Sewing Session Snippets

Hello friends, readers and Blue Ribbon Designs enthusiasts - it's another post filled with creativity! I have been keeping busy with needlework finishing, stitching, sewing and quilting for the majority of my hours each day...trying to get a handle on projects and custom orders before we take our yearly Colorado trip in September. I finished a handful of orders for my zippered project bags this past week (along with a few custom pieces). It is always enjoyable to work with the fabulous fabrics my clients supply for their custom bags...even when they send challenging fabric with directional prints and/or straight lines, it is still fun to play with all the different patterns and styles. This batch includes more With Thy Needle and Thread project bags that are created from a printed panel...but in true Belinda fashion, I have changed the instructions inserting the zipper across the top and adding rick rack to both sides of the front panel...and I've made quite a few with a boxed bottom. I also had a request for a small scissor/needle case, measuring 5" W x 4" H - I quickly wrote up a pattern and made a prototype, then made two for my client with fabrics she supplied....if there are more requests for these, I may make some for my Etsy Shop. Here some photos of projects I worked on in the past several days...

My large and small project bags...

My large and small project bags...

My large and small project bags...

Custom-size bag: 14" W x 18" H

Two large project bags...

Project bag from fabric panel by Brenda Gervais/With Thy Needle & Thread
See designer website for information....

Project bags from fabric panels by Brenda Gervais/With Thy Needle & Thread
See designer website for information....

Project bags from fabric panels by Brenda Gervais/With Thy Needle & Thread
See designer website for information....

Custom Scissor/Needle Case 5" W x 4" H - Prototype

Custom Scissor/Needle Case 5" W x 4" H

Custom Scissor/Needle Case 5" W x 4" H

Two more project bag orders are in progress, then I start some HUGE needlework finishing orders. My holiday deadline for needlework finishing is September 1st...and sure enough packages are arriving daily. I always work in the order received and now it is time to steadily start working through those finishing projects. There are currently over 200 pieces of needlework finishing in my queue, so I am going to be a "finishing machine." These client orders contain some gorgeous needlework (LOTS of ornaments) and I can't wait to share some of the finishes with you...

Wishing you a happy and productive week!

Spring Fever...

I must admit, I have a case of spring fever...I am definitely ready for sunshine and warmer temperatures. I have been walking on the treadmill this week, as the ground is snow and ice covered...most sidewalks are clear, but the lower temperatures and potential for slipping has kept me indoors....I truly cannot wait to be back outside doing my training walks!

Needing a little sunshine and some flowers in my life, I decided to go through my fabric bins and find some stash fabric that makes me happy...and took to my sewing machine for a few hours on Friday and Saturday. I wanted to try a new small zippered bag with a clear vinyl front...and I have had a cute pattern in my collection for quite some time (Bridget's Bagettes by Atkinson Designs). I decided on the Riley Blake Designs fabric line Hoo's In The Forest by Doohikey Designs - a cheerful fabric collection that I picked up quite some time ago (I believe it is now retired, but you can still find it here and there). I like to work on projects with a bit of a challenge...and this one was fun because I got to use multiple presser feet on my machine...and I used tissue paper with the vinyl to keep it from sticking to my machine/sewing table and then tore it away. I was pretty happy with my first try, but I have a few changes I will make to "streamline" the design a bit - plus, I think I will adjust the size a bit (the one I made is 5"H x 7.5"W)...but overall, I was happy with my first attempt and will put my new tool pouch to good use. I really like the look of the coordinating contrasting fabric on the inside...and I did use fusible fleece to give the pouch some strength and stability. I see more of these cute zippered pouches in my future!

After trying something new, I decided to use the same fabric line (it makes me happy) to do a few more items for my Etsy Shop...so I made several stitching pouches with wool and button embellishments...and several more Stitch Starter Ruler sleeves.

So there you have it - my cure for spring fever...beautiful, cheerful fabrics and some sewing time! I hope you have had a chance to be creative this weekend...

