Pincushion and Pillow Pizzazz

I must admit, I am a bit behind on my blogging...it has been difficult to find balance lately. Yes, I have been stitching my heart out and I will have some new Blue Ribbon Designs to show you soon...and I have started stitching my 2014 fundraiser piece for my Komen 3-Day walk (a little hint, it has an autumn theme!). I am also busy working on the new website...and I have been scheduling time to quilt and sew daily.

I finished a couple more equilateral triangle projects over the last couple days...both using the brand new Bullseye Equilateral Triangles Die Set (1", 3", 5", 7" Finished Sides) for the Studio Fabric Cutter by AccuQuilt. I wanted to try out the 1" triangle size (yes, I said 1" triangles!), so I made the cutest little pincushion...it is approximately 3" W x 4.5" H. I added several decorative pins, a piece of rose lace, and a little tag for gift giving.

I also did some piecing of 3" equilateral triangles...and I took a photo that shows the difference in size...

I am just in love with this pillow! It is made from the fabric collection Pom Pom de Paris by French General for Moda...and the accents and backing are from the Rouenneries Deux collection by French General for Moda. It is approximately 18" W x 16" H...and I made my own custom pillow form. I am just tickled with this pillow...it makes me happy!

I have also been working with 7" equilateral triangles and 7" hexagons to make two new chair cushions with ties for my studio...more on those in a future post.

So, as always, it's been a productive and creative week...thanks for visiting!...I'll be back with more projects and stitching posts soon...

Pretty Little Pincushion

It is no surprise that I am always on the lookout for fun and unique pins and pincushions, so when this adorable spool arrived in my mailbox just before the holidays, I did a little squeal! - isn't it fabulous?! - it was the absolute perfect surprise! I am such a fan of Just Another Button Company and their whimsical designs and products...and this gift made me smile immediately! I have tons of their buttons and pins in my stash...and even a few kits - so when this special spool arrived, I decided to go through my stash and pull out a JABCO project to complete this year (hopefully soon, but I am not going to pressure myself with my current workload)...I decided upon the "Sew Charming" pincushion kit - I just adore this bluebird sitting on a tuffet...and there is even a little heart pocket to hold scissors or a thimble. The kit contains all the materials to make the pincushion...including the tape measure trim, the buttons, and the pins...all you need is a needle and thread and the needlework treasure you want to place in the heart pocket...I think I can handle that! I plan to put this at the top of my "snow day" pile and hope to make a little time to work on it soon...

I have also added a new book to my wishlist...yep, Just Another Button Company has a new book titled "Pincushion Appeal" - I am sure this title will *need* to be added to my studio library...because, as we all know, I have an addiction...

...and if you aren't familiar with the Just Another Button Company blog and are looking for some pincushion inspiration, you should definitely check it out...it is full of eye candy that just may give you and idea or two (or three):
http://justanotherbuttoncompany.com/blog/

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!

A Little Creative Inspiration

Yesterday I mentioned I had a few fun/creative ideas to share with you - a couple stitchy pieces and the most unique pincushion I have ever received. These were all included in birthday packages I received from faraway friends (yes, I know, I am a lucky girl!).

First - here are two gorgeous stitched gifts from my dear, dear friend Robin. I am always in awe when I receive packages from Robin - she has given me the most exquisite stitched presents...and I always feel spoiled when I received her packages filled with wrapped presents! Robin knows me well and I can always tell how much thought and time went into each gift. For my birthday, she sent me two items that she cross stitched...an owl pincushion/pillow ("You're A Hoot!" by Myrtle Grace Motifs), which is the perfect colors - and I adore the finishing...and a fabulous stand-up ("Secret Birdhouse" by The Trilogy)- the finishing is really cool! - I have it laying flat to take the photo, but it is an easel type stand-up (plus I like the way the design looks different from all angles - I have it placed in the photo the way it looks on the cover of the chart). In typical Robin fashion, she enclosed multiple other fun items including a great assortment of fabrics - including two bird fabrics and a squirrel fabric (...and as you all know, "it's all about the squirrel")....

