Rejoicing Reindeer

The Just CrossStitch 2020 Special Christmas Ornament Issue is currently arriving at needlework shops, in mailboxes, and on newsstands. Today, I am pleased to share my contribution with you. My ornament for this year is titled "Rejoicing Reindeer" and can be found on page 96, with my Christmas memory and recipe found on page 102. This year, I included my recipe for Salt Dough Ornaments...you know, the favorite childhood ornament project - dough cut with cookies cutters, embellished and baked, then painted if desired. My recipe has a simple list of ingredients (which you probably have on hand) that will make quick and easy ornaments and a fun family project! My 2020 cross stitch ornament complements my woodland ornaments from the past several years, only this year it is circular in shape. The entire design is Cross Stitch over two linen threads, so you can easily change the type/count of fabric. I stitched the model on 40-count Mocha linen from Weeks Dye Works (same as previous ornaments in this series) and used Weeks Dye Works cotton floss (DMC conversions are provided). I opted for a flat-finish with two-tone twisted cord to match my previous holiday ornaments.

This is the 15th year I have been included in the annual Ornament Issue (2006 - 2020)...which doesn't even seem possible! If you would like to see all 15 of my contributions, you can visit the "Publications" tab on my website (my coordinating ornaments from the Christmas Ornament Preview Issues are shown there, as well). This magazine has gone through a lot of changes over the years (just like my design style), yet still continues to be a yearly fan favorite.

I remember getting my first designer invitation back in 2006 to be in the magazine - I was SUPER excited - it was an honor to get that invitation each year to be included. Over the last several years, criticism regarding this issue seems to pop up everywhere - complaints that the ornaments seem too simple and/or without thought, harsh statements about the finishing of the ornaments, complaints that favorite designers are missing....some say the photography isn't good and the magazine is of lesser quality. As a designer and contributor (who puts a ton of thought and time into EVERY ornament design), this can be quite discouraging. Over the years, the magazine has taken away quite a bit of the prestige and excitement that came along with being included in this publication. For those who do not know, this issue has always been an unpaid assignment and designers do not receive any compensation for being included. In years past, the included designers would receive a handful of copies of the magazine (which I would give away in contests to my readers and social media followers) - now we get a single copy (and somehow, mine always arrives bent and damaged)...these are just a couple reasons why you may not be seeing some of your favorite designers in the more recent issues. The needlework industry is constantly changing, who knows what the future holds - but I have been happy to be a part of this special publication for the past 15 years! I can't wait to sit down with my issue and look through each page. There is always a diverse selection of designs from some very talented creators (some are new and upcoming talent, some are longtime favorites)...these designers love needlework so much that they contributed/donated their time and talent...so, while each and every ornament might not be a personal favorite, I hope you will still be able to find a few to stitch up for your tree!

I would love to hear your comments on this year's issue - do you have a favorite ornament(s)???

...and now, here is my holiday recipe for 2020... 

Salt Dough Ornaments

Dough ingredients:

• All-purpose flour - 4 cups
• Table salt - 1 cup
• Warm water - 1 1/2 cups

Decorating tools:

• Cookie Cutters
• Textural items (kitchen utensils, rubber stamps, toothpick, etc.)
• Straw (to create hang hole)
• Acrylic paint, glitter, puffy paint
• Polyurethane spray - optional
• Ribbon (for hangers)

 Directions:

Mix flour and salt – whisk until well combined. Slowly add warm water while stirring. Continue stirring until you have added all the water. Use your hands to knead the dough until smooth and pliable – this will take a few minutes. Roll out the dough 1/8″ thick. Use cookie cutters to cut into desired shapes. Texture or draw/write on ornaments using your favorite tools. Use a straw to make a hole for hanging. Bake the ornaments in a 300°F oven for about an hour or until hard. Paint and decorate ornaments to your liking. Once paint is completely dry, coat with poly spray for extra longevity. Tie ribbon hanger and hang on tree.

