Special Delivery – My 2025 Cross Stitch Christmas Ornament

Greetings, friends—and to those celebrating in the U.S., Happy Thanksgiving!🦃

Today is one of my favorite days of the year—my annual complimentary Christmas ornament release day! Thanksgiving feels like the perfect time to share this gift with you because my heart is overflowing with gratitude. If you’re here reading this, you’re part of the stitching community I cherish so deeply.

Since 2020, I’ve proudly released my yearly ornament independently—after designing 15 ornaments for a publication that didn’t truly value my artistry. Every year, your kindness reminds me why I chose this path. Your support—through purchases, comments, emails, and sharing your enthusiasm—fuels my creativity and allows me to keep pursuing my passion for needle and thread. Thank you for believing in me, valuing my work, and cheering me on!

📬Introducing “Special Delivery”

This year’s design is the fifth in my Woodland Ornament Series, and it’s called Special Delivery. Picture a charming little rabbit delivering holiday cheer—a Christmas card in paw—against a cozy winter backdrop. It coordinates beautifully with previous ornaments in the collection (My Frosty Friend, Bundled Up Birdie, Peppermint Pressie, and Festive Fox) and uses the same classic color palette and finishing style.

I continued my tradition of a flat finish—if you stitch on 32-count fabric, a 3¼" circle works perfectly. For the model, I used hand-dyed 32-count fabric and Weeks Dye Works cotton floss (with DMC conversions included). I finished mine with two-tone twisted cord (DMC 321 and 505), a gingham bow, and a couple of jingle bells for extra holiday sparkle.

This cheerful rabbit is sure to bring a smile to your face—please stitch it with a happy heart!

🐰Download the Chart

You can find the printable PDF chart for Special Delivery here:

👉 https://blueribbondesigns.com/free-charts/

Please do not post the actual chart online or on Pinterest—instead, share a credited photo of the finished piece and/or link to this post or my website instead.

✀Finishing Help

As an added bonus, you can find a step-by-step finishing tutorial on the Therm O Web Blog—complete with templates and photos—so you’ll have plenty of time to stitch your ornament and finish it beautifully. You can also watch a short video tutorial on my Instagram and YouTube Channel as well!

🍬Previous Ornaments

If you’re new here and missed the previous ornaments in this collection, I have good news! I’ve released a new pattern that includes the first four ornaments in the set - it is called "Woodland Series Volume 1" and is available NOW in my Etsy Shop!

Paper Pattern: https://blueribbondesigns.etsy.com/listing/4415678605

Digital Pattern: https://blueribbondesigns.etsy.com/listing/4415678888

This new pattern includes color and black/white charts and full finishing instructions for:

• My Frosty Friend
  
• Bundled Up Birdie
• Peppermint Pressie
• Festive Fox
  
  

🩷A Heartfelt Thank You

My hope is that this complimentary design inspires you to pay it forward—maybe gift your stitched ornament to someone who needs a little holiday cheer. If you’d like to support my creativity, please visit my website or Etsy Shop, or consider buying me a coffee (never required, always appreciated!). 

Thank you for being part of my stitching journey and for valuing my art. Your encouragement  and kind support of my small business truly means the world to me. 💕

If you stitch “Special Delivery,” please share your progress or finish on social media and tag me—I love seeing your creations. 📷

This holiday season, may your heart be full of joy, may you find creative time each day, and may you see the beauty that surrounds you. Take a little time to count your blessings…and a little time to stitch.

Festive Fox Finishing Supply List

Greetings friends! Have you been busy stitching your "Festive Fox" Christmas ornament? In case you missed it, I released my 2024 Cross Stitch Christmas ornament chart on Thanksgiving Day. This year's ornament is another in my Woodland Ornament Series...it is "Festive Fox." You can find it here: 
https://blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com/2024/11/festive-fox-2024-cross-stitch-christmas.html

Making it even more special this year, I am sharing a complete finishing tutorial on the Therm O Web Blog on Monday, December 16th. The tutorial will include templates and step-by-step finishing instructions (with color photos) to finish your ornament just like my model in the photo!

