Floral Charm and Starflowers

Happy Monday friends! I have two new quilt patterns to share with you today...and that is the reason for my absence the last few weeks. I have been busy designing, writing patterns and working on quilt class materials for May...I've got new cross stitch models in the works and I've also tackled a Poppie Cotton wall hanging, some needlework finishing and custom bags...and piles of Etsy items...and if you could see my to-do list, you would probably shake your head. The piles keep growing...but here I am marking another item off my list and taking a little time to blog.

I had fun coming up with the two new quilt patterns. I have been asked to do more teaching at my local quilt shop (The Quilted Sunflower) and after deciding what classes the shop would like me to teach next, I decided to design new patterns to go along with the curriculum. I will share more details on my class schedule in a future post - but today, let me introduce my new patterns...

First up is "Floral Charm Table Runner and Pot Holders" - the pattern was designed for my Patchwork Quilting 101 class. We planned for a beginner quilt class, so I wanted a project that covered all the basics - cutting, piecing, pressing, basting, binding...and I wanted a smaller project that would cover all of those in class and give each student something finished to take home...plus a larger project to start. I worked with the lovely fabric collection Beautiful Day by Corey Yoder for Moda, which is such a bright and cheerful array of fabrics. This traditional pieced pattern uses a charm pack and several cuts of yardage...and goes together quite quickly. The table runner measures 52" x 16" and the pot holders measure 8" x 8".  I am looking at a Patchwork Quilting 102 class in the future that would add triangles to the mix. This pattern is now available in my Etsy Shop for digital download...

Next, is "Starflower Pillow and Pincushion" - a paper foundation pattern that will be used for my Foundation Piecing 101 class. I think foundation piecing is a skill that every quilter should have in their technique arsenal - it is great for tiny blocks, very intricate blocks, and you can get very accurate results and points. Again, I wanted a smaller project to complete in class and a larger project that the students can get mostly done (if not completely finished) in class. I really enjoy using my full scrap bins for foundation piecing, but for this pattern I used the beautiful collection Wild Iris by Holly Taylor for Moda. It uses a handful of fat quarters or 1/4 yard cuts and a 2/3 yard cut for the backs. The pillow has an envelope back and measures 16" x 16", so you can use a standard pillow form...and the pincushion measures 6" x 6". I include basic instructions for foundation piecing and the foundation patterns, plus full instructions for creating the pillow and pincushion. This pattern is also now available in my Etsy Shop for digital download...

Thank you so much for visiting with me today and checking out my new quilt patterns. I will be back really soon to share my upcoming class schedule and details. Plus, I am long overdue for a post featuring all the fun finishes I have had lately. I will try to get both those posts done before we go on vacation next week (yes, I am taking a week away with my husband to celebrate our 22nd wedding anniversary - we are taking a week to unplug and recharge - heading to Fredericksburg, TX). So stay tuned for more later this week...

Patterns for Dots and Posies Projects

Happy Saturday! It is a wintery, cold day here in Kansas and I am happy to be in my cozy office getting work done...the house is quiet for the first time in weeks and I am taking advantage. I had a productive week, writing three new quilt patterns, designing a new cross stitch piece and working on client finishing/sewing orders. After a rocky start to the new year, things are finally humming along in my happy place.

Before we get started today...
A fun new note: I am now a verified Amazon Influencer and have built a Blue Ribbon Designs Amazon Store Front for all the products I recommend and showcase in my blog posts/social media. I am always getting questions about products I share or have in my images, along with the products/materials I use in my studio - and I usually send whoever is asking a link to the product. Now all those products will be in one place for easy shopping...and if you happen to purchase an item from one of my links, I get a little commission. I have always said I will not put advertising on my blog or website...this just makes it easier to find the products I tell you about and will be done in linking format, not big ads across posts. I will continue to add items as I post about them...and these are only products that I personally recommend and use, I am not affiliated with any of these companies. I hope these links will make it easier to find the products and materials I showcase. For example - you will see some of the products I write about today that were used in my latest quilting projects are highlighted/underlined with a link - clicking on them will open a new window showing the products in more detail with ordering options. This will be a work in progress...and I thank you in advance for shopping in my Amazon Store Front. Now on to the exciting news...THREE new quilt patterns!!

