Back to the Grind and Giveaway Winner

A selection of beautiful blooms I photographed on the South Island

Greetings friends - happy Monday! I am back from my trip to New Zealand - what an incredible blessing it was to be able to travel with my mom and second dad AND have the bonus of breathtaking scenery. New Zealand definitely has my heart. As usual, I took a gazillion photos and have some interesting/amazing things to share...but in typical Belinda fashion, during my extensive travels home, I managed to get a terrible case of the flu and have completely lost my voice...and I am also in the stressful process of setting up a new computer (replacing my desktop computer, which inconveniently died right before my trip)...so bear with me while I try to nurse the flu and get caught up on all things Blue Ribbon Designs.

I will start today by announcing my Planes, Trains and Automobiles Giveaway winner. Thank you to everyone who played along - I had quite a few guesses, here on my blog and throughout my social media channels (I even got a guess via e-mail), but no one guessed correctly. After talking with my husband and parents, I decided it was best to give the prize to the person who guessed the closest without going over. I actually used 20 methods of transportation in my travels...and I will go into detail below. Just to get to New Zealand, I was in a car, on an Amtrak train, in a passenger van, in a coach bus, and on three airplanes! Valerie H. (valtatting on Instagram) had the highest guess (without going over) with 15, so she has been declared the winner! She was one of two people who guessed over 13...and the other person guessed an extreme 47. I have contacted Valerie on Instagram to claim her "prize." There should have been at least one more method, as I was scheduled to go horseback riding at Walter Peak Farms in Te Anau, but it was cancelled at the last minute due to staffing issues....I think 20 is a pretty high number (but a horse would have been the perfect addition to my photo collage). Let's break it down...

1. My feet - this was a hiking/walking tour of the South Island, so my feet got plenty of miles.
2. Car
3. Amtrak Train
4. Passenger Van
5. Coach Bus (8)
6. Airplane (6)
7. Taxi
8. Sprinter Van (this was our daily transportation during the hiking tour)
9. Choo Choo Train
10. Kayak
11. Golf Cart 
12. Bicycle
13. Tour Boat
14. Gondola
15. Steamboat
16. Helicopter (3)
17. Jet Boat (2)
18. Ferry Boat (3)
19. Custom MAC Boat (Glacier Glider)
20. Hägglunds (International Antarctic Centre)

As you can see, we made good use of our time in New Zealand! I will be making several posts, breaking down our weeks of travel, so I can share the beauty I captured on each day. So look for those in the coming week...going through photos and blogging is on my long list.

For now, I am back to the grind (while heavily medicated). Fingers crossed that I will be finishing up the set-up of my new computer today (luckily, I backed up all my pertinent files and documents). I still have a bit of correspondence to tackle. My Etsy Shop is fully open...and all orders have shipped. I have some needlework finishing to do for new cross stitch designs and pattern layouts to do this week...and my 2022 Christmas ornament design is coming soon (I stitched it during my travels). Once I get my head healthy and screwed back on, I will be working on client orders. Thank you all for your patience! I should be back to share more of my travels with you real soon...

FlossTube Episode Five: New Quilt Patterns and Cross Stitch Update

Happy Sunday friends! My latest FlossTube video has been posted.  This video shares a couple new quilt patterns...has an update on a couple upcoming cross stitch designs…a new quilt project idea in the works.... a fun cutting tip/trick...some fabric haul...Q & A...and we have a giveaway winner.  Yes, once again, it is packed full! Thank you to those who have subscribed to my channel and to those who have liked and commented on my videos - I appreciate the kind and welcoming words! This video is a wrap up before I take a short vacation...I'll be back to visit with you again soon....

You can find my YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/c/BelindaKarlsNace and I will post the latest video below:

Weekly Wrap-up and Winners

Things have been a bit of a whirlwind this week, as I have taken on quite a few freelance jobs and custom orders...plus I have been completing more needlework finishing jobs in time for the holidays. I am knee deep in several large projects - including more designs for AccuQuilt (yay!), a new design model for a quilting magazine, several cross stitch designs/models for Just CrossStitch magazine (woohoo!), and several unique custom sewing and quilting projects for customers...oh, and the needlework finishing too! I feel very blessed to have a list of creative jobs to keep me busy...I have a prioritized list and I am steadily working through each item...and if I plan things out just right, I can make a little time for new Etsy projects (I have some really cute ideas for my shop). Someone please wave the magic wand and give me just a few more hours in each day! Here is a little peek at some of the custom needlework finishing I completed this week...

