches), stitching instructions, complete finishing instructions, wool fabric/felt templates, and an alphabet/numbers for personalization. If you shy away from Cross Stitch over-one, an alternative verse to work in Back Stitch is provided.

I have had quite a few people ask me about the term "huswif", so here is a little "bonus" information for you...

Etymology: From hus (“house”) + wif (“woman, wife”).
Definition: house·wife ˈhaʊsˌwaɪf or, usually, ˈhʌzɪf for 2 [hous-wahyf or, usually, huhz-if for 2]
noun:
1. a married woman who manages her own household, esp. as her principal occupation.
2. British. a sewing box; a small case or box for needles, thread, etc.
verb:
1. Archaic. to manage with efficiency and economy, as a household.

A "huswif" or "hussif" is the name for a case which stores needlework supplies. Before the days of pockets on clothing, women often carried a huswif in one of the large tie-on pockets worn under their skirts. The use of a huswif was certainly not exclusive to women - sailors, soldiers, and other men who needed sewing items carried huswifs.

Expect this new autumn design to start arriving in needlework shops the first week of October!

Tomorrow, I will return to tell you all about "Shaker Valley Harvest" - another unique BRD fall design with needlework smalls...

Excuses, Excuses...

I know I seem to be "missing in action" lately...but I do have a good excuse...here is just a taste of what I have been working on....

....and here is what the floor of my design studio looks like right now...yep, new designs are coming soon! Expect more details over the next several weeks...

Giving Thanks...and a Squirrel Sequel...

With the Thanksgiving holiday tomorrow, I wanted to do a quick blog post - I have so many things to be extremely thankful for...a loving family, a wonderful husband, AMAZING friends (who accept me, my quirks, and my crazy busy schedule!), a career I find joy in every single day...there are truly too many things to list. I am thankful for all of you who share my passion, encourage me with your comments and emails, and support my designs - you all brighten my days - I am truly grateful for the success of Blue Ribbon Designs.

Today I received a special package in the mail - another reminder of my many blessings - it was a Thanksgiving card (right) from "one of the Enfield squirrels"...and an adorable (let's say) straw squirrel (below). See, it truly is "all about the squirrel". This time I have a pretty good guess who sent it to me - and you know it brought a HUGE smile to my face - thank you dear friend...you are sneaky, but I know where you live! See I am truly blessed with wonderful friends...

After hearing from so many of you about the photo collage I posted for Halloween, I decided to do the same thing with some of my Autumn/Thanksgiving designs. Over the past ten years or so, I have truly enjoyed designing charts and patterns especially for this time of year - I adore the colors of autumn...I thought you might enjoy seeing a collage that includes many these pieces...you can find additional information on each of these designs by exploring my website...enjoy!

To everyone celebrating tomorrow - and to my many international fans and friends - Happy Thanksgiving!

Elegant Stitch Workshop

I made it back to Iowa safe and sound...and thoroughly enjoyed my first trip to California. I truly feel blessed...I got to teach "Harvest Huswif" - add a huge list of names to my stitching family - shop at the AMAZING Elegant Stitch - spend quality time with Lois, Annie, Mr. Bear, and all the kiddos - and do some major sightseeing in the area...the list goes on and on...it was one of the best teaching trips EVER!

The first couple days were spent at the shop...meeting all the creative, talented, friendly attendees...teaching the class...doing some major shopping...it was such a fun event. Lois does it up right, which was no surprise to me - very special gifts for each of the attendees (which I will show in a later post - I had to ship them home), great food, and personal touches all over the place - everyone felt comfortable and right at home...and seemed to thoroughly enjoy themselves (especially me!).

The shop was spectacular - truly fabulous! I have been a customer for years...WAY longer than I have been designing...in fact, Elegant Stitch was one of the first shops to ever carry Blue Ribbon Designs. I have been dreaming of visiting this shop for as long as I can remember - and it definitely did not disappoint. It was spacious, well-stocked, clean, organized, and the displays were wonderful - it took me multiple trips around to even begin to see everything...and I made Lois take me back after the events to take another look and purchase another bag full of stash - yep, I found a TON of things I could not live without. There were threads, fabrics, embellishments, gadgets, and tools galore....there were gorgeous treasures on every shelf and rack (and in every drawer, basket, cabinet, and tub) - there were unique and limited edition goodies everywhere! To a needlework fan like myself, the eye candy was almost overwhelming...like I said, SPECTACULAR - if you have a chance to visit, you MUST do so - it will be SO worth it!! Okay, I know you have been waiting for photos and Lois was kind enough to let me take a bunch...so here goes..."just a touch" of what Elegant Stitch has to offer:

