Stitching and Sewing...

It has been a productive week - I have been working on class materials and having model stitching and finishing marathons...along with working on items for my Etsy shop for several hours during each day. I have a very detailed list of what I plan to accomplish in the next couple weeks and I am doing my best to stay focused to meet my goals. I have a nice long list of new ideas for my Etsy shop, but have had numerous requests for more Needlework Pouches and Stitch Starter Ruler Sleeves ...so I finished up 55 pieces during the week...and yes, there will be some  more needlebooks and project bags on the way.

The Sewing Cases (Needlework Pouches) measure approximately 4" W x 5.5" H (when closed) - one is the perfect size for carrying your needlework tools in your project bag...or to hold a small sewing kit...or to easily hold a smart phone and your cash/credit cards...even a passport or iPod fits easily inside. They have two nice size pockets, fully-lined with no exposed seams - a sewn-in velcro closure - and most are embellished with wool felt/fabric flowers, hearts, and buttons.

The Stitch Start Ruler Pocket Sleeves measure 3.5" x 3.5" and holds my Blue Ribbon Designs 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 one 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

All the pieces shown  have now been listed...
http://www.etsy.com/shop/BlueRibbonDesigns

We have a full weekend planned - including a birthday party for my mother-in-law tomorrow...and then fantastic tickets to see "Million Dollar Quartet" at the Des Moines Civic Center tomorrow night (can't wait). I hope this weekend finds you doing something you enjoy...and I hope you have a little time set aside to do something creative!

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 From My Stash

Over the last week, I have been scheduling some sewing time into each day...and that means revisiting my fabric stash. I've realized (probably no shock to you) that I am a bit of a fabric "junkie"...and it feels good to start utilizing fabrics that I have been collecting  hoarding for the last few years. I'm not sure why it is so hard to cut into some of my favorite fabrics...after all, I did buy the yardage for projects...I guess some of them are just too pretty for the rotary cutter. Well, all that must change...I am on a mission, determined to clean up my sewing studio...so, I will slowly but surely start using my fabric collection for it's intended use...

Today, we revisit Madeira by Blackbird Designs for Moda...this is such a wonderful collection - not only the sought after "sampler print" fabrics...but the floral, paisley, and checkered prints too! I have accumulated quite a bit of this particular collection, so I decided to start using it. I put together two more sets of patchwork snack mats (mug rugs) and seven little sewing pouches....and there is still more in the drawer. The snack mats feature patchwork tops from an assortment of Madeira prints and the backs feature a single Madeira print - I like to make them reversible, so I can use either side....and the rick rack trim just adds the perfect little touch. The sewing pouches are fully lined, have two interior pockets, a sewn in Velcro closure, and no raw seams...and I decided to appliqué a hand-dyed wool fabric heart on each as an embellishment. At approximately 4" W x 5.5" H, one is the perfect size for carrying your needlework tools in your project bag...or to hold a small sewing kit...or to easily hold a smart phone and your cash/credit cards...even a passport or iPod fits easily inside. These smalls pouches/cases make me happy! So, now that I have started to cut in to my Madeira fabrics, of course I have some scraps...so that means a few pincushions from this line will be my next project...stay tuned...and yes, many (if not all) of the pieces shown here will be listed in my shop in the near future...

Harvest Huswif

If you are a fan of Blue Ribbon Designs, then you have probably read I will be teaching a workshop for Elegant Stitch in Modesto, CA this coming October. I am so super excited - I have always wanted to visit Lois's shop...plus, it will be my first ever trip to California...I seriously can't wait! Many of you know I have been working on finishing up the project - and I actually got it done earlier this week (it took WAY longer than anticipated) - I wanted to wait to share it here until Lois had a chance to update her website with photos and details. So here is is - "Harvest Huswif" - a special stitching case with fun-shaped wool pockets inside and a matching scissor fob. This project is stitched on Weeks Dye Works linen with Gloriana Silk Threads...the wool fabric is from Moda and WDW...and the gorgeous hand-dyed ribbons are also from Gloriana. Inside: the wool pumpkin is for needles and pins, the upper acorn will hold a thimble or needle threader, the left leaf holds scissors, and the right leaf holds a 3" ruler...plus you have the large stitched pocket across the bottom. I really enjoyed designing this piece and can't wait until October to share it with the attendees! For more information and details on this workshop, please visit http://www.elegantstitch.com.

Sewing and Celebrating

Today, during what has been an insanely busy week, I broke out of my studio for a few hours to meet with three of my girlfriends for lunch - two of which are celebrating a birthday this next week. We had a wonderful lunch and chatted for hours - amazing how time flies when you are sharing it with good friends! We met at a "new to me" restaurant that opened here this last year called Mimi's Cafe and the food was fabulous - we all ordered different things and every plate looked scrumptious...I had the delicious Bleu Cheese and Walnut Salad - it was super yummy! After eating and catching up, it was time for the birthday girls to open their presents...

I made my dear friend Merry a new autumn tote bag and an embroidered/patchwork pillow. The pillow embroidery is a design called "True Friend" from my friend Shelli at Needle In A Haystack and the machine embroidery file can be found at SWAKembroidery.com - the fabrics are from a lovely line called Garden Party by Blackbird Designs for Moda. I really enjoyed working on this special pillow - it was quite fun to make! I also tucked in a Bareroots wool applique' kit titled Quilt Block Candle Mat (I thought this was just adorable!).