"The Sowing Sampler" designed by Lori Brechlin/Notforgotten Farm
for The Prim Sister's Club/Country Sampler
Finished into a 14" pillow...

"Warm Hearts" by The Trilogy
Finished into a hanging pillow with pom pom trim....

"Christmas Trees II" (#87) by The Prairie Schooler (thanks for the info Robin!)
Finished into a large project bag...

...and let's end today's post with a little good news for a couple of my blog visitors! My Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks Blog Tour Giveaway has ended and the two recipients have been contacted...

The recipient of the copy of Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Vol. 10 magazine coming directly from my friends at Quiltmaker magazine is:

Lee Ann L., who commented:

Besides quilting/sewing, I enjoy cross-stitching and making beaded ornaments and jewelry. I also enjoy camping and reading.

Your block is awesome! Congrats!

The recipient of the "pre-cut block package" with all the pieces needed to make one "4 Corners of Happy" block in the same fabrics as my magazine submission, along with one copy of the magazine is:

Rachell, who commented:

oh my, right up my alley! Stars and traditional blocks, with a twist! I'm always looking to learn new skills, so adding applique to a block is great for me. I would be lucky indeed to win your prize!

I learned how to cross-stitch at a very early age, before I could use a sewing machine. I've done latch-hook rugs, a bit of toll painting, painting ornaments, and lots of other things. I sew clothes and home dec items, cross-stitch, bake, love to read, and of course I'm obsessed with quilting! I love to dance, like ballroom and latin and country.

Congratulations to the recipients....and thanks to everyone who visited my blog during the 100 Blocks Blog Tour and left a comment - I thoroughly enjoyed reading about your hobbies, pastimes, and creative endeavors!

Lastly, I thought I would share a little slideshow of some of the Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks (including mine!) that Quiltmaker Magazine posted on Instagram...enjoy!

Another snazzy sampling of Quiltmaker's #100blocks Volume 10. On newsstands now or visit quiltandsewshop.com.

A video posted by Quiltmaker Magazine (@quiltmakermag) on Nov 11, 2014 at 11:10am PST

My Video Class DVD...and a Giveaway!

UPDATE: Congratulations to Georgia H. - she is the recipient of the DVD giveaway - I have already e-mailed Georgia with the details. Thank you to everyone who took the time to comment and enter...and thank you to the Rafflecopter widget for organizing the entries and randomly choosing a winner. If you didn't win this time, please don't be discouraged - there will be more giveaway opportunities in the future...

In mid-May, I announced my new online video class "Learn Counted Cross Stitch" was live and ready for viewing...well, today I have more exciting news the DVD is now available. That's right, my special video project with Annie's is now available both as an online video class and on DVD....and today I have a copy of the DVD to give away (keep reading for details)!!

This is definitely not your average "shot in a basement" video - this class was professionally filmed in Annie's studio with top notch production, high quality cameras, and a full set. There are 13 segments in the video and I start with the very basics; we start out discussing materials, supplies, and tools - then we talk about how to read a Cross Stitch chart, how to prepare your supplies, and how to take your first stitches. We cover how to work Cross Stitches (two different methods), Back Stitches, Partial Cross Stitches, and French Knots....and each technique segment has an exclusive Blue Ribbon Designs project....plus I talk about finishing touches and finishing ideas. This video class is perfect for a beginner, as well as a seasoned needleworker that wants to brush up on their skills and knowledge. The video length is one hour and 53 minutes and the DVD video class (just like the online class) includes five exclusive printable class projects, instructions, materials lists, and diagrams (DVDs are compatible with North American DVD players, and PC and Macintosh computer systems).

Photo collage featuring the five exclusive projects....