Sewing Up A Storm...

Remember the new project bags I told you about a few weeks ago...the ones I was perfecting my pattern for...the ones that would be perfect for carrying an entire needlework project?? Well, I finally have a pile of them completed and listed in my Etsy shop. After working on several prototypes, I decided on a size of approximately 14" W x 10.25" H...and the zipper placement to be across the top, instead of in the front - which makes it easier to insert your stitching chart and materials. A full-size (8.5" x 11") pattern or book fits easily inside with plenty of room for your fabric, threads, and essentials. Each bag is padded with fusible fleece, making it sturdy and perfect for protecting the contents....and it is fully lined with NO raw, exposed, or serged seams. They are a bit time consuming to make - hence, the delay and finishing this first batch...but I am thrilled with the results. Next up, I will be finishing a pile of needlebooks that I have been promising you for some time....they are on the way...really, they are....I have set a goal to have them completed this week...

For now, it is off to my stitching nest...where I am working on a model for The World of Cross Stitching Magazine...it is in my signature style and is coming along very nicely. I feel extremely blessed with the state of the economy/industry to have teaching engagements, magazine/book projects, and my Etsy shop to keep Blue Ribbon Designs going strong...there will be new needlework charts on the way, I am just trying to make the best business decision for their release...rest assured there will be new designs from Blue Ribbon Designs in the coming months - I'll keep you updated as to when...

Pretty Pink Pouch

It has been a crazy week...and I am happy to say my three new designs (for release at the TNNA Needlework Market in February) are finally in printing production....I do have photos and details to share with you in the coming week or two, so I hope you will look forward to those posts. Believe it or not, I am currently working on a couple new Halloween designs - one is a class piece for the New England Stitcher's Retreat in October...and one is for a Just Cross Stitch special publication - yep, I am designing and stitching Halloween in January.

This afternoon, I did take time out to do a wee bit of sewing - you know me, if I don't turn on my sewing machine at least a couple times a week, I go through withdrawal - I get the shakes and start to sweat...so today it was time to take a break. I really wanted to work on something with a Valentine feel to it...and I was dying to try a couple new dies for my AccuQuilt Studio fabric cutter (Flowers #3 Mini , and Heart #8 Small). I decided to pull out my wool scraps and just make things up as I went along. I started with a pretty pink wool base approximately 8" x 12"...and this pretty pink pouch was created (finished zipped-up size 7.5" W x 6" H). While you could easily attach the heart and flowers by hand, I chose to use my machine (after-all, I have been hand stitching continuously for weeks). I did add the button and the little white daisy (a tiny flower I cut from some trim) by hand. I thought about adding some rick rack trim, but then had the idea to cut the two raw edges that surround the zipper with a scalloped blade in my rotary cutter and use a contrasting zipper - which I thought turned out splendidly! I also added a little wool zipper pull using the same color red as the heart appliqué. It was a fun afternoon project and brightened my spirits...and it also sparked some creativity for a near future project that will use more wool and cotton quilting fabric.

My Christmas...

“Friends are the family we choose for ourselves” - this quote by Edna Buchanan comes to mind as I type this post today. I am so very blessed to have an amazing small circle of friends to call family. Today was Christmas with my two very dear friends, Merry and Kimber...we had such a wonderful afternoon. We met at a local cafe for lunch to celebrate the holidays - and what a marvelous time we had! If you are a regular reader of my blog, then you know the three of us tend to go "overboard" each time we get together...and Christmas gives us yet another excuse to spoil each other with gifts! Lunch was delicious and filled with conversation and giggling...and I enjoyed every minute of it...Merry and Kimber truly inspire me and always lift my spirits and encourage me. After lunch, Merry ordered a trio of desserts for us to share that was "sinful" to say the least - it was a lovely sampling of sweet treats...and then it was time for our annual Christmas gift exchange. I have to tell you, this post might be a little long, as there were so many gifts to open...the restaurant host was wise to put us in a corner booth, as it seemed we were there for hours!

