"Shaker Valley Harvest"

Like I mentioned in my last post, this coming Friday I start shipping two new autumn designs to needlework shops that participate in my automatic program...I am THRILLED to have two very unique fall pieces ready for you! Today I will tell you all about "Shaker Valley Harvest" (BRD-115)...and you can read the previous post to find out all about "Harvest Huswif" (BRD-114).

"Shaker Valley Harvest" features on an oval Shaker Shallow Carrier Box (11" H x 7 3/4" W x 2 3/4" D - with a 9" H handle)...this gorgeous Cherry Shallow Carrier is handcrafted by Canterbury Box Shop (I will provide you with purchasing details later in this post). This special design was inspired by my research on the Shaker culture and gift drawings, the simplicity of the Shaker lifestyle, my trips to Enfield, NH, and the beauty of the autumn season. The project includes a padded base for the inside of the carrier box (also suitable for framing), along with several needlework smalls: a carrier handle wrap, flower scissor fob, needlebook with autumn leaf pages, and an owl pincushion – giving you a very unique stitched Shaker-style display.

This harvest design is stitched with Weeks Dye Works cotton floss on 30-count Parchment linen, also from Weeks Dye Works. The package includes charting and complete finishing instructions for the Shallow Shaker Carrier Base, handle wrap, and three needlework smalls (scissor fob, needlebook with leaf pages, and owl pincushion) - along with stitch diagrams, stitching instructions, wool shape templates, and an alphabet/numbers for personalization.

For additional photos, visit:
http://www.blueribbondesigns.com/Shaker%20Valley%20Harvest.html
For a complete supply list and details, visit:
http://www.blueribbondesigns.com/BRD115%20Specifics.html

Information on the Shallow Shaker Carrier:
#6 Shallow Shaker Carrier SCC-6 - Cherry Wood
Dimensions: 11" H x 7.75" W x 2.75" D with approximate 9" handle from base
Canterbury Box Shop - Tom Dupell
139 Shaker Road
Canterbury, NH 03224-2530
Telephone: (603) 783-0394
http://www.canterburyboxshop.com
info@canterburyboxshop.com
Consumer and shop orders welcome.

Expect this new autumn design to start arriving in needlework shops the first week of October!

Beautiful Button Box

It is a lovely sunny day here in central Iowa and I am getting ready to do a long walk in the sweet sunshine....by the time I finish this quick post, it should be about 40 degrees and I am ready for some fresh air! Yesterday I walked 6.5 miles in 30 degrees and that was a bit chilly - I had some very rosy cheeks....but today we are supposed to hit 47 degrees and I am excited to do a 10 mile training walk outdoors. I want to do a special thank you to those of you who have made a donation supporting my Komen 3-Day (60 mile) walk in  November - I am almost to $900.00, which is AMAZING (15% of my goal) - and I truly appreciate your support! This is such an important cause and I thank you for your encouragement and very generous hearts...

Today I have a couple fun tings to share with you - I received a lovely birthday package from my dear friend Terri - inside was a gorgeous Shaker button box (and you all know how much I love and treasure my Shaker items). This beautiful button box was filled with tiny wrapped presents (shown top right) - including a wonderful embroidered wool pincushion and some very fancy scissors (which I have never seen before!). I have already started filling the button box with various vintage buttons and trims and have it sitting in a place of prominence in my stitching nook. Terri also included a lovely scarf she knitted herself - isn't it great?! I do not do any knitting or crocheting to speak of, so I feel very blessed to have friends that are so talented and gift their yarn creations to me (again, I'm a very lucky girl)!

Also to share today - I managed to get quite a bit of sewing done over the last few days - finishing up some fun St. Patrick's Day items! I have been working on wool applique pincushions and several L.U.C.K. pillow sets. These have all been listed in my Etsy shop. I also cut up several yards of special sampler fabrics and I am working on new needlebooks, stitch starter sleeves, and stitching pockets....so look for those to be posted in the next week or so...

For now, I am off to do my lengthy walk...enjoy the rest of your weekend...I hope you have a chance to get outside and/or be creative!

