Studio Samplings and a Sneak Peek

Greetings friends - happy Tuesday! It is a lovely (dare I say) autumn day here in Kansas, and I am enjoying the cooler temperatures and sunshine. It has been a bit of a whirlwind here the last few weeks, while I try to prepare for a trip to New Zealand. Yes, I am headed to New Zealand with my momma and second dad for the trip of a lifetime! We will be doing two weeks of hiking on the South Island - visiting the forests of the Routeburn Track, waterfalls of Milford Sound, mountains and glaciers of Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, and have exclusive access to Doubtful Sound, Martins Bay and Okarito Lagoon. We will be taking a helicopter trip through the remotest parts of Fiordland National Park...and Dan and I will be doing a Heli-Hike on the Tasman Glacier (where we'll take a helicopter or ski plane to Tasman, New Zealand’s longest glacier, put on crampons and explore the ice caves). We are seeing/doing so many incredible things, I can't even begin to mention them all here! I know, I can hardly believe it myself and feel extremely blessed to be invited on this grand adventure. This trip will have me out of my office/studio for three weeks, starting at the end of this month - and for a one-woman show/small business owner without vacation pay, I have been beyond overwhelmed and overloaded trying to even begin handle everything...but then, I take a deep breath and know it will all work out. I have been working on custom client orders, creating for my Etsy Shop, working on a couple new quilt patterns and projects for Poppie Cotton and finishing up three new cross stitch models/charts. I have been busy in every waking moment and the lists are still too long to even comprehend. I have, however, acquired all the needed gear for the trip and my suitcase is full...I have my hiking boots broken in...and I have been getting my cardio in at the gym - so I do feel mildly prepared for the actual trip. I would like to thank everyone who has made a purchase from my Etsy Shop - I really appreciate your project bag and pattern purchases - those sales are helping me pay the bills while I am out of the country - I am truly grateful for your orders. Here are just few things that have been on my studio table over the last few weeks...an assortment of creative projects (some custom project bag orders, some project bags I made for Etsy, and some client needlework finishing)…and there will be a sneak peek of a new cross stitch design at the bottom of this post....

I believe this was a limited piece from Brenda Gervais/WTNT. A glass cloche 
covers it - I just did the cross stitch finishing for the base. The client/stitcher sent
me a photo with the cloche after I returned it to her (see next photo).

Snow for Christmas - WTNT

Bring Us Good Cheer - Shepherd’s Bush

‘Tis Autumn - Shepherd’s Bush

October Pin Cushion - Shepherd’s Bush

Today, I'll be in the studio...I will be binding a new quilt design and preparing the pattern layout...plus I will be piecing another patchwork project and I sill have another cross stitch model to finish. Whew! I will leave you today with a sneak peek of a new cross stitch design - the next installment in my Rick Rack Rounds series....I am hoping to release it in the next couple weeks...

I'm so happy you stopped by to visit with me today! I hope you were inspired and have something creative planned for the week. Thank you again for your kind support of my designs and my Etsy Shop - sharing my artistry truly makes my heart sing and it is a privilege to share my joy with you.💗

FlossTube Episode Eleven: New Quilt Patterns and Cross Stitch Sneak Peek

Greetings friends...my latest FlossTube video has been posted - I hope you'll come visit with me! I share all the details for my two new quilt patterns - plus I show a sneak peek of a new upcoming cross stitch design. I also share a bunch of needlework finishing, project bags and some quilting...and I talk about my recent classes and class projects.  I look forward to sharing my passion for all things done with needle and thread with you...

You can find my YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/c/BelindaKarlsNace and I will post the latest video (https://youtu.be/WmqJ6isZQqw) below:

I also filmed a short tutorial video, with my trick for cutting pattern pieces accurately using freezer paper - this technique works great for wool applique, cross stitch finishing and quilting applique - it is a great trick for your creating arsenal. This video will be posted in the next week - I just have to finish editing it. I hope you will find this technique tutorial helpful...

On the home front, we have been doing some home improvement projects - so that is going on behind the scenes, as well. We had our garage flooring done this week and had to remove everything from our garage so they could do the epoxy coating. Once that was complete, we decided while our garage was empty to paint it - I know, not the best time to paint our garage walls, as it has been well over 100 degrees, but we finished it up really late last night. Now we have the task of putting everything back in the garage - I am making my husband become more organized out there...and we are cleaning everything before putting it away. It has been a big job, but the end is in sight and it has been well worth it.