I always make a special gift or two for both Merry and Kimber...and then I like to give them some small purchased items...and I always like to give each of them a nice hardcover book to add to their shelves. This year, I made Merry a knitting needle case (which was much more labor intensive than I anticipated, but I was thrilled with the results when it was finished) and a matching large, lined drawstring bag (both were made from the retired fabric line Madeira by Blackbird Designs for Moda - one of her favorites). For Kimber, I made a personalized quilted journal cover and a matching large, lined drawstring bag out of some pink/brown owl fabric that I know she loves (Life's A Hoot by Tammy Anderson for ADORNit). I had so much fun filling their drawstring bags with wrapped goodies (I brought each of them items back from CA and NH) and choosing the books for this year's exchange!

Now - get ready to be inspired, as I share with you the unique items they gifted me this year!

I started by opening Kimber's gifts - and first, I have to share her wrapping paper and decorative box with you - both were adorned with owls! I had to carefully open my presents to save the paisley owl Christmas paper...and the LARGE Chinese takeout style box is one of the cutest I have ever seen - I have to find a fun use for it...

Kimber has the very best taste and finds the most unique and personal gifts - I was just blown away when opening the packages from her! The box was filled with tiny treasures - a special Fiskars paper punch, decorative adhesive tapes, vintage wooden spools, a charm pack of fabulous fabric (Full Circle by Kathy Schmitz for Moda), a lovely notepad, and a package of pretty floss bobbins!

In the large bag, there were several incredible gifts - check out this FABULOUS sewing bird - I LOVE him (or her). This pincushion is about 6.5" H x 9.5" W...and the wings are pockets. Kimber put a package of vintage rick rack in one of the pockets...and the other had vintage look needle packaging. The tag tied on the side says "The Early Bird Gets The Pins!"... and there is a round tag on the front that says "Sew Prim"...isn't it just the coolest??! Oh how I adore this...can't you see me with an entire flock??

Over the past months, I have been asking Kimber all sorts of gardening questions (after-all, she is an expert)...now that all the outdoor work is done on our home, I am ready to start planting this spring. Kimber was thoughtful enough to give me a book on perennial gardening - which is perfect, as she knows I want to plant perennial flowers!

And look what else - this wonderful holiday scrapbook of sorts - it is a canvas covered journal with blank brown paper pages, perfect for writing down my Christmas memories....

Merry did her absolute best to spoil both of us, as well. You all know how multi-talented Merry is...she can stitch, sew, bake, cook, knit, crochet, and just about any other creative thing you can think of...and she does them all SO WELL! Many times you have seen her stellar kitchen skills on my blog - I really am blessed - she makes me goodies all year long - for absolutely no reason - she takes very good care of me. Here is a photo of some holiday treats she made for me....five (yes, FIVE) bags of homemade Biscotti -plain (anise), gingerbread, snickerdoodle, chocolate, and almond chocolate....and see the little house in the photo - it is filled with her homemade Butterfinger Bites (I put a couple in front of the house for the photo) for my husband (and I will definitely be trying one!)...and in the back is a large bottle of homemade Black Raspberry Liqueur (which she "forced" me try and it is delicious)!

...and although that was more than enough - Merry had piles of other special presents for me...she makes me the best pressies....like these gorgeous socks she knitted especially for me....

and this unbelievable beehive pincushion/tape measurer with homemade pins (yep, she made the pins using Shrinky Dinks!)...this seriously brought tears to my eyes. It is so adorable and very tiny - it is only about 2" tall...and it is incredibly detailed...plus Merry knows my grandfather was a beekeeper and the sentiment this gift would have for me. It is amazing...

She also made me a quilted craft pouch for my paper piecing materials and supplies - how awesome is this?? It will hold my tiny cutting mat, small rotary cutter, my add a quarter rulers, plus all sorts of other supplies!