May decorating your tree create lasting memories!

Halloween Haul

Hello stitching friends! Although we are in the midst of a very HOT and humid summer, it looks like many of you are working on autumn and Halloween projects. I always enjoy checking out creative blogs and social media to see what my fellow stitchers and quilters are working on and I keep seeing fall projects popping up everywhere...perhaps you are all ahead of the game OR perhaps thoughts of autumn and winter are keeping you cool during the heatwave...OR maybe it is the release of the 2020 Just CrossStitch Halloween Special Collector's Issue. This annual issue is quite impressive with 58 spooky designs...and it looks like there is something for everyone - including Blue Ribbon Designs fans - yes it's true, I have a spooktacular design in this issue!

You can find my "Halloween Haul" wall hanging starting on page 36. This "sweet design" is a relatively quick stitch and I provided finishing instructions for the quilted wall hanging...OR this design will fit perfectly in a standard 8" x 10" frame (when stitched as directed on 32-count fabric). The stitch count is 98H x 129W and the finished design size measures approximately 6.125" H x 8.125" W . I stitched the model on 32-count Tarnished Silver from Lakeside Linens with Weeks Dye Works Hand Over-dyed Floss...and DMC Cotton Floss conversions are provided. The linen matches my photo as seen in the upper right-hand corner much better than the image depicted in the magazine and shown below (it is gray, not purple). For some reason, I always lose the lottery with photography in this particular publication (insert eye roll here)...

....AND look for another special Blue Ribbon Designs Halloween project in the October 2020 issue of Just Cross Stitch Magazine (an ornament)...I can't wait for you to see it...

...and of course, I designed a Christmas ornament for the upcoming Just Cross Stitch 2020 Special Christmas Ornament issue!

Things are buzzing along in my studio and I will have quite a few new needlework finishes to share with you soon. This weekend, we are headed to Iowa - but I will be back to visit with you again soon....

Caroling Cardinals

The Just CrossStitch 2018 Special Christmas Ornament Issue is currently arriving at needlework shops, in mailboxes, and on newsstands. Today, I am pleased to share my contributions with you. I actually have two ornaments in the issue - one is "Two Stags and a Star" (page 27) - this one was also included in the August issue for the Christmas Ornament Preview. My new ornament is titled "Caroling Cardinals" and can be found on page 29, with my Christmas memory and recipe found on page 100. This year, I included my recipe for Simmering Seasonal Potpourri - an easy list of ingredients that will fill your home with a delightful scent for the holiday season (which I will also share later in this pre-holiday post). My 2018 ornament features a pair of cardinals, pine trees, and snowflakes...and complements my woodland ornaments from the past several years. Stitches include: Cross Stitch over two linen threads, Back Stitch, and Smyrna Cross Stitch. I stitched the model on 40-count Mocha linen from Weeks Dye Works (same as previous ornaments in this series) and used Weeks Dye Works cotton floss (DMC conversions are provided). I opted for a flat-finish with two-tone twisted cord to match my previous holiday ornaments.

This is the twelfth year I have been included in the annual Ornament Issue...which doesn't even seem possible! If you would like to see all twelve of my contributions, you can visit the "Publications" tab on my website (my ornaments from the Christmas Ornament Preview Issues are shown there, as well). This magazine has gone through a lot of changes over the years (just like my design style), yet still continues to be a yearly fan favorite.