Upcoming Design Spotlight: "Beauty In Simplicity"

If you read my February Newsletter or follow me on Facebook, Google+, or Twitter, then you know I have been working hard on the three new releases for later this month at the TNNA Nashville Needlework Market (a needlework industry trade show for manufacturers, designers, and needlework shops). Look for my three new designs to start arriving in needlework shops following the the Nashville Needlework Market being held on February 25-26th. In the meantime, I thought I would do several blog posts featuring each of the upcoming new releases.

Today's design spotlight is on "Beauty In Simplicity" (BRD-104). This special design was inspired by my research on the Shaker culture and gift drawings...and was originally a teaching piece for the New England Stitcher's Retreat. It features charting for an oval Shaker box lid, three needlework smalls (a scissor fob, pinkeep, and needlebook), and a framed sampler design. I have posted all the details on my website - including additional photos and a complete supply/materials list - simply visit: http://www.blueribbondesigns.com and click on "Future" in the left-hand menu. All model pieces were stitched on Navy Bean hand-dyed fabric by Lakeside Linens with Weeks Dye Works cotton floss. The Shaker box lid and needlework smalls are stitched on 32-count linen; please note, if you use a different count of linen, your stitched design will not fit the recommended Shaker box lid appropriately.

If you are wanting to purchase the beautiful Shaker box used in my design, here are a few details:

They are handcrafted by a wonderful woodworking artist in Canterbury, New Hampshire. His workshop is called Canterbury Box Shop - and he handcrafts each oval box with quality woods, utilizing traditional techniques formed by the Shaker community. This special order oval cherry box comes with a 1/4" recessed lid for mounting your needlework - and the box itself measures 3 1/2" x 6 1/8" x 8 5/8". The retail price of the box is $62.00 + shipping; to order by phone, simply call 603-783-0394 and specify the item "custom recessed lid #4 Cherry Box". As each box is handcrafted (and absolutely gorgeous), please allow four weeks for delivery.

Canterbury Box Shop

http://www.canterburyboxshop.com

Phone: (603) 783-0394

info@canterburyboxshop.com

I am so thrilled to finally have this design ready for consumer purchase...and I hope you will look for it (after release) at your favorite needlework shop!

Shaker Box - Lid Design

Needlework Smalls - Front View

Needlework Smalls - Back View

"Beauty In Simplicity" For A Frame

Hello friends and followers! Well, under the advice of a very dear friend, I just spent the last 72 hours resting and sleeping - basically trying to get over my nasty cold/flu...and I finally feel like I am on the mend...so thank you all for your well wishes - I hope to be 100% healthy real soon (fingers crossed by the Thanksgiving holiday)...

I did manage to (finally) finish the framed model for "Beauty In Simplicity". Some of you may remember this design - it was a teaching piece for the first New England Stitcher's Retreat in the spring of 2010. For the class, we did the lid of an oval shaker box, a pinkeep, a scissor fob, and a needlebook (seen upper right)...but for consumer release, I also wanted to add a framed version of the design. I put in the final stitches a couple nights ago and it will be headed to the framer this week. To be quite honest, I am not sure when I am going to release this design - by the time it is framed and the printing files will be ready, it will be January and with the TNNA Nashville Needlework Market in February, it may make the most sense to release this design at market....so rest assured (for those of you who have been requesting this design) it will be released in early 2012...I will be sure to let you know all the details when I have them sorted out. This chartpack will include charting, directions, and finishing instructions for the framed design, the shaker box, and all three smalls. So here you go - a peek at the framed design - and you are seeing it here first...

...and since I just mentioned the New England Stitcher's Retreat - I will share some more news with you - I have been invited back to teach at the amazing Enfield Shaker Museum again in October 2012! This is breaking news, so obviously, I don't have a design to share with you yet - but the theme for this upcoming fall retreat is Halloween and I am already brainstorming for the project...I hope to see many new and familiar faces at this New Hampshire event next year! You can read more about the events at http://www.stitchingretreat.com.

Tonight I will be stitching on the model for "Friendship Blooms" - I am well underway on this new design and hope to have a peek to you by the end of the month. I also have some really fun handmade holiday gifts underway and will have some great sewing/crafting ideas for you in the next couple weeks...and yes, I am still taking it easy and getting plenty of rest...

