Pink Pumpkin Quilt SAL

Greetings friends! Have you been sewing along with Poppie Cotton this week? They have been hosting a Pink Pumpkin Quilt Sew-Along...and while I didn't have room in my jam-packed schedule for a full-size quilt, I did manage to sew along. I made four pumpkin quilt blocks and added sashing and borders to create a floating pumpkin pillow. I used fun fabrics from the Kitty Loves Candy Collection by Lori Woods for my pumpkins and Country Confetti in Waffle Cone Yellow for my background. Poppie Cotton has the Pink Pumpkin Quilt Pattern, designed by Lori Woods, available on their website for FREE (visit their website and click on the free tab). I used the pumpkin quilt block from the pattern and then designed my own pillow. I think it turned out super cute and it will be a fun addition to my Halloween/fall decorating...

You can read more about the Pink Pumpkin Quilt Sew-Along on the Poppie Cotton Blog.

Happy creating!

Pumpkin Patch Placemats

Hello creative friends! Be sure to head over to the AccuQuilt Blog today for my latest guest blog post...there you will find a complete tutorial for my "Pumpkin Patch Placemats" with all the details, so you can make a set of your very own...

These patchwork pumpkin placemats use traditional piecing and are perfect for a beginner...and the entire project was cut on my GO! Fabric Cutter (project is GO! Big, GO!, and GO! Baby compatible) using:

GO! Qube Mix & Match 8” Block (55776)

• Dies Used: #1 GO! Square 4” Finished, #2 GO! Square 2” Finished, #5 GO! HST 2” Finished Square, #7 GO! Parallelogram, and #8 GO! Rectangle

GO! Qube 8″ Companion Set-Classic (55780)

• Dies Used: #10 GO! Signature Block

GO! Strip Cutter-2″ (1 1/2″ Finished) (55025 or 55164) (binding only)

This project is great for scraps or fat quarters...and while I used autumn print fabrics, these placemats would look great in a variety of batiks or solids. Each placemat finishes 20"W x 14"H - and the instructions are written for a two placemat set.

So be sure to stop by the AccuQuilt Blog for a materials list and step by step tutorial, with images:
https://www.accuquilt.com/blog/education/go-project-tutorials/pumpkin-patch-placemats-a-quilting-tutorial/

I know they look a little complicated, but I show step by step how to create them...and you could have a set completed by Thanksgiving!

...and while you are visiting the blog, be sure to check out all of the inspiring projects - there are endless creative ideas to get you in the sewing/quilting mood!

Creative Catch-up

Hello friends! Finally - I have a minute to blog (whew!)...it has been an INSANE month and I have quite a bit to share. Please excuse my absence - between quilt market projects/my workload, my husband having back surgery, Simba (a senior Shih Tzu) needing quite a bit of extra attention right now (he will be 15 in November and is having some health issues), and the weight of everything on my immune system (of course I get sick), I have been a little overwhelmed. I am, however, hanging in there and keeping my creativity flowing....and doing my best to remain positive...and tonight (while happily listening to the Cubbies game), I found a quiet moment to share some photos with you. Here is a taste of what has been happening in the studio this past month (these are some of the things I can share)...and I'll be back tomorrow to share my AccuQuilt Blog project for October (it's an AUTUMN design)....

I finished up quite a few customer needlework pieces...here are some images...these were stitched by a favorite customer that pretty much lets me finish her pieces how I see fit - she gives me a few details, but I get to be creative and pick all supplies - which makes the process REALLY fun for me!...and even more fun, a couple of these are my cross stitch designs!

Of course, I have had more orders for zippered project bags and tool pouches (here are photos of a few)...I have a bunch more in the works...and at the time of this post, a few are still available in my Etsy shop (which is RARE!) - including a couple made from Halloween fabrics...
https://www.etsy.com/shop/BlueRibbonDesigns

I have also been working on some large quilting projects...I finished another BIG team quilt (Auburn Tigers) for  customer and have been working on a couple other sizable pieces (which I can't show just yet - but I can share a photo of some of the pretty Robert Kaufman fabrics I have been working with)....

Finally, here is a sneak peek of tomorrow's post...a fall project I have been working on for the AccuQuilt Blog....

Thanks for visiting today - I've missed you...and stop back really soon to check out the "pumpkin" project...it makes me happy!

Rustling Leaves and Pretty Pumpkins

I'm taking a short break from a sewing/piecing marathon that started early this morning and I thought I would check in with a new blog post. Things are a little crazier than usual in my studio, so I thought I while I had a brief moment, I would use it share a couple more autumn/Thanksgiving projects I recently designed/created for AccuQuilt.

