Introducing "Woodland Series Volume 1"

Greetings, friends!

I have been absolutely overwhelmed by the incredible response to my latest cross stitch Christmas ornament, “Special Delivery!” So many of you have reached out asking how to get the first four Woodland Series ornaments—and I heard you loud and clear! On the very first snow day of this winter season, I cozied up and spent the day formatting the beloved designs from 2021–2024 into a brand-new chart pack for you to enjoy.

By popular demand, I’m thrilled to announce the release of Woodland Series Volume 1, a brand-new counted cross stitch pattern designed for those who missed out on the start of the Woodland Series of Christmas ornaments. This collection is packed with charm and holiday cheer—perfect for your seasonal stitching projects!

What’s Inside Woodland Series Volume 1?

This pattern includes four delightful designs that celebrate the magic of winter and woodland creatures:

• ☃️ My Frosty Friend – A cheerful snowman ready to brighten your holiday décor.
• 🐦 Bundled Up Birdie – A sweet bird dressed for the season.
• 🍬Peppermint Pressie – A festive squirrel with a candy cane.
• 🦊 Festive Fox – A woodland fox showing off his holiday style.

Each chart is provided in full color and black & white, and the pattern includes complete finishing instructions—so you can create ornaments that will look stunning on your tree or as handmade gifts.

Formats Available

You can choose the format that works best for you:

• Digital Pattern: Instant download for quick access → https://blueribbondesigns.etsy.com/listing/4415678888
  
  
• Paper Pattern: A printed version shipped to your door → https://blueribbondesigns.etsy.com/listing/4415678605

Both options are available now in my Etsy shop: https://blueribbondesigns.etsy.com

Why You’ll Love This Collection

• Perfect for holiday stitching and gift-giving
• Easy-to-follow charts and instructions
• Four holiday ornament favorites in one chart pack
• Enlarged patterns in color and black & white
• Designed with care for stitchers of all levels

Don’t miss out on stitching all of the designs in this fan favorite collection—grab your copy today and start stitching some woodland magic!

...and if you missed my 2025 complimentary ornament "Special Delivery," be sure to visit my post from Thanksgiving Day to get your free copy while it is still available!

Happy stitching and happy holidays!

Sunshine and Rainbows

Happy Monday friends! It is a hot and humid evening and I just came inside from letting our dogs run in our backyard  for a bit. I am not feeling my best today, so I opted for a desk day. I have been working on my Etsy Shop and my website. I really would like to have all my Blue Ribbon Designs  patterns/charts available in both printed paper format and digital download PDF format, so I have spent the majority of my day converting patterns and  printing the newest designs for my shop - I am really hoping that over the next couple months, I will have them all available in both formats - it's slow going, but I am getting there. I also took some time to catch up on correspondence, do some accounting, and work on a new design layout. I thought I would pop in and do a quick blog update, before I attempt to do a little sewing. I know, I know, THREE blog posts in one week!...I'm shocked myself...but don't get too used to it, my work piles are overwhelming at the moment, so it may be a bit before I am back again...

Today's post is really a photo show of some of my most recent projects (the ones I can share)…some needlework finishing (not my stitching - just my finishing and some of my designs), some customer sewing and quilting, and a homemade gift or two...basically a selection of photos that show some of the "happy" that has been on my studio tables over the last few weeks. I'll do my best to provide details in the captions, if I have them...

Entwined Hearts by the The Scarlett House

Entwined Hearts by the The Scarlett House

Small Project Bag (my original design)

Cosmetic Bag (my original design)

Large Project Bag and Cosmetic Bag (my original designs)

Scissors and Needle Keep (my original design)

Quilt Retreat Mat (my original design)

Large Project Bag and Small Project Bag (my original designs)

Coasters (my original design)

Pretty Posies Pouch (my original design)
PDF Pattern: https://www.etsy.com/listing/943706179/pretty-posies-pouch-quilt-pattern
Paper Pattern: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1232483326/pretty-posies-pouch-quilt-pattern-paper

Sweet Slice of Liberty (my original design)
PDF Pattern: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1028614966/sweet-slice-of-liberty-brd-121-counted
Paper Pattern: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1232437426/sweet-slice-of-liberty-brd-121-counted

A Star of Top (my original design)
Free pattern on my website: https://blueribbondesigns.com

Roses, Hearts and Chickens by Pinker 'n Punkin Quilting

Prim Winter - Joy by Chickens by Pinker 'n Punkin Quilting
Prim Winter - Home by Pinker 'n Punkin Quilting

My Frosty Friend (my original design)
Free pattern can be found here:
https://blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com/2021/11/my-frosty-friend-2021-cross-stitch.html

Friendship Sampler by Birds of a Feather

My studio has been quite productive and there are some things I can't show you yet. Plus, I have done a bunch of project bags for my Etsy Shop (I won't bore you with a million photos of them)...and if you are looking for one of the limited Large Sunflower Project Bags (for the limited Lady Dot Creates Sunflowers for Ukraine Accessories), there is currently one left at the time of this posting...I could possibly have a few more in the future, but I have used up most of the fabrics.

