"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!

Oodles of Ornaments

It continues to be a finishing frenzy in the Blue Ribbon Designs studio...client orders are still piled across my counters and my list continues to grow. I have been super focused and productive, working around the clock to finish up the projects on my to-do tables along with preparing new designs. I have a plethora of finishing clients to take care of for the holidays (and into the new year)…and I am trying to balance it all and keep my sanity. I have been working on a variety of creative activities, including: lots of needlework finishing, pattern writing, custom sewing, custom quilting and freelance designing…plus making some gifts for the holidays…the to-do list is almost overwhelming. Of course, this time of year, I'm asked to keep many of my client finishes a secret...here is a picture album of needlework finishing that I completed over the last few weeks that I have the "okay to show" (not my designs or stitching, just my finishing work)…

Fabric shown with each was used for the backing...and the gorgeous hand-dyed ribbons, velveteen, pop-pom trim and twill tape are all from Lady Dot Creates (visit her Etsy Shop for the very best pretties and finishing materials)…

I hope you are inspired to finish some of your own holiday projects! I am headed back to the studio momentarily to work on more client (you guessed it) Christmas ornaments...it seems like the piles are never-ending. I just took advantage of the Audible Black Friday Sale (a girl can never have too many books) and have a wonderful assortment of new titles queued up and ready for listening...  

As I look forward to the Thanksgiving holiday tomorrow, 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!), two loveable dogs, and a career I find joy in every single day...way too many things to list. I am truly grateful for all of you who share my passions, encourage me with your comments and emails, and support my designs and creative ventures - you all brighten my days!

To everyone celebrating 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!

Bring on December

Happy December friends and family! Wow - where has the time gone??...this year has passed by so quickly...this time last year, we had just learned we would be moving out of Iowa - and now, here I am writing this from Kansas...it's been a whirlwind. I hope you have been enjoying the season, keeping warm and cozy, and finding a little bit of time to do the things you enjoy!

I have been stitching, sewing, quilting, and needlework finishing - happily creating almost every single day. I have finally completed all the orders that "had to be done before Christmas"...now I am working on all the "no holiday rush" projects, which lets me breathe a sigh of relief (even though the piles are high)! I finally took some time and re-organized the upstairs sewing studio over the last couple days - it *needed* to be done (oh my goodness - it was somewhat disorganized chaos!)...next up will be the basement warehouse/cutting/shipping area. I am still trying to get everything the way I want it after the move...the dream is, one day, I would really like everything in one big studio area....but I am not complaining - I have wonderful spaces!

First up today - I am having a Holiday Shop Sale (today and tomorrow, which is Cyber Monday)...Visit either https://blueribbondesigns.etsy.com or https://blueribbondesigns.com to save:
20% Off All Single Blue Ribbon Designs Cross Stitch Charts, Pincushions and Pin/Button Packs! PLUS: All orders of $40.00 or more (before shipping/sales tax) will receive a free gift - my "Woodland Tree Farm" cross stitch chart. In addition: FREE shipping in the United States with $35 purchase. I know that is a lot of information - but if you have been waiting to purchase any favorite designs, now is the time to stock up!

Next up today....some fabulous needlework finishes! These were all stitched by the same talented person...they are not my designs or stitching...this is just my custom finishing work. I truly enjoyed finishing each and every one of these special pieces...and I still have a pile to complete for the same client (guess what I will be working on later tonight)...

Love My Stitching by Hands On Design
My style large project bag...

Ye Old Crow Sampler by Heart in Hand

The Embroideress Stocking by Kathy Barrick

Forever Friends by Summer House Stitche Workes
Limited Kit - A Little Help From Our Friends Stitching Circle from Silver Needle

A Nordic Mitten by JBW Designs

Queen of the Needle by With thy Needle & Thread
Finished as a needlebook...

Queen of the Needle by With thy Needle & Thread
Finished as a needlebook...INSIDE

Finally today - a little about our Thanksgiving holiday...
Many of you know that my husband is in management for UPS, so there is never any traveling for us during the holidays...as he works seven days a week and is on call 24-hours a day. So, for me, the holidays are a little challenging - especially this year, being far away from all my loved ones in a new state. Last weekend, we made the trip up to Iowa to celebrate Thanksgiving with Travis's parents and to celebrate Friendsgiving with our "neighborhood gang" family (see fun photo below - I'm chuckling as I type this remembering how much work it was to get everyone in the picture and we still didn't quite accomplish our goal - these are my people!!💗)...it was a quick, but much needed road trip - I truly cherished the time with family and dear friends! I even got to see my BFF Mary for a big hug and a quick walk around the block (she lives just a few houses away from my in-laws!). That short trip gave me enough joy to get through this holiday season! Oh, did I mention we took the dogs with us??...yep, they rode in the back of the Jeep with the seat down...

