Saturday Stitching Station

Greetings friends! I'm back again for another late night post. I actually had a few quiet hours this afternoon and sat down for a model stitching session. I have been busy working on a couple new cross stitch models and thought I would give you a sneak peek at the larger one. 

This cross stitch design idea was born from a finishing idea...and I won't give too much away now, but I am excited to complete it and hope it turns out as I envision. I am still wrestling with the title, but rest assured, I will have more details for you in the coming months. I am working with Weeks Dye Works cotton floss on Lakeside Linen fabric. This is a view of my stitching station...complete with a hot cup of tea (Lemon Lift, my favorite!) and my very favorite wooden floss bobbins from The Bitsy Brocante Shop.

Aren't those bunny floss bobbins the cutest?! Even on my worst day, they make me smile. My online friend Ellie (EllieBugMakes on Instagram) and I bonded over our love of Poppie Cotton fabrics and our creative designs/projects...and she makes and sells tons of the most creative things. She has two Etsy Shops - TheBitsyBroncanteShop, which sells fabrics, sundries, and notions....and EllieBugMakes where she sells her handcrafted makes (if you need a sweet gift, please check her out). Her husband makes the wood crafted items in The Bitsy Brocante Shop, including the bunny bobbins and box in my photos. He also makes sheep and spools...and you can get them on rings or in a box...and what makes them even better - the back side of each bobbin is chalkboard, so you can write your floss name/number with a chalkboard marker! I used to always bag my floss to save time, but now I use these wood bobbins for my special projects. I'll add some links to my photos, so you can check them out...

Bunny or Sheep Bobbins with Holder 

Spool Bobbins on a Ring

Sheep Bobbins on a Ring

Bunny Bobbins on a Ring

When I placed a wooden bobbin order, Ellie was kind to include a special handmade gift for me...a pretty and practical pincushion, which is currently in use next to my sewing machine. It lists types and sizes of needles, so if you change your needle often, you can park them in the correct spot and find them easily for use again. I just love this! You can find her handmade items in her EllieBugMakes shop.

There you have it -  a sneak peek of a new cross stitch design...and some of my favorite stitchy products that I just had to share. Enjoy the rest of your weekend, and I will be back soon with more creative updates...happy stitching!

Sunshine and Positivity

Hello friends...thanks for stopping by today! I thought I would pop in for picture-filled blog post...I wanted to show you what has been inspiring me and a few current/recent projects. Last weekend, I headed to Illinois to visit my mom and her husband Dan at the lake for a little time away....sometimes when you feel discouraged and the weight of the world is resting on your shoulders, taking a road trip can really put things into perspective. I thought I would share some photos I took of the beautiful gardens my mom nurtures/perfects daily and the peaceful lake - these images (and my time there) brought joy to my soul and reminded me of what is really important. It was quite enjoyable attending some of the lake community's "Summerfest" activities, including a water skiing show...and visiting some of the rural/local establishments. I was also able to do some modeling stitching and a little design work surrounded by nature...and I even got to have a long, leisurely breakfast with a very dear stitching friend before heading back to Iowa.

I managed to get quite a bit done in my studio over the last few weeks...lots of custom sewing, model stitching, and needlework finishing...and even quite a bit of design work. Here are just a few recent finishes...and I have more creative things in store to show you soon!!

Lastly...a little wisdom for a Saturday evening:
Recently, someone has been trying to steal my sunshine and intentionally hurt my feelings - even going as far as to tell me to stop designing cross stitch. It's hard not to let negative people bring you down, especially when it comes from someone you thought was there for you....we all know that familiar saying: misery (negativity) loves company. I have done a lot of self-reflection over the last month and I am choosing to be happy and better myself...surrounding myself with those who make me a better person and want good/positive things for me. I like being a happy, fun-loving person - I LOVE designing, creating, and having my own business - I like going to the gym and trying to live a healthy lifestyle - I enjoy taking care of my home, yard, and husband - I like being young at heart - and I love taking photos and sharing things that inspire me on social media. I will continue to do all those things, because they bring ME joy. My advice:

Be happy - be you (you are perfect just the way you are) - be positive.
 Don't let anyone attempt to steal your sunshine...

Plans Change...

