Monday Musings

Just a quick post today, as I am knee deep in a HUGE project (and when I say huge, that is definitely an understatement) - I will be be wearing my designing/pattern writing hat (sitting at my computer) for the next couple weeks, working on a (somewhat overwhelming) freelance job. I have been keeping busy with my assorted creative endeavors - stitching, sewing, quilting, designing and working on a TON of new things...plus lots of walking and training.

Over the weekend, the most amazing thing happened - I was finally able to replace my desktop computer, thanks to a nice tax return (regular readers know my ancient desktop computer died early this year and I have been working on my laptop). I spent all day Sunday getting it set-up and loading my design files, software, and tools....and today I am excited to get back to work on my FAST new system. My husband also insisted I get a REAL office chair, instead of the old folding chair I have been using for as long as I can remember...it's like having a brand new office...I feel very blessed and overjoyed! This is my fist blog post using my new computer and monitor and it is so much easier/faster - YAY! 

Miss Schatzi turned three-years-old last week and we celebrated by taking a walk around the lake (her favorite) and she got to be off-leash. She didn't get in the water, as there has been some flooding and the inlet I usually take her on was in bad shape...but she still had a marvelous time! I can't believe she is already three - seems like we just got her yesterday. She continues to be be a great training partner for the Komen 3-Day...and makes me smile on a daily basis...

This is how Simba spends his time while Schatzi and I are on the move...

I have started stitching a new model and I am enjoying every minute - it incorporates a plethora of my favorite things and the cheerful colors make me happy! Evenings are my designated stitch time and I am making progress, slowly, but surely...

My Etsy Shop has been busy and I thank you all for your orders and wonderful feedback! I continue to develop plans for future items...and have been color sorting all my fabric scraps for future projects...

I also have a few photos of some fabulous birthday gifts that I am finally getting around to posting...I am so blessed to have creative and talented friends that "get me" and make me the most incredible presents...plus keep me stocked with beautiful fabrics, trims, notions, and patterns/books!...and they find me the BEST squirrel and owl keepsakes...

Whimsical fabric - brown squirrel is a tea infuser - blue squirrel is a pen...TOO FUN!

Finally, I want to thank those of you who have been keeping my family in your thoughts and prayers with the passing of Travis's aunt (mother of our godson)...thank you for your condolences and comforting words - she fought an incredibly brave battle and I know she is now resting peacefully and pain-free, with the most fabulous wings!...and Travis and I have one more angel watching over us...

Saturday Snapshots

Fabric and threads for a pair of Halloween designs
I am working on for The World of Cross Stitching magazine...

I have been busy model stitching every night - still working on my special design for the October issue of Just Cross Stitch Magazine...and switching it up with a pair of Halloween designs for The World of Cross Stitching Magazine - they both have the same deadline (which will be here before I know it), so I have been keeping my needle super busy. I have been at the sewing machine too - working on a few quilting projects and making more machine embroidered Easter Egg ornaments for my Etsy shop.

This week, I received some wonderful cards and gifts in the mail to help me celebrate my birthday - I sure have some thoughtful and talented friends...I'm a very blessed girl! Here are some creative things I am "crushing on" this week...maybe they will inspire you...

A whimsical cupcake pincushion...

An incredible wool pincushion with handmade
pins made especially for me...

Beeswax treasures...

Somebunny loves me...isn't this handmade
gift fabulous?!

Owls, jewelry, and Starbucks...so very thoughtful...

It's all about the squirrel in this cross stitch ornament - a lovely gift!

Owl cross stitch made just for me - isn't it beautiful?!

Fabric inspiration and a fun new pattern...

Easter Egg Ornaments that can be found in my Etsy shop...

I love my new GO! Big...and will be participating in the
GO! Big Blog Hop that takes place next week...
look for my project/tutorial on March 2nd...

More on the GO! Big Blog Hop will be posted on Sunday...
stay tuned...

I hope you are having a wonderful weekend...and remember, it's the perfect day to create!

This Week In My World...

It's been another creative week in the Blue Ribbon Designs studio and I have been working on a pile of designs/projects...sewing/quilting during the day and model stitching in the evenings. I can't show you any of these special projects just yet, but I did work on a couple other things this week, as well...

I have several personal cross stitch projects that are well underway (and have been for years) from fellow needlework designers. All of my stitching time tends to be dedicated to my own models...but I decided in the new year that if I can get in even a few stitches a week on some of these projects, maybe (just maybe) one day I will have a finish or two... here is Sarah Moon's Quaker Sampler by Needleprint...started many moons ago (no pun intended)...I managed to stitch a new medallion this week...

