Creating Behind the Scenes

Hello friends - I am so happy you stopped by to visit with me today! I have been extremely busy creating behind the scenes. I am working on more new cross stitch designs...and I am working on client needlework finishing and sewing projects. It is a creative summer and I am enjoying a quiet couple months in my studio. I'm making a little time to reset, refresh my spirit, and find my joy. Thank you for the lovely comments and compliments regarding my latest cross stitch designs - it makes my heart happy to put more of my artwork out into the universe. I also uploaded two new FlossTube videos this week...

FlossTube Episode Six is an in-depth look at my three new summer cross stitch releases - you can find it here: https://youtu.be/tln8xkjIIoY

FlossTube Episode Seven is a full finishing tutorial for the rounds in my new "Rick Rack Rounds" seasonal/holiday series. It covers all the materials and how to put one together. You can find it here: https://youtu.be/YkBe77naAZI

I hope the new cross stitch design releases and two new videos will inspire you to create something special this week!

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!

FlossTube Episode Two: New Cross Stitch Design Releases

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

In My Happy Place - New Cross Stitch Designs

Hello friends! I have so much to share today, I am not really sure where to start...but I guess the best place to start is with a big THANK YOU! I am overwhelmed by the positive response to my first FlossTube video - honestly, you have all made me a bit emotional. I truly appreciate all the kind words, lovely comments, likes and subscribes. I am actually ready to film Episode Two…and I have already filmed a full finishing tutorial for my new Under My Wing pinkeep design, which will be posted in the next few days. Thank you all for making me feel extremely welcome and a little less self-conscious and insecure. 

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...

 

My second new release is titled "Under My Wing" (if you look closely, you will see a tapestry needle tucked under the bird's wing). It is a sweet little sewing bird pinkeep that I designed especially with gift giving in mind...in fact, I designed the original a couple years ago with the sole intention of only making one for each of my dear friends Mary and Kimber as birthday gifts. I had quite a few people ask me about a pattern, so I decided to stitch a couple more as models and release it as a pattern. The models are stitched with Sulky 12 Wt. Cotton Petites on 32-count Chantilly Creme by Lakeside Linens. The chart includes both colorways you see pictured on the pattern cover and a full alphabet for personalizing/monogramming. The base of the pinkeep is a vintage zinc Ball Jar lid (which if you don't have one in an attic or basement, you can find on Ebay, Etsy or even Amazon...or at an antique shop or thrift store). The tops are trimmed with Hand-Dyed Chenille by Lady Dot Creates...and the perimeter of the base is trimmed with Vintage Ruler Half Inch by Lady Dot, as well...and I tucked a tapestry needle under the bird's wing as the final finishing touch. These are super easy to make substitutions - change up the color of thread on the spool and use a matching chenille and your best friend's initial(s) for a lovely handmade gift! Add some special decorative pins to complete the look. A full finishing tutorial video will be posted on my YouTube channel in the next week.

Last, but definitely not least, is "My Favorite Things Sampler" - a bright and cheerful signature style Blue Ribbon Design! You can stitch the entire sampler, or select some of your favorite motifs for smaller projects. This design is stitched on 35-count Baby's Breath by Weeks Dye Works with Weeks Dye Works Hand Over-Dyed 6-Strand Floss (DMC equivalents are included). I decided to finish this piece as a quilted wall hanging - I used Hand-Dyed Onsaburg Fabric by Lady Dot Creates in Cheese Balls and Crab Grass for the borders and cotton quilt fabric for the binding and backing...and yes, finishing instructions are included. I have been working on this design since we moved to Kansas...and as a nature lover, it does showcase some of my favorite things...there are also some stitching and sewing motifs! The small squares are the perfect size for scissor fobs...and the middle section would be perfect for a small framed design...you could even make a lovely selection of ornaments. The full design would look great in a tray, on a box top or in a frame. 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!

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!

