Blue Jeans and Daisies - Part Two Revealed

Part Two of the Mystery Sampler Club is shipping this week - it shipped to Norden Crafts last week and they started shipping to your favorite needlework shops on Monday! I am so excited for you to see the second installment of "Blue Jeans and Daisies"...

For those of you who are not familiar with the Mystery Sampler Club - let me quickly catch you up to speed...
You have to sign up with your favorite needlework shop (you can only get it through a needlework shop - your shop of choice - LNS or ONS) - they will have all the details for the program...and before you comment/post/email "I don't have a local needlework shop" - contact the shop where you purchase your stitching stash (charts and supplies)...it can be a local shop OR an online needlework shop...OR visit the "Locate" page on my website for a list of shops that will be able to assist you.  There will be three parts to the "mystery sampler" - the first part (featured in a January post) started shipping in January - the second part (featured in this post) is currently shipping - and the third part will be released in March....together all three parts make one large sampler...with a photo of the entire project to be released with the third and final installment (hence the "mystery"). Many of you are familiar with the Lizzie Kate "Very Scary" Mystery Sampler and the With Thy Needle & Thread "Birds of a Feather" Mystery Sampler - this is the very same program.

Now that we have everyone on the same page...here is a look at part two...and a few details...

The mystery sampler is stitched on 30-count Blue Jeans hand-dyed fabric by Weeks Dye Works - this exact fabric is also available in 35-count, should you prefer a higher count linen. It is stitched with Weeks Dye Works cotton floss...and a DMC conversion is provided.

See a complete supply listing on my website: http://www.blueribbondesigns.com/BRD109B%20Specifics.html

Part two uses the following stitches (and yes, diagrams are provided): Cross Stitch over two linen threads, Back Stitch, Rhodes Heart, and Four-Sided Stitch.

The chartpack also includes part two of the Springtime Jumble. Here is a little information about the Springtime Jumble: 

The answer to the springtime jumble will be the password to open a mystery bonus design - this mystery bonus will be revealed on my website (http://www.blueribbondesigns.com) when the third and final mystery sampler installment is released. You will need to collect all three patterns to complete the Springtime Jumble and unlock the mystery bonus. Details can be found inside each package.

Each installment contains a fun finishing idea...and the finishing idea for part two is a pin pillow - finishing instructions are included. Use a motif from part one or part two of the sampler (I used the ladybug bands in the lower section on the sampler - part two) and some fabric and floss from your stash to make a springtime pin pillow (NOTE: the chart explains to use fabric and floss from your stash for the fun finishing idea - if you purchased a kit including linen and threads, it does not include amounts for the fun finishing idea). I chose to add beads around the perimeter of my pin pillow for a special touch...you could add cord - or ribbon - or trim...or leave it plain...be creative!

Specifics for part two (complete supply listings, stitch counts, stitches used, etc.) can be found on my website: 

http://www.blueribbondesigns.com/BRD109B%20Specifics.html

Additional photos of part two can be found on my website:

http://www.blueribbondesigns.com/Blue%20Jeans%20and%20Daisies%20Part%20Two.html

Contact your needlework shop of choice to join in the fun...or if you have questions...they will assist you with obtaining the patterns, the threads, the fabric...and they can answer questions and provide you with alternative sizes and supplies.

I hope you are excited to see part two of this special springtime edition of the Mystery Sampler Club!

Blue Jeans and Daisies - Part One

The Mystery Sampler Club is kicking off this week, as patterns for part one have started shipping from Norden Crafts to your favorite needlework shops! I am so excited for you to see the first installment of "Blue Jeans and Daisies".

For those of you who are not familiar with the Mystery Sampler Club - let me quickly catch you up to speed...
You have to sign up with your favorite needlework shop (you can only get it through a needlework shop - your shop of choice - LNS or ONS) - they will have all the details for the program...and before you comment/post/email "I don't have a local needlework shop" - contact the shop where you purchase your stitching stash (charts and supplies)...it can be a local shop OR an online needlework shop...OR visit the "Locate" page on my website for a list of shops that will be able to assist you.  There will be three parts to the "mystery sampler" - the first part (featured in this post) is shipping now - the second part will be released in February - and the third part will be released in March....together all three parts make one large sampler...with a photo of the entire project to be released with the third and final installment (hence the "mystery"). Many of you are familiar with the Lizzie Kate "Very Scary" Mystery Sampler and the With Thy Needle & Thread "Birds of a Feather" Mystery Sampler - this is the very same program.

Now that we have everyone on the same page...here is a look at part one...and a few details...

