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!

Saturday Sneak Peeks

Each and every evening, I plant myself in my stitching nest and work on new cross stitch designs...my days are just better when I pick up a needle and thread. Just CrossStitch magazine has been keeping me super busy and I am happy to tell you that you will see Blue Ribbon Designs in multiple issues this year! I am enjoying stitching and finishing each project...and although I can't share any of them with you just yet, here are a few peeks...

I previously shared you will see two sets of Halloween designs in JCS magazine this fall...

You will see a Blue Ribbon Designs ornament in the 2015 JCS Christmas Ornament Preview Issue...and one in the 2015 JCS Christmas Ornament Issue...here are the backs (I know, I'm a big tease!)...

....and you will see a very special design in the JCS October Issue...a little hint - October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month (and we all know how important this is to me)...I'm stitching the model(s) right now...and here is your peek...I can't wait to share this heartfelt design with you...

So my Saturday "day" will be spent at the sewing machine working on new AccuQuilt design samples...and my Saturday "evening" will be spent in my stitching nest...not a bad weekend!

My Stitching Nest

My home has several "stitching nests"...those special places I like to curl up with my needle and work on my current project. Whenever I am going to go stitch I always say "I am headed to my stitching nest"...there is just something cozy about calling it my "nest"...maybe it stems from my love of birds...it just feels appropriate. I even designed a piece in my early years called "My Stitching Nest" that hangs above my favorite stitching chair.

Last week, during the height of my flu epidemic, my dear friend Lorrie dropped off a belated birthday package - I was not feeling well enough to open it...in fact, I didn't even come close to feeling well enough to open it until this past Sunday. It sat on our living room table all week and everyday, my husband would say, "I can't believe you haven't opened your gift yet"...but I really wanted to wait to open it when I could enjoy and appreciate it. When I opened it, I was speechless - a handmade "Bel's Stitching Nest" sign...complete with an actual nest!

Lorrie attached a detailed note telling me about this slate tile sign and how it came to be...the thought and time that went into this project made me feel so very special...her kindness touched me deeply.

A friend painted the large piece of slate for her...but Lorrie thought it needed more, so she added the bird's nest and filled it with treasures. As you can see from the enlarged photo, the nest is overflowing with personal touches. There is a vintage pewter button (from an antique tin of buttons found in an old Indiana barn) that actually looks like it has an ear of corn on it...a piece of white linen and a red button from the drawers of her Great Grandmother's old Singer sewing machine...beautiful blue hand-dyed silk thread and ribbon...a lovely piece of lace...and even a piece of cotton sampler fabric! It truly is how I envision "my stitching nest" and such a personalized gift...isn't it wonderful?! There are not words to describe how touched I was by this gift - Lorrie, you are amazing!

I just had to share this unique handmade treasure with you and some of the details that make it super special. I am beyond blessed to have so many generous, creative, and talented people in my life. I hope reading about this will inspire you to give a gift from the heart...

Inside My Stitching Studio

Hello friends and followers!

I am SWAMPED preparing for my teaching event at the New England Stitchers Retreat in a couple weeks and the Columbus Market in June, but I just *had to* share a link with you. Today on the DMC Thread Blog, you can see a peek inside my stitching studio! DMC Threads kindly asked me to share some photos and tips regarding my stitching/designing space for their segment on "Organize Your Stitching Studio"...today, I am featured...

http://dmc-threads.com/?p=1613

I hope you enjoy this rare look inside my stitching nest....and make sure to take a look at the other designers/crafters featured in this series - there are many tips and photos to inspire you!!