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!

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!

A Tea Party at ABC Stitch Therapy

I am finally back with another post about my recent teaching trip to New England. It has been a few crazy days playing catch-up after traveling for most of the month...I still have a pile of correspondence and various work tasks to accomplish, but things are slowly getting back to "normal". As of this afternoon, the to-do list is completely out of control, but I hope to get a handle on it over the next week...in all reality, I could really just use a day or two off to catch my breath and get some much needed sleep - but right now, that is not an option.

Today I wanted to share with you a little more about the New England Stitcher's Retreat that was held at the Enfield Shaker Museum (The Great Stone Dwelling House) last weekend. Marie (owner of ABC Stitch Therapy), Tricia (the shop manager), the entire staff at the shop, and Gail and Jackie (the marvelous hosts for the weekend) made sure everyone had a phenomenal time. Every little detail was taken care of, including: little gifts each day, special treats and snacks (some warm right out of the oven), a fun "Yankee Swap" game where everyone got a stitching prize...and even a tea party at the shop! I was able to spend lots of time with each attendee (my favorite part of my job!) - and I was happily surprised to see each of them in the classroom extra early in the morning...and each staying late well after class was supposed to disperse...and many stayed up with me until the wee hours stitching, giggling, and laughing - many finished their scissor fob and some finished their fob and pinkeep (or got a really good start!). The entire dwelling house was full of enthusiasm and smiles and it truly filled my heart with joy!

Earlier in the week, I shared some photos of the Dwelling House, the classroom, and the Enfield area with you - today, I thought I would share some photos of ABC Stitch Therapy...including the grand tea party! Marie recently moved the shop to a new location, just a "hop, skip, and a jump" from her previous building...and the new shop was incredible! There are lots of windows and good natural light - and TWO floors - when I walked in a was completely astounded. Standing in the doorway, there was a "mecca" of threads to my right...linens and fabrics with a cutting table straight ahead...and cross stitch charts, kits, accessories, and notions to my left...with models EVERYWHERE...upstairs was needlepoint heaven, with hand-painted canvases galore. If you are a needleworker, this shop is definitely worth a trip! So here are some photos I took of the shop (with Marie's permission) and a few photos of the tea party (as always, click on the photos for a larger view)...

ABC Stitch Therapy - Grantham, NH

Thread "mecca"....

Looking down from the upstairs level...

Stairs to the second level...

Needlepoint Canvases (Upstairs)

Me surrounded by beautiful needlepoint canvases...

Teacups for the tea party...

I'm pretending to serve the tea...check out all the wonderful treats....

Sharing a cup of tea with my dear friend Ruth (Sis, you look happy and beautiful!)...

My English Breakfast Tea and plate...
(a scone, an apple spice petit four, a roast beef tea sandwich, and a fruit tart)

I think you can see why I love teaching at the New England Stitcher's Retreat - the events, the shop, the food, the area, the accommodations - everything was a treat! I have to thank everyone who worked on the event planning - the hard-working and happy hosts (Jackie and Gail)....and all the attendees who made the journey to Enfield, NH - I hope to see you all again next year!!

In the next day or two, I will share some photos of my sightseeing with you...including some from King Arthur Flour...and a few from Delectable Mountain Cloth in Brattleboro, VT. To see all sorts of additional photos from my trip to New England, check out the albums on my Facebook page...and smartphone users can check out my Instagram album (user: BRDGIRL)...

Ocean City Stitcher's Jamboree

"Feather, Flowers, and Fruit" (Class Project)

I had a wonderful time meeting new needlework friends and reconnecting with many members of my stitching family while in Ocean City, MD for the Salty Yarns Jamboree! Salty Yarns is an extensive specialty needlework shop located on the Ocean City Boardwalk...nestled in with a hotel, apartments, and several other specialty shops, all owned by Sara and Sally (the hosts for the weekend). It is a great venue for such a large event, as there is an ocean view and three miles of boardwalk businesses/restaurants to keep just about anyone happy. The weekend event started on Friday evening with a dinner and reception...and classes were held on Saturday and Sunday. There were 54 fun and talented needleworkers in attendance and three teachers (myself, Theresa from Shakespeare's Peddler, and Donna from By The Bay) - the large group of 54 was split into three smaller groups...each group was in it's own classroom and each teacher rotated classrooms, having a half a day to spend with each group. This was a little different than my normal 1 1/2 to 2 day classes, so it was like Blue Ribbon Designs fast forward. My class project was titled "Feathers, Flowers, and Fruit" and included a framed sampler, a scissor fob, and a snippet (ort) receptacle. During class time we talked about finishing the small pieces, making twisted cord, a lots of my special tips and tricks...and the time flew by! During lunch breaks and after classes, attendees were free to shop, eat, relax, and stitch...and a big bonus was having tons of rocking chairs outside with an ocean view - perfect for stitching in the evening. In the morning, attendees gathered in the hotel lobby for breakfast...and after dinner each night, everyone would return to the lobby (and a special stitching room) to work on their favorite projects....food and beverage were readily available and everyone seemed to be relaxed and carefree.

Boardwalk Entrance to the Hotel

Hotel, Apartments, and Shops (including Salty Yarns) - my view standing at the ocean shore...

Rocking chairs in front of Salty Yarns...

More rocking chairs at hotel entrance...

View from the Lankford Hotel lobby window...

Attendees enjoying the hotel lobby...

 ...and I know many of you are interested in the needlework shop - here are photos taken in/of Salty Yarns (thanks to Sally and Sara who allowed me to photograph the shop)...this is just a few select photos - this shop is floor to ceiling charts, models, supplies, yarns, fibers, gadgets, you name it - it is a tad overwhelming to walk in the first time - my jaw hit the floor....

Salty Yarns Entrance

Blue Ribbon Designs Trunk Show on display....

So there you have it...a little tour of Salty Yarns and the Lankford Hotel...and I will try to be back later today with some of my favorite photos from the Ocean City Boardwalk...