And finally, I just had to share this pincushion - it came from a very special and very talented friend - it truly is the most unique and creative pincushion I have ever received...and the photos don't come close to doing it justice! It is an embellished baby shoe...isn't it adorable??!! I thought this was the cutest idea...and I just adore the "vintage look" floral accents and the beautiful letter "B"...this gift made me smile from ear to ear...it is quite a treasure!

So there you have it - a little "eye candy" - I hope you are inspired by these lovely gifts...and maybe you will feel creative enough to make a little something for a close friend! I have been told I have a few other items that will be arriving in the mail soon - so I am hoping to have more to share with you soon...

The Bee's Knees

Happy Monday friends! I am back today with a quick post...playing catch-up. I just had to share some fun, creative, and inspiring holiday gifts that I received from my dear friend Terri. Terri always does the best themed holiday packages...this year she focused on my love for bees (with a couple other special items I have to share too!)...my PERFECT package included JABCO bee pins and a bee needle threader (and we all know I am obsessed with Just Another Button Company items)...a Teresa Layman "Beehive Pincushion Kit" (including everything needed to make an adorable beehive - even the silk ribbon flowers) - I *need* to get this put together soon...and a Lang "The Bee's Knees Classic Mug" in a wonderful decorative box!

She also included an adorable wooden redbird ornament - and the insert on the wing is cross stitching on perforated paper! So very cute...

And finally (and this is so very cool!) a Warwick Model Thimble in the shape of a teapot - I have never seen anything like this before...the top of the teapot even opens up to reveal a rounded thimble underneath. I had fun taking a close-up of this unique piece so you could see the detail...

 So there you have it - a few photos (mostly relating to needlework) to inspire you! I'll be back in the next day or two with an update on the Mystery Sampler Club (Blue Jeans and Daisies Part One) and photos of the workshop project for Elegant Stitch (Bluebird Sewing Box)....I have lots of goodies to share this week!

Stocking The Shelves...

Finally, I have some Etsy shop items to share with you! Remember months ago when I told you I was working on more Needlebook Scissor Cases for my Etsy shop?? - well, here I am posting a LONG overdue update. I had quite a few requests for some made with fabric from the Blueberry Crumb Cake collection by Blackbird Designs...and at that time, I got them all cut and prepared for sewing...then life, traveling, teaching, designing, "you name it", got in the way...and then my sewing machine had to go in for repair. My sewing machine is still waiting for parts - but I dusted off my old machine and got to work last week. I managed to get 26 of the needlebooks completed - along with 24 new Stitch Start Ruler Sleeves - all in the Blueberry Crumb Cake fabric....and I have 6 more needlebooks ready for assembly this weekend. These items are all ready to ship and would make perfect holiday gifts for stitching friends (or yourself!)...

The "Needlebook Scissor Case" is my own pattern which I have perfected over time - each one is approximately 3.5" W x 5.5" H. They are padded with fusible fleece and the pockets/cover are structured with interfacing - making them quite sturdy and durable. The covers are embellished with rick rack, trim, or ribbon...and the closure is an elastic loop and button. Many of the buttons are vintage from vast collection - and the rick rack I used is hand-dyed. Inside you will find wool felt needlebook pages with one pretty stick pin and pockets for your stitching/sewing tools. Each Needlebook Scissor Case is different and unique...

I also added a new batch "Stitch Start Ruler Pocket Sleeves" - these pocket sleeves measure 3.5" x 3.5" and hold the 3" square ruler perfectly - they are fully lined with no raw seams...and they use fusible fleece to give them a bit of padding and stability. Each Stitch Start Ruler Pocket Sleeve comes with a Stitch Starter Ruler (single Stitch Starter Rulers without a sleeve are available, as well). To read more about my Stitch Starter Ruler, visit: http://www.blueribbondesigns.com/USING%20THE%20STITCH%20STARTER.pdf

Orders placed this weekend will ship Priority Mail on Monday, December 17th and should arrive in time for Christmas gift giving....and all of my Etsy items are wrapped in GiftGloss and tied with tulle bows.