I will be back soon to share my most recent projects (I've been busy in the studio). It has been difficult to find a balance with my new designs, Etsy projects, custom and finishing work, teaching, and my freelance designing...I am incredibly busy, but it is truly a blessing! Thanks for making the time to stop by my blog today...💗

Out of My Comfort Zone

Well, I finally did it - I jumped into the deep end and did something I have shied away from for many years...yep, I finally posted a FlossTube video...actually, it may be too soon to call it a FlossTube video...for now, we'll just call it a video. I figured with new designs coming out soon, it was time to stop over-thinking it and go for it...and of course, it is another step forward in finding my worth. Yes, it needs improvement... and yes, I almost deleted it before anyone could see it...and yes, it is completely out of my comfort zone...like as far out of my comfort zone as you can get. For better or worse, it's now out in the universe (or should I say YouTubeland), so there is really no going back now. We'll see where it goes from here - if you like it and would like to see more, I will start filming additional video clips...if I get a negative response and I scare everyone, I'll find a place to bury it and it will be the one and only...I'll see what it looks like in a day or two...

Episode One is called "Figuring Things Out & A Sneak Peak (Next Time - Better Lighting)." It was filmed in a small corner of my sewing room (studio) and I give you a brief introduction to me and Blue Ribbon Designs. It has a sneak peek of a new cross stitch sampler coming out soon and I talk a little bit about two other designs I will be releasing with it. I also do a show and tell with my latest quilt pattern designs. 

Mostly, I was proud that I figured out how to write and post the closed captioning with the video - this was important to me and I am so glad I got it to work. It's the little things...

You can find Episode One on my YouTube Channel or you can view it here: 

Let me know if you want to see more - if I have some subscribers and the views/likes/comments are positive, I'll make time to create additional content...

For now, I am back to my happy place - I have to finish piecing a new quilt design and get the finishing touches done on my new cross stitch patterns...as always, my list is long. Thanks for stopping by for a visit today...wishing you a happy and productive weekend...

Cherished Moments Sneak Peek

Greetings creative friends! I wanted to stop by today to visit with you about the Poppie Cotton Cherished Moments Fabric Tour that is happening right now... 

For those of you who may not be familiar with Poppie Cotton...it is a fabric company formed by Jina Barney (quilting and clothing designer and instructor) and Lori Woods (illustrator, artist, and designer)...and together they create some of the most beautiful and happy fabrics on the market! Many of their fabrics are nature inspired (and that is a HUGE reason they speak to me)...plus each print is filled with teeny tiny details, making each one so very special. I have fallen in love with each and every fabric collection they have released...and I am super excited to be involved in several upcoming fabric tours (which is a dream opportunity for me!). I have been busy designing and playing with some gorgeous upcoming releases, including Cherished Moments...

Cherished Moments is their newest fabric collection and it is currently arriving in quilt shops (be sure to visit your favorite quilt shop to find these joyful prints!). Throughout the month of August, you can visit the websites below to see some incredible uses of this endearing fabric line: 

CREATOR	DATE	WEBSITE
Danielle Kessler	3-Aug	https://www.instagram.com/thegoldilocksshoppe/
Anna Dineen	5-Aug	http://mywanderingpath.com/
Debbie Homick	7-Aug	http://happylittlecottage.blogspot.com/
Jess	10-Aug	https://www.sallietomato.com/blogs/blog/poppie-cotton-cherished-moments-fabric-tour
Lisa Garlick	12-Aug	https://www.nannygoatquilts.com/
Belinda Karls-Nace	14-Aug	https://blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com/
Erica Arndt	17-Aug	https://www.confessionsofahomeschooler.com/blog/category/quilting
Dori Troutman	19-Aug	http://theredfeedsack.blogspot.com/
Lindsay Weight	21-Aug	http://www.primrosecottagequilts.com/

Plus, click on the Cherished Moments link to see swatches of each print. I will be posting here and on my social media accounts on August 14th - so be sure to stop back then to see what I created with this drool-worthy collection. For now, I will leave you a couple sneak peaks....

