Berries, Birds, and Blooms

As promised, I am back today with the details for my other new release "Berries, Birds, and Blooms". This is another cheerful, sunny design that I hope will brighten your winter days!  This chartpack contains charting for the sampler and four needlework smalls - a scissor fob, pinkeep, floss ring tag, and needlebook....it also includes stitching instructions, stitch diagrams, complete finishing instructions for all four needlework smalls, and an alphabet/numbers for personalization. The models were stitched on 32-count Chantilly Creme hand-dyed fabric from Lakeside Linens with Weeks Dye Works cotton floss (a DMC conversion is provided). I am very happy with the set of needlework smalls and plan to find a small basket to hold them - I want to place it on the table next to my stitching nest. As always, I have put all the details on the Blue Ribbon Designs website - here are a couple direct links...
Complete materials list and specifics:
www.blueribbondesigns.com/BRD108%20Specifics.html
Additional photos:
www.blueribbondesigns.com/Berries%20Birds%20and%20Blooms.html

 Automatic shop orders (for both "Berries, Birds, and Blooms" and "Sunflower Serenade") start shipping today and distributor orders will be shipping next week - so look for this new design to arrive at your favorite needlework shop (or online at your favorite webshop) very soon!
(NOTE: before you comment/post "I don't have a local needlework shop" - contact the shop where you purchase your stitching stash (charts and supplies)...it can be a local shop OR an online needlework shop...OR visit the "Locate" page on my website for a list of shops that will be able to assist you.)

Needlework Smalls (clockwise from top left: scissor fob, pinkeep, needlebook, floss ring tag) - Front View

Needlework Smalls - Back View

Thanks for stopping by - I hope you like the two new releases! I am now off to bag and prepare charts for shipment...and of course I have more details to finish for the Mystery Sampler...I would LOVE to do a little holiday sewing, but my sewing/embroidery machine is still waiting for the replacement parts to arrive (boohoo!)....

Sunflower Serenade

I'm back to share more Blue Ribbon Designs news with you. Yesterday I shared my big announcement that I have designed a mystery sampler for the Norden Crafts Mystery Sampler Club (thank you all for the very positive feedback!)...and today I am sharing the first of two new releases with you!

I have two new designs ready to start shipping within the next week (Sunflower Serenade and Berries, Birds, and Blooms)...today we will talk about BRD-107 "Sunflower Serenade". This is a Midwest/Kansas-inspired design - it features a few of the Kansas state symbols: the state flower (Sunflower), the state bird (Western Meadowlark), and the state insect (Honeybee). This piece was actually designed for a special class I taught for the Heart's Desire Cross Stitch Camp...but I had so much wonderful feedback, I decided to release it in my regular line. As winter continues to arrive, I thought I would release a couple pieces with a springtime feel to keep your stitching rotation bright and cheerful! This design chart contains charting for the sampler and two needlework smalls - a scissor fob and a pin pillow with a place to attach your scissors....it also includes stitching instructions, stitch diagrams, complete finishing instructions for both the needlework smalls (including a paper template to help you cut the hexagons for the pin pillow), and an alphabet/numbers for personalization. The models were stitched on 28-count Jobelan Bone fabric - but I also suggest a linen: 30 or 35-count Baby's Breath by Weeks Dye Works....and for threads, I used Weeks Dye Works cotton floss - but a DMC conversion is also provided.

You can find all the details and a complete materials list on my website:
www.blueribbondesigns.com/BRD107%20Specifics.html 
...and additional photos can be found here:
www.blueribbondesigns.com/Sunflower%20Serenade.html

Automatic shop orders start shipping tomorrow and distributor orders will be shipping next week - so look for this new design to arrive at your favorite needlework shop (or online at your favorite webshop) very soon!
(NOTE: before you comment/post "I don't have a local needlework shop" - contact the shop where you purchase your stitching stash (charts and supplies)...it can be a local shop OR an online needlework shop...OR visit the "Locate" page on my website for a list of shops that will be able to assist you.)

Tomorrow, I will return with all sorts of information about "Berries, Birds, and Blooms"....

Pillow Talk

Earlier this week, I finished several pillows to send to my mother for her birthday...I had fun working on three pillows for her...and I am so glad I got them completed before my sewing machine needed to go in for repair.