You can see a Class Overview and the Introduction video for free by visiting: http://www.anniescatalog.com/onlineclasses/detail.html?code=NCV22 and clicking on the links in the "Lesson Description" box (lower right corner).

You can find the online video class here:
http://www.anniescatalog.com/onlineclasses/detail.html?code=NCV22

...and the DVD can be found at specialty needlework shops and here:
http://www.anniescatalog.com/detail.html?code=NCV22D

Now the FUN begins! I have one video class DVD to giveaway to a lucky reader...here are the important details:
Followers (current and new) are eligible - after you tell me how you follow, you will have three more entry opportunities (entries will be verified). One winner will be chosen randomly and will receive a copy of the DVD "Learn Counted Cross Stitch". International entries are welcome. You must use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter - no e-mail entries will be accepted. The giveaway is open until 11:59 PM CST Sunday, June 22, 2014 and the recipient will be announced on Monday, June 23, 2014. No prize substitutions. Good luck...

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sunday Samplings...

Congratulations to Pat M. - she is the recipient of my latest giveaway - I have already e-mailed Pat with the details. Thank you to everyone who entered the "Extra Special Giveaway" - thank you to the Rafflecopter widget for organizing the entries and randomly choosing a winner - and a very special thank you to Rina for providing the inspiration and zippered project bag for the prize! If you didn't win this time, please don't be discouraged - there will be more giveaway opportunities in the future...

Today, I will be in my sewing studio working on several commissioned quilting projects - it is the perfect day to spend sewing and quilting...and who knows, I may just get in some model stitching this evening! My fingers will be keeping busy...

...and before I forget...for those of you who have been asking about Simba and Schatzi - they are getting along better each day...and yes, Schatzi is growing like a weed - she isn't even a year old yet and is already around the 80-pound mark! Here they are, side by side, waiting for dad to finish making their Kong treats...

Schatzi LOVES the snow and cold...here she is (our "baby" girl), playing outside during a recent snow storm...and yes, she is starting to grow into those ears!

...Simba, on the other hand, rather be curled up inside on my quilt...and I can't blame him...

Enjoy your day...and I will be back with more creative inspiration soon!

It's All About The Fabric

Are you familiar with Amy Friend's blog "During Quiet Time"...well, if you are not, you should be! Amy's blog is always full of fun sewing/quilting tutorials and amazing paper piecing patterns - I enjoy her creative ideas and interesting posts...she is continually working on the best projects. Recently Amy moved her blog...and when she did, she had a fabulous giveaway...and (believe it or not) I was the recipient of a fabulous fat quarter pack from Sew Me A Song on Etsy. Yep, I was the LUCKY winner of a FQ bundle of six Yuwa prints....and they are perfect for me! Plus, I think Sew Me A Song is going to be my new favorite Etsy shop to find unique fabrics (I've already marked her shop as a favorite and have a GIANT wish list)...she specializes in Japanese and contemporary cloth...and she has lots of those sought after texty/wordy prints that seem to be all the rage right now. I love to do fussy cutting, so her selection of fabrics are right up my alley. I am trying to decide how to use these inspiring fabrics that arrived in my mailbox this week (again, I am a lucky girl!)...maybe a new journal cover...what do you think - any creative ideas for me??

I have been diligently trying to use fabrics in my stash and cut down on quilty purchases...in fact, I haven't done very much stash enhancement this year (which is why it was AWESOME to win some new prints), but yesterday I met my girlfriends at a favorite local quilt shop and "my arm was twisted" to make a few purchases. They had the Moda pre-cuts for Nature's Basket, the new fabric line by Blackbird Designs, so I had to purchase a couple charm packs to use for items in my Etsy shop...although the colors are pretty much identical to their Blueberry Crumb Cake line, the prints were fresh and new...and when yardage is available, I will definitely have to add some to my shopping cart...

I also fell in love with Winter's Lane by Kate & Birdie Paper Co. for Moda - I picked up several fat quarters and a charm pack in this lovely collection; they will be perfect for winter decorating...I can see a few pillows and maybe a table runner in this lovely collection of prints...