Today we also celebrated Kimber's birthday. Kimber is a magazine writer and quilt book editor...and an AMAZING quilter, doll maker, and all around crafter....chances are, you have seen her work! Kimber has recently started a blog called Heirlooms by Ashton House and I know you will just love it - please stop by and take a look at her *perfect* work - it is truly inspiring! I really enjoy her company and was thrilled to find out she would be joining us for lunch. I made her one of my machine embroidered scissor cases and filled it with pins, needles, and a gold pair of scissors...I have made many of these (a bunch from the same line of fabric) and featured them here before - It is done completely in the hoop on my embroidery machine and was digitized by Birdhouse Cottage Crafts. There is a pocket for your scissors...a wool page for your pins and needles...under the wool is page of quilt batting to collect your orts...and under those pages is a little hidden pocket - perfect for a needle threader, package of needles, or a skein of floss. This is a favorite fabric of mine (which I recently found yardage of in a sale room while shopping in IL with my dear friend Terri) called Coventry Cottage by Linda Hohag for P & B Textiles.

Finally, I may have a post or two before I go on vacation, but don't count on it...next week, I am headed to Las Vegas for a week of much needed rest and relaxation. If you are reading and live in the Las Vegas area and/or have any advice about needlework or quilt shops in the area, please let me know - we have rented a car and I plan to do a little shopping!!

My Quest For A Wooden Embroidery Hoop

Over the years I have collected my share of stitching/sewing totes, projects bags, boxes, and tins. In fact, sometimes I think it takes me longer to pick out a tote, box, or bag than it does to pick out the project to take on-the-go with me. Seems I am always sewing (or collecting fabric for) a new tote or project bag...or adding a new shaker box or special tin to my collection....and Vera Bradley bags - well let's just say I don't keep them all in one place or my husband might "freak out" a little.

Why am I sharing this...well, after a note from the local EGA regarding an upcoming class I am taking, I had to go on the search for a high quality wooden embroidery hoop...and I don't have many of those in my possession now that I am accustomed to q-snaps or working "in hand"...I just am not really comfortable working with a hoop. Normally, I am not a conformist - I stitch to enjoy my hobby and I like to use what works best for me...but that being said, I like to follow "rules", so I went on the hunt for one of my good old embroidery hoops. Right away, I realized I had the right size, right under my nose...well, actually on the shelf right next to my desk...which leads me back to the discussion on stitching boxes and totes.

Years ago, I fell "head over heels" for embroidery and quilting boxes made by Goods From The Woods...I used to go to their website everyday and drool over these wonderful sewing boxes. I wanted one so badly, I actually printed out a page from their website (with the one I wanted and their contact information) and put it on the refrigerator door a few weeks before my birthday, to gently nudge my husband in the right direction. Well, my husband got the hint and ordered me one to be delivered on my birthday (yes ladies, I really am a lucky girl!). When this sewing box arrived, it exceeded all my expectations - it is GORGEOUS! The large oval sewing box is super high quality and very sturdy...the inside contains a smaller shaker box to hold all my tools...and (if that is not enough) mounted in the lid - a high quality pair of stork scissors and (you guessed it) a 6" embroidery hoop....all that, and a wooden case for my needles, pins, and thimble. Oh how I love this stitching box...it has traveled with me to many retreats and classes over the years...and is just as spectacular today as it was when it arrived. My box is signed and dated 2003...and I feel very blessed to have this treasure, as their website has since disappeared and I have not been able to locate any current information on their products. I just had to share this beautiful box with you - it brings me joy every time I use it!

Easy-To-Sew Stitching Gift & Giveaway

Today I want to share with you a sewing favorite of mine...so much a favorite, that I have made four of these as gifts for stitching friends! The design is titled "Needle Case" (#105) and is from Lazy Girl Designs. This cute little needle case has two pockets (one on the inside bottom and one on the outside back)....the middle panel on the inside will hold your pins and needles...the pocket on the inside will hold your scissors (up to 4") and an assortment of other stitching goodies such as a needle threader, floss, needle minder, or small ruler....the pocket on the outside back is perfect for a package of needles. It folds up into a small-sized case (see images below) approximately 4" W x 3" H....so it is perfect for putting in your stitching bag. This design has great instructions and requires very few materials....and it can be embellished a number of ways with ribbon, buttons, and trims...I even used two colors of fabric to "spruce" it up. A great little project for the beginner or the advanced seamstress...and a fun gift for a stitching/sewing friend...

Would you like to have one of these needle cases for your very own??..well, I may be able to help you with that! I have one already made...yes, made with my own two hands...using the same fabrics above, but not identical...that I am going to give away to one lucky reader.

Simply leave a comment regarding this post and you will be entered to win...let me know what you would put in your needle case or where you would keep it or how you would put it to good use...

I will use the random generator to choose a winner next Wednesday, September 30th. Please leave your email address in your post (if it is not in your profile), so I have a way to contact you should be the lucky recipient. Overseas entries welcome.

...and one final note: the giveaway is for one needle case only - you will need to fill it with your own pins, needles, scissors, and accessories. Good luck to all...

Sweet Little Projects

Today I took a couple hours "off" in the afternoon to "play". I worked on two more purse accessories to match the three I posted the other day...a key ring with a tiny pocket and a cell phone holder (both by The Purple Hat). Then, I worked on the sweetest little project...a sewing case that I personalized. The digitized design is from Too Cute Embroidery and is called a "Travel Sewing Kit". I decided to do it in Redwork style on red and white paisley fabric and add my name in embroidery. The inside has a pin cushion on the left and two pockets on the right....I just love this....I may have to do a couple more! A girl can NEVER have too many stitching/sewing accessories...



It feels great to have some time to blog today! The reason I have been absent for a few days?...I have been frantically bagging charts and shipping orders to shops and distributors, so you can add the new designs to your stitching stash! The automatic shops are already receiving their orders. Several were curious about the piles of charts....I didn't have time to take a photo before orders started shipping, so this is a little more than half of the printing...packages contain 50 charts each for quick counting and shipping. If you want to see more details/photos of the new charts, visit the "Designs" page on my website.