Springtime Snapshots

Hello friends! The last few weeks have been a bit of a whirlwind, but filled with good things - I continue to keep busy with my creative endeavors, training for the Komen 3-Day, and all the usual household things (including yardwork and planting). I even managed to get out for an afternoon on the boat with my husband - we took Miss Schatzi along for the first time (and more than likely the last - she was a handful)! Model stitching has been happening each evening...sewing, quilting, and pattern writing has been happening each day...long training walks are in full swing...and my design sketch books are full of new ideas. Here are a few photos to catch you up...

A little design work with EQ7 and BlockBase...

Lunch and a trip to the local quilt shop with my very dear friend...
I brought home these goodies...

Schazti snuggles selfie...

Simba holding down the stairs...in his favorite sweater, in his favorite spot...

Schatzi at the park after retrieving the ball (what seemed like) a million times...

A custom order of Stitch Starter Ruler and Pocket Sleeve Sets...

A new project ready for binding...

My latest AccuQuilt blog project...details/tutorial will be posted later this week...

So there you have it...my last couple weeks in a nutshell...projects are going on behind the scenes that I can't share just yet, but I will as soon as I can (some really fun stuff!). Have a great week and I'll be back soon with my latest project tutorial....

Spring Fling

I am guest posting on the AccuQuilt Blog today...and the spotlight is on my latest design creation "Spring Fling". This bright and cheerful springtime wall hanging (measuring 24" W x 18" H) will definitely bring joy to your favorite spot...and I give you a full tutorial, so you can make one of your very own. This project uses the new GO! Qube Mix & Match 6" Block to create the six 6" traditional quilt blocks...and a couple GO! applique dies for the center motifs.  I provide a full detailed tutorial with images that will have you sewing  your own springtime project in no time! So, stop by the AccuQuilt Blog for all the details...you have plenty of time to finish up this seasonal project before your garden is in full bloom...
https://www.accuquilt.com/blog/education/go-product-tutorials/spring-fling-wall-hanging-a-quilting-tutorial/

Brightening Up Winter

View from my deck door...

I should have never posted I have "spring fever"...because what happens??...it snows for two consecutive days...making my fever increase by several more degrees. I was supposed to visit my dear friend Kimber yesterday - but awoke to 6 inches of fresh snow...and all sorts of weather advisories and traffic accidents...and forecasts for 24+ more hours of snowfall. I promptly (and unhappily) canceled my road trip and made plans to stay safely home - even though I have 4-wheel drive vehicle, I rather be safe than sorry. To deal with the snow, ice, wind, cold temperatures and basic gloom - I decided to surround myself with the beautiful colors of spring. The first thing I did was settle in with a hot cup of tea and one of my absolute favorite magazines - Mollie Makes - it is now available for my Nook Color which thrills me! I also did some planning for some Etsy projects and worked on some class kits. In the afternoon, I did some new cross stitch charting...including an ornament for the 2013 Just CrossStitch Ornament Issue and some fine tuning for the New England Stitcher's Retreat project in progress.

An assortment of bright and cheery Riley Blake Fabrics I am playing with...
"Sunny Happy" Skies by Bella Blvd.

Mail delivery has been a little "hit or miss" during inclement weather this year, but to my surprise, the mailman delivered a couple cheerful packages today. I received a fabulous birthday package from my dear, dear friend Ruth which was a complete ray of sunshine - it included 72 rolls of bright decorative ribbon, bakers twine, and jute - 24 ribbon spools of each (5-yards per spool)....you should have seen my eyes light up when I saw this fabulous assortment - my jaw hit the floor! The package also included a very fun birthday mug filled with K-cups and specialty hot chocolate packages...and a lovely "sisters" plate with easel. Such a cheerful, thoughtful, and timely package!!

Also in the mail - a little surprise from California - including this adorable fluffy chick...seriously - how cute and "springy" is this??!

Last night, my husband needed me to venture out in the VERY nasty weather to take him to pick up a rental car for a business trip...so we ran some errands and had a nice dinner out (it was actually relaxing - with all the snowfall the city was extremely quiet!)...and we finally went and picked up my new walking shoes! I am so thrilled to have a good pair of shoes for training and I am saving my pennies for a second pair...I am guessing I will need at least two more pairs for my Komen 3-Day journey. What a difference a GOOD pair of shoes make  - and aren't they bright and cheerful?! The color is listed as "Black with Electric Pink and Apple"....and since the walk is for breast cancer, they just *had to* have PINK...

Just a few things that are brightening up my gloomy winter days...if you are in the path of winter weather, I hope you have some bright and cheerful items/colors to lift your spirits...

On A Snowy Evening...

The predicted snow storm has definitely hit the Midwest and I am thankful I got all my "running" done beforehand. I moved Simba's grooming appointment up to first thing this morning (instead of this afternoon) - then filled up the Jeep with gas, visited the post office, ran a few errands, and got some last minute grocery shopping done while he was getting his bath and haircut. We arrived home in time to take a good cold walk before the heavy snow started to fall. I am happy to be at home, safe and warm...enjoying the snow from my studio window...

