Songbird Wisdom - New Cross Stitch

Greetings friends - I'm so happy you stopped by for a visit today!

First of all, thank you so much for the super sweet comments and messages regarding my ThermOWeb designs - I am so thrilled you like my project tutorials! I look forward to sharing more pattern tutorials with you in the coming months...

My new overnight schedule means less interruptions, so I have been working on all sorts of creative projects...and today, I am here to tell you all about one of those projects....yes, it's a new cross stitch design alert! I just released a brand new cross stitch design called "Songbird Wisdom" and it is available in both paper pattern and digital format in my Etsy shop. This design contains charting for both the Green Tree and the Singing Bird designs – each with TWO lettering options (one lettering option is Back Stitch with Cross Stitch Over-Two and the other lettering option is Cross Stitch Over-One), stitching instructions, stitch diagrams, and comprehensive finishing instructions. 

Long time fans may recall a similar design I did for The World of Cross Stitching Magazine ten years ago. I gave the design a facelift, made some charting changes and additions, and finished it in my personal style (years ago, the magazine finished the pieces to fit their particular look and gave it a generic name). I have always loved this Chinese Proverb that offers joyful words of encouragement and hope - I wanted to release this design in my catalog with my own personal vision.

Here are a few more details...

Songbird Wisdom (BRD-132)

This pattern includes two designs that fit together. I opted to stitch each on a different color of linen, but it would look great with both on the same color of fabric. I chose two different finishing options (instructions for both are included in the pattern). 

The first finishing option is a quilted wall hanging (would look great in a frame, as well). For this option, I stitched the "green tree" on Zweigart 28-count Cashel Summer Khaki (3281-323) and the "singing bird" on Zweigart 28-count Cashel Antique Ivory (3281- 233). This options shows the Back Stitch lettering for the verse. I used two fat quarters of cotton quilting fabric for the finishing, along with Hand-Dyed ½” Rick Rack from Lady Dot Creates (Chianti). 

The second finishing option is a set of bowl fillers/small pillows (would work great as ornaments or knob hangers, as well). For this option, I stitched the "green tree" on Lakeside Linens 40-count Wood Smoke and the "singing bird" on Lakeside Linens 40-count Pearled Barley. This option shows the Cross Stitch Over-One lettering for the verse. I used a cotton quilting fabric for the backs, along with Hand-Dyed Pom Poms from Lady Dot Creates (Chianti and Ballerina).

All models were stitched with Weeks Dye Works Cotton Floss and DMC conversions are included.

Paper pattern: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1447587816/songbird-wisdom-brd-132-counted-cross

Digital pattern: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1447591256/songbird-wisdom-brd-132-counted-cross

I really hope you like this cheerful, inspirational design - I truly enjoyed creating it!

Now, if you made it this far, you get a very funny TRUE story. We all know our household is on the night shift, so I find myself working into the wee hours...and let's be honest, this schedule has me a hot mess. Last night, I sent my dear friend Terri a text and asked her to proof this design before I listed it (she kindly proofs all my designs). I went to bed at 5:00 AM (and woke up at noon) to a text with just a few things I had to fix - five total typos for fourteen pages, which I was pleased with...until I saw the first correction. It was for the cover page - arguably the most important page...and it was for the title. Somehow, I had typed "Songbird Wisdoom" and didn't catch it (and I was working in Adobe Illustrator, so it does not spell check). I laughed so hard at this - wisDOOM kind of sums up my life perfectly right now. I hope sharing this makes you chuckle...it made me laugh out loud!

Next up, I will be adding a new sewing/quilting pattern to my catalog, so stay tuned for that...

...and, I have needlework finishing and custom work to complete for clients...piles of sewing to complete for my Etsy shop...another project tutorial for the ThermOWeb Blog that will be available in May...plus my blog will be a stop on the Hollyhock Lane Fabric Tour for Poppie Cotton in a little over a week, so I will be back to visit with you again before you know it! 

