Building a Life They Love

Greetings friends! It is a quiet Saturday afternoon and I needed a break from chores and a complicated work project, so I decided to stop by for a quick visit. I thought I would pop in and share the machine embroidered pillow I made my mother-in-law and her new husband as a wedding gift (and a few favorite wedding photos). 

It has been a while since I have made time to do some machine embroidery and it was a treat to pull out my embroidery arm and software. I was able to find a digitized design I liked on Etsy, but wanted to add the names of the bride and groom and the wedding date (which I digitized with my software).  This was a larger design and took some time to stitch out, but I was quite pleased with the end results. I created an envelope back pillow and used an 18" pillow form - I also padded and serged the inside of the pillow cover, so it could easily be laundered. It was a rewarding afternoon project! To add a chuckle to this story, when we left for the wedding, I actually forgot the wrapped gift on our dining room table and had to ship it to them after the fact...yep, I was so scattered, I forgot the wedding gift...once we realized it, we were to far from home to go back and get it....so USPS to the rescue.

It was a beautiful outdoor wedding and reception. My husband walked his mother down the aisle and his half-sister was the maid of honor. The bride's sister made her dress and the family did all the decorations. The wedding took place at a lovely farm in eastern Iowa and the happy couple were surrounded by family and friends. They served walking tacos for their reception dinner...and there were delicious cupcakes and soft serve ice cream for dessert. It was a very special day! We are thrilled to have new extended family and made lots of memories...

This past week, I have been busy working on custom client finishing and sewing orders and I'll be back to show some creative photos really soon...

I hope you are enjoying the weekend...make a little time to do something creative!

Flirty Birdies

This will be a quick post, as my list is beyond long today...in fact, so long that I am not sure where to start. I finished up a labor of love this week...a quilt my husband requested for one of his employees at work. I'm pretty sure he has no idea of the work or expense involved...he didn't even let me know how the recipient responded until I asked (sigh)...but it was for a great cause and hopefully I put some good karma out in the universe. This is a flannel baby quilt... using an older collection of fabric - Flirty Birdies by Michele Scott for Northcott. I actually didn't get a good photo of the completed quilt (another sigh), as I was in a bit of a rush to get it done...and it was late at night when I finally finished it. The expectant mother is waiting until birth to learn the sex of the baby, so this is the more gender neutral option. I used my embroidery machine to create a special label for the back using coordinating colors (I have blocked out some of the information for privacy reasons). Although, I don't have a picture perfect photo to share, it did turn out cute and cuddly...and hopefully, it will be well-loved.

So I have marked this off my "to-do list" and I can get back to work that needs to be done. I'll be in my cutting room for the rest of the day - I have piles (and piles) of project bags to cut, two stitching mats, several mug rugs, a couple wall hangings and bunches of needlework finishing pieces to prepare. I am feeling overwhelmed trying to get the majority done before a trip to Florida in mid-February...luckily, most of my clients have patience...much more so than the weight I put on my own shoulders to get things done quickly. With that, I am done procrastinating and off to the cutting tables...I hope the rest of your Thursday is a happy one...

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!

Scribbles, Still Lifes, and Simba

Hello friends - I know a post is overdue, and I do have quit a bit to share. Somehow, once again, this month has totally gotten away from me...and to think - Thanksgiving is next week...where does the time go? First a few personal things...then a few creative things...

Today, I start with some some sad news - many of you are are aware, but I know some of you are not...we had to lay Simba, our little rescued Shih Tzu, to rest last week. He was getting ready to turn fifteen and had been experiencing some health issues that escalated over the past several months. I won't go into too much detail, as my heart is still broken...he had dementia and would constantly spook himself, flinch, and shake...which was quite worrisome and of course caused quite a few daily accidents...and in his last weeks, he really was disoriented and wasn't sure where he was most of the time...and he was not sleeping. We did try medication that worked for a little over a week, but he became immune to it quickly and the symptoms continued to worsen. The most important thing to us was that he was happy, comfortable and not suffering, as he brought us (and our family and friends) so much joy and unconditional love. We knew it was time and it was the best/right decision for Simba. I thought I had prepared myself, but it has been WAY more difficult than I anticipated - Travis has reminded me that he was by my side 24-hours-a-day for almost 14 years, so it will take some adjustment. The good news is Schatzi is taking great care of me and giving me extra love and affection. Thank you for the comforting notes, cards, comments, love and support. The photo above was taken a couple weeks ago...a rare moment when he was relaxed and I captured it to share with my husband - it makes me smile.

