Stitch Starter Rulers

Greeting friends - thanks for stopping by to visit with me today! Just a quick update today, to let everyone know that my popular Stitch Starter Rulers are back in stock in my Etsy Shop and on my website. They are packaged and ready for shipping. The cross stitch charts that come with charting/directions for making the sleeves (each includes one ruler) are available, as well.

Stitch Starter Ruler: 

• It is 1/8" clear acrylic plastic, making it durable (these are slightly thicker than original version).
• It has marking lines for both 1" and 2" seam allowances, so you only need one tool.
• It is clear, making it easy to see your fabric placement.
• It has 1/4" and 1/2" markings on three sides.
• It has complete 3" ruler markings down the left side - these can be used for: finishing work measurements, measuring between stitched designs, counting threads to figure fabric count.

Instructions for using the Stitch Starter Ruler can be found here:
http://www.blueribbondesigns.com/PDF/USING%20THE%20STITCH%20STARTER.pdf

I have contacted everyone that was on my wait list via email and Etsy message - thank you for being so patient!

I will be making more quilted pocket sleeves that make up my "Stitch Starter Ruler and Ruler Pocket Sleeve Set" in my Etsy Shop, but it could be several weeks before they are ready for listing.

Currently, you can find single Stitch Starter Rulers and the companion cross stitch charts "Blessed Beyond Measure" and "Holiday Helpings" by visiting:

Website: https://blueribbondesigns.com/stitch-starter-ruler/ OR

Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BlueRibbonDesigns?ref=seller-platform-mcnav&section_id=11683865

A Creative Boost

Hello friends! I have been having an extra creative week...it is always good when you have a personal epiphany. The past few months had found me feeling defeated and searching for purpose - but it is amazing how a few letdowns and frustrations can bring clarity. It took being treated far less than I was worth to give me the proper attitude adjustment! So this week, I am getting back to basics and doing what I love...removing the negativity and jobs that abuse my talent...and I'm enjoying my creative journey. I have been designing new projects (both cross stitch and quilting), sewing for my Etsy shop each day, completing some custom projects for those who truly appreciate my talents, and model stitching each evening...and that makes me extremely happy (and isn't that what life is truly about?). So, I hope to be here more often, sharing the fun projects I work on each day...and the little things that inspire me!

The last few days have found me sewing up and listing a bunch of Stitch Starter Ruler Pocket Sleeves...I have been having playing in my fabric stash and fussy cutting some fabulous prints. These pocket sleeves measure 3.5" x 3.5" and hold my BRD 3" Stitch Starter Ruler perfectly - they are fully lined with no raw seams...and they use fusible fleece to give them a bit of padding and stability. To read about the BRD Stitch Starter Ruler, visit this link:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/210845150/stitch-starter-ruler
...and to see the available Stitch Starter Ruler and Pocket Sleeve sets, visit:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/BlueRibbonDesigns?section_id=11683865&ref=shopsection_leftnav_4

This afternoon, I am working on a springtime project of my own design with very cheerful colors (yes, I am ready for spring!)....and I am sewing up a few smaller zippered pouches to add to my Etsy shop (I call them tool pouches). It is supposed to warm up a bit this afternoon, so Miss Schatzi and I will definitely be taking a decent walk (which is always good for my sanity and creativity!). Take a little time to do something you enjoy today...

Stitch Starter Ruler & Sleeves

Hello friends! It has been another busy week....and today will be filled with adding new handmade items to my freshly updated website. Over the last few days, I managed to turn these piles:

Into these finished piles of Stitch Starter Ruler Sleeves:

These pocket sleeves measure 3.5" x 3.5" and hold my BRD 3" Stitch Starter Ruler perfectly - they are fully lined with no raw seams...and they use fusible fleece to give them a bit of padding and stability. I will be listing all 36 new Stitch Starter Ruler Sleeves (four each of nine different fabrics) in the Exclusives/One-of-a-Kind Handmade section on my website...and each ruler pocket sleeve purchase includes a Stitch Starter Ruler.