Before I share the last item she made for me, I just have to share a photo of a special box that was in with my gifts - it looks like a book and is decorated with birds, crowns, butterflies, and birdcages...way cool! The photo all shows additional gifts that she slipped in the gift bag - a couple adorable round magnets she made, a metal reindeer ornament, special lip balm, swankie hankies, and the cutest owl stamp set....

and lastly, I have to share this AMAZING magnetic needlework tray she made...it is a small vintage tray/plate (3.25" H x 6" W) - she placed a very strong magnet on the bottom that holds the gold scissors in place (along with pins and needles) and added a handmade wool biscornu pincushion with a gold vintage button in the corner...then she added three crystal pins. I thought this was ingenious and strikingly beautiful - it is so very special!

I truly hope today's post has inspired you and you have more ideas for gift giving!

I have had the happiest of holidays and feel so very blessed. To my close circle of friends (you know who you are) thank you for being my family - I love you all and thank the heavens above for your friendship.

"But friendship is precious, not only in the shade, but in the sunshine of life, and thanks to a benevolent arrangement the greater part of life is sunshine." - Thomas Jefferson

A Loveliness of Ladybugs

After sewing several ladybug zipper pouches, I decided to do a little research on ladybugs...and the first thing I wanted to know is "what is the collective noun for ladybugs"?...well, I found out a group of ladybugs is called a loveliness - how adorable is that?! They are also known as a ladybird or lady beetle...and yes, there is a male ladybug...and here are several other fun facts:

• In the past, doctors would mash ladybugs and put them in your mouth to cure a toothache
• You can fit 80,000 ladybugs into a gallon jug
• Male ladybugs are smaller than female ladybugs
• They can live for as many as three years
• A ladybug beats its wings 85 times per second when it flies
• Their spots fade as they get older

Not that you needed an insect lesson today - I just thought it would be fun to share a little bit of what I learned on my endless quest for knowledge...

I decided I would work on more of my handmade holiday gifts instead of fighting the shopping crowds today...and spending my morning in the sewing studio was my gift, as it brings me sheer joy. So now, back to my sewing project...okay, how cute are these little ladybug zippered pouches?!...I guess they are technically "coin purses", but I plan to put stitchy things inside - a pair of scissors, needles, needle threader, 3" ruler, etc....a special little sewing/stitching kit. The wings are cotton quilting fabric...the head, the spots, and the belly are felted wool fabric...and of course, the eyes are buttons. The first "ladybird" was so adorable, I had to make a whole family (Teresa, I know you are smiling!)...plus I wanted to try out several red fabric prints that I thought would make cute ladybug wings. The head and the spots were attached using a blanket stitch, which could easily be done by hand - but I chose to do this stitch on my sewing machine. They measure about 5" in diameter, so they are the perfect size to tuck in your stitching bag, tote, or purse....and the zipper closure helps keep all your handy little tools safe inside. I have a few special people in mind to receive a lucky ladybug...and I might just keep one for myself because they make me happy! I hope you will take some time to work on a project that brings you happiness...

Experimenting with Laminated Cottons

I have been wanting to try working with laminated cottons for quite some time - in fact, I purchased some of this unique fabric several months ago - but was waiting for a good project pattern. Yesterday on my excursion with Merry I found the perfect pattern to try out these "all the rage" coated cottons. The pattern is by Sweetwater and is called Pack and Go from the Sunkissed Collection...it contains instructions for three sizes of bags: small (6' x 5"), medium (9" x 5"), and large (12" x 5")...although you could easily adapt the pattern to any size you like!