Purchases, Presents, and Perks

To wrap up my posts about the New England Stitching Retreats, I have to share the goodies I brought home from my teaching excursion....and yes, there is quite a bit...in fact, I couldn't fit everything in my suitcase, so I had to ship a box home.

We'll start off with my quilting/fabric stash from Keepsake Quilting...I thought I did pretty well, considering this shop was on my bucket list. If you took a look at the photos I posted of this amazing shop on October 10th, then you know I really had to show some restraint. My favorite purchase: the owl fabric in the upper right corner (it makes me so very happy!)...

Then of course I made multiple trips to ABC Stitch Therapy - one before the events started and then once with each of the retreat groups....and of course, three trips added up to three purchases. I rarely purchase any cross stitch charts because I am so swamped with my own designs (plus I have an enormous stash already) - but I couldn't resist the Glendon Place "Outrageous Owls" chart. I also picked up Homespun Elegance "Bird Pincushion Box", the limited Liberty Hill "Halloween Night Scissor Block", two pairs of Halloween scissors, the Just Nan "Give A Hoot!" Wee Whimzi Box, and a large assortment of pins from my very favorite Puntini Puntini (so fabulous!) and JABCO.

As if all that wasn't enough, I received an AMAZING assortment of gifts from the retreat attendees. I am always blown away by the thoughtfulness and kindness of my students...they truly spoil me rotten! At the first retreat, Debbie gave me the most adorable Halloween bracelet with whimsical owl beads...Donna gave me a BEAUTIFUL Shaker pincushion from the museum gift shop (LOVE IT!)...Ruth brought me a lovely gift bag filled with mementos from New Hampshire (including a moose-shaped dog biscuit for Simba - yep, she even spoiled my dog!)...Elizabeth gave me a GORGEOUS knitted scarf...and since I made my first ever visit to a Dunkin' Donuts (which caused quite a bit of laughter), I received a DD trick-or-treat bag and a Halloween Munchkins box...not too mention I was given all sorts of snacks and beverages! At the second retreat, Gail brought me the most delightful Lavender Vanilla candle...the group from Australia brought me a couple cute tiny koala bears and a kitchen towel featuring the words of Andrew Barton 'Banjo' Peterson (an Australian poet, journalist, and author)...and Teresa (Teresa's Heartfelt Stitches) brought me an array of fantastic gifts. The homemade goodie bag from Teresa contained a bunch of See's Candy (DELICIOUS), smoked almonds, an autumn Kleenex pouch (she made), and the most adorable little snap pouch for lip balm (she cross stitched and sewed it!) - and best of all - she knows how much I like my food SPICY and got me tiny bottles of Tabasco Sauce that fit inside, so I can always spice things up!...and to top everything off (knowing I am heading to California for the first time next week), she gave me a "California Here We Come" tote bag - how thoughtful was that?!! Seriously - I couldn't ask for better stitching friends. Oh and yes, there is a ladybug Halloween costume for Simba that Nataly found for me after I told a story in class about the 5-year-old twins across the street wanting Simba to dress up as a ladybug for Halloween...

So I know your are thinking that has to be everything...BUT WAIT...there's more! For both of the retreats, I was included in the Yankee Swap event- yep, the teacher got to play too (how awesome is that?!)...the gift I ended up with at the first retreat included a vintage looking pincushion box, a pair of Dinky Dyes scissors, and a My Big Toe Needle Threader (woohoo!). At the second retreat, various gifts passed through my hands...but in the end I had a Clover Mini Iron and a bottle of fray check - both perfect for me and all my crafting endeavors! I also had to share the card that was in my room when I arrived - it had a Puntini Puntini exclusive Loon button made especially for the retreat attached - so very special. Nataly also included me in several of the evening gift bags with threads, chocolates, and tiny embellishments - it was pure joy to return to my room late at night and find a little organza bag tied on my door handle filled with little pressies.