For those of you needing affordable gifts for a small group of stitching friends - check out my Decorative Pin and Button Packs! I used pretty papers and cardstocks to fold holders with a pocket on the front and and a pocket on the back...and then tied them together with fancy coordinating ribbon. The front pocket holds a card of 5 decorative pearlized heart straight pins...and the back pocket holds a card of 5 decorative pearlized leaf straight pins...and attached in the center is a poly bag of 24 matching buttons. The holder is tied with approximately a 1/2 yard of decorative ribbon and is placed in a transparent bag tied with tulle. Each package is different and unique...and I still have a nice assortment listed and ready to ship.

I have an impressive pile of pieces cut and ready for assembly this weekend and hope to have more fun items listed soon!

Today, I am finishing up some last minute handmade gifts - then this evening, I will be working on the model for the Elegant Stitch Workshop taking place in April...and I have a project to complete for AccuQuilt this week, as well...lots of creative work to do in the Blue Ribbon Designs studio...

Have a wonderful weekend!

Bird On A Branch

I did some "playing" today....I worked on a prototype for a new zippered project pouch I plan to produce in multiple for my Etsy shop...I made two different styles with several specifics in mind - I have always had serged seams inside my fully lined/padded zippered pouches and I am working to have no raw/serged edges...it was a bit of a challenge today, but I finally got one made of muslin to work....and then I did one with quality cotton to test everything...once I have the pattern perfected, I will get a pile cut and start the assembly line sewing. These zippered pouches will be large enough to hold a stitching chart and supplies - the prototype is 14" W x 10.25" H....and may change just a bit before production...and they are fully lined and use fusible fleece to give them a sturdy padding. I would like to add some embellishments and, of course, a zipper tab. I have quite a few yards of retired sampler fabric that will be perfect for these...

I also wanted to try a new wool appliqué pincushion idea I have been playing around with....which turned out to be a very fun distraction to my day. The top of the pincushion is wool fabric and wool felt (some hand-dyed)...and the bottom of the pincushion is quality cotton quilting fabric (the same green leaf fabric you see in the photo). It is stuffed nicely with crushed walnut shells and measures approximately 6" W x 4.75 H x 2" D. The wool appliqué was all done on machine...and it gave me a chance to experiment with some specialty stitches. The bird's eye is a teeny tiny button hand sewn in place and I added a few decorative pins for embellishment. I have plans to do an assortment of fun wool appliqué pincushions for my Etsy shop - with a variety of colors and motifs...this was just my first attempt to work with size and layout...and if you like this particular one, it will be listed momentarily...

French General Goodies

Here are more of the goodies I have been working on this week - twelve more pincushion tuffets....and a new item for my Etsy shop - a Stitch Starter Ruler with Pocket Sleeve. The pincushions shown and four of the Stitch Starter Ruler Pocket Sleeves are made from the fabric line Maison de Garance by French General for Moda. The pincushion tuffets have a pieced top and a wool felt fabric bottom...each has a coordinating wool felt heart embellishment pinned in place with a decorative button pin and two decorative pins (one dark red heart, one white heart). After completing the pincushions, I decided to work on a new item....pocket sleeves for my Stitch Starter Rulers. These pocket sleeves measure 3.5" x 3.5" and hold the 3" square ruler perfectly - they are fully lined with no raw seams...and they use fusible fleece to give them a bit of padding and stability. I have listed the six ruler pocket sleeves shown in my Etsy shop...and I have plans to add quite a few more in the near future...each ruler pocket sleeve purchase will include the Stitch Starter Ruler.