Thank you all for the wonderful response to my latest quilt designs using the Dots and Posies Collection by Poppie Cotton - I received wonderful feedback on all four pieces...which is so encouraging! I have written comprehensive patterns for three of the designs: the Forty-Five Tote Bag, the Joyful Journal Jacket and the Pretty Posies Pouch. Each of these patterns can be found in my Etsy Shop as digital download PDF patterns. The patterns are written to easily use your favorite fabric collection and precuts...and are sold separately.

Forty-Five Tote

My Forty-Five Tote is an over-sized tote bag, perfect for carrying everything you need to a retreat or class...or as an overnight bag. I've named it the Forty-Five Tote, because it is made with 40 - 5" squares...yep, this tote bag is 5" Precut or Charm Pack friendly! It is a hefty size at 14" W x 18" H x 4" D (plus handles) - it has two pockets outside (sized to fit a large smartphone) and two extra-large pockets inside to organize the contents. The inside pockets are each made with four 5" squares, so the inside of the bag is pretty too! This bag uses Pellon Fusible Fleece for all the bag panels (outer and lining) and in the handles and pockets to make it extra sturdy and hold it's form well (I like a STURDY tote!).

To purchase a digital download PDF Pattern for the Forty-Five Tote, visit my Etsy Shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BlueRibbonDesigns OR 
https://www.etsy.com/listing/941372669/forty-five-tote-bag-quilt-pattern 

Joyful Journal Jacket

I always like to have a notebook with me, especially at classes and retreats...so I designed this swoon-worthy journal cover. It can be used to keep a list of current projects or to take notes - you can use it to journal, sketch or jot down design ideas. This cover was designed to fit a standard Composition Notebook (9.75" x 7.5") which you can find at your favorite office supply store with narrow or wide lines, unlined (my favorite because I can sketch in it) or graph ruled (perfect for charting projects). I used a large focal print for the bottom section of the cover and inside flaps - then, pieced smaller squares for the top section of the cover...adding a coordinating rick rack between the two. Again, I used my favorite print in the collection to make a Velcro tab closure. This rosy quilting/stitching journal is the perfect complement to any retreat/class tote...or ideal to be placed at a bedside table for keeping a journal or diary. 
To purchase a digital download PDF pattern for my Joyful Journal Jacket, visit my Etsy Shop:
https://etsy.com/shop/BlueRibbonDesigns OR
https://www.etsy.com/listing/928107884/joyful-journal-jacket-quilt-pattern

Pretty Posies Pouch

This adorable patchwork pouch is a versatile addition to any tote bag. It can hold quilting/stitching tools or a small project...or can be used for health and beauty items, if using the tote for an overnight bag. Small patchwork squares show off the variety of prints...and you can always fussy cut the squares to feature your favorite motifs. I added a removeable wrist strap (using a Swivel Clip with D-Ring) and a coordinating zipper pull for added embellishment. This mighty little bag measures 9" W x 8" H x 2" D, making it a perfect accessory for a tote bag. I used a large print focal fabric for the back side of my bag, using the patchwork only on the front...this gave me the "best of both worlds" with a variety of small quilted squares on the front and lovely large print on the back!
To purchase a digital download PDF pattern for my Pretty Posies Pouch, visit my Etsy Shop:https://etsy.com/shop/BlueRibbonDesigns OR
https://www.etsy.com/listing/943706179/pretty-posies-pouch-quilt-pattern

There you have it - information on my latest quilt pattern designs - I enjoyed designing and creating each of them and look forward to my next pattern ideas "coming to life". I am actually working on several new cross stitch charts for future release, as well. For now, I am ready to do a little relaxing this weekend...we have plans tonight with friends visiting from Iowa and I look forward to taking a little break from work projects. Thanks for stopping by for a visit - I hope we can "chat" again soon....

Snow Buddies - A Table Runner Pattern

Hello friends - a quick post this evening to let you know my latest quilt pattern is available in my Etsy Shop as a digital download (and will be added to my website in the near future). "Snow Buddies" is available as a high quality PDF that will print on 13 pages of standard letter size (8.5" x 11") paper.