Thanks for stopping by today and for always being so supportive of my creativity...💗

New Halloween Cross Stitch Designs & Details

Greetings friends - I'm so happy you stopped by for a visit today! Summer months have gotten the best of me and it has been hard to make the time to post on my blog. Of course, I have been creating behind the scenes - working hard to finish up all the client orders I have on hand and finish up new cross stitch and quilting designs. I am down to just a few client orders and I am excited to get them finished up and be able to focus on my own designs and projects for a while - several recent customer orders have stolen my joy and I am ready to work on pieces that make my heart happy! So, for now, I am not taking on any new clients or client orders - I just need a break to refresh and regroup - and when I do start taking on client orders again, it will be extremely limited and with fresh guidelines. I do have quite a few finishing photos to share with you and I will do that soon, but today is all about my new Halloween cross stitch designs! I released four new patterns on September 1st and this post will showcase each one. These four new cross stitch designs are all available for digital download in my Etsy shop...but if you would really like to have a printed paper pattern, please send me an email (I will reply with the details, then send a PayPal invoice and ship them to you - you will be charged a little extra for printing and exact shipping fees). For now, let's get to the fun part - the new designs....

Ghostly Gatherings (BRD-124)

"Happy Boo Day!" features jack-o-lanterns, owls and black birds...while, "Merry Fright Night!" features a haunted house and it's ghosts. This is a two design set - perfect for bowl fillers, small pillows, large ornaments or even small frames. The models were stitched on 28-count Cashel Summer Khaki by Zweigart (but your favorite darker fabric color and count will do - you want to be able to see the ghosts) with Weeks Dye Works cotton floss (DMC conversion included). The models use hand-dyed velveteen for the backs and hand-dyed pom pom trim for embellishment - all from Lady Dot Creates. This chartpack comes with charting for both designs (in color and black/white) along with stitching and finishing instructions. These small designs stitch up quickly and are perfect to tuck into your Halloween display!

Additional details/purchasing information: 
https://www.etsy.com/listing/1063962504/ghostly-gatherings-brd-124-counted-cross

Holding The Bag (BRD-125)

Created with children in mind, "Holding The Bag" contains charting for a pair of Halloween bags (One for Treats, One for Tricks), four pages of Halloween jokes for the tricks bag and finishing instructions. I thought it would be clever to have both a bag of tricks (jokes and riddles) along with a bag of treats. The chart pack includes four pages of printable Halloween jokes (10 per page) for the bag of tricks - these printed slips are perfect for handing out with treats, placing in a lunchbox or backpack, or adding to a card or package. The models were stitched on 28-count Cashel Platinum (but, again, your favorite darker fabric color and count will do) with The Gentle Art Sampler Threads (DMC conversion included). Finishing instructions are included for making the bags, as shown...I used cotton fabric, wool felt/fabric, and hand dyed rick rack and rayon ribbon from Lady Dot Creates. These Halloween bags will add a bit of whimsy to your holiday decorations...

Additional details/purchasing information: 
https://www.etsy.com/listing/1063970040/holding-the-bag-brd-125-counted-cross

Hitchin' A Ride (BRD-126)

Introducing the second set of Rick Rack Rounds! Just like Sweet Slice of Liberty, these have a stitch count of 48" x 48" and are stitched on 32-count fabric, measuring 3 1/4" round. I stitched "Hitchin' A Ride" (named for the black cat on the witch's cloak) on 32-count Navy Bean by Lakeside Linens with Sulky 12 Wt. Cotton Petites (DMC equivalents are also provided)…and again, almost any fabric color will work for these autumn beauties. The pattern includes complete finishing instructions for my Rick Rack Rounds - and you can insert pins as I did...or they look great with just the rick rack (or trim of your choice). These make great bowl fillers or could be finished as seasonal ornaments. The pattern comes with a plethora creative ideas! I filmed a comprehensive FlossTube video showing how to do the finishing on these, you can find it here: https://youtu.be/YkBe77naAZI. These Halloween rounds are quick to stitch and easy to finish...and more seasonal Rick Rack Rounds are on the way!

Additional details/purchasing information: 
https://www.etsy.com/listing/1063975768/hitchin-a-ride-brd-126-counted-cross

Halloween Haul (BRD-127)

This enchanting wall hanging features two black birds celebrating Halloween with their trick-or-treat candy haul! This happy Halloween design was stitched on 32-count Tarnished Silver (Standard) from Lakeside Linens with Weeks Dye Works cotton floss (DMC Conversions included). The model was finished as a quilted wall hanging and finishing instructions are included...but should you want to frame this design, it will fit perfectly in a standard 8" x 10" frame (when stitched on 32-count fabric). Use your favorite cotton quilting fabrics to complement this design or frame it up for a merry Halloween display - it would also make a fun box topper or spooky addition to a quilted tote bag. This chartpack comes with charting for the design (in color and black/white) along with stitching and finishing instructions. 