"Flurry Friends"

Here is a little peek of another upcoming BRD release titled "Flurry Friends". I finished the model stitching last night and will have more details for you soon. If you are a Blue Ribbon Designs fan, then you may remember I did a couple wintry kitchen towel designs for Cross Stitch & Needlework Magazine over a year ago - this design combines the two towel designs into one and the chart will include the new large design and the two kitchen towel designs. This snowy design is (of course) perfect for framing, but I think I am going to change things up a bit...I'm still deciding what I want to do with it...I just know it will be something fun and different from the usual frame. As soon as it is ready to be revealed, I will be back with more information for you!

"Simply Sweet"

Here is just a little peek of an upcoming BRD release titled "Simply Sweet". I finished the model stitching last week and will have more details for you soon - this will be design number two in the Seasonal Samplings Series. This delicate design is perfect for framing, but I think I am going to change things up a bit and finish it into a pillow as an alternative...I'm still working on the perfect plan. As soon as it is ready to be revealed, I will be back with more information for you!

Plus, I should have a sneak peek of "Flurry Friends" for you later this week...my needle has been working overtime...

Quilt Block Christmas

Like I mentioned in my last post, in the next few days, I will start shipping two new winter designs to needlework shops that participate in my automatic program...I am THRILLED to have two new seasonal pieces ready for you! Today I will tell you all about "Quilt Block Christmas" (BRD-117)...and you can read the previous post to find out all about "Woodland Tree Farm" (BRD-116).

Quilt Block Christmas combines my passion for needlework with my love of quilting. This design is perfect for framing...or select your favorite quilt blocks to make ornaments! The chartpack contains charting for the entire sampler/ornaments, stitching instructions, stitch diagrams, and complete finishing instructions for two styles of ornaments/fobs (backed with linen or backed with cotton/wool fabric). There are many other fun finishing ideas that can be taken from this design - you could easily make a needlebook or floss ring tag using one quilt block square....or make a pinkeep ...or create your own sampler by stitching a couple/few of your favorite blocks...one block, on it's own, makes a great small framed design...there are endless creative possibilities! I also have plans (in my spare time) to make an actual wall hanging quilt based on this design...

The models are stitched on 35-count Linen hand-dyed fabric from Weeks Dye Works...and a good hand-dyed substitute is Chantilly Creme from Lakeside Linens. I stitched the models with Weeks Dye Works cotton floss...and DMC conversions are provided.

Visit the following links for more information:

Additional Photos

Design Specifics and Supply List

Look for this new design (along with "Woodland Tree Farm") in needlework shops very soon...I am hoping it will be ready for shipment in the next few days...

Woodland Tree Farm

For the last week, I have been furiously finishing up details for the two new winter designs and getting them ready for printing production. Today, the spotlight is on BRD-116 "Woodland Tree Farm" - this is the first design in my new "Seasonal Samplings Series" (a relatively cost effective series of quick to stitch seasonal style designs). I wanted to do a line of designs without needlework smalls or special finishing that would be perfect for gift giving...projects that are good in a frame or on a box top...or could be used in a quilt block or in a sewing project. "Woodland Tree Farm" has a stitch count of 110 H x 109 W...and is stitched on 40-count hand-dyed linen (Confederate Gray by Weeks Dye Works), but would be perfect on just about any count or color of fabric. The model uses The Gentle Art Sampler Threads, but DMC equivalents are also provided...and the entire design is Cross Stitch over two linen threads, with a just little bit of Back Stitch. This special series of designs is printed on 8 1/2" x 11" pages folded down to 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" and packaged in 6" x 9" bags, just like the Mystery Sampler was put together. The sign for the "tree farm" has a place for your initials and the year...and an alphabet and numbers are provided, along with an enlarged chart of the sign for easy personalization.

Visit the following links for more information:
Additional Photos
Design Specifics and Supply List

Look for this new design (along with "Quilt Block Christmas", which we will discuss tomorrow) in needlework shops very soon...I am hoping it will be ready for shipment in the next few days...