My fabulous Iowa "neighborhood gang" family...💗

I hope you had a wonderful thanksgiving and made a few fun memories! We were actually at home in Kansas for a quiet day - we went to the gym for an early morning workout, then had homemade pizza and wine for our Thanksgiving feast...and watched a movie with the dogs kids. After getting to celebrate early, this was a pretty perfect way to spend the holiday...

Thanks for visiting today - I am headed back to my CLEAN sewing studio to get a little weekend work done and some orders ready for shipment tomorrow. Take a little time to find joy during the holiday season rush!

Etsy Shop Sale

Hello friends - yes, I know it has been a while (I promise I have a good excuse)...and yes, I have a lot of things to share. Let's see - the biggest news: we are moving to the Kansas City area in the next couple months...yep, this 'born and raised in Iowa' girl is moving out of state (insert panic emoji here)! Other news - my fancy sewing machine is still in the shop for repair (insert another panic emoji)...and things are bustling here in the BRD studio (insert happy emoji). I will be back to share details on all those things and photos of all sorts of creative finishes...but right now, I am here to share that I am having an Etsy Sale and FREE gift with $35 purchase.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/BlueRibbonDesigns

This sale will run through Sunday, November 25th and is limited to in-stock items:

• 20% OFF All Single Blue Ribbon Designs Cross Stitch Charts, Pincushions and Pin and Button Packs!
• *Free standard domestic shipping (United States only) when you spend $85.00 or more (does not include shipping or sales tax).
• *All orders of $35.00 or more (before shipping or sales tax) will receive the cross stitch chart "Woodland Tree Farm" for FREE!

For now, please be patient with my blog posts - my husband is already in Edgerton, KS full-time in his new position (he is in management for UPS)...and that leaves me here in Iowa, taking care of all the local details - packing our home of fifteen years and getting it ready for sale…all while trying to do my job to take care of financial responsibilities (and deal with two crazy German Shepherds). It is going to be quite a balancing act. This is early news (I will make a formal announcement when details are a little more clear). I could use your good thoughts, prayers, positive vibes, moving tips, and maybe a hug or two. Please be patient with my e-mail/message response time – I have a lot of irons in the fire…but know I care about you and your business. I will do my best to make this an easy transition – Blue Ribbon Designs will continue in Kansas.

Thank you for supporting my small business and allowing me to do what I love - Happy Thanksgiving!

Giving Thanks...and My Story Video

Wild turkeys having a feast at the bird feeders
 in the backyard on Thanksgiving...followed by
a drink from the bird bath...

Happy day after Thanksgiving - I hope you had a wonderful celebration with family and friends! My husband and I actually made a trip to Lake Summerset, IL, so I could spend Thanksgiving with my mommy for the first time in over 20 years. It was a quick, but special trip...and it was so nice to see my mom and Dan and extended family. We left yesterday morning - made the five hour drive and arrived an hour before dinner - then, spent the night and returned home bright and early this morning, as my husband had to work this afternoon (many of you know, my husband is in management for UPS and we all know how much shipping is happening this time of year!). In any case, we had a lovely trip, family time, and a delicious meal...and Schatzi even tagged along and spent time with some new friends (Daisy and Wilson).

Thank you to everyone for your love and kind words regarding Simba...I found comfort in many of your messages. I also have to thank those who have checked in with me since my oral surgery - it went as expected and I am healing - all is well. I feel very blessed to have so many caring people in my life - my heart is full.

On to the creative part of my post...
We all know how passionate I am about anything created with a needle and thread - by hand or machine....and many of you know there are two things I can't live without in my sewing studio - my Accuquilt products and my Husqvarna Viking Designer Diamond sewing and embroidery machine/Huskylock s25. I'm pretty sure everyone knows how much I love my sewing machine and how hard I worked to get it years ago - it brings me joy every single day. Over the years, they have released new and improved versions of my machine...but the most recent, the Designer Epic, is truly extraordinary - oh how I have been drooling over this machine for months. Obviously a machine of this caliber is not in my budget, so when I saw Husqvarna Viking Sewing Machines was have a video contest with an Epic as a grand prize, I had to put on my thinking cap to think of a video idea that would be worthy of submission. My idea grew slowly and turned into the contest entry you can view below - I am an amatuer videographer, but I had so much fun making it...and I knew I had to give it a shot! I'm not a big fan of contests that require you to solicit votes - many times it is a popularity contest and the entry itself (no matter how good it is) isn't a factor...but I had to make an exception in this special case and at least TRY. I hope you enjoy my short video testimonial about why I love the Husqvarna Viking Designer Epic sewing and embroidery machine and why it is #sewworthit...and if you feel so inclined, please place a vote for my entry.