Additional details/purchasing information: 
https://www.etsy.com/listing/1063980912/halloween-haul-brd-127-counted-cross

There you have it - my four latest cross stitch designs. I hope these designs get you excited for Halloween and inspire you to finish your pieces in new, unique ways!

I have been working on two new sewing/quilting patterns, as well and they will be available in the near future. One is for a retreat mat (small quilt) and one is for a scissor holder/needle case. More details will be posted soon.

I will be filming a FlossTube video featuring the new cross stitch designs in the next day or two, so look for that on my YouTube channel within the next week. I also filmed two additional videos in August - one with the most asked Blue Ribbon Designs questions and answers...and one with storage solutions...these two should be posted in the next month or so, once I make time for editing. I have several hearing impaired viewers, so it takes me quite a while to correct/write all the closed captions (instead of letting YouTube or speech-to-text automatically generate the captions, which most times are not accurate).

I know that was a lot to cover in one post, but I wanted to get you all the latest design information. The last couple months have been a bit hectic here...aside from all the work in my studio, we managed to go see a Sporting KC (MLS) game, a couple Yankees/Royals games at the K, the Garth Brooks concert at Arrowhead Stadium, and a Kansas City NWSL (National Women's Soccer League) game. Yes, Kansas City is finally starting to feel like home! In a couple weeks, we are headed to Chicago for a wedding...then my mom and Dan are coming for a visit...then at the beginning of October, we are headed to Colorado and Utah for our yearly Jeep trip. Busy is a huge blessing and I am looking forward to sharing more with you!

Thank you so much for visiting with me today and for the continued enthusiasm for my designs. I wouldn't be able to pursue my passion without your encouragement, love and support!

Happiness = New Cross Stitch Designs

Hello friends! I have so much to share today...I am not really sure where to start...but I guess I will begin with a big THANK YOU! I am overwhelmed by the positive and kind comments regarding my last couple posts - it is not always easy to share when I am struggling, but you have all provided me with comfort. I truly appreciate all the uplifting messages - I replied to many of you, but some of you are marked "no reply", so I have no way to contact you directly...just know you are appreciated. I am still trying to focus my energy on tasks and work while I am in "my funk", so as you will be able to tell from this post, I have been quite productive...

Three new cross stitch designs have been listed in my Etsy Shop...and I feel extremely blessed by the enthusiastic response on social media. I hope you can feel the love and joy I put into each piece. It feels good sharing new cross stitch designs, even if they are in a different format. I feel like I wasted so much time trying to fit into the "industry mold" of how things are supposed to be done...and now that I am doing what works best for me and my small business, my creativity is flowing. As I mentioned in previous posts, 2021 is the year for "finding my worth" and putting out new designs on my own terms is a HUGE step for me! I am learning daily...and I now realize that there is no mold that my business has to fit into - I need to make my own mold. Today is a great day - I have put more of my artwork out into the world - I have found my joy...and I am crossing my fingers theses new designs will be well received and I can continue to pursue my passion...

Without further ado, here are the new releses. Each one is available in my Etsy Shop in digital download format. Each design includes charting in both color AND black and white - that way, if you are printing, you can save ink and print the black and white version OR if you are stitching from a device, you can use the color chart...the best of both worlds. Each design also includes full finishing instructions.

First up is "Sweet Slice of Liberty"...this is the first design in my new series "Rick Rack Rounds" (yes, there will be more of these in the future...in fact - spoiler alert - the Halloween Rounds are currently in my design software!). These have a stitch count of 48" x 48" and stitched on 32-count fabric measure 3 1/4" round. I stitched them on 32-count Light Examplar by Lakeside Linens with Sulky 12 Wt. Cotton Petites, but almost any fabric color will work for these red, white and blue beauties...and the DMC equivalents are provided. The pattern includes complete finishing instructions for my Rick Rack Rounds - and you can insert pins as I did...or they look great with just the rick rack. These make great bowl fillers or could be finished as seasonal ornaments. The pattern comes with a plethora creative ideas! If there is interest, I may film a FlossTube video showing how to do the finishing on these - let me know if that is something you would like to see...
Visit https://www.etsy.com/listing/1028614966 for more information.