Hello friends - I apologize for not returning sooner with the promised new cross stitch design sneak peek....unfortunately, I had a touch of some sort of nasty flu the last couple days and it slowed me down a bit...but I am happily feeling better today - I have finally kept some food down and worked out at the gym this morning, so it's all good. 

As I mentioned in my previous post, I did go fishing with my husband last Saturday...and this time, I did catch some fish! I had to chuckle at many of your responses to my post about having a hard time just sitting still and fishing for hours...and this time I did take my Nook and a little stitching project with me, but I didn't get them out of my bag, as I was actually catching some fish - in fact, I caught the biggest fish of the day - a two and a half pound bass (I know, that doesn't sound large, but my husband assures me, that in Iowa, that is a good fish - and I also know, he is probably boosting my ego, so I keep going out on the lake with him) - you can see I was extremely happy in the photo (I know, not my best look - we were up at 5:30 AM to get on the water before the extreme heat, so hair and make-up weren't an option). Oh, and for those who might question whether we keep what we catch - no, we catch and release...

So, as promised, here is the peek at the new cross stitch model I have been working on...I had a special plan for this design, but sometimes plans must change, so I have decided to release it (along with a couple others) once it is complete. I have a title for it and a finishing idea...so give me some time to get everything (including the stitching) done, then I will post all the details here! Cross Stitch designing has always brought me immense joy, and it is nice to work on some new project ideas...

I planned to share a couple more things today...but Miss Schatzi needs to be picked up from the vet (just a routine check-up) and I have a pile of work to get to when I return...so again, plans change...but I'll be back soon with a new creative post. Thanks for visiting!

"Flurries in the Firs"

Summer temperatures arrived early in Iowa and I am not even remotely thinking about the winter holidays...but if you are "one of those" early bird needleworkers already 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 "Flurries in the Firs" in the the August 2016 Issue, which is now available.

My 2016 preview ornament complements my woodland ornaments from the past several years and uses Cross Stitch (over-two), Back Stitch, 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. 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!

Look for another Blue Ribbon Designs woodland series ornament in the JCS Christmas Ornament Issue out later this year. I'll be back in the next couple days with the sneak peek of my new cross stitch design...I ran out of time to get an "in progress" photo today...I'm going fishing with my hubby EARLY on Saturday morning, so I am writing this on Friday night and scheduling it to post on Saturday while we are out on the water...wish me luck (and yes, this time, I am taking a book and a small stitching project)...maybe this time I'll catch a fish!

A Colorful Catch-Up

It is a cold, windy, rainy night and I am just about ready to head to my cozy stitching nest for the rest of the "evening". I am still working away on a huge pattern writing freelance design project - it is monopolizing most of each day, but I continue to make time to do a little model stitching each night (for my sanity!). Here is a sneak peek at what I am working on at the moment (right). I also have a couple other colorful/creative things to share tonight...

A couple new books that are full of sewing inspiration arrived a few days ago - I managed to take a break this past weekend and give them a quick once over with a hot cup of tea...oh how I wish there were more hours in the day! These books are full of cheerful ideas to keep me busy...you know, in my "free time"...

 Also, if you ever wondered what 200 colorful 14-inch zippers look like, here is a photo to quench your curiosity - I go through quite a few making my zippered pouches and bags and it was time to stock up...I'm obsessed...and these make me happy!

Etsy has launched a new website program called "Pattern by Etsy"...it gives Etsy shop owners the ability to have a stand-a-lone eCommerce website that directly links to their Etsy shop. I already have my own eCommerce website that took me moths to build and perfect, but thought I would give the 30-day trial a chance (it's always good to try new things!). It is a nice, simplified twist on the standard Etsy shop - you can find my new "pattern" shop here:
http://blueribbondesigns.patternbyetsy.com/

 Etsy has also been "remodeling" and ALL shops will have a new look - they started updating today and although it may take up to a week for all shops to have the new format, I think you will like the changes. Sometimes you need to freshen things up...so while you might still be seeing my original shop, here is a just a peek at the new layout...
http://etsy.com/shop/BlueRibbonDesigns

Finally, here is a small sign of spring...and I can't wait for more! This was taken a few days ago...we actually had a few nice days...but then the winds and cold returned and now it is feeling like winter yet again. These daffodils are giving me hope...