I remember getting my first designer invitation back in 2006 to be in the magazine - I was SUPER excited - it was an honor to get that invitation each year to be included. Over the last several years, I have read quite a bit of criticism regarding this issue - complaints that the ornaments seem too simple and/or without thought, complaints that favorite designers are missing, complaints the photography isn't good and the magazine is of lesser quality...even complaints that the holiday memories and recipes are in the back and not shown with the designer. As a designer and contributor (who puts a ton of thought and time into EVERY ornament design), this is quite discouraging. I can definitely agree with some of those statements...and, to be honest, I too have wrestled with myself for the last few years on whether or not I want to be involved. For me, the magazine has taken away quite a bit of the prestige and excitement that came along with being included in this publication. Let me clear -  this issue has always been an unpaid assignment and designers do not receive any compensation for being included...years ago, it used to generate quite a bit of excitement and a designer had to receive a special invitation to be included - back then, it was always a treat to be involved - but that excitement has changed and now designers receive an invitation to "submit a design idea" (which let's face it, takes away most of the incentive, especially when there is no payment)...also, in years past, the included designers would receive a handful of copies of the magazine (which I would give away in contests to my readers and social media followers) - now we get one copy (and somehow, mine always arrives bent and damaged)...these may be just a few of the reasons you aren't seeing some of your favorite designers in the more recent issues. The needlework industry continues to go through growing pains and is constantly changing, who knows what the future holds - but I have been proud to be a part of this special publication for the past twelve years! I can't wait to sit down with my issue (when it finally arrives) and look through each page - at quick glance of the digital issue, I see quite a diverse selection of designs from some very talented creators...these designers love needlework so much they contributed/donated their time and talent...so, while each and every ornament might not be your cup of tea, I hope you will still be able to find a few to stitch up for your tree!

I would love to hear your comments on this year's issue - what are your favorite ornaments??

Simmering Seasonal Potpourri

1 qt. apple juice
1 qt. pineapple juice
1 qt. water
2 tablespoons allspice
3 cinnamon sticks
16 – 20 cloves (a handful)
3 tablespoons pickling spice

Mix all ingredients in a large saucepan or crockpot. Bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer. Continue to simmer uncovered for an inviting citrus spice holiday fragrance!

While it may be a little too early to get in the Christmas spirit - I hope this post will inspire you for the upcoming holiday season! Time to start stitching those ornaments and gifts...

Startled Superstition and Hayride Happenings

Can you believe how quickly the summer months have passed?? - I can't believe it is September...where does the time go?! Halloween items are popping up everywhere...and stores are already getting out their Christmas holiday displays...personally, I'd be content to keep the summer months here just a little bit longer...but it is time to start working on Halloween and holiday items, if you want to have them completed in time to display this year...

I have a couple new cross stitch designs in the current issue of Just CrossStitch Magazine (October 2018) that will fit right into your autumn stitching schedule!

The October issue features a Halloween Ornament Spooktacular that includes six ornaments to stitch up and decorate your Halloween tree....and yes, you can find Blue Ribbon Designs in this feature. My Halloween ornament this year is titled "Startled Superstition" and is a fun, quick stitch!  You can locate my ornament and all the details on page 43. The entire ornament is worked in cross stitch - with a few back stitches and some long straight stitches for the cat whiskers (NOTE: I used French knots for the bat eyes, but I see the magazine omitted them from the pattern - I'm not sure why). I used Weeks Dye Works linen (Confederate Gray) and Weeks Dye Works cotton floss (a DMC conversion is also provided). There are TONS of fabulous ways to finish your Halloween ornaments - for this particular ornament, I chose a flat-finish....and I used two-tone twisted cord in green and black for a special touch. Please also note - the color photography in the magazine for this ornament is WAY off and completely over-exposed - the colors aren't even close - I am including a photo of the actual ornament laying on the magazine for reference - I am not sure why they lightened the photo so much that the colors are muted and barely resemble the actual piece (I was extremely disappointed in how they represented this project)....

This is the autumn issue, so you will also find a Designer Q & A and a seasonal project I created especially for this issue. If you turn to page 50, you can read a short question and answer session with me, followed by my autumn project titled "Hayride Happenings" starting on page 51. This fall-inspired pincushion is stitched on Weeks Dye Works linen (Beige) with Weeks Dye Works cotton floss (a DMC conversion is also provided) and is stuffed with crushed walnut shells and trimmed with lovely hand-dyed chenille (Jack) from Lady Dot Creates.