On to other news...last Saturday, Travis and I made a road trip to Iowa City to see Michigan play football - yes, most of you know, although we are in Iowa, we are both HUGE Michigan fans. I was excited to go to a college game under the lights - especially with our Wolverines being undefeated...and we had quite a few friends that were at the game and tailgating. Michigan losing probably would have broken my heart, if it wasn't already hurting from Simba...but I must say, a highlight was seeing all the Hawkeye fans storm the field in a manner of seconds...their excitement was fun to see and I can appreciate it (even if they did upset my team).

Travis continues to improve after his back surgery and he was able to go on his 10-day fishing trip to southern Louisiana a couple weeks ago. He took some great photos for me and I thought I would share a couple with you. I sure wish I would have been along to see this sunset...

On the last of the personal news...
I am headed in for another oral surgery in the morning - I will be having a sinus lift and my implant put in place. More stitches in my mouth....and soft, cold foods for a few days again...and a couple days of rest. I think the most annoying part (besides try to rest) is having to take a week off from the gym...the last time it was torture. So if you don't see me around or hear from me for a few days, don't worry - I will be resting and healing.

On to some creative things...here are some photos of what I have been working on and what has been going on in the studio. I have been completing quite a few custom orders and some holiday needlework finishing (most of which I have been asked to keep secret until after Christmas). I have also been doing quite a few AccuQuilt projects. I was lucky enough to be one of the first to use the new Embrilliance Essentials AccuQuilt GO! Edition embroidery design software...and I created the samples they used to introduce this user-friendly software at Quilt Market. I created multiple blocks and used the software to digitize and create a new version of my GO! Snow Much Fun Wall Hanging (shown below) - yes, all those blocks were appliqued in the hoop....and now I am working on a few more top secret projects that use the software, as well. There is a lot to share on that subject, so I will save it for it's own special post...I will also post about the sampler quilt you see below....and about the new Qube Companion Sets...yep, I have A LOT  to share with you in future posts - I have fallen a bit behind, but I will get you caught up! The final photo is a peek at my upcoming AccuQuilt blog post tutorial project for November - look for more on that in the future, as well...

Thank you  AccuQuilt - a new rotary cutter, cutting mats, and rulers!
I really needed these....

Custom order - project bags and tool pouches...

Custom order - project bags and tool pouches...

GO! Qube 9" Companion Sampler Quilt 

New Embrilliance Essentials AccuQuilt GO! Edition embroidery design software...

GO! Snow Much Fun Wall Hanging - each block was digitized and
then appliqued in the hoop on my embroidery machine....

Sneak peek of my November project for the Accuquilt Blog

That gives you a pretty good idea of what has been happening the last couple weeks...tonight, I am cutting and preparing some more customer projects for assembly line sewing...and finishing up the set-up on my new cell phone (my new iPhone 7 Plus finally arrived and I am switching over from Android - it's a bit of a job, but I am almost done). If I am lucky, I'll put in a few stitches on a new model before bed...

Stitching, Sewing and Organizing

An original mini quilt in stand - designed and created
 especially for a dear friend's birthday.

Welcome friends! I know it has been a few weeks...and that hasn't been intentional...I've had a lot to share - I've just been on auto-pilot. My workload has been quite heavy since the end of July and I am keeping focused and trying to catch-up on projects before I take a mini vacation in September (I hate to take time away when I have piles on my studio counter). The last few weeks have been filled with customer orders...including countless project and tool bags, stitch starter ruler sleeves, placemats and napkins, machine embroidered Halloween ornaments, even a sampler quilt...several stacks of needlework finishing...a couple birthday gifts...an AccuQuilt blog post project...and a few things I can't share with you quite yet...plus model stitching. I have also been doing some major cleaning/organizing in the studio, thanks to a very dear friend who gifted me bags and bags of FABULOUS quilting and stitching stash. Yep, it has been a busy few weeks and I am feeling accomplished (even though the list is still long). Here are some photos to sum up the last few weeks...

Fabric organization in my studio...

More shelf organizing in my studio...

Project Bag and coordinating Stitch Starter Ruler Sleeve...

Special Order - machine embroidered Halloween ornaments...

Project/Tool Bags

More Project/Tool Bags...

More Project/Tool Bags...

Even more Project/Tool Bags...