Finally - I picked up a couple new fat quarters from the Esprit De Noel Collection by the French General for Moda...I would have liked to purchase more, but I was doing my best to stay within a budget... after all, who can resist French General fabrics - these two were my favorites (left). I also picked up a fat quarter from The Sweet Things Collection by Holly Holderman for Lakehouse Dry Goods (right)...because it was just too cute to resist...purple gingham birds and rick rack flower stems...seriously...if money was readily available, I would buy this entire collection...totally adorable!

Yes, I definitely have plenty of inspiration for some weekend sewing/quilting...now to make the time. I have some Blue Ribbon Designs work I *must* attend to, but then I am planning for some "me time"...plus I still have more quilting to do on the April project I shared with you last week. So, for now, I am off to do a little work, then I have some afternoon time scheduled with my husband...he is taking me out for sushi at one of our favorite places. Enjoy your weekend...take a little time to do something "just for you"....

"Christmas In July" Giveaway Recipient

I have been enjoying reading all the holiday comments in my latest giveaway - thank you all for playing along and sharing your favorite holiday memories, motifs, and themes. I just used the random generator to pick the giveaway recipient and it chose lucky number sixteen! Congratulations to Kate - she will be receiving the Just CrossStitch Ornament Issue Bundle (five issues - dating from 2006 to 2010).

• Kate July 25, 2012 3:58 PMI'd love to have a chance at winning these! I love the ornament issues. My favorite Christmas stitching motif is Santas.

 Kate - I will be sending you an e-mail with details momentarily...

There will definitely be more giveaways in the future (we all know how much I like to give things away!), so if you were not chosen this time, please do not be discouraged...and for more chances to win, be sure to follow Blue Ribbon Designs on Facebook.

Again, thank you all for taking an interest in my blog and in Blue Ribbon Designs - I hope you will continue to follow me on my creative journey!

June "Just Because" Giveaway Recipient

Good afternoon friends and followers!

I was quite happy to see the enthusiastic response to my latest giveaway - what a treat it was to read many of your encouraging and kind comments....to my followers (long term and new) - thank you for joining me on my creative journey...I truly wish I could award each and every one of you with a set of my designs. If you aren't the recipient of this latest giveaway, please don't be discouraged - I love to give things away...and there will definitely be more chances in the future (in fact, I already have something special planned for July)! So without further ado....here is the randomly chosen recipient:

Congratulation to Myrna - comment #3 - she posted:

MyrnaJune 12, 2012 10:11 AM

Love, love your designs!!! Please enter me into your drawing! Thanks in advance for the chance!

Myrna, you will be notified via email momentarily.





Again, thank you all for reading, following, commenting, and supporting my blog and designs - you all make me happy!

Springtime Giveaway Recipients

What a delight it was to read all of the comment entries in my latest blog giveaway...I loved reading about what "springtime" means to you - and about how you enjoy this springtime weather - it was such a treat to hear from each and every one of you! I must thank you all for visiting and following my blog, posting comments, and inspiring me on a daily basis. I am making this post a bit later in the day than expected - I have been experiencing some technical difficulties, therefore there are no photos posted today (I apologize) - but rest assured, all of your entries were put into my large basket and the recipients were randomly drawn...yes, that is right, I said recipients! The comments were all so bright and cheerful, I decided to draw two names...so without further ado...here are the posts from the two lucky recipients - congratulations to both Barb and Jannie:

• Anonymous Apr 2, 2012 06:22 PM
  I enjoy the colors of spring - esp after a drab winter! Snowdrops bloom first in our garden, and the Lenten roses are beautiful. Daffodils are so cheerful! But my favorite spring bloomers are the Redbud trees and the azalea bushes, and later in spring, the mountain laurel (our state flower in PA). We have all of these in our yard.
  You create beautiful designs Belinda and I enjoy reading your blog.
  Barb 

• Jannie Apr 1, 2012 07:26 AM
  I live in Colorado - our springtime here is the best! No humidity. Beautiful Mts. in the distance with snow on the top reminds me that the snow is far far away frome me - right where I like it. The deer come out a lot more to drink from the creek behind us and the ducks in the creek continually do the Happy Dance. Of all the places I've ever lived, the skies are bluer here than anywhere & especially in the spring and summer seasons. I love your blog and I check it everyday - your designs astound me ( - : Thx for the way too generous giveaways. Bless you.