By request, I am sharing a finishing supply list here, so you will know what you need on Monday for the finishing tutorial. I am going to share the exact products I use (links when I have them), but feel free to use your favorite items/brands or what you have on hand.

What you need to finish one cross stitch ornament:

• Printer and Printer Paper (to print templates)
  
  
• SpraynBond Pattern & Stencil Spray
  
  
• SpraynBond Basting Adhesive Fabric Spray
  
  
• HeatnBond Medium Weight Non-Woven Fusible Interfacing
•   2 – 6” x 6” 
  
  
• Pressing Paper Fabric and Craft Sheets
• 1 – sheet
  
  
• Optional: HeatnBond Fabric Fuse Liquid Adhesive (if you want to glue your disks and or twisted cord instead of hand sewing)
  
  
• Cotton Fabric (for backing): I am using 12 Days of Christmas by Sharon Montgomery for Northcott Fabrics (this is an older retired fabric) – choose your favorite fabric.
• 1 – 6” x 6”
  
  
• Cotton Quilt Batting (I like Warm & Natural)
• 2 – 5” x 5”
  
  
• Comic Book Board or Light Cardboard or Cereal Box (I always use Comic Book Boards for needlework finishing)
• 2 – 5” x 5”
  
  
• Strong Lacing Thread - Nymo Beading Thread (my favorite!) or Unwaxed Dental Floss
  
  
• Transparent Nylon Thread (I use Harriet Hargrave's Invisible Nylon Thread or Sulky Premium  Invisible Sewing Thread
  
  
• Sharp Hand Sewing Needle – I use a Bohin #5 Embroidery Needle
  
  
• Twisted Cord - I make my own cord with DMC floss and a Kreinik Custom Corder or you can purchase premade cording
• Approximately 22”
  
  
• Red and White Gingham Ribbon - I used 3/8"
• 12” length
  
  
• ½” Jingle Bells
• 2 – Red
  
  
• Oliso M3Pro Project Iron (my very favorite - this mini iron packs a punch and has a headlight!)
  
  
• Cutting Tools (cutting mat, rotary cutter)
  
  
• Basic Supplies/Tools (small sharp scissors, rulers, Wonder Clips, Clover Applique Pins, pencil)

I get asked all the time what my favorite finishing products are and what I personally use...so there you have it, an exact list with product links. You can also find the exact supplies I used for finishing by visiting the "Festive Fox" posts in my Amazon Shop - I can only put so many items in a post, so there are two lists (note, as an influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases).

I hope you will visit with me on Monday on the Therm O Web Blog...or check out my social media on December 16th for a video and links. Happy Stitching!

Festive Fox - 2024 Cross Stitch Christmas Ornament

Greetings friends - thank you for stopping by for a visit on this very special day....and to those celebrating in the United States, happy Thanksgiving. Today is my 2024 Cross Stitch Christmas Ornament unveiling and release day! Thanksgiving Day seemed like the perfect time to share my yearly complimentary cross stitch ornament design, as I am extremely grateful to be a part of your stitching journey. Yes, if you are here, then you must be a part of the stitching community that I love so dearly. Since I stood up for my artistry in 2020 and decided to release a yearly ornament on my own and not through a publication (if you are new here, please see this important post for context), I have the honor of feeling the love from so many stitchers that value my art and designs. It brings me immense joy to design a holiday ornament each year and share it on my own terms with stitchers who appreciate me and my passion for needle and thread. On this day of thanks, 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 making purchases in my Etsy Shop...for inspiring me...for your uplifting comments, notes and emails...and for sharing your enthusiasm of all things needle and thread with me. I kindly ask you please take a moment to read all the details below before downloading the chart - then enjoy!