 You can find this issue of Just CrossStitch magazine at your favorite needlework shop or on newsstands now...

Blue Ribbon Designs is also featured in the Just CrossStitch Ornament Issue, which is arriving in homes and shops now - I'll be back to share details soon!

Two Stags and a Star

Summer heat and humidity have definitely arrived and I am not even remotely thinking about the winter holidays...but if you are an early bird stitcher (you know who you are - "one of those" ready for every holiday and always stitching in advance) working on Christmas ornaments, then you are in luck (and WAY too ahead of the game), because the Just CrossStitch Annual Christmas Ornament Preview Issue is here! If you have been enjoying my woodland ornament series, then you will be happy to see Blue Ribbon Designs included in this issue. You can find "Two Stags and a Star" (AKA "Two Stars and a Stag", as listed in the magazine) in the the August 2018 Issue, which is now available.

My 2018 preview ornament complements my woodland ornaments from the past several years and uses Cross Stitch (over-two), Back Stitch, Long Straight Stitches, and Smyrna Cross Stitch. I worked the model on 40-count Mocha linen from Weeks Dye Works (same as previous ornaments in this series) and used Weeks Dye Works cotton floss (DMC six-strand embroidery floss conversions are provided). I opted for a flat-finish with two-tone cord as an embellishment....and as a little finishing tip for those of you using the 40-count linen - I used standard hotel room keys padded with cotton batting (or you could use fake or expired credit cards) instead of the padded mounting board that the magazine suggests...they are the perfect size!

Nine Christmas ornaments are featured in this special preview leading up to the annual Just Cross Stitch Christmas Ornament Issue out later this year...so, if you are not a subscriber, pick-up or download the latest issue (https://www.just-crossstitch.com/) - grab some Christmas colors from your stash and let's get started on those holiday ornaments!

"Frosty Friends"

My copy of the Just CrossStitch 2017 Special Christmas Ornament Issue arrived yesterday, and I am pleased to share my contribution with you. My ornament is titled "Frosty Friends" and can be found on page 11, with my Christmas memory and recipe found on page 104. This year, I included my grandmother's recipe for Candy Cane Cookies, a childhood favorite (which I will also share later in this pre-holiday post). My 2017 ornament features a pair of snowmen, pine trees, and snowflakes, and complements my woodland ornaments from the past several years. Stitches include: Cross Stitch over two linen threads, Back Stitch, Smyrna Cross Stitch, and several French Knots. I stitched the model on 40-count Mocha linen from Weeks Dye Works (same as previous ornaments in this series) and used Weeks Dye Works cotton floss (DMC conversions are provided). I opted for a flat-finish with two-tone twisted cord to match my previous holiday ornaments.

This is the eleventh year I have been included in the annual Ornament Issue...WOW, that doesn't even seem possible! If you would like to see all eleven of my contributions, you can visit the "Publications" tab on my website (my ornaments from the Christmas Ornament Preview Issues are shown there, as well). This magazine has gone through a lot of changes over the years (just like my design style), yet still continues to be a yearly fan favorite. I remember getting my first designer invitation back in 2006 to be in the magazine - I was so excited - it was an honor to get that invitation each year to be included. Over the last few years, I have read quite a bit of criticism regarding this issue - complaints that the ornaments seem too simple and/or without thought, complaints that favorite designers are missing, complaints the photography isn't good and the magazine is of lesser quality...even complaints that the holiday memories and recipes are in the back and not shown with the designer. As a designer and contributor (who puts a ton of thought and time into EVERY ornament design), this is quite discouraging. I definitely agree with some of those issues and, to be honest, I too have wrestled with myself the last couple years on whether or not I want to be involved. For me, the magazine has taken away quite a bit of the prestige and excitement that came along with being included in this publication. Let me clear -  this issue has always been an "unpaid" assignment and designers do not receive any compensation for being included...years ago, it used to generate quite a bit of excitement and a designer had to receive a special invitation to be included - back then, it was always a treat to be involved - but that excitement has changed and now designers receive an invitation to "submit a design idea" (which let's face it, takes away most of the incentive, especially when there is no payment)...also, included designers would always receive a handful of copies of the magazine (which I would give away in contests to my readers and social media followers) - now we get one copy...these may be just a few of the reasons you aren't seeing some of your favorite designers in the 2015-2017 issues. The needlework industry is going through growing pains and constantly changing, who knows what the future holds - but I have been proud to be a part of this special publication for the past eleven years! I can't wait to sit down with my issue and look through each page - at quick glance, I see a diverse selection of lovely designs from some very talented creators, that love needlework so much they contributed their time and talent...
I would love to hear your comments on this year's issue - what are your favorite ornaments??

