Weekend Wrap-up

"Red Rosies and Pink Posies" a Blue Ribbon Designs
chart exclusive to those who make a donation on my
Komen 3-Day fundraising page. For details:
http://blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com/2013/07/red-rosies-and-pink-posies.html

First of all, I have to start by thanking everyone who has made a donation on my fundraising page supporting my Komen 3-Day 60-mile walk in November - the response has been tremendous and I am overwhelmed and humbled by your kindness, generosity, and HUGE hearts. I have received the most touching e-mails and correspondence and I thank you all! I also want to thank those of you who have shared my Facebook posts, blog post, and tweets with your needlework friends - I REALLY appreciate you helping me spread the word by telling your friends about "Red Rosies and Pink Posies", my Blue Ribbon Designs "pink" design exclusive for donors. Thanks to all of you, I have surpassed the required fundraising amount of $2,300 and I am well on my way to surpassing my goal of $6,000...in fact, at this time, I have passed the $4,000 mark...which is so thrilling - it is making me quite emotional just thinking about it. I have always said that needleworkers are incredibly generous and have the biggest hearts...and this truly proves my point. Please help me keep the momentum rolling and the donations coming in...working together we can all make a difference!

For those of you who have made a donation and received the PDF of Red Rosies and Pink Poises, Elegant Stitch has put together a linen/thread package to support the chart and are giving a substantial discount. They are only making a limited number of these linen/thread packages and this special offer ends next Friday, July 12th. For details, visit: http://www.elegantstitch.com/what%27s%20new.htm and read the news for July 3rd. Lois at Elegant Stitch is a dear friend, captain of the Twinkle Toes team (and a breast cancer survivor), and has been extremely supportive of this special "pink" design!

Next up - as I continue my training and fundraising, I have to start putting together all the needed supplies for the walk...including several more pairs of shoes (which are extremely expensive, so if you are in the "shoe business" and can help me out, please let me know!). My husband is on sleeping bag and air mattress duty...and I have a list of other needed items to pack. I have already purchased my airline ticket for California, so things are really starting to come together. In the coming weeks, I will be posting new items in my Etsy shop to help with all the expenses...I will keep you updated when they will be available.

In other news, I found out earlier in the week that Blue Ribbon Designs made the cover of the 2013 Just CrossStitch Ornament issue, due out in early September. My ornament ("Redbirds Rejoice") is just below right of center...two redbirds on pine branches with the words "Hope", "Joy", and "Love". Look for this magazine favorite in your mailbox, or at needlework shops and newsstands later this year...

And finally, here is a fun video of our kids, Schazti (German Shepherd puppy) and Simba (Shih Tzu)...Schatzi is learning to "shake paw" and Simba is watching and wanting in on the treats/action...

I hope you are enjoying this July 4th weekend...and keeping cool in the summer heat!

Meet Schatzi...

Travis with Schazti when we picked her up in MN...8 weeks old...

Hello friends! I finally have a moment to myself and thought I would do a quick blog update...things have been a bit hectic in our household to say the least... Last weekend we drove up to Minnesota to pick up "Schatzi", our new German Shepherd puppy...and she is a handful (to put it kindly). She is all puppy and is definitely keeping me on my toes. The name Schatzi is German for "little treasure"...and although she is not going to be little for long, she is definitely a treasure (she was 19.5 pounds at her vet visit last Sunday). I pretty much have her attached at the hip for 17-18 hours a day...the other six or seven hours is during the night when she is sleeping in her kennel...at this age, I can't let her out of my sight for long, or she is busy being a puppy (finding things to chew or "exploring"). She is doing quite well with the house training and is already going to the front door when she needs a potty break (which is often). So far, Simba is "tolerating" her...they aren't best friends yet, but they can handle being in the same space. Here are a few photos for those who asked...then we will talk about other things...

First night in our home...8 weeks old...

A calm moment in our yard - 9 weeks old...

Play time in the yard...9 weeks old...