For those of you unfamiliar with my BRD Stitch Starter Ruler:

• It is 2 mil acrylic plastic, making it durable.
• It has marking lines for 1", 2", and 3" seam allowances, so you only need one tool.
• It is clear, making it easy to see your fabric placement.
• It has 1/4" and 1/2" markings on three sides.
• It has complete 3" ruler markings down the left side - these can be used for: finishing work measurements, measuring between stitched designs, and counting threads to figure fabric count.
• Visit this PDF link for more information: Directions for using the Stitch Starter Ruler

A Stitch Starter Ruler is also included in the following Blue Ribbon Designs with charting and instructions to make your own cross stitch sleeves: BRD-100 "Holiday Helpings" and BRD-097 "Blessed Beyond Measure" - these two design charts can be purchased on my website or at your favorite needlework shop.

I am off to take photos of each Stitch Starter Ruler Sleeve (it's terribly gloomy and raining, so I am going to have to work on the lighting)...then I will start posting them on the website (along with a few other new items)...it's going to be a busy day!

Spring Fever...

I must admit, I have a case of spring fever...I am definitely ready for sunshine and warmer temperatures. I have been walking on the treadmill this week, as the ground is snow and ice covered...most sidewalks are clear, but the lower temperatures and potential for slipping has kept me indoors....I truly cannot wait to be back outside doing my training walks!

Needing a little sunshine and some flowers in my life, I decided to go through my fabric bins and find some stash fabric that makes me happy...and took to my sewing machine for a few hours on Friday and Saturday. I wanted to try a new small zippered bag with a clear vinyl front...and I have had a cute pattern in my collection for quite some time (Bridget's Bagettes by Atkinson Designs). I decided on the Riley Blake Designs fabric line Hoo's In The Forest by Doohikey Designs - a cheerful fabric collection that I picked up quite some time ago (I believe it is now retired, but you can still find it here and there). I like to work on projects with a bit of a challenge...and this one was fun because I got to use multiple presser feet on my machine...and I used tissue paper with the vinyl to keep it from sticking to my machine/sewing table and then tore it away. I was pretty happy with my first try, but I have a few changes I will make to "streamline" the design a bit - plus, I think I will adjust the size a bit (the one I made is 5"H x 7.5"W)...but overall, I was happy with my first attempt and will put my new tool pouch to good use. I really like the look of the coordinating contrasting fabric on the inside...and I did use fusible fleece to give the pouch some strength and stability. I see more of these cute zippered pouches in my future!

After trying something new, I decided to use the same fabric line (it makes me happy) to do a few more items for my Etsy Shop...so I made several stitching pouches with wool and button embellishments...and several more Stitch Starter Ruler sleeves.

So there you have it - my cure for spring fever...beautiful, cheerful fabrics and some sewing time! I hope you have had a chance to be creative this weekend...

A Snow Day...

Just as predicted, winter weather arrived in central Iowa yesterday evening...it started as a rain/sleet mix, then quickly turned to snow (and thunder snow). We received 12" to 14" of snow (on top of a layer of ice) and blizzard-like conditions with winds gusting up to 50 mph...yes, winter has definitely arrived! With the heavy snow, our power was knocked out last night...but we are blessed, as our electricity was restored early this morning. With most of the city shutdown this morning and travel not recommended, today was an official snow day. I made it outside to do a little snow removal and take Simba for a brief walk...he was quite irritated by the harsh weather and I had to force him to go further than the end of our driveway....but who could blame him - with the snow so high, he must feel like he is walking in a tunnel...and with the winds so extreme, he must feel like a little kite. I must say, even with the cold, wind, snow, and ice, it was still beautiful outside - looks like we will be having a white Christmas this year!

View from our deck....

Sunshine trying to peek through....

...and speaking of winter weather and snow...several days ago, I received a FABULOUS Christmas package from my dear friend Robin - I have only opened one of the enclosed gifts....and it was this WONDERFUL winter fabric, which reminds me of our current weather situation...it is Winter Wonderland by Ingrid Slyder for Moda...isn't it marvelous?! 

It was a very quiet day and I decided to do some cooking (a big pot of homemade chili), some baking (molasses cookies), and some sewing (more Etsy shop items and a couple last minute gifts). I finished up the last six Blueberry Crumb Cake Needlebook Scissor Cases...then decided to pull out some bright cheerful fabric (Fresh Flowers by Deb Strain for Moda) and work on some more Stitch Starter Ruler Pocket Sleeves....these will be listed in my Etsy shop soon.