This year's ornament is another in my Woodland Ornament Series...it is "Festive Fox." I had so much fun designing this happy winter fox with his lovely red scarf. It complements my previous ornaments and is in the same style as my 2021, 2022, and 2023 ornaments (My Frosty Friend, Bundled Up Birdie, and Peppermint Pressie). 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 again 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 fox will bring a smile to your face - please stitch it with a happy heart. 

As an added bonus this year, I will be sharing a finishing tutorial on the Therm O Web Blog in December - this will give you time to stitch your ornament and be ready to put it together. There will be templates and a step-by-step finishing tutorial available on the Therm O Web Blog on December 16th...along with a video tutorial Reel/Short on my Instagram Feed and YouTube Channel. You can also find the exact supplies I used for finishing by visiting the posts in my Amazon Shop (note, as an influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases).

You can find the printable PDF chart for "Festive Fox" 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/or direct users to this post or my website.

My hope is that my gift to you inspires you to pay it forward by giving a holiday surprise to someone you love or someone in need! I would love to start a movement of giving and positivity. I also hope this complimentary pattern will entice you to visit my website and/or Etsy Shop to take a look (all shippable orders will include a pretty printed "Festive Fox" chart)...or if you feel so inclined, you can Buy Me a Coffee...it is definitely not required, but truly appreciated. Thank you for supporting my creativity and valuing my artistry!💕

NOTE: To be fair, I want to note, Just CrossStitch Magazine has since changed their policy going forward (starting with the 2022 Christmas Ornament Issue) - they are now compensating designers for submissions (insert applause here). I should also note - they have not invited me to design an ornament since I sent them the letter in December 2020 and posted about it publicly online. 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 non-compensation policy (my message truly went viral!). While they did not reach out to me for the 2022-2024 publications, I am proud of myself and everyone who stood with me to make this change that benefits all cross stitch designers working with them going forward. Thank you for helping me find my voice to make a difference.

Finally - if you plan to stitch "Festive Fox,"  I hope you will share an image of your progress or finished ornament on social media and tag me, so I can see it. It truly warms my heart to see each of you stitching my designs!

This holiday season, may your heart be full of joy, may you find some creative time each day, and may you see the beauty that surrounds you. Take a little time to count your blessings…and a little time to stitch…

Needlework Finishing - Ornament Edition

Hello friends! Just a quick post this early morning (yes, our household is still on a night schedule, so it is almost 3:30 AM). I have been cutting project bags for a special order this late night and decided to stop by for a visit before I start sewing. I am back today to share some of my recent needlework finishing with you - this is just a sampling (I have way too many photos to share them all). These pieces were all for a client - not my stitching or designs, just my finishing work. I will post designer details with corresponding images for those who are interested (if I have them). Fabrics that are in the images were used for backing...and all the perfectly matched trims and rayon ribbons are from the incredible Lady Dot Creates (she has the very best finishing supplies!). As you can see, I have been doing quite a few Christmas ornaments this week....with my super full schedule the next few months, I am trying to get everything I have on hand completed. Enjoy the creative eye candy and I will be back to visit with you again soon!

Santa Angel by Teresa Kogut

2022 Fragments in time No. 2
by Summer House Stitche Workes

Santa's Sleigh Ride by Dames of the Needle

Glitter House 9 by Country Cottage Needleworks

Hometown Holiday #15 The Needlework Shop
by Little House Needleworks

Gingerbread House 8 from Country Cottage Needleworks

I Believe In Santa by The Primitive Hare

All Dolled Up - He's a Flake by
Little  House Needleworks

Hometown Holiday #24 Ice Cream Shop
by Little House Needleworks

Hometown Holiday #23 The Music Store
by Little House Needleworks

Blue Ribbon Birdie - NEW Complimentary Chart

Greetings friends - thank you for visiting my blog today. As you know, I am celebrating the 20th Anniversary of Blue Ribbon Designs this month, with giveaways and a few surprises. Today I'm here to share one of those surprises...a brand new free chart! I want to say thank you for your kind support over the last 20 years, and what better way than to design a new complimentary pattern.