Saturday Snippets

One of the "perks" for being an active business in the needlework industry for so many years is getting new fabric and fiber samples for use in my models...and yesterday, I was excited to receive the sixteen new DMC floss colors! I had seen the new colors advertised by needlework shops and on the DMC blog, but it was wonderful to see them in person - these are fabulous new colors and are a welcome addition to the DMC color pallet. In case you haven't heard, DMC is adding 16 brand new colors to the line of Cotton Embroidery Floss - these are the first new colors to be added since 2001, and were developed based on input from some of your favorite needlework designers. The new colors expand on several of DMC‘s existing color families, and are split into two distinct palettes: eight soft, natural shades and eight bright, vibrant hues...and they are numbered from 3880 - 3895. These new colors will be available in a package containing all sixteen colors and will be available only in the United States (and come with several free patterns) - rumor has it these special packs will be available in October...so look for them very soon! Your favorite needlework shops are taking pre-orders for this special set of new colors and you can visit DMC’s website for additional information...

On a personal note...
I also wanted to share an update on our German Shepherd puppy...Schatzi is now just over six months old and is already 67 pounds!...yes, she is growing up very quickly!! Just like Simba, Schatzi has her own webpage on the BRD website and you can follow her adventures and see her grow. She is still puppy 2.0, but is learning commands very quickly and is starting to walk better on a leash (thank goodness)...she continues to surprise us with her intelligence every day. One of her skills is being an alarm clock and she seems to wake us every morning at the same time (which has gotten earlier and earlier over the last several weeks). We concluded this might be because of the light shining in her kennel, so last weekend, armed with 6 yards of black bottomweight canvas, I made a cover for her kennel. I was actually thrilled with the results, as I didn't have a pattern - I just measured the kennel (which is HUGE - 49"L x 30.5"W x 32.25"H), devised a plan and started ironing, cutting, serging, and sewing. It did manage to give us an extra 45 minutes of quiet time in the early morning hours, so my three hours last Sunday were well spent! It is now so dark in her crate, I can barely see her inside...

....and for those of you who ask about Simba...he is adjusting well to his new sister - they aren't best friends yet, but they get along...and I'm sure this will improve drastically when Schatzi is a little older and not so hyper! Simba is still my little boy and never leaves my side...and yes, he is still spoiled - he lives like a little king...here is hanging out with me outside on our deck...

I am now back to my stitching nest to work on a new BRD model (the perfect afternoon activity on this rainy Saturday)...it has been a productive morning and although I have a hundred irons in the fire, I'm feeling good.
Enjoy your weekend!

"Shaker Valley Harvest"

Like I mentioned in my last post, this coming Friday I start shipping two new autumn designs to needlework shops that participate in my automatic program...I am THRILLED to have two very unique fall pieces ready for you! Today I will tell you all about "Shaker Valley Harvest" (BRD-115)...and you can read the previous post to find out all about "Harvest Huswif" (BRD-114).

"Shaker Valley Harvest" features on an oval Shaker Shallow Carrier Box (11" H x 7 3/4" W x 2 3/4" D - with a 9" H handle)...this gorgeous Cherry Shallow Carrier is handcrafted by Canterbury Box Shop (I will provide you with purchasing details later in this post). This special design was inspired by my research on the Shaker culture and gift drawings, the simplicity of the Shaker lifestyle, my trips to Enfield, NH, and the beauty of the autumn season. The project includes a padded base for the inside of the carrier box (also suitable for framing), along with several needlework smalls: a carrier handle wrap, flower scissor fob, needlebook with autumn leaf pages, and an owl pincushion – giving you a very unique stitched Shaker-style display.

This harvest design is stitched with Weeks Dye Works cotton floss on 30-count Parchment linen, also from Weeks Dye Works. The package includes charting and complete finishing instructions for the Shallow Shaker Carrier Base, handle wrap, and three needlework smalls (scissor fob, needlebook with leaf pages, and owl pincushion) - along with stitch diagrams, stitching instructions, wool shape templates, and an alphabet/numbers for personalization.

For additional photos, visit:
http://www.blueribbondesigns.com/Shaker%20Valley%20Harvest.html
For a complete supply list and details, visit:
http://www.blueribbondesigns.com/BRD115%20Specifics.html

Information on the Shallow Shaker Carrier:
#6 Shallow Shaker Carrier SCC-6 - Cherry Wood
Dimensions: 11" H x 7.75" W x 2.75" D with approximate 9" handle from base
Canterbury Box Shop - Tom Dupell
139 Shaker Road
Canterbury, NH 03224-2530
Telephone: (603) 783-0394
http://www.canterburyboxshop.com
info@canterburyboxshop.com
Consumer and shop orders welcome.