The thirteen page digital file includes:

Page 1 - Cover Page with Color Photo 

Page 2 - Supply Page

Page 3 - Quilt Diagram

Page 4 - General Instructions and Notes

Pages 5 to 10 - Cutting and Piecing Instructions and Diagrams

Pages 11 to 13 - Applique Shapes for Tracing

This fun snowman table runner finishes 36" W x 12" H and incorporates both traditional piecing and applique...and you will want to have some basic quilting and applique knowledge. The instructions/diagrams are very thorough and I think a beginner could definitely tackle it! Snow Buddies is a great stash and scrap buster...the pattern is written to easily adapt the fabric you have on hand. I am super excited to bring this original quilt design to you...and I'm working on several more, along with some long overdue new cross stitch designs. 

I hope this new pattern makes you smile and you will want to make some Snow Buddies of your own! This pattern has been a long time in the making - I actually designed it in 2015 - I had requests for it at the time, but it just never made it center stage. It actually worked out that I had a mini creative meltdown last week - it forced me to step away from needlework finishing orders for a few days and work on something more fulfilling. I am now back in my "happy place" and in my studio working on client finishing projects. 

I do have a small pile of handmade finished items to add to my Etsy Shop, as well - a few miscellaneous (smaller) zipper pouches and a seamstress stocking...a small assortment of items I need to photograph and list in my "spare time"...I just keep adding to the pile.

I also still have that list of things to share with you here - including recent fishes, plus what I have been up to in the kitchen...and a little designer announcement that I need some feedback on...so, stay tuned, I'll be back again soon... 

Singing Under the Stars Quilt Pattern

Greetings friends! I can't believe the list of things I have to share with you - I have been adding to it daily...I will do my very best to get caught up and post several times this week. My studio has been buzzing with all sorts of excitement - I have been doing piles of holiday finishing for clients, I have been working on some new designs, I have been making gifts...and I have been sewing and quilting up a storm. I have also been doing some online learning and working on some new technical skills. Yes, I have been staying quite busy. So let's get to the first thing on my list...

I had a bunch of quilt pattern requests for the "Singing Under the Stars" quilt that I designed/created for the Poppie Cotton Woodland Songbirds Fabric Tour. Yep, you asked for it - so I have written the pattern. It is available in my Etsy Shop for digital download (and will be added to my website in the near future). It is a high quality PDF that will print on 16 pages of standard letter size (8.5" x 11") paper.

The sixteen page digital file includes:

• Page 1 - Cover page with color photo
• Page 2 - Supply page
• Page 3 - Quilt Diagram
• Page 4 - General Instructions and Notes
• Pages 5 to 12 - Cutting and piecing instructions
• Pages 13 to 16 - Applique Shapes for tracing

This whimsical quilt finishes 45" W x 60" H and incorporates both traditional piecing and applique...and you will want to have some basic quilting and applique knowledge. I am super excited to bring this original quilt design to you...and I'm working on several more, including something special for an upcoming Poppie Cotton  fabric collection.

So, if you were interested in this Woodland Songbirds pattern, make your way over to my Etsy Shop! Just a note: this quilt would look great in a variety of fabrics and I have done a breakdown in the pattern that would make it easy to convert to a favorite fabric line or fabric in your stash.

Also - you may have noticed - I have been working on my graphic design skills and have given my blue ribbon logo an overhaul! After sixteen years, it was time for a makeover...and this new quilt pattern is the first to use this new cover design art. 

Working on this delightful quilt pattern reminded me of how much I enjoy the design process and pattern writing. For me, it was the perfect project at the perfect time - just when I was getting completely burned out on holiday finishing and trying to figure out what I want to do "when I grow up", I found that little piece of joy that I have been missing. I have made a promise to myself to work on new designs - both cross stitch and quilting/sewing - each week.

So there you have it - my latest quilt pattern. I hope you will be inspired to work on something creative this weekend....and if you decide to make a "Singing Under the Stars" quilt of your very own, please be sure to share your progress with me!