Finally, after all the attendees had a chance to visit the gift shop in the Enfield Shaker Museum, I made a few purchases myself! If you checked out my blog post about the gift shop on October 17th, then you know it is filled with unique Shaker items from local artists - so many, it was hard to choose what to bring home this year. After much thought, I decided upon a Round Dresser Tray, a Shaker Tomato Pincushion (they are so lovely, I had to purchase an additional one), a Swallowtail Utensil Holder, four pegs, and four peggies. If you would like to do a little shopping yourself, visit the Enfield Shaker Museum Store online at: http://www.shakermuseum.org

There you have it - my fabulous purchases, presents, and perks! Next week I leave for a teaching engagement at Elegant Stitch in Modesto, CA - I am staying a couple extra days, as it is my first trip (ever) to California - Lois (bless her heart) has sightseeing and shopping planned for us - this post just might make her regret that decision...

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!

New England Stitching Retreat - Gift Shop Finds

Today, I start out with a bit of sad news...before I share the things I purchased at the Enfield Shaker Store, I will give you an update on the House Finch nest...

I woke up this morning to the basket on the ground, my geraniums crushed and broken...and the nest was on it's side and empty...some how during the night, the basket had fallen and the contents had crashed all over our front doorstep. There were no signs of the eggs...wanting to remain positive and hopeful, I was trying to figure out how the birds could have moved or saved the eggs...but my mother was quick to smash those hopes and dreams by telling me a predator probably found them and had a delicious meal. I was so heartbroken. As I cleaned up the mess and tried to salvage what was left of my geraniums, I only found a few small pieces of egg shell. So, there will be no photos of the baby birds...at least not in the near future - I did read pairs may raise three or more broods in a season, so we may have a new nest soon!

Now on to something much more fun!...
Like I mentioned in an earlier post, I did some wonderful stash shopping while in New England...and I brought back some fabulous finds from the Enfield Shaker Store (the gift shop located in the Great Stone Dwelling House/Museum). It was extremely difficult to choose mementos to bring home, as there were SO MANY incredible, hand-crafted boxes and gifts in this lovely shop. There were many gorgeous pincushions and sewing boxes in a variety of shapes and sizes...it really was hard to choose what to purchase and bring home.

First, I chose this amazing Fir Balsam Pillow - it smells so fresh and relaxing...plus I love that is has a natural linen cover that I could actually do some stitching on, if I so desire. This pillow is about 8" x 8"...and I am going to find the perfect place to put it, so I can continually enjoy it's delightful aroma.























Next, I chose this quaint little framed print. It is 5" x 7" without the frame...and it was a little difficult to get a good photo, as it is framed with glass. One of the things that drew me to this piece was the lettering of "Hands To Work, Hearts To God" - although you probably can't tell from the photo, the letters are made up of little tiny "x"s, so they look like cross stitch...and the hands are holding strands of thread. Plus the birds and the flowers...I just loved the whole design...


























And finally - I purchased this beautiful walnut shaker box made by Steve Grasselli. I love the unique two-tone look and the size of this box - it is about 4"W x 6"L x 3.25"D...a great size for sewing or stitching tools. I plan to make a padded cushion for inside and possibly some needlework smalls. The craftsmanship on all the various boxes was truly exquisite and I looked over many boxes multiple times - it was so hard to choose...I almost brought home a second box with a handle, but showed a little restraint!

So many fun things to share with you this week! I will be back tomorrow to share the stitching stash I purchased at ABC Stitch Therapy during our shopping spree and tea...

Also...I have to mention...Marie has started a New England Stitcher's Retreat Blog, so if you are interested in seeing photos and information on future retreats, you will want to visit:
http://www.stitchingretreats.blogspot.com/

New England Stitching Retreat - A Peek Inside

Today, my New England Stitching Retreat photos focus on the inside of the Great Stone Dwelling House - our home for the retreat weekend. The vast amount of windows and the natural light they provided was a huge plus for stitching...and the quiet halls and rooms added to the relaxation. The first evening of the retreat a tour was provided for those of us who were interested in the history of the building - we got to take a peek inside the attic, the second attic, and the bell tower...as you will see in one of the photos below, the second attic had a room completely filled with antique spinning wheels (quite the sight!). The view from my room window was lovely - overlooking the water and an endless skyline of trees. One of the wonderful things about this particular retreat was the fee was "all-inclusive"...including all of the meals...so we all had meals together and we didn't have to leave the location...and extremely important - the food was FANTASTIC...it was catered by a local restaurant called Mickey's and each and every meal was truly delicious. There was a wonderful stitching lounge...and seating areas at the end of each floor where stitchers could gather....and we did nightly. It really is a unique location. Although the individual rooms did not have the amenities of modern day hotels - I was very comfortable...and once the hot water reached my room (I was on the top floor), my shower was great! My room had the original split shaker shutters on all the windows....and of course the pegs for hanging my clothing. As you can tell, the history of this special venue was not lost on me - I was very inspired!