My second new release is titled "Pink Positive." This uplifting sampler design was originally created as a fundraiser years ago - after quite a bit of interest, I have decided to give it a makeover and release it in my regular collection. This is a signature Blue Ribbon Designs counted cross stitch sampler with finishing instructions for the quilted wall hanging and a pin pillow. It was the perfect time to revamp this pattern - right now, I think we can all use the positive message in this design - I definitely felt the urge to hang it up in a place of prominence in my studio! The models are stitched on 35-count Linen (yes, Linen is the color) hand-dyed fabric from Weeks Dye Works and I used Weeks Dye Works Cotton Floss...again, you can use your favorite neutral fabric and DMC equivalents are provided. This design has a very special place in my heart and I am excited to release it in my regular collection...
Visit https://www.etsy.com/listing/1042823783 for more information.

Last, but definitely not least, is "Sunlight, Seeds, and Scents" - an herb garden signature style Blue Ribbon Design! Some of you may recognize this design - it was originally in a UK magazine publication (many years ago), but I have put it in a fancy frame and designed needlework smalls to coordinate with it. You can stitch the entire sampler, or select some of your favorite motifs for smaller projects. This design is stitched on Zweigart 28-count Cashel Platinum (3281-770) with Weeks Dye Works Cotton Floss (DMC equivalents are included). Complete finishing instructions are included for the scissor fob and pins & needle keep. I thoroughly enjoyed creating the pins & needle keep - it is a new finishing concept I created - holding pins on one side, needles on the other. The  sections in this design are the perfect size for bowl fillers...and a couple would be perfect for a small framed designs...you could even make a lovely selection of ornaments. The full design would look great in a tray, on a box top or as a quilted wall hanging. My signature samplers are created in sections that look good together or on their own - with each option having extensive stitching and finishing possibilities...and this design definitely hits those marks!
Visit https://www.etsy.com/listing/1029152154 for more information.

Front of Scissor Fob
Pins Side of Pins & Needles Keep

Back of Scissor Fob
Needles Side of the Pins & Needles Keep

I truly hope one or all of these new designs will speak to you...and you will find joy in stitching one for yourself or a friend! I am already working on more new cross stitch releases - seriously, I have piles (yes, piles!) in the works...so if these are well-received, I will continue to bring you pieces that make my heart happy.

A couple other notes:

I have been slowly be converting my vintage cross stitch designs to digital download format and listing them as I go - ten have already been listed in my Etsy Shop. If you have a favorite you would like to see available in PDF format, send me a message or drop me a comment.

Also I am doing some work on the Blue Ribbon Designs website. There were some glitches after a recent software update and I am working to make things a bit easier to navigate. For the next couple weeks, you may notice some of the menus are missing or a few cosmetic issues, but know I am in the process of making some changes behind the scenes. Thank you for your patience. I have already updated my website with the new design images and details. I am still working on listing the digital designs for sale on my website (there is a learning curve), so for now, visit my Etsy Shop to purchase the new designs...

Finally - I will be filming a new FlossTube video this week...so look for that in the future. I will share/discuss the new designs and catch you up with all the creative things happening in my studio...you can find my YouTube Channel here: 
https://www.youtube.com/c/BelindaKarlsNace

Thank you so much for visiting with me today and sharing in my happiness...I hope you are inspired by this post to work on something that brings you joy!

Finishing Fever

Today's very quick post is all about needlework finishing. My holiday finishing deadline was September 30th, so sure enough, towards the end of September the orders started rolling in...so this week, I am living in my studio, trying to get a large pile complete. The pieces shown today are all for the same client...and again, these are not my designs or my stitching - just my finishing work...

I should also add - all trims and velveteen backings are from Lois at Lady Dot Creates...she has the very best finishing supplies...you can find her products on Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ladydotcreates

Design info is listed with the images, if I have it available...

ABC Pinkeep by With thy Needle & Thread 

F is for Friend Thread Board by Heartstring Samplery
(adapted and finished as a pin disk)

Cape Cod Keeps by Plum Street Samplers

Primitive Crow by Threadwork Primitives

Be My Friend by The Scarlett House

Spooky Tin by J. Designs, LLC/Designs by Julie

All is Calm Thread Keeper by Romy's Creations

Those are just a few of the pieces I have been working on in the studio this week...lots of beauties that are ready to ship back to their stitcher! I will be back with more fun and creative finishes soon...