For those of you unfamiliar with my Stitch Starter Ruler:

• It is 2 mil acrylic plastic, making it durable.
• It has marking lines for 1", 2", and 3" seam allowances, so you only need one tool.
• It is clear, making it easy to see your fabric placement.
• It has 1/4" and 1/2" markings on three sides.It has complete 3" ruler markings down the left side - these can be used for: finishing work measurements, measuring between stitched designs, counting threads to figure fabric count
• A stitch Starter Ruler is included in the following Blue Ribbon Designs with charting and instructions to make your own cross stitch sleeve: BRD-100 Holiday Helpings and BRD-097 Blessed Beyond Measure - these two design charts can be purchased at your favorite needlework shop.
• Directions for using the Stitch Starter Ruler

My June "Just Because" Giveaway is still open until Friday at midnight, so if you haven't entered already, visit Tuesday's post for details...

Fandango Fun

I managed to get a huge pile of pincushions completed this week...and even got the first batch listed in my Etsy shop this evening. These pincushion tuffets have a pieced top (the fabric is Fandango by Kate Spain for Moda) and a wool felt fabric bottom...each has a coordinating wool felt flower embellishment pinned in place and two decorative pins (one heart and one leaf). This bright, cheerful fabric reminds me of the beach and was very fun to piece! I have pincushions from three other fabric lines completed and ready to post, as well - so look for those very soon...and I have a fun new item I am adding later this week (I finished six of them yesterday) and can't wait to share it with you!!

My June "Just Because" Giveaway is still open until Friday, so if you haven't entered already, visit yesterday's post for details...

Decorative Pin and Button Packages

Those of you who read my blog regularly will not be surprised by this post - it combines several of my favorite things: decorative pins, buttons, fancy ribbons, pretty papers, and gift giving! What you may not know is: I have always been fascinated by Origami - the traditional Japanese art of paper folding...as a child, I checked every book out of the local library on the subject....and I was always trying my hand at folding special treasures. It was only natural to combine all of these loves into decorative pin and button packs. I used pretty papers and cardstocks to fold holders with a pocket on the front and and a pocket on the back...and then tied them together with fancy coordinating ribbon. The front pocket holds a card of 5 decorative pearlized heart straight pins...and the back pocket holds a card of 5 decorative pearlized leaf straight pins...and attached in the center is a poly bag of 24 matching buttons. The holder is tied with approximately a 1/2 yard of decorative ribbon and is placed in a transparent bag tied with tulle. Each packages is different and unique...and I have already put together 25 sets. I will slowly be adding them to my Etsy shop over the next several days. As a member of several stitching/sewing groups, I have always looked for gifts I could make/purchase in bulk, so I could have a present for each member - these are just perfect for that scenario....don't they look adorable all packaged up and ready for gift giving?! I have enjoyed working on these between my hours of model stitching - they have been a nice creative break...

I know several of you are waiting for needlebooks in additional fabrics to be listed in the shop and that will happen in the next couple weeks - I have a pile cut and ready to be pieced together...just give me a little additional time, as I am currently stitching several class models for upcoming events. As always, so many creative ideas and endeavors and not enough "play" time...

Beautiful In Blue

Last week I received a request for one of my larger pincushion tuffets in shades of blue...so why make one when I can make fifteen? The special request is on the way to its new home...and there are fourteen more wrapped and ready and listed in my shop. They are all made from the fabric collection Blueberry Crumb Cake by Blackbird Designs for Moda...and each one is unique. They all have wool felt for the bottom of the pincushion and a little wool heart attached with a tiny safety pin (easily removable, if desired)....and they each come with two decorative stick pins. Don't they look pretty all wrapped up and ready to travel?? This past week, I drew up patterns for a couple new pieces I will be working on soon...and I have another project for the shop in progress, so I will post more about these in the coming days/weeks....

I'm cutting this post a little short today - tonight is actually date night for me - my husband surprised me with tickets to the Broadway Show "Memphis" which is currently at the Des Moines Civic Center...he is also taking me to dinner, so I have to get cleaned up and ready to go... 

I hope you are having a wonderful weekend and finding a little creative time to work on your own special projects...