For those of you not familiar with cotton laminates - they are similar to oil cloth, but not quite as heavy. It is a quilting-weight cotton sandwiched with with a thin polyurethane coating making it substantially water-resistant. Great for making items such as raincoats, diaper bags, cosmetic bags, aprons, lunch bags, or picnic place mats/blankets. These coated fabrics are the new trend in quilt shops and are popping up in fabulous prints and colors. Laminate cottons do not really have any "give"...you can't straighten the grain...so you will want to pick patterns without a lot of piecing or detailed sewing. You will want to cut a single layer at a time with the right side up...and you won't want to use any pins, as pin holes will remain in the fabric. I used an all purpose cotton thread with a sharp 80/12 top stitch needle...and I had great results using the roller foot on my sewing machine (which I was thrilled to use again, as I bought it for repairing my husband's leather motorcycle suit) - a Teflon presser foot or non-stick glide foot would also work well. Another note - only use a warm iron on the wrong side of the fabric, if absolutely necessary - this coated fabric will melt.

I was a little nervous when I started out, but as you can see I loved working with laminated cotton - I actually made six bags this afternoon. Now that I know how much I enjoy it, I will be looking for some fun prints and colors to work with...and I will definitely be trying more projects!

Holiday Sewing Projects - Stitching Treasure Pockets

Now that many of my handmade/homemade gifts have been delivered, I thought I would share some of the things that I have been making....and maybe give you a few ideas of things to make yourself! This year, I have so many business obligations, I had to narrow down my gift giving list (in order to keep my sanity) - I have so much fun making gifts, I tend to go overboard and try to make things for everyone...and I knew this year, that was not a possibility - I had to focus on a more select group. For three of my dear stitching friends I made the little sewing pockets seen in the photo...well actually, according to the pattern, they are cell phone bags - I just decided they would make cute little stitching pouches. I tried to pick fabric I thought the recipients would enjoy - then I included several tiny needlework treasures in the pockets. This little pouch has two inside pockets, a Velcro closure, and measures about 4" W x 5.5" H....perfect for a stitching or project bag. Inside I tucked different accessories - scissors, needle minders, counting pins, and/or needles. I was very happy with how each one turned out...and I made a couple extras that I just may giveaway here on my blog when I reach 400 followers (hint, hint)....

"Milestone Giveaway" Winners

Good morning friends and followers ~ Happy Monday!

I would like to thank you all for making my latest giveaway so much fun - I truly wish I was able to send something to everyone who entered. Since there were so many entries (well over 300), I have decided to award 3 runner-up prizes, as well. If your name is not on the list, please don't be discouraged - I love to give things away, so there will definitely be more chances in the future...maybe even a little something when I reach 300 followers (which at the rate things are going, could be soon!). Again, thank you all for following and entering, for spreading the news about my blog and giveaway, and for your kind and encouraging words - you all truly brighten my days!

Runners-up: you will be receiving one sewn-by-me Tool Pouch (same sampler fabric) and the SYHO chart "Established With Love".

As seen below, I printed each entry from the comments on my blog (multiple prints for multiple entries) and put them in a LARGE Longaberger Wash Day Basket - I then randomly pulled six entries....

So, without further ado...

1st Place:

Phyllis said...
Hi, Belinda! Your bag is beautiful, and I'd love to win it. I could certainly put it to good use to carry around one of your designs that I'm working on. (You can never have too many bags!) I follow your blog but don't have a blog of my own -too busy reading everybody else's blogs. -Phyllis August 16, 2010 10:43 PM

2nd Place:
Pumpkin said...
Oh, I hope I'm not too late!!!! I LOVE that fabric and your pouches are beautifully done :o)I have been following your Blog for awhile now but unfortunately I'm not on Twitter :o Thank you for such a generous giveaway! Cathey August 15, 2010 1:55 PM

3rd Place:

Raggedy Ann said...
Hi Belinda! Thank you for such a wonderful giveaway. This is so very generous of you. I absolutely love your designs! I would love to enter, I am a follower of you blog (raggedy ann icon) :)I follow you on Twitter. I posted about your wonderful giveaway on my blog! Blessings to you, Raggedystitches, Louise in Florida August 15, 2010 9:21 PM

Runner-up:

Theresa said...
Congratulations on reaching 200 followers!!!! This project bag is fabulous!!! I would love to enter for your giveaway~~~~~I am a follower and has posted a link on my blog. Thank you soooo much for the opportunity!!!!