Plans Change...

Hello friends - I apologize for not returning sooner with the promised new cross stitch design sneak peek....unfortunately, I had a touch of some sort of nasty flu the last couple days and it slowed me down a bit...but I am happily feeling better today - I have finally kept some food down and worked out at the gym this morning, so it's all good. 

As I mentioned in my previous post, I did go fishing with my husband last Saturday...and this time, I did catch some fish! I had to chuckle at many of your responses to my post about having a hard time just sitting still and fishing for hours...and this time I did take my Nook and a little stitching project with me, but I didn't get them out of my bag, as I was actually catching some fish - in fact, I caught the biggest fish of the day - a two and a half pound bass (I know, that doesn't sound large, but my husband assures me, that in Iowa, that is a good fish - and I also know, he is probably boosting my ego, so I keep going out on the lake with him) - you can see I was extremely happy in the photo (I know, not my best look - we were up at 5:30 AM to get on the water before the extreme heat, so hair and make-up weren't an option). Oh, and for those who might question whether we keep what we catch - no, we catch and release...

So, as promised, here is the peek at the new cross stitch model I have been working on...I had a special plan for this design, but sometimes plans must change, so I have decided to release it (along with a couple others) once it is complete. I have a title for it and a finishing idea...so give me some time to get everything (including the stitching) done, then I will post all the details here! Cross Stitch designing has always brought me immense joy, and it is nice to work on some new project ideas...

I planned to share a couple more things today...but Miss Schatzi needs to be picked up from the vet (just a routine check-up) and I have a pile of work to get to when I return...so again, plans change...but I'll be back soon with a new creative post. Thanks for visiting!

"Flurries in the Firs"

Summer temperatures arrived early in Iowa and I am not even remotely thinking about the winter holidays...but if you are "one of those" early bird needleworkers already working on Christmas ornaments, then you are in luck (and WAY too ahead of the game), because the Just CrossStitch Annual Christmas Ornament Preview Issue is here! If you have been enjoying my woodland ornament series, then you will be happy to see Blue Ribbon Designs included in this issue. You can find "Flurries in the Firs" in the the August 2016 Issue, which is now available.

My 2016 preview ornament complements my woodland ornaments from the past several years and uses Cross Stitch (over-two), Back Stitch, and Smyrna Cross Stitch. I worked the model on 40-count Mocha linen from Weeks Dye Works (same as previous ornaments in this series) and used Weeks Dye Works cotton floss. I opted for a flat-finish with two-tone cord as an embellishment....and as a little finishing tip for those of you using the 40-count linen - I used standard hotel room keys padded with cotton batting (or you could use fake or expired credit cards) instead of the padded mounting board that the magazine suggests...they are the perfect size!

Look for another Blue Ribbon Designs woodland series ornament in the JCS Christmas Ornament Issue out later this year. I'll be back in the next couple days with the sneak peek of my new cross stitch design...I ran out of time to get an "in progress" photo today...I'm going fishing with my hubby EARLY on Saturday morning, so I am writing this on Friday night and scheduling it to post on Saturday while we are out on the water...wish me luck (and yes, this time, I am taking a book and a small stitching project)...maybe this time I'll catch a fish!

Meet the Team

Things have been humming along in the Blue Ribbon Designs studio and as usual I have a plethora of projects in the works...including one HUGE job that includes 72 quilt blocks (yes, I said 72...and yes, my work space looks like complete *organized* chaos!). Last week I finished a seasonal project and tutorial for the AccuQuilt Blog, which will be posted on September 30th...and I will be back to share more with you on Wednesday (it will be worth the wait)...

Recently, AccuQuilt assembled a group of 12 bloggers for their official AccuQuilt Guest Blogger Team and I made the list, along with 11 other amazingly talented sewists/quilters/designers. This month, our assignment was a holiday project tutorial...and the creative posts will start this week. I chose to work on an autumn/Thanksgiving piece using the large Rustling Leaves dies...and the photo in the upper left gives you just a hint...

I wanted to give you a chance to get familiar with the other 11 members of the AccuQuilt Guest Blogger Team - their impressive blogs are all full of fabulous inspiration (I follow each and every one of them)....so take a few minutes and visit these links - you won't be disappointed....