Halloween Stitch Starter Ruler Sleeve...

Custom Reversible Cloth Napkins

Needlework Finishing - Pumpkin Ornament with pocket on the back...
(see pocket below)

Needlework Finishing - Pumpkin Ornament back pocket...

Needlework Finishing - Ornament

Pile of Project Bags

...and finally here is a teaser for my August AccuQuilt Blog project...I'll be back to share all about it when it goes live on the AccuQuilt website (just be patient a few more days!)...the blocks you see in the photo are 5" finished...and that cute little tin pincushion was a gift from a dear friend that matched the blocks perfectly...

AccuQuilt August Project sneak peek...

For now, I am back to needlework finishing - I have two large orders almost complete...I have fourteen flat-finish ornaments ready for cord/trim and hangers (which I hand stitch - no glue)...then another order for six project bags is on the list for later this evening...

Thank you for stopping by for a visit today - it was nice to chat with you. Oh...and one final thing...my husband and I will be heading to Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills in South Dakota for a little mini vacation in a few weeks - if you have suggestions for must see/visit places or excursions, please do share - It will be our first time visiting the area and we want to make the most of it...and I am sure you all have some suggestions for us...

Sunday Samplings

Season's Greetings! I can't believe it has been several weeks since my last post...and quite a few of you have checked in to make sure I am okay. I have been so wrapped up in work projects, holiday projects, and life, that I haven't really had time to catch my breath (or write a blog post)...but the Christmas packages were sent - a few cards made it to the post office - the Christmas dinner went smoothly - the house is clean - and my pre-holiday work deadlines have been handled...so here I am to do a quick wrap up.

Let's see...on a personal note: I have been trying to stay healthy (but not exactly successfully), many of you know I had the flu when I returned from the 60-mile walk in Dallas...then I contracted a terrible upper respiratory infection that lasted what seemed like months - and the cough has been lingering for a few weeks, but getting better each day. I have been going to the gym daily - still weight training, with several days of cardio a week - it is my quiet time (my only "me" time) - I feel healthier and stronger - and my cardio consists of lots of stairs and incline, preparing for 60-miles in San Diego next year. The weather here is unusually manageable for December, but we are getting TONS of rain...in fact, the grass was still green a few days ago. I have been able to walk the dogs to the park almost everyday (don't get me wrong, I have to bundle up - there just isn't the usual snow/ice on the ground). Although, we did just get a couple inches of snow, in time to celebrate Christmas (and it looks like quite a bit of snow is forecasted for the upcoming week). Simba and Schatzi are both well and have become best friends. Travis and I stayed home for Christmas again this year - but you can't make any holiday plans this time of year when your husband is in management for UPS (they even worked Christmas Eve). We hosted his parents for a Christmas dinner on Friday and that was pretty much the extent of our holiday celebration. All in all, life is good...and we are looking forward to early February when we are leaving the Iowa winter and heading to Florida for a week of vacation with my mother and her husband.

On the creative front...there has been quite a bit happening in the Blue Ribbon Designs Studio. I finished up more designs and samples for AccuQuilt - this time for Valentine's Day...and I can't wait to share them with you (a couple sneak peeks below). I completed a handful of custom orders and managed to make gifts for nine packages...and they were all delivered BEFORE Christmas! I also made gifts for two of my local close friends...and gifts for family...so my sewing/embroidery machine and stitching fingers have been busy. I also finished the cutest winter project and tutorial for the AccuQuilt Blog that will be posted next Wednesday, the 30th - I will post a reminder about in the coming week - you won't want to miss it. Plans are underway for my January AccuQuilt project tutorial - it uses the new GO! Qube and I am having fun working on the design (think Valentine's Day). In the evenings, I have been cross stitching a couple ornaments for Just Cross Stitch Magazine that will published in 2016....and I have been working on a couple new design ideas - including one for my 2016 Komen 3-Day fundraising piece (Twinkle Toes will be walking in San Diego in 2016!). Last, but not least, I have been working on new pieces for my Etsy Shop - I am working on a BUNCH of Stitch Starter Ruler Sleeves and a pile of zippered pouches and project bags...plus I have a couple new ideas that I worked up that I will be trying in limited numbers. Then, in my "spare time", I am working on custom customer projects. Busy is a blessing...

I hope you have been enjoying this holiday season. As we quickly approach the new year - may you find joy in the celebration, beauty in your surroundings, and love in your heart...happy holidays!