This is a special one and I am calling it "Blue Ribbon Birdie." If you have been following me, then you know I have a signature design series out called "Rick Rack Rounds" - counted cross stitch patterns that feature three round designs finished in my signature style, with rick rack and pins around the perimeter. I have already released five patterns in this series, with more to come. To give you a chance to make one (they are addicting), I decided to design one for my 20th anniversary celebration to give to you. 

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/or direct users to this post or my website.

Blue Ribbon Birdie complements all the designs in my Rick Rack Round Series and is finished in the same fashion. Full finishing instructions are included with each pattern in the series (but not with the free design). This free pattern is stitched on 32-count linen (any light neutral linen will work) with DMC cotton floss. For finishing, I used Hand-Dyed Velveteen in color Shallot from Lady Dot Creates for the backing...and Hand-Dyed Rick Rack in the color Chianti from Lady Dot Creates. I used coordinating light blue sewing pins. You can find a complete list of the actual items I use to finish my Rick Rack Rounds in my Amazon Shop  (full disclosure: as an Amazon Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases - I only share products I actually use - and I truly appreciate you shopping from my links, thank you!). 

Rick Rack Rounds make great bowl fillers or could be finished as seasonal ornaments. The patterns come with a plethora of creative ideas! I filmed a comprehensive FlossTube video showing how to do the finishing on these, you can find it here: https://youtu.be/YkBe77naAZI....and I am working on a fun REEL with some UPDATED finishing tips that will be posted soon. These seasonal/holiday-themed rounds are quick to stitch and easy to finish...and more seasonal/holiday Rick Rack Rounds are on the way!

The signature patterns in this series can be found in my Etsy Shop, in both paper and/or digital format.
Sweet Slice of Liberty: Digital Pattern OR Paper Pattern
Hitchin' A Ride: Digital Pattern OR Paper Pattern

Sunflower Delivery: Digital Pattern OR Paper Pattern

All Spruced Up: Digital Pattern OR Paper Pattern

Perched on a Pincushion: Digital Pattern OR Paper Pattern

For those who have kindly asked if they could purchase Blue Ribbon Birdie in the spirit of valuing my work (💗), I ask you talk about my designs with your stitching friends (spread the word about Blue Ribbon Designs) and/or visit my Etsy Shop to make a purchase...or you can Buy Me a Coffee or shop at Amazon via my link...it is definitely not required or necessary, but truly appreciated - thank you for supporting my creativity and valuing my artistry!💕

Finally - if you plan to stitch "Blue Ribbon Birdie,"  I hope you will share an image of your progress or finished Rick Rack Round (or ornament or your choice of finishing) on social media and tag me, so I can see it.

Enjoy and stitch it with joy in your heart!

Oh and one more thing, if you have read this far and you like Blue Ribbon Birdie, you are going to want to return on Monday to enter my Week 3 Giveaway...it is one you won't want to miss!!🎉

"Peppermint Pressie" - my 2023 Cross Stitch Christmas Ornament

Greetings friends - thank you for stopping by for a visit. Today is a very special day - it is my 2023 Christmas Ornament release day! I hope you will take a moment and actually read this post and about the sentiment behind this design...then follow the link to my website for the chart...

A quick history for those who are new to my blog and/or designs...
For fifteen years, I was one of the featured designers in the Just CrossStitch Special Christmas Ornament Issue. This magazine is a fan favorite and is highly anticipated every year. For fifteen years, I was invited and participated in this special issue without payment - the issue that Just CrossStitch Magazine always boasts is their "best-selling" issue of the year. In 2020, I received my 16th invitation to design an ornament for 2021 and I decided to stand up for myself and my fellow designers by publicly calling out JCS magazine on their outdated policy. I asked them start paying designers fair compensation for their work...for without designers, there would be no needlework industry.  You can read about my thought process and the letter I submitted to them (along with their response) here:
https://blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com/2020/12/the-end-of-era-finding-my-worth.html

Keeping with tradition, I still wanted to create a cross stitch Christmas ornament each year, but I wanted to do it on my own terms...and today I am excited to share my 2023 design with you!