Candy Cane Cookies

½ cup shortening
½ cup butter
1 cup powdered sugar
1 egg
½ teaspoon vanilla
2½ cups flour
1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon red food coloring
½ cup crushed peppermint candy

Mix in order given, except food coloring and peppermint candy. Divide dough in half. Blend red food coloring into one half. Roll one teaspoon of each color on a lightly floured board to 4” long. Place side by side; press ends together and twist like a rope. Place on greased sheet; curve top for handle.

Bake 375º for nine minutes. While warm sprinkle with peppermint candy.

Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Vol. 15 - Recipients

Congratulations to Barbara and Gloria - they were randomly drawn as the recipients for my Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Vol. 15 giveaway...they have both been contacted and the magazines have been shipped! Thank you to all who commented and shared their current creative projects/endeavors - I enjoyed reading each and every comment...

• barbara woods:just finished a t-shirt quilt and planning to spend a couple of days making casserole carriers
• Anonymous - Gloria McKenna:I do needlework and quilting = working on older WIPS at the moment. Your blog provides inspiration and 'words of wisdom' to help me through my 'slumps. Thanks!

Make sure to look for Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Vol. 15, on newsstands now (Release Date: May 1, 2017) - it's the issue with the red band across the top of the cover...and I hope you'll stop back for another visit soon!

Sunny Parkway - Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks

Greetings friends! I am back from an incredible trip to Arizona/Utah...and the Grand Canyon hike was SPECTACULAR. I will be back tomorrow to share photos and details from my extraordinary journey...but today I am here to share all about my latest quilt block design in Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks Volume 15 (on newsstands this week!)...

I am SUPER excited to tell you all about my original quilt block titled Sunny Parkway. Last year, I submitted a block for the Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks issue and never heard a word, so I thought my work wasn't accepted...in fact, I kept waiting for my block to be returned to me. So, imagine my complete surprise, when I see an image online of the upcoming issue and my quilt block was ON THE COVER (this is my third time as a cover girl for this special publication!) - I was completely shocked! Several days later, I received a package with copies of the magazine and I was still in awe. There must be a communication breakdown somewhere or I'm not on their e-mail list, because I never heard from the magazine (thank goodness I took photos of my block before submitting) and all my e-mails have gone unanswered - so I am not involved in the official Blog Hop (a BIG boo hoo!)...but you can head on over to the Quilty Pleasures Blog for all the festivities and giveaways this week.

My quilt block is (of course) AccuQuilt friendly...and although the magazine gives you all the measurements and details for rotary cutting, I thought I would give the AccuQuilt enthusiasts out there a list of the cutting dies I used to create Sunny Parkway (a 12" finished block):

• GO! Qube Mix & Match 6" Block (55775):
• #3 - Half Square Triangle-3" Finished Square (55703)
• #5 - Half Square Triangle-1½" Finished Square (55705)
• GO! Qube Mix & Match 6" Block Companion Set-Classics (55779):
• #10 - Signature Block-3" Finished (55729)

GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED.