Now on to other things...
I am still dealing with a terrible cough in my chest and I'm feeling rundown...but the other flu symptoms have subsided...which is a great thing! Thank you for the well wishes and the home remedies you have have shared with me...I am hoping I am finally on the mend.

I have finished the class project for the New England Stitcher's Retreat and have sent finished photos and details to the event coordinators...as soon as I have the okay, I will be sharing all the information with you!

I have quite a few Blue Ribbon Designs "irons in the fire" right now...and I am doing my best to get some new releases ready...plus a special project is in the works and I will have details soon. The flu and the puppy have slowed me down, but I am hoping to be back on track in the next week or so...

On the sewing/quilting front, there is not much news...but I did manage to finish some fun birthday gifts over the last couple weeks and I will be sharing those with you in the next few days...

I hope you are having a wonderful weekend and experiencing sunshine in your little corner of the world...take time to do something you enjoy!

California Bound...

My suitcase is packed again...and I am ready to fly back to the West Coast - today I leave for one of my very favorite destinations (Elegant Stitch in Modesto, CA) for another teaching trip. I am so excited to see good friends (there will be quite a few familiar faces) and add more new members to my stitching family! I absolutely adore traveling to meet fellow needleworkers and spending time with each of them in class (and yes, I am giddy to be escaping the terrible Iowa weather!). I will be teaching "Bluebird Sewing Box" (shown below) to a nice large group...and I just know we are going to have a fabulous time! As a bonus, all of Team Twinkle Toes will be in attendance and we will be taking a group photo...and who knows, we might even be able to get in a walk...after all, it is sunny and 80+ degrees there! I am currently finishing up a few details, packing my bags, and getting my camera ready - I leave in just a few hours - 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...well, actually, she does...and I am sure we will find some trouble to get into)! I will not be taking my laptop on this trip, so my communication will definitely be limited - please be patient with my response time...I will return all messages and reopen my Etsy shop upon my return next Thursday (April 25th).

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

An Artistic Journey

The Enfield Shaker Museum - Museum Store

It is not a secret - after my first teaching trip to Enfield, NH, staying in the Great Shaker Dwelling House (also known as: The Enfield Shaker Museum), I have become increasingly interested in the Shaker culture, history, and lifestyle. Since doing a little research for my first Shaker teaching design, my interest in "all things Shaker" has grown tremendously. Several years ago, my quest for knowledge started at the public library (surprisingly, I did find a few titles)...but over time, I have built quite a collection of informative Shaker books. My favorite titles on the subject are related to Shaker art, drawings, furniture, and style...and most are "table-style" books. On my recent visit to the Enfield Shaker Museum, I picked up a few more books to ship home - now I know I could have found these beautiful hardcover books at a discounted price (or even used copies), but I purchased new books from the extensive collection in the Museum Store - I am happy to support the museum and the artists and writers of these historical books....after all, they provide me with hours of enjoyment and tons of inspiration for future designs.

The first book I selected to purchase and ship home was A Shaker Sister's Drawings: Wild Plants Illustrated by Cora Helena Sarle. The history behind this book is quite interesting...
In the 1880's, Cora Helena Sarle (a young woman at Canterbury Shaker Village in New Hampshire) was considered too frail to take part in the rigorous daily duties of the working Shaker Sisters - with her talent for art, the spiritual leader of the community (Elder Henry Clay Blinn), suggested that she use her gift for the good of the communal family. At his suggestion, she began her task of recording all the wild plants, herbs, and flowers around the village - she filled two notebooks with more than 180 exquisite (and accurate) color illustrations (watercolor drawings)....and each drawing is complemented by growing conditions of the wild and cultivated plants. This is a beautiful book featuring Helena's intricate botanical watercolor drawings...is is not necessarily a book to be "read", but a book to "savor"...