I have just a few more things to finish up in my studio and at my desk...then I will be headed to my comfy stitching nest to work on some model stitching (I think a fire in the fireplace and a hot beverage will be a nice touch)...I have several large projects to get completed in the next few weeks...

I hope you are staying warm and cozy...and enjoying this winter holiday season....

Stocking The Shelves...

Finally, I have some Etsy shop items to share with you! Remember months ago when I told you I was working on more Needlebook Scissor Cases for my Etsy shop?? - well, here I am posting a LONG overdue update. I had quite a few requests for some made with fabric from the Blueberry Crumb Cake collection by Blackbird Designs...and at that time, I got them all cut and prepared for sewing...then life, traveling, teaching, designing, "you name it", got in the way...and then my sewing machine had to go in for repair. My sewing machine is still waiting for parts - but I dusted off my old machine and got to work last week. I managed to get 26 of the needlebooks completed - along with 24 new Stitch Start Ruler Sleeves - all in the Blueberry Crumb Cake fabric....and I have 6 more needlebooks ready for assembly this weekend. These items are all ready to ship and would make perfect holiday gifts for stitching friends (or yourself!)...

The "Needlebook Scissor Case" is my own pattern which I have perfected over time - each one is approximately 3.5" W x 5.5" H. They are padded with fusible fleece and the pockets/cover are structured with interfacing - making them quite sturdy and durable. The covers are embellished with rick rack, trim, or ribbon...and the closure is an elastic loop and button. Many of the buttons are vintage from vast collection - and the rick rack I used is hand-dyed. Inside you will find wool felt needlebook pages with one pretty stick pin and pockets for your stitching/sewing tools. Each Needlebook Scissor Case is different and unique...

I also added a new batch "Stitch Start Ruler Pocket Sleeves" - these pocket sleeves measure 3.5" x 3.5" and hold the 3" square ruler perfectly - they are fully lined with no raw seams...and they use fusible fleece to give them a bit of padding and stability. Each Stitch Start Ruler Pocket Sleeve comes with a Stitch Starter Ruler (single Stitch Starter Rulers without a sleeve are available, as well). To read more about my Stitch Starter Ruler, visit: http://www.blueribbondesigns.com/USING%20THE%20STITCH%20STARTER.pdf

Orders placed this weekend will ship Priority Mail on Monday, December 17th and should arrive in time for Christmas gift giving....and all of my Etsy items are wrapped in GiftGloss and tied with tulle bows.

For those of you needing affordable gifts for a small group of stitching friends - check out my Decorative Pin and Button Packs! I used pretty papers and cardstocks to fold holders with a pocket on the front and and a pocket on the back...and then tied them together with fancy coordinating ribbon. The front pocket holds a card of 5 decorative pearlized heart straight pins...and the back pocket holds a card of 5 decorative pearlized leaf straight pins...and attached in the center is a poly bag of 24 matching buttons. The holder is tied with approximately a 1/2 yard of decorative ribbon and is placed in a transparent bag tied with tulle. Each package is different and unique...and I still have a nice assortment listed and ready to ship.

I have an impressive pile of pieces cut and ready for assembly this weekend and hope to have more fun items listed soon!

Today, I am finishing up some last minute handmade gifts - then this evening, I will be working on the model for the Elegant Stitch Workshop taking place in April...and I have a project to complete for AccuQuilt this week, as well...lots of creative work to do in the Blue Ribbon Designs studio...

Have a wonderful weekend!

Busy Little Worker Bee

Hello blog friends! I have been a busy little worker bee lately...working on upcoming class/teaching preparations and kits...model stitching several magazine/book designs...designing/kitting some new cross stitch pieces...and sewing/quilting items for my Etsy shop. I have also been working on a release schedule for my new cross stitch designs - I have been holding off on releasing new charts while the economy has been a bit slow, but have a pile of pieces ready for printing production - right now my plans are to release a couple new designs in November and then a couple every other month or so, making my releases a bit more "scheduled"...look for more details in the next month or two. 