I will be sending an email to both recipients momentarily....and I sincerely thank you all for taking the time to post a comment - I truly wish I could afford to send each entry a prize chart. Rest assured, there will be more giveaways in the future!

You Are Loved Giveaway - Recipient

Before I announce the recipient of my "You Are Loved" Giveaway, I want to take a moment and thank each and every one of you for your comments and compliments. I was excited to see so many entries and lots of new "faces" - I even found a few more blogs to follow myself! To those of you who visit on a daily basis and continue to leave me encouraging comments (you know who you are) - thank you - you brighten my days and make me smile. I hope you will all continue to follow me on my creative journey....

So without further ado...

I decided to print out all the comments - cut them apart - fold them in half -and place them in a large basket to draw a name (I wanted use a beautiful fabric-covered box my dear friend Lorrie gave me, but there were so many entries, the box was overflowing!). Here is the basket, ready for the drawing...

And out of the basket...with 160+ entries....my husband drew the following slip:

Congratulations to Taffy, who left the following comment:

Wow - great charts...... I want them all. Thanks for the chance...

Taffy - I will e-mail you momentarily...and in the meantime, maybe you should purchase a lottery ticket today, as you seem to have luck on your side!

Again, thank you to all who left a comment - there will be more giveaways in the future - you know how much I like to give things away! Thank you for visiting, following, and commenting...you all make me happy...

Canvas, Cushions, and a Fabric Cutter

Wouldn't you know it...I am in a rush to complete a huge work project and I run out of a particular color of DMC six-strand embroidery floss. Right now, I am unbelievably swamped, I can't even see straight - I feel like I am being swallowed up by the piles of work that surround me - so, of course, I run out of floss...why wouldn't I??! Thinking fast, I make a quick mad dash to JoAnn Fabrics - it is only a couple minutes from my home...and thank goodness they had the color I needed.

If you are like me, you can't run into a craft store and just grab one thing and go...you have to look around a bit...and look, I did...

Now that we have a brand new deck, we finally purchased a set of patio furniture and a couple benches and they were delivered last Friday. The benches were the last floor models and were at a great price - I had asked my husband to built me several benches for the deck...but we were able to purchase these cheaper than he could make them - only problem - the fabric on the bench seat covers is striped and does not match our patio set (not even close) and it really is not our style. So I figured while I was at JoAnn Fabrics, I might as well look out the outdoor canvas and try to find some that would match the rest of our deck furniture. I like outdoor canvas for a project like this - it is sturdy, water resistant, mold resistant, and retains it's color in the sun...but it sure is pricey. I managed to find a light green I knew would match and a coordinating paisley green and brown for pillows. Finding time to get them all sewn up will be a challenge - but after laying it out with the cushion from one of the patio chairs, I think it is going to work perfectly! I will have to post a photo once I have them complete...

And on a completely unrelated note...while I was writing this post, the local UPS driver paid me a visit...he was delivering my prize from the Feed Dog Designs Quilt Block Design Contest...a brand new AccuQuilt GO! Baby Fabric Cutter and three dies!!! Oh my goodness...I am so excited...a new toy to play with...I can't wait to make time to unpack it and play! I was thrilled to see not only did AccuQuilt include the GO! Baby and the three dies, but they also included the two cutting mats needed...this is the most AMAZING prize. Again, I have to thank all of YOU that voted for my quilt block, Feed Dog Designs Bl0g for hosting the contest, and AccuQuilt for the GREATEST PRIZE EVER! I already know what my first project will be...and I will be sharing it here as soon as I can make a little time to sew...and yes, it will have a Halloween theme...

Happy Dance Day!