The second book I added to my ever-growing collection is Seen and Received: The Shakers' Private Art (The Gift Drawing Collection of Hancock Shaker Village) by Sharon Duane Koomler. This book highlights a collection of twenty-five gift drawings from the Hancock Shaker Village - these notable drawings are of exceptional quality, range and scale...and the images in this collection are representative of the wide spectrum of works created by Shaker artists. This comprehensive catalog contains concise biographies...complete, literal transcriptions of the text in each drawing...and full-color illustrations of all twenty-five of the Hancock Shaker Village drawings. As I study and explore this publication and the wonderful color images, I continue to be amazed - although, at first glance, each drawing tends to look symmetrical, I have found most of the detailed drawings to be a well-balanced blend of symmetry and asymmetry. Many are filed with "spirit writing", texts, and verse...and also include intricate geometric patterns, cryptic characters, traditional motifs and dramatic use of color. For an artist, these works are a definitely feast for the eyes...and I am truly inspired by each and every work...

Looking through both of these books, I find myself excited to design my next class project for the New England Stitcher's Retreat ...inspiration is sometimes found where I least expect it...
I hope you will make a little time to cultivate your special interests and take an artistic journey...

“Libraries are reservoirs of strength, grace and wit, reminders of order, calm and continuity, lakes of mental energy, neither warm nor cold, light nor dark. The pleasure they give is steady, unorgastic, reliable, deep and long-lasting.” - Dr. Germaine Greer

It's All About The Squirrel

Squirrels in my "Schoolgirl Samplings" design...

Today's post is all about the squirrel - this might sound funny, but I do have a reason for this statement...and I might just make you giggle while I make my point...

Squirrels have been mentioned several times on my blog...mostly when I am traveling and manage to get a photo or two....they are also found in my design work - in fact, there are multiple Blue Ribbon Designs that contain a squirrel or two...and squirrels have been part of multiple classroom conversations during my recent teaching events. In fact, on my last journey, during the New England Stitcher's Retreat, a squirrel pewter pincushion was the gift everyone wanted during the "Yankee Swap" game - that cute little squirrel was stolen quite a few times during the game (can you believe it - someone actually stole it from me! - boo hoo) and was the definitely the most desired gift...we had a lot of fun giggling about that special squirrel. On that trip, while visiting King Arthur Flour (before the Yankee Swap game), I even purchased an adorable little squirrel cookie cutter.

Since September, when I  traveled to Buffalo, New York, squirrels have come up multiple times in conversation...especially after I posted a photo of a black squirrel I took at Niagara Falls State Park. It always interests me to see the color of the squirrels at each of my teaching destinations - here in Iowa, our squirrels are mostly fox squirrels...but as I have traveled, I have seen grey squirrels, black squirrels, and red squirrels...it always seems to become a topic of conversation...one day I hope to see a flying squirrel (a girl can dream!).

A black squirrel I photographed a Niagara Falls State Park...

A squirrel I photographed at Camp Bethel in Haddam, CT (staying at Sue's Cottage
before teaching at Stitcher's Hideaway)

An Iowa Fox Squirrel

So, I guess I should (finally) get to my point - on Friday, a surprise package arrived in my mailbox...it was the cutest T-shirt...of course it has a squirrel on it and the words "The Squirrel Whisperer" - I started giggling immediately - what a delightful gift! It was actually a random act of kindness (RAK), as there was not a card or note enclosed (it came from the manufacturer)...no information, whatsoever (I am not sure if this was intentional or not). Those of you who know me well, know I send personal hand-written thank you notes...and without the information of the sender, that is pretty much impossible...so here I am publicly thanking the wonderful individual who brightened my day and sent me such a fun gift (I hope the sender is reading this)! You made me smile and I am truly thankful for your thoughtfulness and kind gesture - please know you made me so very happy, I adore my new t-shirt, and I appreciate you!

Exploring New Hampshire and Vermont...

Each time I travel to teach, I always try to make a little time to see the area and explore - it is such a treat for me to visit other parts of the country and do a little sightseeing! Lucky for me, my dear friend Ruth lives in New Hampshire and agreed to take me on a little excursion Friday morning/afternoon before the New England Stitcher's Retreat started that evening. Before we begin, I should tell you, it was pouring rain all day - normally I take a lot of outdoor photos and show you the area...but on this particular day I was only able to manage some indoor camera shots...