Inside My Room - taken in the evening with the shutters closed (as seen above the bed)...



























The Class Project - the shaker box with the kit supplies all tied together neatly, the special goodie bag commemorating the retreat - filled with awesome stash, and the class binder...























The Classroom - with loads of windows and natural light...

























The Classroom once the students took over...

























The Dining Room
























The Stitcher's Lounge

























The Meeting/Stitching Area (at the end of each floor)

























The Spinning Wheels in the Second Attic

























Shaker Chairs

























I hope you are enjoying a little tour from my New England teaching trip...I will be back with my stash photos (which for some reason everyone wants to see)...and a look at what I purchased in the museum gift shop!

*House Finch Update*...there are still five eggs in the perfectly round nest...and if I have timed it correctly, we will have baby birds any day...I will let you know as soon as they start to hatch...

New England Stitching Retreat - The Area

Hello friends! I have returned from my trip to New Hampshire, where I was teaching at the first New England Stitching Retreat. WOW....I don't know where to begin...what a fabulous weekend! First of all, we stayed at the Great Stone Dwelling House in Enfield, NH, which is also home to the Enfield Shaker Museum....and the history of this amazing building was not lost on me....what a treat to stay in this unique environment, free of televisions, radios, phones, etc. Some might miss those modern day amenities, but I'll take the charm of this lovely quiet setting any day...and who misses modern technology when you have the GREAT company of fellow needleworkers, fabulous views, delicious food, and a full schedule of great events....I truly had a wonderful time. My days in New England flew by! I have a brand new stitching family - friends I will have for a lifetime - we spent our late nights chatting it up in the stitching lounge and boy did we do our share of laughing...I can't remember the last time I laughed so hard...and many were stitching away into the wee hours of the morning. Our class was so much fun...and most of the students, if not all, finished their scissor fob in class...finishing work included! Plus, the students took home beautiful goodie bags, special treat bags each evening, door prizes, and stash bags...even I was jealous of all the great stuff they were able to take home...it was a good thing some of them brought extra suitcases. Not to mention we got to take a trip to ABC Stitch Therapy where we had a tea party (with perfect little treats) and massive shopping - those of you who live close enough to frequent this shop, I am so jealous...it is spectacular...I told Marie (the owner and sponsor of this retreat) I would live there, if she would let me! I did a TON of shopping and brought home some great stash (which I will share with you in the next few days)...I also brought home some unique things from the museum gift shop.

There is so much to share, I will do several posts...here are just a few of the photos I took of the grounds during my stay...

The Great Stone Dwelling House 1837-1841 (our home for the retreat):
























The West Meadow Barn 1856

























The Stone Mill Building 1849

Laundry and Dairy 1813























The Mary Keane Chapel 1932

























I promise to return with more photos over the next few days...including pictures from inside the Great Stone Dwelling House...and my stash enhancement! I feel so extremely blessed to have been invited to teach at this event...I am truly living my "dream"...

Beauty In Simplicity Oval Shaker Box

I am putting the finishing touches on the class I am teaching for the first New England Stitching Retreat...and I am getting more excited, as I fly out next week. It will be my first trip to New England and I am looking forward to visiting a new area of the United States. The class materials are just about ready to ship...and I have finally received the gorgeous hand-crafted Shaker Box and mounted the needlework in the lid. I am thrilled to share a photo of the finished box with you!

























This class design is titled "Beauty In Simplicity" and includes charting and instructions for the Shaker box and three matching needlework smalls...and those taking the class are getting the lovely oval box (it truly is gorgeous!). For those of you taking this special class, I can't wait to meet you...and for those unable to attend, but interested in the project; you will need to be patient, as it will be at least one year before this design is released to the public. For more information on this unique retreat, visit: http://www.stitchingretreat.com/ ....I believe there are still a few seats available...