For the past couple years, I have struggled with how to release my holiday ornament, as I have tried to put more value in myself and my artistry. I didn't want to provide my ornament design for free to a publication/corporation that was profiting from it, as I truly believe that artists should be compensated appropriately for their work. However, the last couple years, I found myself wanting to provide it directly to my fans and needleworkers for free...and this year, my feelings have not changed. In a year full of challenges, unrest and divide, I want to do something positive and share some joy - after all, sheer happiness comes from giving. These last couple years have been rough - many have needed love, hope, positivity and strength to overcome challenges, loss, and anger - and during this season of giving, 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 making purchases in my 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 2023 Christmas ornament is called "Peppermint Pressie" and is available as a complimentary pattern. It complements my previous ornaments and is in the same style as my 2020, 2021, and 2022 ornaments (Rejoicing Reindeer, My Frosty Friend, and Bundled Up Birdie). 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 happy squirrel, wearing a scarf  and gifting a candy cane 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/or direct users to this post or my website.

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 to make a purchase...or you can Buy Me a Coffee or shop at Amazon via my link...it is definitely not required or necessary, but truly appreciated - thank you for supporting my creativity and valuing my artistry!💕

To be fair, I want to note, Just CrossStitch Magazine has since changed their policy going forward (starting with the 2022 Christmas Ornament Issue) - they are now compensating designers for submissions. I should also note - they have not invited me to design an ornament since I sent them the letter in December 2020 and posted about it publicly online. 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 non-compensation policy (my message truly went viral!). Thankfully, we did make a difference!..and while they did not reach out to me for the 2022 or 2023 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 for helping me find my voice and make a difference.

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

Enjoy and stitch it with joy in your heart!

"Bundled Up Birdie" - 2022 Cross Stitch Christmas Ornament

Hello creative friends - thanks for stopping by for a visit! Today, I have a very special post that includes my 2022 Christmas Ornament. 

NOTE: If you are a regular reader of my blog, I'm sure you recall my post in December 2020 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 my holiday ornament again this year, as over the last couple years I have tried to put more value in myself and my artistry. I didn't want to provide my ornament design for free to a publication/corporation that was profiting from it, as I truly believe that artists should be compensated appropriately for their work - see the noted link. However, last year, I found myself wanting to provide it directly to my fans and needleworkers for free...and this year, my feelings have not changed. 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 couple years - and during this season of giving, 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 making purchases in my 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 2022 Christmas ornament is called "Bundled Up Birdie" and is available as a complimentary pattern. It complements my previous ornaments and is in the same style as my 2020 and 2021 ornaments (Rejoicing Reindeer and My Frosty Friend). 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 birdie wearing a scarf 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.

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 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 or the 2023 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 "Bundled Up Birdie,"  I hope you will share an image of your progress or finished ornament on social media and tag me, so I can see it.

Enjoy and stitch it with joy in your heart!

Two New Cross Stitch Designs

Greetings friends - I'm so happy you stopped by for a visit today! It is a cold and snowy day in Kansas...and I am slowly starting to feel better. I do have quite a few project photos to share with you...and I will do that soon, but today is all about my TWO new cross stitch designs! I released a couple new patterns today and this post showcases each one. These two new cross stitch designs are both available for digital download in my Etsy shop...but if you would really like to have a printed paper pattern, please send me an email (I will reply with the details, then send a PayPal invoice and ship them to you - you will be charged a little extra for printing and exact shipping fees). For now, let's get to the fun part - the new designs....