I hope you are starting to see signs of spring in your corner of the world...

Designing, Creating, Organizing

I have an abundance of creative things to share with you this week...be prepared to be inspired! I have been working on a plethora of deadlines - both needlework and quilting...and I am so EXCITED I can  finally share some of my recent projects with you!

In December, I was designing and creating sample models for AccuQuilt...I was asked to design a couple projects to aid in organizing your sewing room...I had a BUNCH of ideas, but the two they decided to use were for fabric baskets and a sewing machine organizing mat. I had so much fun designing and creating the samples, as these types of projects are right up my alley!

I made several prototypes of my Strippy Catch-All Basket Pattern before settling on the construction and fusibles. AccuQuilt wanted them to be a bit sturdier to hold cutting dies, and while that wasn't the original plan, these will hold the AccuQuilt dies, as seen in the photo below. These are simple strip piecing, light quilting, and basic sewing...and can be made in a variety of sizes! They are great for organizing just about anything: rick racks/trims, sewing notions,rulers, threads, and cuts of fabric...and you can make them match your sewing space by choosing fabrics that work well with your decor. If you would like to make some of these fabric cubes for your sewing room, you are in LUCK, as the GO! Strippy Catch-All Basket Pattern is FREE (yes, I said FREE) for a limited time on the AccuQuilt website: http://www.accuquilt.com/go-strippy-catch-all-basket-pattern.html

The sewing machine organizing mat is also the perfect pattern to utilize when organizing your creative space! The blocks and sashing strips are pockets that are the perfect size to hold all your tools...and your sewing machine sits atop the mat to hold it firmly in place. The sashing strip pockets (gray fabric) are 1 1/2" wide, which may seem narrow, but they are perfect for pencils and marking pens, a stiletto, a seam ripper, a quarter inch ruler, and my favorite - small scissors with a fob attached, which I am always misplacing (point of scissors goes in the pocket, the handles sit atop)...those are just a few ideas. I designed a standard size mat, but you could (fairly easily) adjust the size depending on your machine type and the space you have available. Also, as the AccuQuilt photo shows below, you can use it for your fabric cutter - the GO! Big fits perfectly (I love this idea)! I can't wait to make a few of these for my sewing room - or at least one - you know, in my spare time. If you would like to make one for your creative work-space, I am THRILLED to tell you that the GO! Sewing Machine Organizing Mat Pattern is also available for FREE for a limited time (how awesome is that?!): http://www.accuquilt.com/go-sewing-machine-organizing-mat-pattern.html

The AccuQuilt Blog also has a feature on getting organized - so stop by for a visit and read their tips for storing your cutting dies: http://www.accuquilt.com/blog/

I am off to my sewing machine for a few hours, then to my stitching nest - I have more deadlines quickly approaching...but I will be back soon with another update...I have so many interesting ideas and projects to share this week...

Pretty Patchwork Pincushions

Here are a few photos of "pink" pincushions I mentioned in an earlier post. These pretty pillows were made using a honey bun (1.5" strips) from the Aviary Collection by 3 Sisters for Moda (this collection is from March 2009 and is long retired)...after piecing the strips, I cut them into 5.5" squares - then fused a medium weight interfacing to the back side before attaching a felt heart with machine applique. The pincushions were then backed with the same pink felt and stuffed firmly with fiberfill. Each one measures 5" square finished...and I added a couple decorative pins as an embellishment (one of which is a pink ribbon). I decided since I am using all funds raised by my Etsy shop for my Komen 3-Day Walk expenses, I just *had to* have some pink items for sale. These were quite enjoyable to make and have inspired me to work on a couple other pink ideas. I have the individual photos taken and hope to get them listed in the shop soon (along with the little Halloween pillows)...I could just use a few more hours in each day...

I managed to get the new designs for October all bagged and ready for shipping later this month, so I will share those with you in the near future...and the supplies have been arriving for the "Mischief at Midnight" finishing kits, so I am hoping to get to work on those soon...and I have a new holiday design all kitted up and ready for model stitching...yep, as always, the list goes on and on...I am definitely keeping busy!