Expect this new autumn design to start arriving in needlework shops the first week of October!

"Harvest Huswif"

I am so excited to share a new release with you today...there are two (yep, I said TWO!) new Blue Ribbon Designs shipping to auto shops at the end of the week and to distributors next week. Today, I am telling you all about "Harvest Huswif" (BRD-114).

This special stitching case features fun-shaped wool pockets inside and a matching scissor fob...and of course, this sampler style project is also suitable for framing, should you not want to make it into a huswif. Here are some of the supply details: this autumn project is stitched on Weeks Dye Works linen (35-count Angel Hair) with Gloriana Silk Threads (Weeks Dye Works cotton threads and DMC embroidery floss conversions provided)...the wool fabric is from Moda and WDW...and the gorgeous hand-dyed ribbons are also from Gloriana. Inside: the wool pumpkin is for needles and pins, the upper acorn will hold a thimble or needle threader, the left leaf holds scissors, and the right leaf holds a 3" ruler...plus you have the large stitched pocket across the bottom.

Huswif Closed - Front

Huswif Closed - Back

Huswif Open - Outside

Huswif Open - Inside

You can find a complete supply list here:
blueribbondesigns.com/BRD114%20Specifics.html
...along with additional photos and details here:
blueribbondesigns.com/Harvest%20Huswif.html

The package contains charting for the huswif (stitching pocket) and scissor fob, stitch diagrams (there are some specialty stitches), stitching instructions, complete finishing instructions, wool fabric/felt templates, and an alphabet/numbers for personalization. If you shy away from Cross Stitch over-one, an alternative verse to work in Back Stitch is provided.

I have had quite a few people ask me about the term "huswif", so here is a little "bonus" information for you...

Etymology: From hus (“house”) + wif (“woman, wife”).
Definition: house·wife ˈhaʊsˌwaɪf or, usually, ˈhʌzɪf for 2 [hous-wahyf or, usually, huhz-if for 2]
noun:
1. a married woman who manages her own household, esp. as her principal occupation.
2. British. a sewing box; a small case or box for needles, thread, etc.
verb:
1. Archaic. to manage with efficiency and economy, as a household.

A "huswif" or "hussif" is the name for a case which stores needlework supplies. Before the days of pockets on clothing, women often carried a huswif in one of the large tie-on pockets worn under their skirts. The use of a huswif was certainly not exclusive to women - sailors, soldiers, and other men who needed sewing items carried huswifs.

Expect this new autumn design to start arriving in needlework shops the first week of October!

Tomorrow, I will return to tell you all about "Shaker Valley Harvest" - another unique BRD fall design with needlework smalls...

Pretty Patchwork Pincushions

Here are a few photos of "pink" pincushions I mentioned in an earlier post. These pretty pillows were made using a honey bun (1.5" strips) from the Aviary Collection by 3 Sisters for Moda (this collection is from March 2009 and is long retired)...after piecing the strips, I cut them into 5.5" squares - then fused a medium weight interfacing to the back side before attaching a felt heart with machine applique. The pincushions were then backed with the same pink felt and stuffed firmly with fiberfill. Each one measures 5" square finished...and I added a couple decorative pins as an embellishment (one of which is a pink ribbon). I decided since I am using all funds raised by my Etsy shop for my Komen 3-Day Walk expenses, I just *had to* have some pink items for sale. These were quite enjoyable to make and have inspired me to work on a couple other pink ideas. I have the individual photos taken and hope to get them listed in the shop soon (along with the little Halloween pillows)...I could just use a few more hours in each day...

I managed to get the new designs for October all bagged and ready for shipping later this month, so I will share those with you in the near future...and the supplies have been arriving for the "Mischief at Midnight" finishing kits, so I am hoping to get to work on those soon...and I have a new holiday design all kitted up and ready for model stitching...yep, as always, the list goes on and on...I am definitely keeping busy!