Flurry Friends (BRD-129)

This cheerful snow day project features a happy snowman and snowwoman...along with cardinals and a wintery farmyard. This chartpack includes a large design (the focus on the cover) that is flat-finished for an easel, but is also suitable for framing...and two BONUS smaller versions that are perfect for bowl fillers, small pillows, ornaments or even small frames. The focal model was stitched on 40-count Tin Roof by Weeks Dye Works (but your favorite darker fabric color and count will do - you want to be able to see the snow) with The Gentle Art Sampler Threads (DMC conversion included). The smaller bonus designs included were stitched on white kitchen towels and the pattern gives you an alternate floss color for the snow. The model uses a cotton quilt fabric for the back and twisted cord with gingham ribbon for an embellishment.  This ten page chartpack comes with charting for the large design and two smaller versions (in color and black/white) along with stitching and finishing instructions for the flat-finish. A perfect stitch for a snowy, wintery afternoon...

Additional details/purchasing information: 
https://www.etsy.com/listing/1146738494/flurry-friends-brd-129-counted-cross

Bluebird Boarding House (BRD-130)

This colorful floral design features a flock of joyful bluebirds, cottages and flowers in a traditional sampler style. The model is finished as a pillow/bowl filler, but is suitable for framing. I can also see it inserted into a project bag, in the base of a tray or on the top of a tin/box. The model was stitched on 40-count Angel Hair by Weeks Dye Works (but your favorite fabric color and count will do) with Weeks Dye Works Cotton Floss (DMC conversion included). The model uses a cotton quilt fabric for the back and Hand-dyed Lace (Wading Pool) and Hand-dyed Half Inch Rick Rack (Chianti) by Lady Dot Creates for embellishment.  This twelve page chartpack comes with charting and a personalization page (in color and black/white) along with stitching and finishing instructions for the pillow/bowl filler. A lovely springtime stitch to brighten a dreary day!

Additional details/purchasing information: 
https://www.etsy.com/listing/1160696529/bluebird-boarding-house-brd-130-counted

For now, I am off to add details from the new designs to my website...and I hope to film a FlossTube video next week when I am feeling better.

Thank you so much for visiting with me today and for the continued enthusiasm for my designs. I wouldn't be able to pursue my passion without your encouragement, love and support!

"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!

Striking Stitches

It's been a finishing frenzy in the Blue Ribbon Designs studio over the last few weeks. I have been super focused and working round the clock to finish up the projects on my to-do tables, while trying to manage all the curve balls that life is throwing my way. I am SO ready to work on some of my own design ideas (I have a sketchbook full of ideas that I *need to* make reality and a pile of newly finished cross stitch models), but I am forced to make paying jobs my top priority. I have a long list of finishing clients to take care of before the holidays, along with piles of customer orders that arrived after my holiday finishing deadline (and keep arriving daily) for project bags and custom pieces - it is a balancing act to get everything accomplished. I have been working on a variety of creative activities, including: lots of needlework finishing, custom sewing, custom quilting and freelance designing...along with trying to get in a wee bit of personal sewing/quilting in each day for my own sanity. This time of year, I'm asked to keep many of my finishes a secret...but here is a picture album of some of the needlework finishing (that I can show off) that I completed over the last few weeks (not my designs or stitching, just my finishing work)…

Shepherd's Bush - Liberty

Foxwood Crossings - First Noel

 Threadwork Primitives - Kringle's Crow

Design by: The Blue Flower
From: 2020 Nashville Neeelework Market
"Happiness Is Homemade" Cookbook 

Homespun Collectibles - Star Santa

The Drawn Thread - Joys of Christmas Ornaments

Elizabeth's Designs - Old Fashioned Rounds II

Prairie Schoolers - 2019 Santa (sheep) and 2017 Santa (polar bear)
Flat finishes for easel display (no hangers)

Threadwork Primitives - Quaker Clover Pinwheel

I have some wonderful sewing and quilting projects to share soon...and don't forget, I will be showing off my latest Poppie Cotton quilt finish on October 28th during the Poppie Cotton Woodland Songbirds Fabric Tour...and it is a BEAUTY! I hope you will stop back again soon...thank you for visiting with me today...