Today, I finally had a chance to list a pile of new items in  my Etsy shop...several more project bags, more stitch starter ruler sets, and FINALLY an assortment of needlebook scissor cases. These are all in the Sew It Book Collection by the Vintage Workshop, Amy Barrickman for RedRooster Fabrics....I made several project bags in this fabric line last week and they flew out of the shop. I received quite a few requests for more pieces in this fabric collection, so I did my best to comply....unfortunately, my understanding is that this collection is discontinued (I have had it in my stash for quite some time) - I still have some odds and ends and was able to secure a bit more...but pieces will be limited. 

I changed up my needlebook scissor case a pattern a bit by adding interfacing to the pockets and cover...and used fusible fleece for padding (instead of batting), which makes them more durable and quite sturdy - I am happy to get another one of my patterns perfected. I also enjoyed going through my vintage button stash to find coordinating buttons.

More sampler fabric project bags will be coming soon (thank you for the enthusiastic response!)...as well as more needlebook scissor cases (and yes, some will be in the Blueberry Crumb Cake fabric line by Blackbird designs)...I have a pile cut and ready to be constructed. Just be patient with me - I have quite a few deadline at the moment and I am dong my best to balance everything...

After finishing up a few details at my desk, I plan to get some fresh air and take Simba to the park...then I will be headed to my stitching nest to work on a cross stitch magazine model...I have lots of stitching to do...enjoy what is left of your Thursday!

Saturday and Sunday Sewing...

I am in a rush to finish up a million things before I leave on my prize-winning AccuQuilt trip on Tuesday morning...I managed to get all the yard work, laundry, and a bunch of correspondence done today...as well as finished up a large pile of sewing for my Etsy Shop - I will slowly be adding more pincushions and Stitch Stater Ruler Sleeves tonight.

These first eight pincushion tuffets and four ruler pocket sleeves (for my Stitch Starter Ruler) are from the fabric line Breakfast at Tiffany's by Joanna Figueroa, Fig Tree & Co. for Moda. Joanna's fabrics always appeal to me - she uses such soft colors...and her sewing and quilting patterns and books are always inspiring!

The next eight pincushion tuffets and nine ruler pocket sleeves (for my Stitch Starter Ruler) are from the fabric line Bliss by Bonnie & Camille for Moda - this fabric collection was a favorite of mine and I have used it for several large projects, so I am using up what I have left for some smaller pieces...

I have a few more ruler sleeves completed that I will share with you tomorrow...I hope you have had lovely and productive weekend...

French General Goodies

Here are more of the goodies I have been working on this week - twelve more pincushion tuffets....and a new item for my Etsy shop - a Stitch Starter Ruler with Pocket Sleeve. The pincushions shown and four of the Stitch Starter Ruler Pocket Sleeves are made from the fabric line Maison de Garance by French General for Moda. The pincushion tuffets have a pieced top and a wool felt fabric bottom...each has a coordinating wool felt heart embellishment pinned in place with a decorative button pin and two decorative pins (one dark red heart, one white heart). After completing the pincushions, I decided to work on a new item....pocket sleeves for my Stitch Starter Rulers. These pocket sleeves measure 3.5" x 3.5" and hold the 3" square ruler perfectly - they are fully lined with no raw seams...and they use fusible fleece to give them a bit of padding and stability. I have listed the six ruler pocket sleeves shown in my Etsy shop...and I have plans to add quite a few more in the near future...each ruler pocket sleeve purchase will include the Stitch Starter Ruler.

For those of you unfamiliar with my Stitch Starter Ruler:

• It is 2 mil acrylic plastic, making it durable.
• It has marking lines for 1", 2", and 3" seam allowances, so you only need one tool.
• It is clear, making it easy to see your fabric placement.
• It has 1/4" and 1/2" markings on three sides.It has complete 3" ruler markings down the left side - these can be used for: finishing work measurements, measuring between stitched designs, counting threads to figure fabric count
• A stitch Starter Ruler is included in the following Blue Ribbon Designs with charting and instructions to make your own cross stitch sleeve: BRD-100 Holiday Helpings and BRD-097 Blessed Beyond Measure - these two design charts can be purchased at your favorite needlework shop.
• Directions for using the Stitch Starter Ruler

My June "Just Because" Giveaway is still open until Friday at midnight, so if you haven't entered already, visit Tuesday's post for details...

