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| I believe this was a limited piece from Brenda Gervais/WTNT. A glass cloche covers it - I just did the cross stitch finishing for the base. The client/stitcher sent me a photo with the cloche after I returned it to her (see next photo). |
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| Snow for Christmas - WTNT |
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| Bring Us Good Cheer - Shepherd’s Bush |
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| ‘Tis Autumn - Shepherd’s Bush |
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| October Pin Cushion - Shepherd’s Bush |
This cheerful snow day project features a happy snowman and snowwoman...along with cardinals and a wintery farmyard. This chartpack includes a large design (the focus on the cover) that is flat-finished for an easel, but is also suitable for framing...and two BONUS smaller versions that are perfect for bowl fillers, small pillows, ornaments or even small frames. The focal model was stitched on 40-count Tin Roof by Weeks Dye Works (but your favorite darker fabric color and count will do - you want to be able to see the snow) with The Gentle Art Sampler Threads (DMC conversion included). The smaller bonus designs included were stitched on white kitchen towels and the pattern gives you an alternate floss color for the snow. The model uses a cotton quilt fabric for the back and twisted cord with gingham ribbon for an embellishment. This ten page chartpack comes with charting for the large design and two smaller versions (in color and black/white) along with stitching and finishing instructions for the flat-finish. A perfect stitch for a snowy, wintery afternoon...
Additional details/purchasing information:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/1146738494/flurry-friends-brd-129-counted-cross
This colorful floral design features a flock of joyful bluebirds, cottages and flowers in a traditional sampler style. The model is finished as a pillow/bowl filler, but is suitable for framing. I can also see it inserted into a project bag, in the base of a tray or on the top of a tin/box. The model was stitched on 40-count Angel Hair by Weeks Dye Works (but your favorite fabric color and count will do) with Weeks Dye Works Cotton Floss (DMC conversion included). The model uses a cotton quilt fabric for the back and Hand-dyed Lace (Wading Pool) and Hand-dyed Half Inch Rick Rack (Chianti) by Lady Dot Creates for embellishment. This twelve page chartpack comes with charting and a personalization page (in color and black/white) along with stitching and finishing instructions for the pillow/bowl filler. A lovely springtime stitch to brighten a dreary day!
Additional details/purchasing information:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/1160696529/bluebird-boarding-house-brd-130-counted
For now, I am off to add details from the new designs to my website...and I hope to film a FlossTube video next week when I am feeling better.
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!
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.
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| Front of Scissor Fob Pins Side of Pins & Needles Keep |
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| 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!
Well, I did it...I finally have my second FlossTube posted. I'm still learning (OBVIOUSLY): laughing at myself for repeating “super excited” at least a gazillion times – shaking my head at the unflattering camera angle (so many chins!) – working on not saying “so” and “um” – and proud I kept filming when the hot flash started...just a little bit of behind the scenes complete honesty. 😀 I was giggling so hard at myself when I was editing it - just shaking my head....what have I gotten myself into?! This video is a showcase of my new cross stitch designs…and a peek at a new quilting design. A special thanks to those who encouraged me to take this journey and put myself out there (you know who you are)…and to everyone who shared, subscribed, liked and commented on my first video…I heart you.
You can find my YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/c/BelindaKarlsNace and I will post the latest video below:
Thank you for the warm welcome into the FlossTube community! Plus...I can't tell you how much I appreciate all the kind words regarding my new cross stitch designs - you all sure know how to lift a girl's spirits. I am feeling happy and blessed.
The finishing tutorial video for "Under My Wing" will be posted in the next couple days...stay tuned...
Also - I sent out a BRD Newsletter a couple days ago...if you missed it, you can read and/or subscribe here:
https://mailchi.mp/617e3aab836c/blue-ribbon-designs-newsletter-march-2021
My new cross stitch designs have been listed in my Etsy Shop...and I feel extremely blessed by the enthusiastic response. 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 good day - I have put more of my artwork out into the world - I have found my joy - I am crossing my fingers it will be successful and I can continue to pursue my passion...
Without further ado, here are the new designs. 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 "Pasture Parade"...this is my cow design for The Moo The Merrier designer collaboration. That's right - a bunch of your favorite designers have new designs, each featuring cows! This collaboration was right up my alley, as I have cows in my own backyard...they come right up to my fence line (see my design inspiration below). I always call it a "cow parade" when they are grazing along our fence...they line up and stroll by, just like a parade.😊 The parameters for this design were pretty loose - we all used the same Sulky 12 Wt. Cotton Petites thread pack of twelve colors - (most of the designs) are 60 x 60 - and they all feature a cow(s) in some way. My design is stitched on 32-count Sand Dune by Lakeside Linens with the following seven Sulky 12 Wt. Cotton colors (DMC equivalents provided): 1001 Bright White (B5200), 1005 Black (310), 1147 Christmas Red (817), 1174 Dark Pine (319), 1292 Heron Blue (3840), 4002 Buttercream (725), 4011 Milk Chocolate (3862). I decided to finish my design for an easel, opting for a flat finish...I backed it with Hand-Dyed Onsaburg Fabric (Pilot Light) by Lady Dot Creates and added two-tone twisted cord and gingham ribbon. Just wait until you see the variety of cow designs from your favorite designers - there are dozens of them, each special in their own way! Visit Instagram and search #themoothemerrier to see photos of quite a few...many designers are releasing them this weekend at the Needlework Expo trade show, so more photos are popping up daily...
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 will be slowly be converting my older cross stitch designs to digital download format and listing them as I go - two have already been listed in my Etsy Shop by popular demand "Valentine Wishes" and "Letters, Leprechauns and Luck". If you have a favorite you would like to see available in PDF format, send me a message or drop me a comment.
Also - more Stitch Starter Rulers are on the way! Hooray!! I finally found a wonderful laser cutting and printing company and they are working on my restocking order...the design proof has been finalized and they estimate to ship to me on March 9th. I will list them and post on social media as soon as they arrive. I know many of you have been patiently waiting and I appreciate you!
Finally - I will be updating my website with the new designs today - 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...
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!