The mystery sampler is stitched on 30-count Blue Jeans hand-dyed fabric by Weeks Dye Works - this exact fabric is also available in 35-count, should you prefer a higher count linen. It is stitched with Weeks Dye Works cotton floss...and a DMC conversion is provided.
See a complete supply listing on my website: http://www.blueribbondesigns.com/BRD109A%20Specifics.html

Part one uses the following stitches (and yes, diagrams are provided): Cross Stitch over two linen threads, Back Stitch, Rhodes Heart, and Fly Stitch Variation.

The chartpack also includes part one of the Springtime Jumble. Here is a little information about the Springtime Jumble:
The answer to the springtime jumble will be the password to open a mystery bonus design - this mystery bonus will be revealed on my website (http://www.blueribbondesigns.com) when the third and final mystery sampler installment is released. You will need to collect all three patterns to complete the Springtime Jumble and unlock the mystery bonus. Details can be found inside each package.

Each installment contains a fun finishing idea...and the finishing idea for part one is a scissor fob - finishing instructions are included. Use a motif from part one of the sampler (I used the Robin square) and some fabric and floss from your stash to make a springtime scissor fob!

Specifics (complete supply listings, stitch counts, stitches used, etc.) can be found on my website: 

http://www.blueribbondesigns.com/BRD109A%20Specifics.html

Additional photos can be found on my website:

http://www.blueribbondesigns.com/Blue%20Jeans%20and%20Daisies%20Part%20One.html

Contact your needlework shop of choice to join in the fun...or if you have questions...they will assist you with obtaining the patterns, the threads, the fabric...and they can answer questions and provide you with alternative sizes and supplies.

I hope you are excited to get started on this special springtime edition of the Mystery Sampler Club!

Blue Jeans and Daisies

Today I have a fun little teaser to share with you...this is a little peek at the mystery sampler, which I have titled "Blue Jeans and Daisies". I originally shared a few details with you about the Mystery Sampler Club at the end of November - now I have a special "teaser" photo to entice you a little bit more!

Still keeping you in "suspense", here are a few details I can share with you about the Mystery Sampler Club...

• The title is "Blue Jeans and Daisies"...
• It has a "springtime" theme...
• Each chart will contain a fun finishing idea...
• Collect all three designs to unlock a mystery bonus on my website when the 3rd and final part is released...
• The first part is set to be released on January 21, 2013...
• Stitch count for the entire sampler is 150H x 300W - each installment will be approximately 150H x 100W...

For additional details or to sign up, visit your favorite needlework shop or stitchy website (you can only get it through a needlework shop - your shop of choice - LNS or ONS) - they will have all the details for the program. There will be three parts to the "mystery sampler" - the first part is scheduled to be released in January - the second part in February - and the third part in March....together all three parts make one large sampler...with a photo of the entire project to be released with the third and final installment (hence the "mystery"). 

(NOTE: before you comment/post "I don't have a local needlework shop" - contact the shop where you purchase your stitching stash (charts and supplies)...it can be a local shop OR an online needlework shop...OR visit the "Locate" page on my website for a list of shops that will be able to assist you.)

So without further ado, here is just a taste to whet your appetite!

Berries, Birds, and Blooms

As promised, I am back today with the details for my other new release "Berries, Birds, and Blooms". This is another cheerful, sunny design that I hope will brighten your winter days!  This chartpack contains charting for the sampler and four needlework smalls - a scissor fob, pinkeep, floss ring tag, and needlebook....it also includes stitching instructions, stitch diagrams, complete finishing instructions for all four needlework smalls, and an alphabet/numbers for personalization. The models were stitched on 32-count Chantilly Creme hand-dyed fabric from Lakeside Linens with Weeks Dye Works cotton floss (a DMC conversion is provided). I am very happy with the set of needlework smalls and plan to find a small basket to hold them - I want to place it on the table next to my stitching nest. As always, I have put all the details on the Blue Ribbon Designs website - here are a couple direct links...
Complete materials list and specifics:
www.blueribbondesigns.com/BRD108%20Specifics.html
Additional photos:
www.blueribbondesigns.com/Berries%20Birds%20and%20Blooms.html

 Automatic shop orders (for both "Berries, Birds, and Blooms" and "Sunflower Serenade") start shipping today and distributor orders will be shipping next week - so look for this new design to arrive at your favorite needlework shop (or online at your favorite webshop) very soon!
(NOTE: before you comment/post "I don't have a local needlework shop" - contact the shop where you purchase your stitching stash (charts and supplies)...it can be a local shop OR an online needlework shop...OR visit the "Locate" page on my website for a list of shops that will be able to assist you.)

Needlework Smalls (clockwise from top left: scissor fob, pinkeep, needlebook, floss ring tag) - Front View

Needlework Smalls - Back View

Thanks for stopping by - I hope you like the two new releases! I am now off to bag and prepare charts for shipment...and of course I have more details to finish for the Mystery Sampler...I would LOVE to do a little holiday sewing, but my sewing/embroidery machine is still waiting for the replacement parts to arrive (boohoo!)....