I'm so thrilled you visited my blog today and can share in my enthusiasm...and I would like to include you in my excitement by having a giveaway...

•  I have two copies of  Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Vol. 15 magazine to give away...yep, two of my readers will receive a copy!

For a chance to win a copy of this special publication, simply leave me a single comment telling me about your current creative project(s) - I would love to hear about your artistic endeavors (including, but not limited to: stitching, sewing, quilting, gardening, cooking, crafting, etc.)...

To be eligible, you must include your e-mail address or have your e-mail address visible in your profile. International entries are welcome. Please leave a comment, no e-mail entries will be accepted. The giveaway is open until 11:59 PM CST Monday, May 8, 2017 and the two prize recipients will be contacted/announced on Tuesday, May 9, 2015. No prize substitutions. Good luck...

Make sure to look for Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Vol. 15, on newsstands this week (on sale starting May 1, 2017) - it's the issue with the red band across the top of the cover...and I hope you'll stop back for another visit soon!

Sewing Summary

My sewing machine has been rather busy lately (which is a great thing!) and I have finished quite a few major projects. Thank goodness the largest deadlines are complete, as I am getting ready to travel again (yep, I'm hiking the Grand Canyon this coming week). Recently, I finished six new pieces for AccuQuilt - I designed patterns and created samples for a throw quilt, a baby quilt, a table runner, a table topper, a bed runner, and a wall hanging...I can't share the details or photos with you just yet - you'll have to be patient a bit longer; however, here is a glimpse at some of the other projects I have been competing. I have been working on quite a few custom project bags and tool bags...lots of Stitch Starter Ruler Sleeves for my Etsy shop (the ones shown below are almost sold out, but I have 40 more cut and ready to sew when I return from my trip)...and couple custom quilts - one is a fabulous wall hanging that is almost complete (just needs quilting) - I will be sharing more on this unique original design in the near future. So, while it may have been a little quiet here in my blogland, there has been a plethora of activity in my sewing studio...

One last thing to mention - recently, while browsing online, I came across a cover photo for the upcoming Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks issue (it will be on newsstands on May 2nd)...imagine my shock when I see that I have a block on the cover...I had to double check and make sure it was really my submission - how awesome is that?! YAY!! I/they must be having some sort of issue with correspondence to/from the magazine, because I had no idea - and I have sent them several e-mails with no response. Unfortunately, this means I won't be involved in the big Volume 15 Blog Tour (boo hoo!)...but I will be posting here and revealing my block...so be sure to stop back the first week of May when I will be sharing the details and giving away a couple copies of the magazine...

That's all for today - I must get busy cleaning and packing for my trip...and we are headed out for a pizza party/birthday celebration this afternoon. Enjoy the rest of your weekend...and I'll be back real soon...

"Blizzard Buddies"

My copy of the Just CrossStitch 2016 Special Christmas Ornament Issue arrived today, and I am pleased to share my contribution to the magazine with you. My ornament is titled "Blizzard Buddies" and can be found on page 65...and this year, I included my recipe for my Blue Ribbon Stuffed Mushrooms (which I will also share later in this pre-holiday post). My 2016 ornament features red birds, pine trees, and snowflakes and complements my woodland ornaments from the past several years (along with ornament from the 2016 Christmas Ornament Preview Issue) - and as usual, combines cross stitch over both one and two linen threads. I stitched the model on 40-count Mocha linen from Weeks Dye Works (same as previous ornaments in this series) and used Weeks Dye Works cotton floss (DMC conversions are provided). I opted for a flat-finish with two-tone twisted cord to match my previous holiday ornaments. *Please note - the image on page 67 is definitely not true to color - it is extremely light/over exposed - this ornament DOES match the colors of my previous ornaments in the series...don't let the overly lightened image fool you - you can see all the details in the ornament...and the snowflakes show up beautifully!