SIDE NOTE: yep, my sewing/embroidery machine experienced a little hiccup yesterday and had to make a trip to the doctor today - she needed a little TLC...it turned out to be a simple belt issue and I was extremely relieved - I made it home and managed to sew for about 10 minutes before the exact same thing happened again...ugh. My dealer is about an hour and a half away, so I couldn't be more discouraged - the sewing machine tech will not be in until Monday morning, so Monday we have an appointment to head back and have the belt put back in place. Boohoo...my whole weekend without my fancy schmancy sewing machine...good thing I have a big cross stitching deadline to keep me busy!

Okay, enough about that whining - back to the pillows. The one in the top right photo with the tree button is a small pillow - maybe 3" x 3"...my mother has an adorable tiny rocking chair that belonged to my grandparents, so I thought it would be cute to send her a little patchwork pillow to display with it for the holidays. The two larger pillows (below) are 9.5" x 9.5" - the Redwork stitching is actually machine embroidery from an older Inspira Redwork Collection with the cutest designs (I just love them!). After the embroideries were completed, I cut them into 6.5" blocks and added 2" dark red print border strips....then backed them with a fun red and white print (hearts) and stuffed them firmly. I thought they finished up extra cute...and turns out, they matched my mother's living room perfectly. I figured she could use the one with the ice skating mouse during the winter...and the one with the rabbits gathering vegetables in the spring/summer....and if she wants, she can turn one around and show the red heart print for Valentine's Day.

I managed to get quite a few snowflakes and ornaments machine embroidered before the aforementioned "belt issue", so look for those this weekend - I just have to get them photographed and added to my Etsy shop...

My two new Blue Ribbon Designs ("Berries, Birds, and Blooms" and "Sunflower Serenade") that are being released in the very near future are at the printer and I will see a proof on Monday - once they are good to go, I will determine the exact release date information and post about the specifics - stay tuned...

It has been an incredibly busy (and somewhat frustrating) week...and I am now off to my stitching nest...I will be having a late night model stitching marathon!

On The Agenda...

It is going to be another busy week here at the Blue Ribbon Designs studio! I have so many projects and activities in the works...but really, when are things ever calm here?? I have a list a mile long...so it is a good GREAT thing my dear friend in California send me an AMAZING journal to keep my thoughts and lists organized...isn't it adorable?! I just love the sentiments, ribbons, and pictures on the cover...and have already filled multiple pages with writing, trying to keep myself on track...

Here is a little bit about what is going on in my world...
I made a trip to the local quilt shop last Friday to pick-up more machine embroidery thread - I have been making all sorts of machine embroidered lace snowflake ornaments to list in my Etsy shop...they are not posted yet, but will be soon - I am finishing up a HUGE batch before listing them. I will post some photos and more details here when I am ready to put them in the shop...

Of course when I visited the quilt shop, a couple other things caught my eye...I just adore the line of fabric Odds and Ends by Julie Comstock of Cosmo Cricket for Moda (the large piece of fabric in the photo)! I have a fun plan for this fabric...and of course I needed a few zippers...and a pattern by one of my favorite designers (Terry Atkinson) called "Popovers" - cute little pouches that will be perfect for the holidays...

My days have been filled working on the printing files for two new design releases - "Sunflower Serenade" and "Berries, Birds, and Blooms". I have finished up the files and the designs are now in printing production. There will be more details posted soon and I will have a release date for you in the near future (patience please). I have also been working on a large new project...and I can't give you any information just yet...but know there is something VERY special in the works and you will be hearing all about it SOON! I also have the class design for the Elegant Stitch Workshop underway...Lois has a "teaser" up on her website, but there will be much more information on this project in the coming weeks, as well....just give me a little more time.

I really wish I had some time for sewing and quilting, but things have been a bit hectic - I do have some fun ideas for holiday sewing and I hope to share some with you in the coming weeks! I am actually going through a bit of sewing machine withdrawal - I am just itching to work on a new project or two....however, that will have to wait while I work on a custom order for twenty-five needlebooks (yes, I really need more hours in each day!)...

So, I am off to tackle more items on my list...and get in my exercise for the day - a power walk (more on that later this week)...plus Simba needs a little attention too...

Heart's Desire Cross Stitch Camp

What a fabulous long weekend I had in Kansas at the Heart's Desire Cross Stitch Camp! It was so much fun, I honestly don't know where to start... Heart's Desire has been putting on this camp for many years - held at the Rock Springs 4H Center in Junction City, KS. When I first heard the location, I thought the venue might be a bit "rustic" for my taste...but, boy was I wrong...the lodge we stayed in was like a hotel...and it was nestled in over 700 acres of natural surroundings. There were loads of windows and natural light...and all sorts of wildlife right outside - including deer, turkeys, and all sorts of birds. Our classroom was located in a different building...and meals were held in a dining hall - both a nice walk from the lodge. I took several long walks and lots of lovely photographs, as signs of spring were everywhere. Cellular phone coverage was non-existent in the area, so it was a true getaway!