Thanks to my FABULOUS friends and family, I am THRILLED to tell you I won the Feed Dog Designs "Quilt Block Design Contest"!! I have to share my excitement and extreme gratitude with everyone who placed a vote for me - you all just made my week...no, scratch that, my month...no, scratch that, you made my year! I can't believe I am going to be the proud new owner of a GO! Baby Fabric Cutter and three dies of my choice...I am over-the-moon with excitement. Choosing only three GO! Baby compatible dies proved to be very difficult, as there are an abundance to choose from...but after very careful consideration, I chose: GO! Cat & Bat, GO! Ribbon Twist, and GO! Rick Rack...and I can't wait for them to arrive - you all know I am going to have to make time to play with them immediately. I truly appreciate everyone who made this possible - thank you for voting for my quilt block design - I am definitely doing a happy dance today!! Thank you to Feed Dog Designs for hosting a creative/fun contest and to AccuQuilt for providing such a fantastic/generous prize! I will definitely be sharing my future GO! Baby projects with all of you...

Giveaway Recipients

Good morning friends and followers!

WOW - I was blown away by the enthusiastic response to my latest giveaway - what a treat it was to read many of your encouraging and kind comments....to my followers (long term and new) - thank you for joining me on my creative journey...I truly wish I could afford to give each and every one of you the chart of your choice. For those of you not listed as one of the recipients, please don't be discouraged - I love to give things away...and there will definitely be more chances in the future! So without further ado....here are the randomly chosen recipients:

A. Moonlit Midnight recipient: Paula Still

Paula said:
What a wonderful and generous offer! All of your designs are amazing and - to win or not - I know I will be adding them all to my BR stash! If I were to choose one (ugh ... decisions, decisions, decisions), it would be ... drum roll ...
A. Moonlit Midnight
Not only is Halloween my favorite holiday, but I love how you incorporate all these "spooky" motifs into a stunning collage. The best part of this design is that each motif can be stitched separately and finished into a fob, ornament, etc. I feel like I am getting 10 designs for the price of one!!!
Thank you for entering me in your giveaway!

B. Pocketful of Peppermint reciepient: MommyDearest (Connie)

Connie said:
Belinda, Thank you so much for such a wonderful give away.....and for making it SOOO hard to chose just one!! It would be terrific to win B.Pocketful of Peppermint...it would be an awesome birthday gift!!

C. Quilted Garden recipient: Tricia
Tricia said:
I would love to win Quilted Garden! I started quilting a number of years ago and really enjoy it - or at least I enjoyed it until I started having trouble with my shoulders and started to get migraines after quilting. : ( I would love to stitch a quilt instead, and the colors in your piece are so lovely... plus there are bluebirds -- which make me remember the old Shirley Temple movie about the bluebird of happiness being found right in your own home. Love it!

The three recipients were notified notified via email earlier this morning.

Again, thank you all for reading, following, commenting, and supporting my blog and designs - you all make me happy!

Giveaway Winners - Just CrossStitch Magazine

Good morning friends and followers! Just a quick post to announce the winners of my latest giveaway....the random number generator helped me pick comment #2 and comment #37....so congratulations to Jacki and Marlene - I have sent you both emails requesting your mailing information....you will both be receiving the March/April issue of Just Cross Stitch magazine featuring my design "Berries, Birds, and Blooms"!

Jacki said...
Love it! I kept meaning to pick up a copy at my LNS, but never got around to it. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity!

Marlene said...
I would love a copy of the magazine. Thank you...Marlene


I really must thank each and every one you who took the time to post...and those of you who continually follow and leave me encouraging comments - thank you so very much - I read each and every one of them! I do my best to keep up with your blogs...and although I rarely comment, I really do read them....I truly need more hours in each day. There will definitely be more giveaways in the future...so, if you are not a recipient today, don't be discouraged....you know how I like to make things and give them away...

"Celebrating 100" Giveaway Recipients

I must admit, I had plans to do several blog updates this week - seems I have a lot to share lately...however, someone had different plans for me. I have once again been down and out with a terrible case of the flu virus - sheesh, it's been a rough winter for me. The last several days have found the girl that is busy 24/7 in bed and completely miserable - I guess I am being forced to "slow down". This is the first morning I have been "close to functional" in 4 days...and what a better way to start my day then by announcing my latest giveaway recipients!