To vote, simply visit the following link - and click on VOTE - NO sign-up, e-mail, or personal information is required - yep, just visit the link and click VOTE:

http://woobox.com/eyk7zi/gallery/DvLFOHRtQis

It only takes a second and I would appreciate it "sew" very much! Contest rules state: you can vote once per IP address.

You can see the video in it's entirety by visiting the link above, or my YouTube page, or for those who have a browser that support it, I am posting it below (note: you still have to visit the link above to vote):

I hope it makes you smile and you can tell how much I enjoyed putting it together...and, of course, a squirrel made the final cut (after all, it is "my video story"). My fingers (and toes) are crossed, as I am sure there will be some GOOD competition (at the time of this post, my video was the only submission - along with two Epic videos from Husqvarna Viking)....maybe that is good luck!

Let's Talk Turkey

Lately I have been crushing on Dresden Plate quilt blocks and projects...both pointed and rounded versions...there is something so vintage about them, yet they can be made to look completely modern, simply by changing the fabric and the layout. I love seeing plate designs worked in bright, cheerful, modern prints...however, today I am sharing a unique twist with you using lovely autumn batiks! This is one of my newest design creations for AccuQuilt - a set of GO! Let's Talk Turkey Placemats...don't they just make you smile?? These placemats are designed around using half of a Dresden Plate block for the fan of the turkey...and I had so much fun creating them!

All of the pieces/shapes were cut with my AccuQuilt GO! Big Fabric Cutter using the following six dies:

• GO! Dresden Plates (55071)
• GO! Holiday Accessories (55321)
• GO! Big Square-10" (9-1/2" Finished) (55451)
• GO! Strip Cutter-1-1/2" (1" Finished (55024 or 55164)
• GO! Strip Cutter-2-1/2" (2" Finished) (55017 or 55014) (binding)
• GO! Strip Cutter-4-1/2" (4" Finished) (55053)

...and I used gorgeous fabrics from Island Batik - don't they work perfectly for these Thanksgiving placemats?!

The fan, body, and neck/head of the turkey are all cut from the GO! Dresden Plates (55071) die...and I used the GO! Holiday Accessories (55321) die to cut the feet and beak. I cut teeny tiny fabric circles for the eyes, but you could hand stitch French Knots...or use tiny buttons...or use a specialty machine stitch - I think tiny buttons would be extra cute (but may not work well if you use them for placemats - your plate may tilt a bit). I used a blanket stitch with transparent thread to machine appliqué all the shapes in place.

I thought using these turkeys on a table runner would be fabulous, as well...maybe one turkey on each end with simple patchwork in between...hmmm - another idea for my "spare time"...

If you would like to try making a set of GO! Let's Talk Turkey Placemats, you can find the pattern FREE for a limited time on the AccuQuilt website...simply visit:
http://www.accuquilt.com/shop/go-let-s-talk-turkey-placemats-pattern.html

If you are new to Dresden Plate designs, this is a great way to get started! I hope you will try this pattern out...and if you do, please be sure to share your turkey project photos with me...

Check back soon for more seasonal ideas...I have more fun things to share...

Thanksgiving Greetings

The holidays are upon us...and many of us (myself included) need to take a moment and just breathe...I, for one, have learned (or at least I'm trying to learn) that I can't always "do it all" (no matter how hard I try)...therefore, my husband and I, along with his parents will be going out for Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow - that's right, no grocery shopping, no messy kitchen, no hours behind the stove, and no dishes to wash...and for once in my life, I am truly okay with that.

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!), two adorable dogs, and a career I find joy in every single day...way too many things to list...and I am grateful for all of you who share my passions, encourage me with your comments and emails, and support my designs and creative ventures - you all brighten my days!

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 like to see 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 - take a little time to count your blessings...and a little time to stitch...
Happy Thanksgiving!

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!

Thanksgiving Day

To those of you celebrating today, Happy Thanksgiving! It was a lovely day here in central Iowa...and I hosted/cooked the Thanksgiving meal. I have so many things to be extremely thankful for...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...too many things to list...and 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!

The plate photo (on the right), is my husband's first helping of Thanksgiving dinner - his mother and I both admired the artistic layout of his meal and how it could be in a magazine photo shoot - I just had to take a picture! Below is a shot of our dinner table...

Wishing you all a wonderful holiday - filled with family, friends, food, and laughter....take a little time to count your blessings...and a little time to stitch....