On the Cutting Edge...

If you are a regular reader of my blog, then you know there is always a special project going on in my studio...and earlier this year I had my design hat on, creating a plethora of quilt blocks and projects for the new AccuQuilt GO! Qube Companion Sets. Now, I know these have been available for a few months, so you might already have seen all of this...but I have quite a few AccuQuilt enthusiasts that follow my blog....and so, better a little late than never. Plus I wanted to share what I designed/created for these versatile new die sets...

I'm sure you all remember my excitement when the GO! Qubes were released (if not, you can read my blog post here: https://blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com/2015/11/quilt-block-heaven-in-qube.html)...so you can probably guess that I was "over the moon" when AccuQuilt decided to release a GO! Qube Companion Set to coordinate with each size of GO! Qube - seriously, how cool is that?! The GO! Qube Companion Set-Classics is available in each of the four GO! Qube sizes: 6",  8", 9", and 12"....and is designed to expand the possibilities of what you can create with the existing GO! Qube Mix & Match Blocks. Each Companion Set includes four classic shapes labeled 9-12 (a continuation of the 1-8 die numbering system from the GO! Qube Mix & Match Blocks), a cutting mat, an instructional DVD, and a 20-page pattern booklet. Yep, it's pretty awesome! The four GO! Dies included in the GO! Qube Companion Set-Classics are:

• GO! Chisels (Shape 9)
• GO! Signature Block (Shape 10)
• GO! Drunkard’s Path-Arc Shape (Shape 11)
• GO! Drunkard’s Path-Quarter Circle (Shape 12)

The fun thing for me...I designed/wrote all the patterns for the GO! Qube Companion Set Classics-72 Block Pattern Booklets (for each of the four sizes)...and that includes the new Mix & Match block patterns included in each box! Plus I designed/wrote the pattern for the GO! Cutting Edge Throw Quilt (for each size) that is included in the Pattern Book in each set. I was pretty ecstatic to see the finished product when the sets were released! Right now, you can download both the GO! Qube Companion Set Classics-72 Block Pattern Booklets and the GO! Cutting Edge Throw Quilt patterns on the AccuQuilt website for free (yes, FREE!). Here are links and photos for each size...

GO! Qube 6" Companion Set-Classics
GO! Qube 6" Cutting Edge Throw Quilt Pattern

GO! Qube 6" Companion Set Classics-72 Block Patterns Booklet

GO! Qube 8" Companion Set-Classics
GO! Qube 8" Cutting Edge Throw Quilt Pattern

GO! Qube 8" Companion Set Classics-72 Block Patterns Booklet

GO! Qube 9" Companion Set-Classics
GO! Qube 9" Cutting Edge Throw Quilt Pattern

GO! Qube 9" Companion Set Classics-72 Block Patterns Booklet

GO! Qube 12" Companion Set-Classics
GO! Qube 12" Cutting Edge Throw Quilt Pattern

GO! Qube 12" Companion Set Classics-72 Block Patterns Booklet

It is always rewarding to share some of the projects I have had the pleasure of working on...it just took me a little time to get around to these. I hope you enjoy exploring the links and downloading the free patterns/booklets...and if you have a GO! Qube Companion Set, I would LOVE to see what you have been creating...

Tomorrow, I will be back to share another new pattern design that uses the GO! Qube Mix & Match 9" Block and the GO! Qube 9" Companion Set-Classics...a colorful sampler quilt!

Owl You Need Is Love

In December, I was busy working on two new Valentine's Day designs for AccuQuilt (my regular readers may remember seeing a couple sneak peeks)....and I am super excited that I can finally share them with you. I created a pair of patterns/samples that are sure to fill your heart with love - one is traditional piecing and one is piecing with machine applique. I had quite a bit of fun designing these two projects and working with the lovely Robert Kaufman Fabrics (pinks and reds always brighten a mood)!