We set out bright and early Friday morning...our first destination was King Arthur Flour...now, you know I love to bake and I was definitely familiar with King Arthur Flour...however, I didn't quite understand how this could be a "destination"...but oh my goodness was this ever a great place to visit! King Arthur Flour has a brand new campus in Norwich, VT that houses a phenomenal retail store, a baking education center, and a bakery and a cafe - it was FABULOUS! I could have shopped for hours and easily filled a cart - however, knowing I could only add a few pounds to my suitcase, I showed some self restraint (making sure to sign up for their e-mails, grab a catalog, and write a mental list for some online shopping!). There were a few goodies I had to purchase on the spot and ship home...and Ruth did a little shopping for me too - picking me up an adorable owl kitchen towel and a jar of Maple Pumpkin Butter (delicious!). The staff at King Arthur Flour were so very kind and accommodating and allowed me to take a bunch of photos to share with you...

After a delightful morning at King Arthur Flour, we headed to Brattleboro, VT (a little over an hour away) - a couple retreat attendees had shared with us about a fabulous shop called Delectable Mountain Cloth...and all I needed to hear were the words "hundreds of crystal dishes filled with buttons" and "silk fabrics" and off we went! It was an enjoyable drive through Vermont...and yes, it was still pouring rain...but it gave me and Ruth a chance to chit chat and catch-up (after all, we only see each other once a year). Once we arrived in Brattleboro and found our destination, we did a quick drive around the area and found a place to park...then set out to explore the oldest town in Vermont. Main Street had a wonderful assortment of shops - including In The Moment Records (yes, a record shop!), Beadniks (a bead shop), Vermont Artisan Designs & Gallery, and Kitchen Sync (a wonderful kitchen shop)...and I am positive there were many more great places to visit, but the rain definitely hindered walking from shop to shop. We spent a good amount of time in Delectable Mountain Cloth...and it exceeded all of our expectations! This quaint and cozy Main Street shop was full of treasures...all sorts of textiles, silks, velvets, organzas, chiffons, and specialty fabrics...and yes, hundreds of crystal dishes filled with buttons (a feast for the eyes)...along with trims and laces...they also have handmade jewelry and large assortment of scarves. I will let the photos do the talking...

How was that for a large dose of "eye candy"??!! Seriously, if you are ever in the Brattleboro, VT area, this shop is definitely worth the trip...Ruth and I have already discussed that this will be permanently on our yearly itinerary. Oh, and I must mention, if you visit this shop, be sure to cross the street and enjoy a meal at Amy's Bakery Arts Cafe (113 Main Street, Brattleboro, VT) - it is all fresh ingredients - wonderful soups, sandwiches, and salads - DELICIOUS...

So that was how we spent our rainy Friday in Vermont - it truly was a stellar day! That evening and the next couple days were filled with event activities and lots of stitching, but we did get a few more hours together to explore on Monday. After a final breakfast with the retreat attendees, packing up, and saying tearful goodbyes, we had a few more places to see before I headed to Boston where I was to catch a flight home to Iowa. We made a final trip to ABC Stitch Therapy where Ruth got in some last minute shopping and I dropped off all my classroom materials to ship home...then we headed cheerfully to Quilted Threads in Henniker, NH. I was so beyond excited to see this quilt shop, as I had heard all about it...and the feedback was exceptional; I couldn't wait to visit a new quilt shop and find some goodies to take home! Well, the excitement didn't last long - as we pulled into the parking lot, I was quite discourage to read the sign "Closed On Monday"...how disappointing...but we weren't going to let that ruin our day. We continued our drive to Concord, NH where I was to catch a bus to Boston....and made the best of a SUNNY day! I was able to see the Capital of New Hampshire, walk Main Street and visit a few shops, and then have a spectacular lunch at The Barley House. I have already added The Barley House to my list of places I must visit again - both the atmosphere and the food were WONDERFUL - believe it or not, I had a Lobster BLT...yep, a BLT with lobster meat on it and it was scrumptious! It was the perfect way to end my visit to New England....and I can hardly wait to return next year...