(The lodge we stayed in...and the breathtaking view from the wall of windows in the stitching room...)

For this trip, my husband rode along with me - his best friend lives in Manhattan, KS (a few short miles away), so he spent the weekend with him while I was teaching. Before he dropped me off at the cross stitch camp, we made the trip to Abilene, KS, so I could go to Picture This Plus and check out their amazing hand-dyed fabrics and needlework shop. During my visit, Marilyn was so kind and accommodating - I got a tour of the dyeing facility, which was quite interesting....and their shop has TONS of models, materials, and charts...and of course it was fabric heaven! I am embarrassed to say, I have never tried their fabric before - but I left with a huge GORGEOUS pile for future projects (and a new pair of scissors!).

Once I got settled in at the Lodge, I made my way to the giant stitching room and started setting up my models so the attendees could do some shopping. This group got the special treatment, as I was able to pack quite a few pieces to bring along - they had thirty-five models to view (and they were fantastic shoppers!). Debbie also had a very nice selection of merchandise set up from her shop. Once everything was in place, I started going from table to table and meeting all the stitchers....we took a break for dinner....then later in the evening they received their door prizes (and even I got one!! - how cool is that?! - a lovely Milady's Needle kit - Milady's Quaker Pendants II - perfect for me...and I have already started one!). All of the prizes were wrapped and it was fun to see everyone tear into their packages and open their prizes (which were quite awesome - and were all different). Many of us stayed up past midnight...and then I had to get a bit of sleep before a full day of teaching on Saturday.

Debbie (center), her daughter, and some of the shop staff (who all did an amazing job getting things put together for this event)...and you can see some of the models in the background....
























Saturday morning (bright and early - 7:00 AM) we made our way to the dining hall for breakfast...then to the classroom. We had a fun morning starting the project and even had a mid-morning break for fresh cinnamon rolls (yummy!). Before lunch, I started working one on one with each of the students making twisted cord and talking about finishing techniques. At lunch time, there was plenty of time to take a walk and enjoy the beautiful scenery....then back to class. We worked on the project all afternoon, with another break for homemade cookies (no, we did not starve!). I really didn't need to eat dinner, so while many made their way to the dining hall, I took a walk to the highest point on the grounds, where I was able to make a phone call to my husband and make sure he knew what time to arrive on Sunday...then I took a long walk on several of the trails. The entire evening was filled with stitching, laughing, shopping, and more laughing - it was like being at a giant slumber party! I made my way around the room and helped and answered questions about the project and had a chance to get to know each of the attendees a little better. Around midnight, I got the giggles and just couldn't stop laughing (thanks to Nita, Carmen, and Lori - they instigated everything!)....then around 1:30 AM, I finally made my way to my room.

Students hard at work in the classroom...followed by TONS of fun happening in the stitching lounge....and some photos of the wonderful scenery on the grounds....

Sunday morning was nice and relaxed - breakfast was (again) early and I decided to skip it for a few extra minutes of sleep - luckily, Diana brought me a yogurt and we had all sorts of food in the kitchen. I spent the morning working one on one with many of the attendees (and doing a little shopping of my own)...again, there was more laughter and giggling....and almost everyone finished their scissor fob or pin pillow (or both!) or had a really good start on the project! Then it was time to pack up and say goodbyes...and take a group photo (unfortunately, some had left before the group photo). All in all, it was an incredible weekend...and I am crossing my fingers I will be able to spend a weekend with this special group again...thank you to all the attendees, you made my job effortless and oh so enjoyable!

On The Road *Yet* Again....

I just finished packing up everything for the Heart's Desire Cross Stitch Camp (whew - what a job!) and I will be heading out of town bright and early for another weekend of teaching...this time I am headed to Junction City, Kansas to work with another big group of enthusiastic students. I've packed up a great assortment of models and charts and all the class materials and will be ready to hit the road first thing in the morning for three enjoyable days of needlework. It is storming here with a vengeance, so I am really hoping the weather will calm down for my trip...

I will be making a little pit stop before I get there...I have been told I just *have to* visit Picture This Plus in Abilene, KS, so I will be headed there first (I've also been told there is a good quilt shop in town, so that is on my list as well!).

I hope to be back early next week with a fun blog update from my travels...I also have some fun creative things to post about! I know my posts have been limited the last couple weeks, as preparing for two big teaching events has monopolized my time...but I promise to be better upon my return.