A BIG Mysterious Announcement!

Today is the day! I can finally share with you some details on a HUGE project I have been working on for several weeks. I have been invited by the needlework distributor
Norden Crafts to be their next mystery sampler designer - yep, that's right I have designed the next project for the Mystery Sampler Club!

For those of you who are not familiar with the Mystery Sampler Club...you have to sign up with your favorite needlework shop (you can only get it through a needlework shop - your shop of choice - LNS or ONS) - they will have all the details for the program. There will be three parts to the "mystery sampler" - the first part is scheduled to be released in January - the second part in February - and the third part in March....together all three parts make one large sampler...with a photo of the entire project to be released with the third and final installment (hence the "mystery"). Many of you are familiar with the Lizzie Kate "Very Scary" Mystery Sampler and the With Thy Needle & Thread "Birds of a Feather" Mystery Sampler - this is the very same program.

Still keeping you in "suspense", here are a few details I can share about my "mystery" with you...

• It has a "springtime" theme...
• Each chart will contain a fun finishing idea...
• Collect all three designs to unlock a mystery bonus on my website when the 3rd and final part is released...
• The first part is set to be released on January 21, 2013...
• Stitch count for the entire sampler is 150H x 300W - each installment will be approximately 150H x 100W...

So there you have it - the big announcement I have been waiting to share with you - I hope you will join in my excitement and contact your needlework shop of choice for all the details! 

(NOTE: before you comment/post "I don't have a local needlework shop" - contact the shop where you purchase your stitching stash (charts and supplies)...it can be a local shop OR an online needlework shop...OR visit the "Locate" page on my website for a list of shops that will be able to assist you.)

Start out your New Year with a fun, new, springtime project!

Shiny New Frames

My Papillon Creations Mystery Sampler is finally ready to display - I was able to pick it yesterday...and just had to share it with you before it went on the wall! What a treat to have this piece finished and framed after starting it years ago. ...and going along with my finishing UFOs and spring cleaning, I decided it was time to frame a couple more pieces in my aging completed pile. I think we all have them....pieces we stitched and put aside to finish or frame at a later date...well in my case, these pieces were stitched years ago, as you see by the "2004" date on one of the pieces. Over the years, I have compiled a pretty good pile of completed pieces waiting to be framed or finished in some way. Slowly, but surely, I have made the decision to get these orphaned pieces out of the needlework safe and into my home! There is one small problem - with a couple hundred framed works already in my home, the challenge is finding creative ways to display them...

Shown below:

Left: "Freedom Flowers" by Just Nan....I remember stitching this design right when it was released...and I loved the over-one stitching (butterflies) and specialty stitches. The fun frame gave it a great new look!

Right: "Truly Thine" by Blackbird Designs (Loose Feathers Number 6). Over the years, I have collected and kitted all the Loose Feathers Club designs...and the first year, I actually stitched all of them. In 2004, I stitched both the heart-shaped pillow with strawberry emery and the sampler design...it just took me until 2010 to get it framed.

It was delightful to see these pieces I worked on years ago in their shiny new frames....and as I continue to rescue old finished pieces from the completed pile, I will be sure to share them with you!

On To The Next...

I am SUPER EXCITED...After 4 years and two months, I have FINALLY finished my Papillon Creations Mystery Sampler (The Gift Of Stitching Magazine)! Your comments, encouragement, and compliments really helped motivate me...thank you so much. I can not wait to take this piece to the framer later today. I stitched my sampler on 45-count Pearled Barley hand-dyed fabric from Lakeside Linens with the Vikki Clayton silks it called for...stitch count is 199 x 199, so my piece is about 8.5" x 8.5" (I placed the ruler in the photo to give you a sense of how small it is). Now that this design is complete, I feel a little bittersweet - I truly enjoyed each stitch and it has been my "go-to" stitch gathering piece for quite some time....however, I am ready to move on to my next UFO....





























So I have decide the next piece I plan to finish is Sarah Moon's Quaker Sampler (Needleprint)...a project I started in November of 2006. I picked 40-count Light Examplar hand-dyed fabric from Lakeside Linens for this project...and my threads are an assortment of silks - I ordered the Vikki Clayton Silks for this project, but was not happy with about half of the color conversions, so I changed them to other various silks I had in my stash (making it a true sampler). I am excited to get back to work on this piece and stitch these beautiful medallions....and hopefully finish another one of the UFOs I have started over the years. My early apologies to my stitching group, as this will now be the project I will have in hand each time we meet...and if history repeats itself, they may be seeing this sampler for quite some time!