I also managed a wee bit of time for gift making (for my very patient friends) this week and was able to finish up this special watermelon pincushion, which is on the way to it's new home...and I still have more items to complete - I think I missed every single special occasion and holiday in 2014 (I have been a terrible friend). I posted this picture on Instagram and Facebook and now I have a growing list of people who want one...yeah, I'll get to those in my spare time (wink, wink)....this is from a favorite pattern called "Fruit Salad Pincushions" by Miss Rosie's Quilt Co.:

I have also been crushing on some fun items this week...a couple favorite pincushions (I switch up pincushions at my machine almost daily - most of them are treasures created by friends - they make me happy!)...and a plethora of sweet Valentine fabrics and owl potholder - gifts from a very dear friend today...

Many of you know I am getting ready to take a vacation in the very near future - something almost completely unheard of...we are traveling to Florida for a week to visit my mother and her new husband at their vacation rental...I know, I can't believe we are getting out of Iowa in winter and going someplace warm with beaches and sunshine! I don't think I have ever been on a winter vacation as an adult (those of you who know me, know I rarely never take time off)...but it is definitely needed - I really need to refresh and clear my head...and spend some quality time with family - now I just have to finish up about a gazillion projects and deadlines before we go. I posted this photo earlier in the week, showing one of our destinations (I haven't been there since my 5th birthday)...we have been gifted five day park hopper passes, so we should be able to enjoy everything...and I am SO looking forward to it...because, we all know I am just a kid at heart!

Finally - the kiddos are doing well. Simba is still trying to find the warmest place in the house...here he is in my stitching nest last night (actually really early this morning)...I was at the dining room table binding a quilt and he was curled up in my comfy chair on my quilt. Schatzi is still a ball of energy...and just weighed in at (wait for it) 85 pounds...can you believe she will be two years old in a couple months?! Here she is at the park a few days ago...tennis balls are her new favorite thing - luckily, I have an AWESOME neighbor who gives me bags full of them. She is super smart and has learned all sorts of commands and tricks...and I can hardly wait for warmer weather so we can do our daily walks around the lake again...

So that's what has been happening this week in my world...busy as usual, but happy, focused, and inspired. I am off to do a little house cleaning - then to my stitching nest...

Thursday Samplings...

Hello friends! It has been another busy week in the Blue Ribbon Designs studio and I have been sewing/quilting in every spare minute. After my early morning training walks, I have been heading straight to my sewing machine to work on items for my Etsy shop...and in the evenings, I am in my stitching nest, working on several pieces for Just CrossStitch magazine. I have also been working diligently on my new website with the software cart developers, and I am thrilled to report that it is running so much smoother/better - yay! I have been listing items in my Etsy shop daily and will be adding quite a few more books on historic needlework in the very near future. I think I am prepared for the Komen 3-Day - I better be - I leave for Dallas next Thursday to meet up with my three Team Twinkle Toes teammates for the 60-mile event. I have gathered all my gear - I've been soaking my feet each night - and I am training daily...I just need all of you to say a little prayer that it stays dry in Dallas for those three days (November 7-9) - early weather reports predict some rain...

 Here is a snapshot of my last few days...

Schatzi on the trail...

Simba's favorite place while Schatzi and I are out walking...

Sunset at Blue Heron Lake

Schatzi on the Blue Heron Lake boat dock...

Exploring a new trail...

Thanks for stopping by for a visit...I hope you enjoyed your stay! I'm now off to finish up a pile of sewing projects...then it's back to my stitching nest...

Wool Wonders

It is another cold/snowy day in Iowa, so I thought I would brighten things up a bit by sharing a couple amazing wool pieces with you. It is no surprise that I have a love for birds and owls...and my good friend Kimber shares my owl obsession - in fact, I think she loves them more than I do (if that is even possible)!...so when I opened a box of birthday goodies from Kimber, I was extremely touched to get a couple pieces of her wool art - including an owl portrait. Kimber's wool portraits are AMAZING...so amazing, that one is featured in the latest issue of Primitive Quilts and Projects magazine (visit Kimber's blog to read all about it!). I think what I love most about this particular piece is that she created it with her very favorite colors and I can't help but think of her and smile each and every time I look at it....and isn't the frame absolutely perfect?! In addition to the owl portrait, she made me the most GORGEOUS wool button with earthy colors...yep, she designed it too - she's crazy talented...I love the added touch of the three little beads! This handmade shank button measures 1.5" in diameter...and I just have to find the perfect use for it...but for now, I'll admire it lovingly on the sunshiny yellow card.  Kimber included several other owl and bird gifts in my box of treasures...including some fun notepads, labels, a glass ornament, some fabrics...even my birthday card was a pop-up card with owls in a tree and the box was wrapped with adorable owl paper.

Yes, I truly have the best friends - and I am so blessed that they share their talents and hearts with me...

"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!