• House on Hill Road (Erin Harris): http://www.houseonhillroad.com/
• Avery Lane Designs (Erin Hentzel): http://averylanesewing.com/the-blog/
• Beaquilter (Bea Lee): http://www.beaquilter.com/
• Freemotion by the River (Connie Kresin Campbell): http://www.conniekresin.com/
• Gem Hill Quilts (Gina Gempesaw): http://gemhillquilts.blogspot.com/
• Ray's Sew Crafty (Diana Ray): http://rayssewcrafty.com/
• Samplings from a Blue Ribbon Girl (Belinda Karls-Nace) http://blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com/ (that's me!)
• Sew Fresh Quilts (Lorna McMahon): http://sewfreshquilts.blogspot.com/
• The Whimsical Workshop Studio (Heidi Pridemore): http://heidipridemore.blogspot.com/
• A Quilting Life (Sherri McConnell): http://www.aquiltinglife.com/
• Simple Simon and Company (Elizabeth Evans and LiZ Evans): http://www.simplesimonandco.com/
• Blue Feather Quilt Studio (Marjorie Busby): http://b-quilts.com/blog/

Be sure to watch the AccuQuilt Blog in the coming weeks for all 12 project tutorials!

For now, I leave you with a little sneak peek of a photo from my upcoming post...

"Flurry Friends"

Here is a little peek of another upcoming BRD release titled "Flurry Friends". I finished the model stitching last night and will have more details for you soon. If you are a Blue Ribbon Designs fan, then you may remember I did a couple wintry kitchen towel designs for Cross Stitch & Needlework Magazine over a year ago - this design combines the two towel designs into one and the chart will include the new large design and the two kitchen towel designs. This snowy design is (of course) perfect for framing, but I think I am going to change things up a bit...I'm still deciding what I want to do with it...I just know it will be something fun and different from the usual frame. As soon as it is ready to be revealed, I will be back with more information for you!

"Simply Sweet"

Here is just a little peek of an upcoming BRD release titled "Simply Sweet". I finished the model stitching last week and will have more details for you soon - this will be design number two in the Seasonal Samplings Series. This delicate design is perfect for framing, but I think I am going to change things up a bit and finish it into a pillow as an alternative...I'm still working on the perfect plan. As soon as it is ready to be revealed, I will be back with more information for you!

Plus, I should have a sneak peek of "Flurry Friends" for you later this week...my needle has been working overtime...

California Bound...

My suitcase is packed again...and I am ready to fly back to the West Coast - today I leave for one of my very favorite destinations (Elegant Stitch in Modesto, CA) for another teaching trip. I am so excited to see good friends (there will be quite a few familiar faces) and add more new members to my stitching family! I absolutely adore traveling to meet fellow needleworkers and spending time with each of them in class (and yes, I am giddy to be escaping the terrible Iowa weather!). I will be teaching "Bluebird Sewing Box" (shown below) to a nice large group...and I just know we are going to have a fabulous time! As a bonus, all of Team Twinkle Toes will be in attendance and we will be taking a group photo...and who knows, we might even be able to get in a walk...after all, it is sunny and 80+ degrees there! I am currently finishing up a few details, packing my bags, and getting my camera ready - I leave in just a few hours - I plan to take lots of photos to share with you (Lois has been kind enough to let me stay a couple extra days and be my tour guide...she has no idea what she is in for...well, actually, she does...and I am sure we will find some trouble to get into)! I will not be taking my laptop on this trip, so my communication will definitely be limited - please be patient with my response time...I will return all messages and reopen my Etsy shop upon my return next Thursday (April 25th).

To those of you attending - I'm counting the hours - I can't wait to see you - we are going to have a MARVELOUS time!

Blue Jeans and Daisies

Today I have a fun little teaser to share with you...this is a little peek at the mystery sampler, which I have titled "Blue Jeans and Daisies". I originally shared a few details with you about the Mystery Sampler Club at the end of November - now I have a special "teaser" photo to entice you a little bit more!

Still keeping you in "suspense", here are a few details I can share with you about the Mystery Sampler Club...