First up is the GO! Log Cabin Love Wall Hanging. This log cabin heart might look a bit complicated, but it truly is easier than you may think...it uses one cutting die for the entire quilt top - the GO! Log Cabin-12" Finished Square by Leslie Main.  Twelve 12" log cabin quilt blocks fit together to make a large heart wall hanging that measures 48" x 36". The GO! Log Cabin cutting die cuts makes it SUPER simple to cut the quilt blocks...and to make this project go even more smoothly, be sure to keep your cut pieces organized and follow the images in the pattern (the instructions breakdown each block and the layout).  For added convenience, I used the GO! Strip Cutter-2 1/2" (2" Finished) to cut my binding strips.

...and for a little cute overload, here is my GO! Owl You Need is Love Wall Hanging. This heartfelt machine applique project give you a chance to be a little creative with the layout. It utilizes the following cutting dies:

• GO! Owl
• GO! Queen of Hearts
• GO! Heart-2", 3", 4"
• GO! Value Die
• GO! Stems & Leaves
• GO! Strip Cutter-1 1/2" (1" Finished)
• GO! Strip Cutter-2 1/2" (2" Finished) (binding)

Be sure to iron on your fusible web before cutting the applique shapes and you will have this super sweet wall hanging complete in plenty of time for Valentine's Day!

You can find both these patterns (along with several other new valentine projects) on the AccuQuilt website...and for a limited time, they are FREE...so visit the following links to download the patterns and make a couple heart-filled projects for February!

GO! Log Cabin Love Wall Hanging Pattern

GO! Owl You Need is Love Wall Hanging Pattern

Tulip Time Table Runner

It's been an insanely busy week...and I will do a "catch-up" post soon, as I have several fun things to share...but today, I am stopping by to let you know that I am a guest blogger over on the AccuQuilt blog. I am sharing some insights on my latest AccuQuilt pattern design...the GO! Tulip Time Table Runner - perfect for those of us who are experiencing "spring fever". This bright and cheerful runner uses fabrics from the Basically Patrick Collection by Patrick Lose for RJR Fabrics.....and combines Broken Sash quilt blocks with machine appliqué. The colorful tulips are cut easily by utilizing the GO! Tulip and GO! Stems & Leaves cutting dies...simply iron your paper-backed fusible web product to your selected fabrics before cutting your shapes and they are ready to fuse in place in a matter of moments. Be sure to visit my guest blog post to read all about this new pattern...and for a limited time, you can download it for FREE.

Find my guest blog post here: http://www.accuquilt.com/blog/new-quilting-pattern-go-tulip-time-table-runner/

Find the GO! Tulip Time Table Runner pattern here: http://www.accuquilt.com/go-tulip-time-table-runner-pattern.html

For now, I am headed out to walk the dogs...then I have some sewing to do...and if I am lucky I will be in my stitching nest this evening. I am nursing an EXTREMELY sore throat, so I am hoping to possibly catch-up on some rest. I'll be back again soon to share several fun things with you...including my latest magazine feature!

Ten Days of Inspiration: The AccuQuilt GO! Big Blog Hop

If you are a quilter, sewist, or are on the lookout for creative inspiration (aren't we all), then I have some wonderful news for you! The Accuquilt GO! Big Blog Hop starts this week - that's right, it starts tomorrow...and it features 10 incredible bloggers over 10 days - each with a special project tutorial to get your creative juices flowing. All the stops will share a bit about AccuQuilt's new GO! Big Electric Fabric Cutter...and each one will showcase a new GO! Big Cutting Die and a unique project tutorial that uses fabric prints from the Downton Abbey collections by Andover Fabrics (Downton Abbey - Logos and Labels and Downton Abbey - The Downstairs Collection). You will have to stop back here on Monday, March 2nd, as I will be the eighth stop on this blog hop journey - but you can get started first thing Monday morning...