An extra special thanks to my friend and chauffeur Ruth - you definitely made this a special trip to remember...thank you for exploring New England with me...I love you sis!

There you have it, my final post on my recent trip to New Hampshire for this year's New England Stitcher's Retreat - it was another AMAZING visit - I got to see more of the East Coast - I got to see old friends and make new ones - I got to share my passion for needlework - and I got to smile and laugh for several days. Now I have a full year to look forward to my next trip...it can't get here soon enough...

To see all sorts of additional photos from my trip to New England, check out the albums on my Facebook page...and smartphone users can check out my Instagram album (user: BRDGIRL)...

A Tea Party at ABC Stitch Therapy

I am finally back with another post about my recent teaching trip to New England. It has been a few crazy days playing catch-up after traveling for most of the month...I still have a pile of correspondence and various work tasks to accomplish, but things are slowly getting back to "normal". As of this afternoon, the to-do list is completely out of control, but I hope to get a handle on it over the next week...in all reality, I could really just use a day or two off to catch my breath and get some much needed sleep - but right now, that is not an option.

Today I wanted to share with you a little more about the New England Stitcher's Retreat that was held at the Enfield Shaker Museum (The Great Stone Dwelling House) last weekend. Marie (owner of ABC Stitch Therapy), Tricia (the shop manager), the entire staff at the shop, and Gail and Jackie (the marvelous hosts for the weekend) made sure everyone had a phenomenal time. Every little detail was taken care of, including: little gifts each day, special treats and snacks (some warm right out of the oven), a fun "Yankee Swap" game where everyone got a stitching prize...and even a tea party at the shop! I was able to spend lots of time with each attendee (my favorite part of my job!) - and I was happily surprised to see each of them in the classroom extra early in the morning...and each staying late well after class was supposed to disperse...and many stayed up with me until the wee hours stitching, giggling, and laughing - many finished their scissor fob and some finished their fob and pinkeep (or got a really good start!). The entire dwelling house was full of enthusiasm and smiles and it truly filled my heart with joy!

Earlier in the week, I shared some photos of the Dwelling House, the classroom, and the Enfield area with you - today, I thought I would share some photos of ABC Stitch Therapy...including the grand tea party! Marie recently moved the shop to a new location, just a "hop, skip, and a jump" from her previous building...and the new shop was incredible! There are lots of windows and good natural light - and TWO floors - when I walked in a was completely astounded. Standing in the doorway, there was a "mecca" of threads to my right...linens and fabrics with a cutting table straight ahead...and cross stitch charts, kits, accessories, and notions to my left...with models EVERYWHERE...upstairs was needlepoint heaven, with hand-painted canvases galore. If you are a needleworker, this shop is definitely worth a trip! So here are some photos I took of the shop (with Marie's permission) and a few photos of the tea party (as always, click on the photos for a larger view)...

ABC Stitch Therapy - Grantham, NH

Thread "mecca"....

Looking down from the upstairs level...

Stairs to the second level...

Needlepoint Canvases (Upstairs)

Me surrounded by beautiful needlepoint canvases...

Teacups for the tea party...

I'm pretending to serve the tea...check out all the wonderful treats....

Sharing a cup of tea with my dear friend Ruth (Sis, you look happy and beautiful!)...

My English Breakfast Tea and plate...
(a scone, an apple spice petit four, a roast beef tea sandwich, and a fruit tart)

I think you can see why I love teaching at the New England Stitcher's Retreat - the events, the shop, the food, the area, the accommodations - everything was a treat! I have to thank everyone who worked on the event planning - the hard-working and happy hosts (Jackie and Gail)....and all the attendees who made the journey to Enfield, NH - I hope to see you all again next year!!

In the next day or two, I will share some photos of my sightseeing with you...including some from King Arthur Flour...and a few from Delectable Mountain Cloth in Brattleboro, VT. To see all sorts of additional photos from my trip to New England, check out the albums on my Facebook page...and smartphone users can check out my Instagram album (user: BRDGIRL)...