The first is the GO! Quilted Leaves and Logs Wall Hanging. This project measures 40" x 40" and combines the GO! Log Cabin-12" Finished Square by Leslie Main (55349) and the GO! Rustling Leaves dies (55389, 55390, 55391, 55392)....along with beautiful digital embroidery by V-Stitch Designs. You can find these V-Stitch machine embroidery design sets (and many more) on the AccuQuilt website or visit the V-Stitch Designs Etsy shop. The fabrics I used for the Log Cabin blocks are Robert Kaufman Kona Cotton Solids and the embroidered leaves use a variety of autumn colored prints. You can find all the details included with the pattern...which for a limited time is available for FREE on the AccuQuilt website - simply visit the following link for downloading instructions:
http://www.accuquilt.com/shop/go-quilted-leaves-and-logs-wall-hanging-pattern.html

Next up - the GO! Pick of the Patch Table Runner...a lovely autumn runner featuring machine embroidery and simple borders/cornerstones. It measures 18.5" x 57" and would be perfect for a Thanksgiving table setting. The fabrics are from the Shades of Autumn collection by Dan Morris for RJR Fabrics...and although RJR Fabrics sent me a substitution fabric that was not my original choice for this design, it seemed to work okay (the wide outer border print was supposed to be a smaller print fabric with autumn leaves - I think the larger print pumpkins are too traditional with the machine embroidered pumpkins, but that is just my personal opinion - I have to work with what is supplied). Again, for this pattern, the pumpkins were machine embroidered using digitized embroidery designs by V-Stitch Designs....and as always, you can find these V-Stitch machine embroidery design sets (and many more) on the AccuQuilt website or visit the V-Stitch Designs Etsy shop. This pattern uses the following GO! Dies:

• GO! Pumpkins (55323)
• GO! Big Square-10" (9-1/2" Finished) (55451)
• GO! Square-6-1/2" (6" Finished) (55000)
• GO! Square-5" (4-1/2" Finished) (55010)
• GO! Strip Cutter-4-1/2" (4" Finished) (55054)
• GO! Strip Cutter-2-1/2" (2" Finished) (55017 or 55014)
• GO! Strip Cutter-2" (1-1/2" Finished) (55025 or 55164)
• GO! Strip Cutter-1-1/2" (1" Finished) (55024)

...and again, for a limited time, you can find the pattern for FREE on the AccuQuilt website - simply visit the following link for all the details:
http://www.accuquilt.com/shop/go-pick-of-the-patch-table-runner-pattern.html

For now, I must get back to work...today I am working on a HUGE project that includes 72 quilt blocks (yes, I said 72 quilt blocks) - I also have five large customer projects on the to-do table, three more of my GO! Talk to the Animals quilts to make, two sets of class lesson plans and presentations to write, four quilt blocks that need patterns/samples, a special upcoming project tutorial and model to prepare...and in my spare time I am finishing this year's Komen 3-Day fundraising cross stitch design (I only have one section left!)...and I am going out of town next weekend to visit my mom at the lake...it is going to be an insane, but creative week/month!

Honesty, Beauty, and Grace

About a month ago, I did a blog post explaining one of the reasons I am walking in the Komen 3-Day next month (60 miles in 3 days)...in this earlier post (for those of you who did not already have the sincere pleasure of knowing her) I introduced you to Cathey (or "Pumpkin" as most of the blog community knows her). At the time, Cathey was knee deep in complications from Stage 4 Breast Cancer - and she was blogging about her diagnosis with honesty, beauty, and grace. The news of Cathey's passing reached me yesterday evening and has quickly spread throughout the needlework community - Cathey's dear friend Katie has been contacting her friends and fellow needleworkers with this heartbreaking news and has done several blog posts honoring Pumpkin (visit http://kscott77.blogspot.com to read a little more and see some beautiful photos of Cathey).

Cathey and I had several email conversations since I made my post in September, and I wanted to share a couple of these notes with you - they show what an extraordinary person she was - how loving and caring she was - and how she put everyone else's needs and feelings above her own....

From: 'Pumpkin'
Sent: Sunday, September 08, 2013 1:18 PM
To: Blue Ribbon Designs
Subject: [Samplings From A Blue Ribbon Girl] New comment on One of the Reasons....

Pumpkin has left a new comment on your post "One of the Reasons...":

Dear Belinda, I just read your post and to say that I'm speechless is an understatement. I am SO honored that you thought of me. Out of all the other women out there, I can't believe that my name is the one that came to your mind. I respect anyone who goes out there and walks/runs for those they love. I know you will achieve your goal and I will be thinking of you. I only wish we lived closer so that I could take you out to lunch and give you a great big hug ;o) ((((HUGS)))) Cathey
Btw - I love your design! So full of versatility. Beautifully done! 
_______________________________________________________________________

From: Blue Ribbon Designs

Sent: Sunday, September 8, 2013 6:54 PM

To: 'Pumpkin'

Subject: RE: [Samplings From A Blue Ribbon Girl] New comment on One of the Reasons....

Hi Cathey,

Your blog posts have touched me deeply - I think about you each and every day - I truly admire you and definitely feel you are an inspiration. I am the one who wishes we loved closer, so I could take YOU to lunch and brighten your days. Know I am sending good vibes your way...you got this...

I am attaching a copy of my "pink" project just for you - I hope it makes you smile.