I did pick up this fabulous fabric from my local quilt shop a week ago - this is Renew by Sweetwater for Moda - seriously, how CUTE are those little rainbows...and I just love the positive, happy message of this fabric line. I don't have a plan for these yet, but one is brewing...

Thanks for visiting with me today - I hope you are feeling inspired! Take a little time to create something just for you...

"My Frosty Friend" - 2021 Cross Stitch Christmas Ornament

Hello creative friends - thanks for stopping by for a visit! Today, I have a very special Thanksgiving post that includes my 2021 Christmas Ornament. 

NOTE: If you are a regular reader of my blog, I'm sure you recall my post about the Just Cross Stitch Christmas Ornament Issue (if you have not read it, please take a look for context). 

I struggled with how to release a holiday ornament this year, as I proclaimed 2021 to be the year I value myself and my artistry. I didn't want to provide my ornament design for free (for the sixteenth year) to a publication/corporation that was profiting from it, as I truly believe that artists should be compensated appropriately for their work. However, when I created my 2021 Christmas ornament, I found myself wanting to provide it directly to my fans and needleworkers for free. In a year full of challenges, unrest and divide, I wanted to do something positive and share some joy - after all, sheer happiness comes from giving. Many have needed strength, love, hope and positivity to overcome challenges and loss over the past year - and at this time of Thanksgiving, even with my own challenges and struggles, I have an abundance of blessings. Today, I want to thank YOU for a multitude of things: for allowing me the opportunity to continue to pursue my passion - for your kind support of my needlework and quilting designs - for shopping my website and Etsy Shop - for inspiring me - for your uplifting comments, notes and e-mails - and for sharing your enthusiasm of all things needle and thread with me. 

My 2021 Christmas ornament is called "My Frosty Friend" and is available as a complimentary pattern. It complements my previous ornaments and is in the same style as my 2020 ornament (Rejoicing Reindeer). I continued in my flat-finish tradition (if you stitch it on 32-count fabric, 3 1/4" circles work perfectly) and used DMC floss (321 and 505) to make two-tone twisted cord. I decided to attach a 3/8" red gingham ribbon bow with a couple 1/2" red jingle bells. I used hand-dyed 32-count fabric this year....search your stash for a darker neutral fabric...just make sure the white floss will stand out. I used Weeks Dye Works cotton floss for the model and provide DMC conversions with the chart, if you prefer. I truly hope this cheerful snowman will bring you joy - please stitch it with a happy heart. 

You can find the printable PDF chart here:
https://blueribbondesigns.com/free-charts/
I kindly ask you do not post the actual chart on the Internet/social media or on Pinterest - instead, post a photo of the finished piece and direct users to this post or my website.

UPDATE to the original post: for those who have kindly asked if they could purchase this ornament design in the spirit of valuing my work (your messages make my heart happy!): I ask you talk about my designs with your stitching friends (spread the word about Blue Ribbon Designs) and/or visit my Etsy Shop or website to make a purchase...or you can Buy Me a Coffee...it is definitely not required or necessary, but truly appreciated - thank you for supporting my creativity and valuing my artistry!💓

I also want to note, Just CrossStitch Magazine has changed their policy going forward (starting with the 2022 Christmas Ornament Issue) - they will now be compensating  designers for submissions. I should also note -  they did not invite me to design an ornament for the 2022 issue. I want to thank each and every one of you who spread the word regarding my blog post and called out Just CrossStitch Magazine for their outdated policy. We did make a difference!...and while they did not reach out to me for the 2022 publication, I am proud of myself and everyone who stood with me to make this change that benefits all cross stitch designers working with them in the future. Thank you.

Finally - if you plan to stitch "My Frosty Friend", I hope you will share an image of your progress or finished ornament on social media and tag me, so I can see it! 

To everyone celebrating the Thanksgiving holiday tomorrow - and to my many international fans and friends - take a little time to count your blessings...and a little time to stitch...

Happy Thanksgiving!