Also - make a trip to my Blue Ribbon Designs website "gallery" to see a couple FABULOUS pieces I got to see in person at the Heartland Stitch Counters Society event last weekend (thank you Pam and Cheryl)...they are definitely worth a view!

Finally - thanks to everyone who has taken a moment to vote for my two quilt blocks in the AccuQuilt Barn Quilt Contest - you are awesome!! I also appreciate those of you who have spread the word and sent tweets or posted on your message boards/blogs for me....every little bit helps. :-) I'm afraid I have fallen way behind in the "popularity contest", so I really hope the celebrity judges see something special in one of my entries (fingers crossed!)....or I have an outpouring of votes this weekend. There is still time to vote - voting ends on April 19th - so please, if you haven't done so already, please visit this link: http://www.accuquilt.com/barnquilt-top100 and cast a vote for me...

My first block is in the second row (below left)....and my second block is in the bottom row (below right)...and you can "like" and/or review both of my entries....both quilt blocks have Belinda K. listed under them.

• If you have Facebook, simply click on "like" under my block(s) to give me a vote.


• If you do not have Facebook, click on the image of my block(s) and rate/review my block to give me a vote....you don't need to write anything fancy, just that you like my quilt block design. I know, a little more time consuming, but you will make my day! :-)

I am going to finish up just a couple more things and then it is off to bed...I'm hoping to get in a few good hours of sleep before my alarm goes off in the early AM....

Wishing you a wonderful and creative weekend....

Sunflower Serenade - The Smalls

If you would like to enter my latest giveaway, there is still plenty of time - please see Sunday's post "Celebrating 100 Giveaway" for details.

For those of you attending the Heart's Desire Stitch Camp in April, I just had to share the needlework smalls that are part of the teaching design! I finally had a chance to finish them up over the weekend....and I am quite pleased with how they turned out (if I do say so myself!). Accompanying the framed design ("Sunflower Serenade") is a scissor fob...and a wool based pin pillow with a place to tie on a small pair of scissors. Your kit will have all the materials and instructions needed to complete the sampler, scissor fob, and pin pillow (with the exception of framing materials and scissors). During our class, I will be covering stitching each of the pieces, the specialty stitches used, all finishing techniques, and making twisted cord...we are going to have a very fun time! If you would like to purchase a small pair of scissors specifically for this unique pin pillow, I would suggest Little Gems by Kelmscott Designs - they fit perfectly and come in a wide variety of colors.

If you are interested in attending this special Midwest event (I would LOVE to meet you!), there are still a few spots available - it is taking place April 14th - 17th at the Rock Springs 4-H campground near Junction City, KS. For more information and/or registration contact Heart's Desire via their website: http://www.hearts-desire.net/ or call the shop at: 316- 681-3369.

Sunflower Serenade - A Teaching Piece

Here is a peek at what I have been working on while trying to get over my cold/flu (which is much better now!)...it is called "Sunflower Serenade" and is the sampler for the the Heart's Desire (a needlework shop in Wichita, KS) Cross Stitch Camp held at the Rock Springs 4-H campground near Junction City, KS. This year, the event is being held April 14th-17th. This teaching piece will also have a matching scissor fob, which we will plan to stitch/finish in class...it is stitched on 28-count Jobelan (Bone) with Weeks Dye Works cotton floss. Debbie had asked me about possibly designing something with a Kansas theme (which at first seemed like a HUGE challenge)...so I did one of my signature samplers with a bit of Kansas - after doing some research, I incorporated the state flower (Sunflower), the state bird (Western Meadowlark), the state insect (Honeybee), and a barn representing agriculture (a major industry in KS)...plus a touch of spring, as the camp is being held in April. I am definitely looking forward to this Midwest event in several months! Again, before I get bombarded with questions - this special design will not be available to the general public until at least one year after the retreat is held...so if you can not attend, you need to be patient. Please contact Heart's Desire for more information and details....

This morning, I made a trip out into the winter weather to visit my framer...where I dropped off a pile of pieces including "Sunflower Serenade", "Turn The Page", and "Moonlit Midnight". Then, I spent the afternoon working on my state sales taxes and preparing my 2010 tax documents for my CPA (fun, fun, fun). This evening, I have been working on some of the bookmarks that coordinate with "Turn The Page". I am slowly working through my GIANT to-do list, while trying to stay warm and completely regain my health. I have a couple more teaching designs to prepare, along with two market designs to complete/ready for printing - it is going to be a VERY busy month...