Celebrating 100 Giveaway

It's a happy day....this weekend marks the release of my 100th design (not including magazine and teaching pieces); I am so proud to be a part of the needlework community and I truly thank all the supporters and fans of Blue Ribbon Designs...you keep me encouraged, enlightened, and inspired! To mark this big release milestone, I have decided to host a new giveaway...it is just a little way to say thank you for keeping my dream of Blue Ribbon Designs alive and thriving.

This time, I will be giving away copies of my brand new 100th design titled "Holiday Helpings" (a stitch starter ruler and holiday sleeve designs)...you will get the chart and the ruler...and never fear, if you have already pre-ordered this design, you may choose to receive "Blessed Beyond Measure" (the original starter design with ruler) in it's place.

How to enter:

Simply leave one comment (to this posting) telling me your favorite Blue Ribbon Design and why - for example: it could be the verse, or the colors, or a personal meaning behind the motifs - just tell me a little bit about why it is special to you. Make certain you leave an email address in your comment or it must be visible in your profile - entries without a valid email will be not be eligible...and if you enter anonymously, please also include your first name so I have a way of identifying you, should you win. Please leave only one comment - multiple comments will be deleted/disqualified.

I will choose one recipient for every 50 entries (comments) received....so the more entries, the more winners! For example, if there are 101 entries - I will pick two recipients....if there are 260 entries, I will pick five recipients. Feel free to tell your friends and have them join in on the fun!

The deadline to enter will be 11:59 pm CST, Friday, February 25th. Recipients will be chosen by random draw and posted on my blog on Saturday, February 26th. I will contact the recipients via email - you will have 48 hours to respond, if I do not hear from you in that time, I will choose a replacement recipient. So, there you have it....all the "details" - good luck to each and every one of you...and again, thank you supporting Blue Ribbon Designs - I hope to bring you quality designs for years to come...

"Holiday Helpings" - NEW Stitch Starter Sleeves

As the Nashville Needlework Market quickly approaches, I have been busy finishing up the details for my two new releases. This one is called "Holiday Helpings"...it is a new set of Stitch Starter Sleeves all with holiday themes. The chartpack (being released in February at the Nashville Market) will contain: one stitch starter ruler tool (seen right), charting for all six holiday "Stitch Starter Sleeves" (seen below), stitching instructions, complete finishing instructions, and an alphabet/numbers for personalization....it will also contain instructions for using the Stitch Starter Ruler tool. The model sleeves were stitched on 32-count Lakeside Linen (Chantilly Creme) with Weeks Dye Works cotton floss. As you can see from the photo below, I chose Valentine's Day, Easter, Independence Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas....and as an added bonus, a St. Patrick's Day complimentary chart will be posted on my website after market release. I had a lot of fun charting these seasonal "pockets" for the Stitch Starter Ruler - I can envision each of these designs being stitched as an ornament or the cover of a needlebook - maybe even a floss ring tag...wouldn't they be cute for holiday stitching exchanges?! More information will be posted soon - but until then, visit my website for information on the first set of Stitch Starter Sleeves, details about the ruler and instructions for use...

Quiet Quilting

I finally made time to do a little quilting this evening. With my husband away on a hunting trip and my head spinning from Blue Ribbon Designs deadlines, I needed a few quiet hours in my sewing studio. I have a GIANT pile of sewing projects I *really* want to work on, so it was hard to choose only one...I decided to finish piecing and quilting this Double Dutch mini quilt. I have to admit, I was a little worried about the very small flying geese units, but was thrilled when they fit together rather nicely....a definite improvement for me! I have really been enjoying this series of mini quilts and finally purchased a 12" standing frame to display them...it will be fun to change the quilt each month and I look forward to having each one on display.

I have a couple really adorable Valentine sewing projects I would love to machine embroider and sew up, so I will be working extra hard to meet all my deadlines...I definitely *need* more play time!

As far as needlework, I am still working on the "Holiday Helpings" Stitch Starter Sleeves...they are stitching up just as I envisioned and I can't wait to share them with you! I am stitching as fast as my little fingers can handle...and since I have a quiet house tonight, I should be getting quite a bit more accomplished...