The workshop was held next door - which is also a treasure trove, as it contains all sorts of goodies for distribution. Lois and Annie had their work cut out, as they consolidated all the stock, storage, materials, and shipping supplies to make room for ten (or so) round tables and chairs....plus several long tables up front for food and my trunk show. It was so much fun having the retreat right next to the shop...and before and after class everyone definitely took advantage of it - shopping until their hearts were content. Everyone was comfortable and everything they could possibly need at their fingertips. Lois and Annie made sure things ran perfectly smooth throughout the entire event - it was sheer delight being a teacher in this organized atmosphere....it is no wonder many of the guests have been to every single retreat at Elegant Stitch since they started years ago. Here are some photos of all the smiling faces...minus just a few - one student had to leave a little early...and one table is mysteriously missing (you know who you are - Robin, Carole, Sharon - who didn't speak up when I asked if I got a picture of every table)....don't they all look like they are having a grand time??!

And finally today, I will share a photo of Carole with her gorgeous framed Red Velvet Inscription Sampler (and me). A photo of this fabulous finish has been posted on my website "Gallery" for quite sometime, so it was a true treat for me to meet Carole and see it in person. Carole - thank you so much for bringing it along!

So there you have the first of my trip posts - now you can see why I had such a GREAT time! There will be a couple more posts coming soon - one of my sightseeing in California...and one of all my stash...

To each of the attendees - thank you so much for making this event one for me to remember - you are all so talented, creative, and unique and I thank you for welcoming me and becoming part of stitching family. I heart you all...and truly hope our paths will cross again in the future...

To Lois, Annie, Mr. Bear, and all my new furry friends - you were delight to spend time with - thank you, thank you, THANK YOU! You are all special and dear to me...and are stuck with me for life. You made my first trip to California more special and memorable than I ever imagined it could be....

Going to California...

Well, tomorrow is the big day...I make my first trip (ever) to California. I am heading to Elegant Stitch in Modesto, CA to teach a workshop...and I couldn't be more excited! I absolutely adore traveling to meet fellow needleworkers and spending time with each of them in class. I will be teaching "Harvest Huswif" to a sold-out group...this special autumn stitching case has fun-shaped wool pockets inside and a matching scissor fob. This project is stitched on Weeks Dye Works linen with Gloriana Silk Threads...the wool fabric is from Moda and WDW...and the gorgeous hand-dyed ribbons are also from Gloriana. Inside: the wool pumpkin is for needles and pins, the upper acorn will hold a thimble or needle threader, the left leaf holds scissors, and the right leaf holds a 3" ruler...plus you have the large stitched pocket across the bottom. I really enjoyed designing this piece and can't wait share it with the attendees! This project is currently exclusive to the Elegant Stitch Workshop and will not be available for consumer purchase for at least one year.

I am currently packing my bags and getting my camera ready - I plan to take lots of photos to share with you (Lois has been kind enough to let me stay a couple extra days and be my tour guide...she has no idea what she is in for)! I will not be taking my laptop on this trip, so my communication will definitely be limited - please be patient with my response time....also the monthly newsletter will be delayed until my return.

To those of you attending - I can't wait to see you - we are going to have a MARVELOUS time!

Harvest Huswif

If you are a fan of Blue Ribbon Designs, then you have probably read I will be teaching a workshop for Elegant Stitch in Modesto, CA this coming October. I am so super excited - I have always wanted to visit Lois's shop...plus, it will be my first ever trip to California...I seriously can't wait! Many of you know I have been working on finishing up the project - and I actually got it done earlier this week (it took WAY longer than anticipated) - I wanted to wait to share it here until Lois had a chance to update her website with photos and details. So here is is - "Harvest Huswif" - a special stitching case with fun-shaped wool pockets inside and a matching scissor fob. This project is stitched on Weeks Dye Works linen with Gloriana Silk Threads...the wool fabric is from Moda and WDW...and the gorgeous hand-dyed ribbons are also from Gloriana. Inside: the wool pumpkin is for needles and pins, the upper acorn will hold a thimble or needle threader, the left leaf holds scissors, and the right leaf holds a 3" ruler...plus you have the large stitched pocket across the bottom. I really enjoyed designing this piece and can't wait until October to share it with the attendees! For more information and details on this workshop, please visit http://www.elegantstitch.com.