Keep being positive...and if you EVER need an ear, seriously, I am here for you...you will be in my thoughts and my heart when I do the 60-mile walk in San Diego in November!

xoxo,

Belinda

_________________________________________________________________________

From: Cathey Magill [mailto:chinbit@ns.sympatico.ca]
Sent: Monday, September 09, 2013 2:47 PM
To: Blue Ribbon Designs
Subject: Re: [Samplings From A Blue Ribbon Girl] New comment on One of the Reasons....

Oh Belinda!  I’m completely shocked!  You didn’t need to do that.  I actually opened your email late, late, late last night but had to wait to respond because I was just too emotional...  I am so happy to receive your special pattern :)  And that’s what it is, special.  Hopefully I will have time to stitch at least something from it.  After looking at it over and over again, I do have an idea in mind...

Would you mind if I ‘borrowed’ your picture of this design or if you sent it to me by email?  I’d love to write a post on my Blog.  I won’t mention that you sent me the pattern as a gift if you don’t want me to.  I know some people are very sensitive about that sort of thing >:o( .

I feel very small though for not sponsoring you though :(  You’ve gone and done something so kind and generous.  I hope you don’t think that I’m being ungrateful.  You see, I send a monthly donation to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation and have been doing so for almost 12 years now.  I hope you understand...

I can tell you one thing I would like to see in the future.  I know runs like this raise the money for breast cancer research and that is the most important but after having Edwin I’ve realized they’re missing something.  How great would it be to have a program to help out new/single/low income mothers who are diagnosed?  I’m extremely blessed because my parents just picked up and moved down here to help us out but what if you had no one?  DH and I have been talking about this for awhile now and I wish there was someway to set up a foundation.  Maybe if I win the lottery very soon!  LOL!

Listen, I have babbled on for way too long.  It might be the pain medication so please forgive me if I’ve said something that’s offended you!  Does the warning Do Not Operate Machinery apply to computers as well?  ;)

Big hugs,
Cathey

This conversation continued in several more messages, but you get the point...Cathey had a beautiful soul and truly touched lives...she was a rare shining star. I am honored that I had a chance to get to know her...and I am honored to walk 60 miles for her in November...and I will keep walking until there is a cure...

...and now for something that would make Cathey smile...

Thanks to the love and support of my dear friends, family, and the AMAZING needlework community, I have reached my fundraising goal of $7,500 for the Komen 3-Day!! Yes, I am happy dancing!! I am so very touched by the show of support and the notes I have received - thank you so very much. I can't even begin to express my gratitude - I am overwhelmed by your kindness, love, and genuine support. I have heard from several people that I should raise my goal higher...that I might get more donations if I was still working to reaching my goal...but I think all of you know that no matter what my thermometer reads, I will still be trying to raise funds for breast cancer education and awareness - my goal will always be "more"...if you haven't already, please consider making a donation - no amount is too small...and of course, no amount is too large....we CAN make a difference....and don't forget, my "Red Rosies and Pink Posies" needlework chart is still available to those who make a donation of $15 or more. You can read all about my journey, see my progress, and make a donation by visiting: http://www.the3day.org/goto/Belinda 

I will continue to train and raise funds...and I plan to take every step of the 60 miles - for Cathey, for my many supporters, for the survivors, and for the fighters...

Pumpkins for Cathey

Happy fall y'all - today is officially "Pumpkin Day"!

This post is dedicated my dear friend Cathey (aka Pumpkin) and her beautiful and brave blog...today is the perfect day to celebrate this amazing woman and her blogiversary! That's right, Pumpkin's friends have banded together and posted pumpkins galore...to see a complete list of all the blogs participating and the hundreds of pumpkins honoring Cathey and her blogiversary visit:
http://www.itsdaffycat.blogspot.com/....and for some great reading, make sure to visit Cathey's blog "Pumpkin Patch & Co." at: http://pumpkinpatchandco.blogspot.com/

Cathey - today I celebrate YOU - you are in my thoughts and in my heart...and I am proud to walk 60-miles for you in November!

I had a marvelous time collecting my pumpkin images for this post...a couple vintage pumpkin themed cards...a couple photos from my personal collection...and a pumpkin project from Bunny Hill Designs that I adore!

The first photo was taken at the Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines, IA...I snapped a photo of these pumpkins lining the path all around zoo - autumn is definitely a wonderful time to visit our local zoo! The second photo was taken at the Enfield Shaker Museum (Enfiled, NH) on my teaching trip last year - these itty bitty pumpkins were outside the back door and made me smile each time I entered the Great Stone Dwelling House...plus I thought they looked great with the brick and stone...

...and since this is a creative blog, I just had to post a quilting project I would LOVE to add to my stash - "Pumpkin Pie" by Bunny Hill Designs - isn't it incredible?! I just love the look of this pumpkin themed quilt, complete with blackbirds and an owl...and the polka dot border makes me happy...it is such a cheerful autumn quilt!

...and finally, here is one more vintage card...there is just something special about old postcards and images - I have collected quite a few over the years and was happy to find a couple that were all about pumpkins!

I hope you have enjoyed my collection of pumpkins...and be sure to check out all the other blog posts titled "Pumpkins for Cathey"...they just might inspire you, as much as Cathey inspires us!