There were eighty individual comments (WOW!), so I have decided to award 2 prizes. The random number generator helped me pick comment #46 and comment #20....so congratulations to Karen and Jan - I have sent you both emails requesting your mailing information....you will both be receiving a copy of my latest design (#100) - Holiday Helpings!

Karen said...
I couldn't choose a favourite, but if I had to narrow it down, it would be all the Christmas ornament designs from the Just Cross Stitch Ornaments issues!

Jan said...
Happy 100! Favorite eek! Well, all the Halloween ones, Creepy Crawly (I think that is the first one I got), Behind the Gate, Black Cats & Flying Bats, and, of course, Schoolgirl Samplings.



I really must thank each and every one you who took the time to comment - it was fun for me to read your responses and hear about your favorite designs...and for those of you who continually follow and leave me encouraging comments - thank you so very much - I read each and every one of them! I do my best to keep up with your blogs...and although I rarely comment, I really do read them....I need more hours in each day.

This weekend, I will be doing everything in my power to get over the flu - and as soon as I feel up to it, I will be disinfecting my home. I have a lot of charting and model stitching to do, so I will be nursing myself back to health in hopes to get back to work. I did finish a new complimentary chart last week...so look for it soon...I will post it here first...a little hint - it is titled "Leprechaun Lodge"....

Stitching Pouch & Tools Giveaway Winner

Hello all - I am here today to post the recipient of my latest giveaway! I have been enjoying my visits to each of your blogs and meeting many of you on Twitter - my stitching/sewing family has grown leaps and bounds and I am thrilled to get to know all of you - thank you so much for your comments and encouragement! In a perfect world, I would sew each and every one of my followers a stitching pouch...and fill each and every one of them with stitching tools - but alas, I only have one to giveaway this time. If you are not the recipient, please don't be discouraged, I will be hosting another giveaway in the weeks to come to celebrate the release of my 100th design...plus you all know I LOVE to make things and give them away, so there will be plenty more opportunities in the future....

So, without further ado...Congratulations Terri! - after getting all the entry slips printed and placed in a basket, my husband drew the following slip:

dixiesamplardesigns said...
Congratulations on reaching 400 followers...that is awesome!! And what a lovely collection of goodies to celebrate the occasion...
I would love to be entered.
I am a devoted follower.
I do not tweet or twit, LOL!
I will definitely post this on my blog.
My email is available thru my blog.
Congrats again...and thank you for such a generous giveaway!
Happy Stitchin'

Again, thank you all for taking an interest in my blog and in Blue Ribbon Designs - I hope you will continue to follow me on my creative journey!

Sewing Companion Giveaway Winners!

It's time to post the recipients of my latest giveaway. I was overwhelmed (to say the least) at the response - 135 entrants and well over 300 entries (as you can see, I had a basket full of slips)....wow! I wish I could make 135 sewing companions, so each of you could receive one - but that would be quite a HUGE undertaking...so, unfortunately, only 2 lucky entrants will be receiving one at this time. If you name was not drawn, please don't be discouraged - I love to make things and give them away and there will definitely be more chances in the future. I have been enjoying my visits to each of your blogs and meeting many of you on Twitter - my stitching/sewing family has grown leaps and bounds and I am thrilled to get to know all of you - thank you so much for your comments and encouragement!

So now, without further ado, here are the winning comments:

1. North Country Stitcher said...
   I am always amazed by your finished projects. How generous of you to share them with us. I have been reading your blog for awhile & recently became a follower. No twitter account- cell phones don't work here. I haven't started a blog yet.. Thanks for the chance to win. Lisa M
   
2. Jennifer said...
   It would be amazing to win something made by you!I'm currently a follower and I've posted your giveaway on the sidebar of my blog (www.serialstarter.blogspot.com).I guess this qualifies me for 3 out of 4! Good luck to everyone!

I emailed both of the recipients on Friday night, and at the time of this post I had already received a response from Jennifer.

Again, thank you all for taking an interest in my blog and in Blue Ribbon Designs - I hope you will continue to follow me on my creative journey!