This is the 10th (yes, 10th) year I have been included in the annual Ornament Issue - WOW, how time flies! If you would like to see all 10 of my contributions, you can visit the "Publications" tab on my website (my ornaments from the Christmas Ornament Preview Issues are shown there, as well). This magazine has gone through a lot of changes over the years (just like my design style), yet still continues to be a yearly fan favorite. I remember getting my first designer invitation back in 2006 to be in the magazine - I was "giddy" - it was an honor to get that invitation each year to be included. This year, they sent invitations to "submit a design idea" - and for me (to be honest) that took away quite a bit of the prestige and excitement that came along with being included in the magazine (especially when this is an "unpaid" assignment and designers do not receive compensation for being included)...this may be why you aren't seeing some of your favorite designers in the 2016 issue. With the needlework industry constantly changing, who knows what the future holds - but I have been proud to be a part of this special publication for the past 10 years!

....now, as promised - my recipe for stuffed mushrooms. We all have a "go to" recipe...the one that everyone wants you to bring when you have a holiday or family gathering...the one that everyone asks for the recipe...my "go to" recipe is for stuffed mushrooms. I started out years ago with a basic recipe and have continued to make changes...years later, I have finally tweaked my own recipe to (what I think is) perfection. So, here is my original recipe (which I call "Blue Ribbon Stuffed Mushrooms" - the magazine edited my recipe name/title)...from my kitchen to yours...enjoy!

Blue Ribbon Stuffed Mushrooms
1 Pound of mushrooms (washed and stems removed)
3 tablespoons margarine (softened, not melted)
1/4 cup finely chopped bell pepper (I like to use a red pepper)
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1/4 cup Feta cheese (crumbled)
2 strips of cooked bacon (crumbled) (real bacon bits make it easier!)
1 1/2 cups soft bread crumbs (I like to use moistened Pepperidge Farm Herb Seasoned stuffing mix)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper (fresh ground is best!)
1/4 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon thyme

Mix all ingredients except mushroom caps in a bowl - blending ingredients well. If your mixture seems a little dry, add some chicken broth or stock (or water) to the mixture to moisten. Fill mushroom caps with mixture. Place stuffed mushrooms in a lightly greased baking dish, then bake for 15-20 minutes in a 350-degree oven.

Stuffing mixture can be made and refrigerated a day early for stuffing the mushrooms the day of your event. ...and of course, the measurements don't have to be exact, this is just a guideline for ingredients - I usually just "eyeball" the measurements. I always make these during the holidays and they are a HUGE hit.

Midnight Meeting

Can you believe how quickly the summer months have passed?? - I can't believe it is already almost September...where does the time go?! Halloween items are popping up everywhere...and stores are already getting out their Christmas holiday displays...personally, I'd be content to keep the summer months here just a little bit longer...but it is time to start working on Halloween and holiday items, if you want to have them completed in time to display this year...

The current issue of Just CrossStitch Magazine (October 2016) features a Halloween Ornament Spooktacular that includes twelve ornaments to stitch up and decorate your Halloween tree....and yes, you can find Blue Ribbon Designs in this feature. My Halloween ornament this year is titled "Midnight Meeting" and is a fun, quick stitch!  You can locate my ornament and all the details on page 43. The entire ornament is worked in cross stitch...and I used Weeks Dye Works linen (Confederate Gray) and Weeks Dye Works cotton floss (a DMC conversion is also provided). There are TONS of fabulous ways to finish your Halloween ornaments - for this particular ornament, I chose a flat-finish....and I used two-tone twisted cord in gold and black for a special touch. This is the autumn issue, so there are a plethora of fall designs, as well...including Seasons in Chalk Art: Fall (a collaboration by Priscilla Blain and Cathy Habermann of Hands On Design) and Amish Apple Sampler from Nikyscreations. You can find this issue of Just CrossStitch magazine at your favorite needlework shop or on newsstands now...