Friendship In Bloom

Today I am sharing my cute little "Friendship In Bloom" design - this small complimentary design is available exclusively to members of The Samplerlife (a Yahoo! Group and Facebook Group) that I have been a member of for many years. The Samplerlife is a large online group dedicated to the needlework sampler lover in all stitchers - members share a love for historic, reproduction, and new samplers. It is basically a forum for all things needlework sampler related...and of course, a place to enable and be enabled. This year, the lovely Ina (admin of the group) organized a designer stitch-a-long exclusive to members of The Samplerlife - the SAL started in January and 25 designers provided a 50 x 50 square design. Some members are stitching each design separately, while others have chosen to do all the designs on one piece of fabric with a stitched border - it is quite fun to see the in-progress photos! This month, my "Friendship in Bloom" design is being featured and I can't wait to see how it fits in with the designs everyone has stitched so far. I designed my piece with gift-giving in mind - I actually made my stitched piece into a pincushion and then gifted it to my very dear friend Robin (I thought the little stitched robins made it a perfect gift for her!). My model was stitched with Weeks Dye Works threads (DMC conversions are provided) on 35-count Angel Hair linen from Weeks Dye Works, which made it the perfect size for a pincushion. I used coordinating fabrics when finishing and added a yellow ribbon/bow to make it cheerful.

If you are stitching this design, I would love to see your finish...and if you are not a member, but would like to join, there is still time...
Visit The Samplerlife Yahoo! Group here: http://groups.yahoo.com/groups/thesamplerlife/
Visit The Samplerlife Facebook Group here: http://www.facebook.com/groups/thesamplerlife/
Once your membership is approved, there are directions posted on how to get signed up for the SAL. Designers that generously put together a square for the stitchalong include: Tams Creations, The Primitive Jewel, Little House Needlework, Tempting Tangles, Faby Reilly, Wendy KC Designs, Janie Hubble, HAED,  Thea Gouverneur, Dames of the Needle, Rosewood Manor, Paula Kelmscott Designs, Jardin Prive, AuryTM-Designs, Kooler Design Studio...that is to name a few - there are more!

If you are new to Blue Ribbon Designs or are looking for other small designs, visit my website to see my complete catalog (and you'll find a handful complimentary patterns as well!)...

Fabulous Finishing Frenzy

It's been a productive couple weeks...I have been very focused in my studio working on all sorts of customer projects. Last week, I completed all the Blue Ribbon Finishing orders that had been sent my way...yep, it was a fabulous finishing frenzy. I managed to snap photos of some of the projects, so I thought I would share an assortment of the beautiful needlework pieces my customers trusted me to finish...designers/chart titles are listed with each photo and stitched names/initials are blurred for privacy...

Threadwork Primitives - "Growing Love" Stitcher's Wallet (Ladies Prim Society)

Blue Ribbon Designs - A Christmas Wish of Health and Happiness
(this complimentary design can be found on my website)

Hillside Samplings - Alphabet Needlebook

Robin's Egg Pincushion - Sisters & Best Friends

Stitcher's Nametag - La-D-Da

Prairie Schooler - The Cabin Pinkeep Ornament

Abby Rose Designs - To Thine Own Self...Be True

JBW Designs - Christmas Tree Ornament 

 Dansk Blomstergarn - Haandarbejdets Fremme

Tiny Garden Scissor Fob - Shepherd's Bush

Aren't they all beautiful?...some of these projects are now on my personal wishlist - like the gorgeous Shepherd's Bush scissor fob (isn't the ribbon they kitted with it perfect?!)...it makes me smile!

I have also been doing TONS of sewing/quilting for customers, as well. I finished up a lovely spring table runner, a plethora of patriotic table runners and toppers, and an appliqué project for AccuQuilt....I even have several of my own sewing/quilting designs completed and ready for pattern writing (woo hoo!). Next up, a special throw quilt featuring the Ohio Star block, two appliqué wall hangings, a set of six quilted placemats and napkins, a fabulous/detailed appliqué quilt, and two wall hangings that feature machine embroidery...hmmmm - I may need a magic wand to get it all completed!

...oh, and did I mention, in my spare time I am stitching this year's exclusive fundraising design for my Komen 3-Day 60-mile walk...and it is "oh so special"...I can't wait to share it with you...maybe I will post a peek soon...

...and yes, I am walking daily...putting lots of training miles in the heat and humidity...and Schatzi is keeping up with me! Thanks to a WONDERFUL donation, my airline flights to Dallas are booked and paid for...now to work on getting two new pairs of shoes and a replacement air mattress. November will be here before we know it, so I better get to stitching on my fundraising design - I have a long way to go to reach my goal!

I'll be back soon to share some of my recent sewing and quilting projects with you...