Runner-up:

~ Stitchin Sweet Sue ~ said...
Hi Belinda, I follow (even long before your blog~lol), and posted to my toolbar. Zippers aren't my forte, so I'd be thrilled for chance, especially since you've selected Rhubarb and Ginger ~ swoon:)

Runner-up:

Valerie said...
Oh Belinda! I would love to enter your giveaway! Here is the info you requested...I have left a comment. I am a follower (Valerie). I follow you on Twitter. I posted about your giveaway on my blog. Again, thank you for the opportunity to enter your generous giveaway!

I have emailed the winners, and they will each have 48 hours to respond....

Homemade Holiday Gift Ideas ~ Number Five

How cute is this?! It is a "Sweet Treat Bag" made from 1 1/2" strips of fabric...and Moda has a free pattern available for this great little bag! This is the perfect way to use those pre-cut HoneyBun strips you see in local quilt shops....and it's possibilities are endless (for the stitcher, it is a wonderful project bag). The photo shown on the right is made from the holiday fabric "Crazy 8" by Sandy Gervais for Moda.

Another fabulous pattern for the same style of bag is called "Little Jelly Bags" by Bunny Hill Designs...in this quilt pattern, designer Anne Sutton gives you instructions and ideas for five different sized bags, all made from strips!

These are perfect to use as a gift bag and tie with a beautiful bow...tuck inside a few sewing treasures...or art supplies...or a manicure set...or even some lotion and soaps...

Pair of Pouches Giveaway

Happy Saturday!

If you have been keeping up with my blog lately, you know I have been having fun making zippered pouches...and you know I said we would have another giveaway in the near future....so, here we go!

One lucky recipient will receive the two zippered pouches pictured: one larger project size pouch (approximately 7.25" W x 11" H) and one smaller tool size pouch (approximately 6" W x 4.75" H). The sampler fabric is from the Beach House line by Blackbird Designs for Moda (#2637). Both pouches are quilted and lined....and both were made with my own two hands.

How do you enter?? Simply post a comment to this topic regarding these fun little zipper bags...how would you put them to good use...or where you would keep them...or what treasures would you keep inside them. Then, next Saturday, October 17th, I will use the random generator to choose one lucky recipient from all the entries. PLEASE make sure you leave your email (or your email is in your profile), so I can contact you should your name be chosen.

Thank you so much for reading/following my blog - I truly enjoy hearing from you, reading your comments, and answering your questions. Good luck to all...

Playing With Pouches

I've been trying to "brush up" and perfect some basic sewing skills...you know the ones many of us shy away from....like zippers and buttonholes. Today I wanted to play with some autumn fabrics, so I decided to make some pouches and/or project bags with zippers. Now for those of you who are a little afraid of zippers, there are some great patterns to help you perfect this skill. A great skill starter pattern for pouches with zippers is "Perfect Pouches" (#113) by Lazy Girl Designs....easy instructions to make three sizes of pouches - and the largest 9" x 13" is perfect for a cross stitch project bag! The smallest - 5" x 7" is the top left pouch in my photo and is great for those stitching treasures and accessories. For those of you with a sewing/embroidery machine you can make some of these great pouches completely "in-the-hoop"! The Purple Hat has some wonderful digitized pouches you can make with your embroidery unit...take a look at: Large Purses, Purse Essentials, Pencil Cases, and Wet Wipes Cases... easy and quick to make zippered pouches made entirely in the hoop. I had so much fun making these little project bags...I got a little carried away...looks like there may be another contest in the future to give one (or some) away...

Remember, you can still enter to win the needle case giveaway (see previous blog entry)...I will chose a winner by random generator on Wednesday morning, September 30th...