• The title is "Blue Jeans and Daisies"...
• It has a "springtime" theme...
• Each chart will contain a fun finishing idea...
• Collect all three designs to unlock a mystery bonus on my website when the 3rd and final part is released...
• The first part is set to be released on January 21, 2013...
• Stitch count for the entire sampler is 150H x 300W - each installment will be approximately 150H x 100W...

For additional details or to sign up, visit your favorite needlework shop or stitchy website (you can only get it through a needlework shop - your shop of choice - LNS or ONS) - they will have all the details for the program. There will be three parts to the "mystery sampler" - the first part is scheduled to be released in January - the second part in February - and the third part in March....together all three parts make one large sampler...with a photo of the entire project to be released with the third and final installment (hence the "mystery"). 

(NOTE: before you comment/post "I don't have a local needlework shop" - contact the shop where you purchase your stitching stash (charts and supplies)...it can be a local shop OR an online needlework shop...OR visit the "Locate" page on my website for a list of shops that will be able to assist you.)

So without further ado, here is just a taste to whet your appetite!

"Friendship Blooms"

Today I have a sneak of peek of a new design to show you (before framing)...here is your first look at "Friendship Blooms". This friendship sampler will be released in February at the Nashville Needlework Market. The sampler is stitched on 40-count Weeks Dye Works Straw linen with Weeks Dye Works cotton floss. I thought it would be fun to have several other finishing ideas with the chart - so I made multiple ornaments (could be fobs or hook hangers) using three different finishing techniques...one uses finishing forms - one backs the ornament with linen - one backs the ornament with fabric or wool. Finishing instructions for all three will be included in the chartpack. The ornaments/fobs/hook hangers shown in the photo were all stitched on 28-count Bone Jobelan, but I will be doing several with the 40-count Weeks Dye Works linen, as well. As with most of my designs, there are multiple possibilities for finishing! I wanted a fun, cheerful release in February that included many of my favorite motifs, as it tends to be quite gloomy here that time of year...

I am now working on another new design model called "Redwork Garden" which is somewhat a companion to "Quilted Garden"...it is a larger design, so it will take me a couple weeks to get it stitched - I am thrilled with the charting and can't wait to share it with you!

Berries, Birds, and Blooms...

I finished my sampler for Just CrossStitch magazine this week...and I really am thrilled with how it turned out! Obviously, I can't share a photo with you....you will have to wait until the Jan/Feb 2011 issue is released...but I will give you just a teeny tiny little peek...it is titled "Berries, Birds, and Blooms" and is one of my signature samplers...

As far as home front news...I haven't shared any photos or stories, because nothing is finished...yep, you heard me correctly...as with most home improvement projects (and especially when dealing with contractors) there are always delays and additional issues. The bathroom remodel should have been done a week ago, but we are still waiting on several square feet of porcelain tile to arrive that just happen to be on back-order (go figure!)...so we are still without a master bathroom. I feel like everything is a mess (inside and outside)...and for those of you who know me, I don't do messy well AT ALL...I like everything in it's place and I like to be in control....right now everything is out of place and I have absolutely no control...yes, someone is definitely trying to teach me a lesson. I have slightly calmed down over the last few days, but for the most part, I have been grumpy and frustrated. Good thing I have tons of work and stitching to do to keep me occupied (and sane).

I have started charting and picking materials for four new designs to be released this fall...I have three 2011 teaching designs to prepare....a new complimentary pattern that will be coming soon...and one other special project I was just asked to work on (that I am hoping to find time to fit in this next week). It seems like so much...yet, I feel inspired and ready to create...hopefully I will be sharing some of these creations with you REAL soon....

Sneak Peek: "Sweet Simple Samplings"

You are seeing it here first...a sneak peek at one of my new designs for release later this summer...it is titled "Sweet Simple Samplings". This design will also include instructions to make each square into an ornament, fob, or hook hanger...stitch the entire sampler design or stitch a small single sampler. Obviously this is a pre-frame photo and not in the perfect lighting, but I wanted to share it with you right away...you get the idea! The model is stitched on 40-count Lentil hand-dyed fabric from Lakeside Linens with Weeks Dye Works cotton threads. I can't wait to start stitching a few of the ornaments...more information and photos will be forthcoming...