Here is a complete list of the 10 stops...and you can read more about each of these participants on AccuQuilt's Blog:

1. Mon 02/23 - Beaquilter: http://www.beaquilter.com/ - GO! Big Snails Trail
2. Tues 02/24 - The Zen of Making: http://www.thezenofmaking.com/ - GO! Big Circle
3. Wed 02/25 - May Chappell: http://www.maychappell.com/ - GO! Big Double Wedding Ring
4. Thurs 02/26 - Cut To Pieces: http://cuttopieces.blogspot.com/ - GO! Big Churn Dash
5. Fri 02/27 - Pleasant Home: http://www.pleasant-home.com/ - GO! Big Square
6. Sat 02/28 - Free Motion by the River - http://www.conniekresin.com/ - GO! Big Snails Trail
7. Sun 03/01 - A Quilting Life: http://www.aquiltinglife.com/ - GO! Big Churn Dash
8. Mon 03/02 - Blue Ribbon Designs -YOU ARE HERE - GO! Big Square
9. Tues 03/03 - Sew Many Ways: http://sewmanyways.blogspot.com/ - GO! Big Double Wedding Ring
10. Wed 03/04 - Simple Simon and Co.: http://www.simplesimonandco.com/ - GO! Big Churn Dash

Here are the five new dies that work exclusively with the new GO! Big Electric Fabric Cutter (each one is featured in the blog hop):

...and here is the spectacular GO! Big Electric Fabric Cutter (and yes, you can cut two 6" wide dies side by side with six layers of fabric on each!)

I have been playing with my new GO! Big Electric Fabric Cutter for a few weeks, and I can tell you, it is impressive - so quick, easy, and accurate! The GO! Big Electric Fabric Cutter Starter Set includes the GO! Big Electric Fabric Cutter, the GO! Flying Geese Die, a 6" x 12" cutting mat, plus a free 20-page pattern booklet which includes five Flying Geese patterns. It was really exciting for me to see the included pattern booklet, as I designed all five of the patterns included and made all of the samples....seeing them in print was a real treat! Here is a photo of the booklet and each of the projects I designed and created:

...and the most exciting news - I have designed a very special project especially for this blog hop and have written a complete tutorial with details and diagrams to share with you (you can see just a hint of it in the top right photo)....and I even shot a very short video in my studio. So, make sure you return on Monday, March 2nd...you won't want to miss the project tutorial for my "In-an-afternoon Organizer"...and be sure to visit the other nine stops (I promise, these talented and creative bloggers will not disappoint)...

Love Is In The Air

In the weeks leading up to Christmas, my thoughts were actually on Valentine's Day, as I was designing three Valentine themed projects for AccuQuilt and sewing/quilting the samples. Today, I am excited to share the GO! Lovebirds Apron, the GO! Hugs and Kisses Bed Runner, and the GO! Sweetheart Wall Hanging. I really enjoyed creating these three projects and you can read all about them on the AccuQuilt Blog, where I did a guest post...that's right, today I am a guest blogger on the AccuQuilt Blog - and I am sharing the details on these three projects...

The GO! Lovebirds Apron is made using a kitchen towel as the base (which makes this a super quick project), then adding seasonal machine appliqué! You can find out the type of towel I used and some fun tips by visiting: http://www.accuquilt.com/blog/
AND...this pattern is FREE for a limited time: http://www.accuquilt.com/go-lovebirds-apron-pattern.html

The GO! Hugs and Kisses Bed Runner was such a delight to work on and only uses TWO cutting dies to make the Xs and Os...to find out just how simple this project really is, check out my guest blog post on the AccuQuilt Blog: http://www.accuquilt.com/blog/
AND....this pattern is FREE for a limited time too!!: http://www.accuquilt.com/go-hugs-and-kisses-bed-runner.html

Finally, here is the GO! Sweetheart Wall Hanging - a combination of simple strip piecing and machine appliqué. Visit the AccuQuilt Blog to find out my tip for making the applique shapes stitch up crisp and flat: http://www.accuquilt.com/blog/
AND...of course, this pattern is available for FREE for a limited time, as well!!:
http://www.accuquilt.com/go-sweetheart-wall-hanging-pattern.html

I hope you take a moment to read my guest blog post...then go download these special Valentine projects...and I would love to see/read about your Valentine's Day creations - please share them with me!

For now, I am back to work on some springtime quilt designs (always months ahead of the game!)...and then this evening I will be in my stitching nest working on my special October project for Just CrossStitch magazine.

I will be sharing my Bitty Blocks finish soon, so be sure to visit again later this week...