I wanted to take a moment and share couple creative things with you this evening, before heading to my stitching nest or sewing machine (I haven't decided yet). I received a lovely birthday package from my friend Lorrie this week - she delivered it at the perfect time, as the last couple weeks have been filled with challenges and I needed a little pick-me-up. I was excited to see she included one of her fabric bowls - Lorrie has been experimenting with making fabric bowls after receiving one as a gift (you can read about it/see photos on her blog: http://www.astitcherssnippets.blogspot.com/). I wasted no time in filling my bowl with trims and ribbons I am using for current projects and have it sitting on my sewing table. Several years ago, I was obsessed with making fabric bowls for gifts and found a couple wonderful books - perhaps I should see if Lorrie would like to borrow them....if you are interested in making bowls from fabric, check out "Fast, Fun & Easy Fabric Bowls" (2003) and "Fast, Fun & Easy Irresist-A-Bowls" (2005) both by Linda Johansen (C & T Publishing) and are still available. Each book has clear instructions for five reversible bowls - great for beginners with lovely color photographs, diagrams, and details...and wonderful ideas for materials, embellishments, and decorative stitches! (No affiliation, I just enjoy these books...)

The fabric bowl Lorrie gifted me - made from the Blackbird Designs Blueberry Crumb Cake Fabric Collection.

Lorrie spoiled me with other creative gifts as well - including a gorgeous heart fob with my cross stitched initial ("Heart To Heart" - By The Bay Needleart...heart pendant by Nunn Designs) - a BEAUTIFUL cookbook ("The Afternoon Tea Collection" - Metro Books) - along with recipe cards, and the cutest wrought iron bird card holder (see photo top right for detail)...there was even a fun magnetic owl "to-do" list pad and a unique wrought iron daisy. It was such a cheerful and heartfelt package from a very dear friend!

I'm thinking I may need to put the Afternoon Tea cookbook to good use during this storm...I already have a cup of black tea on my desk as I type this...and the recipes all sound scrumptious...perfect for a cold winter day!

Finally - I have been busy working on more items for the Blue Ribbon Designs Etsy Shop - more needlework pouches, stitch starter sleeves, and holiday pieces...there is quite an assortment for St. Patrick's Day...and last night I listed a few spring items...and more will be on the way...I have already cut multiple projects from some gorgeous sampler fabrics that are ready for assembly...but for now, here are some of my current/new listings...

To those of you in the winter storm path - stay safe and warm...

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!

A BIG Mysterious Announcement!

Today is the day! I can finally share with you some details on a HUGE project I have been working on for several weeks. I have been invited by the needlework distributor
Norden Crafts to be their next mystery sampler designer - yep, that's right I have designed the next project for the Mystery Sampler Club!

For those of you who are not familiar with the Mystery Sampler Club...you have to sign up with your favorite needlework shop (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"). Many of you are familiar with the Lizzie Kate "Very Scary" Mystery Sampler and the With Thy Needle & Thread "Birds of a Feather" Mystery Sampler - this is the very same program.

Still keeping you in "suspense", here are a few details I can share about my "mystery" with you...

• 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...

So there you have it - the big announcement I have been waiting to share with you - I hope you will join in my excitement and contact your needlework shop of choice for all the details! 

(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.)

Start out your New Year with a fun, new, springtime project!

Springtime Giveaway Recipients

What a delight it was to read all of the comment entries in my latest blog giveaway...I loved reading about what "springtime" means to you - and about how you enjoy this springtime weather - it was such a treat to hear from each and every one of you! I must thank you all for visiting and following my blog, posting comments, and inspiring me on a daily basis. I am making this post a bit later in the day than expected - I have been experiencing some technical difficulties, therefore there are no photos posted today (I apologize) - but rest assured, all of your entries were put into my large basket and the recipients were randomly drawn...yes, that is right, I said recipients! The comments were all so bright and cheerful, I decided to draw two names...so without further ado...here are the posts from the two lucky recipients - congratulations to both Barb and Jannie:

• Anonymous Apr 2, 2012 06:22 PM
  I enjoy the colors of spring - esp after a drab winter! Snowdrops bloom first in our garden, and the Lenten roses are beautiful. Daffodils are so cheerful! But my favorite spring bloomers are the Redbud trees and the azalea bushes, and later in spring, the mountain laurel (our state flower in PA). We have all of these in our yard.
  You create beautiful designs Belinda and I enjoy reading your blog.
  Barb 

• Jannie Apr 1, 2012 07:26 AM
  I live in Colorado - our springtime here is the best! No humidity. Beautiful Mts. in the distance with snow on the top reminds me that the snow is far far away frome me - right where I like it. The deer come out a lot more to drink from the creek behind us and the ducks in the creek continually do the Happy Dance. Of all the places I've ever lived, the skies are bluer here than anywhere & especially in the spring and summer seasons. I love your blog and I check it everyday - your designs astound me ( - : Thx for the way too generous giveaways. Bless you.

I will be sending an email to both recipients momentarily....and I sincerely thank you all for taking the time to post a comment - I truly wish I could afford to send each entry a prize chart. Rest assured, there will be more giveaways in the future!

BRD Springtime Giveaway

Spring has definitely arrived in my corner of the world - we are having lovely, sunshine filled days and everything is green and starting to bloom - so let's celebrate by having a Blue Ribbon Designs giveaway!

The prize?? - a duo of Blue Ribbon Designs needlework charts - "Sweet Songs of Spring" and "Blooming with Inspiration"...yep, one lucky recipient will receive both design charts...

To enter, simply leave one comment on this post - tell me what you love about springtime, what you plant in your gardens, or what you enjoy doing this time of year - all comments will go into a random drawing where one fan/follower will receive this special pair of design charts.

Fine print:

• Giveaway is open until 11:59 PM CST Tuesday, April 3rd, 2012.
• International entries welcome.
• All entries require a valid email address. Please make sure your email address is visible in your profile (so I have a way of contacting you, should you be randomly chosen) - if you are uncertain or post "anonymously", please leave your email address and your first name with your comment - entries without a valid email will be disqualified.
• No chart substitutions.
• E-mail entries will not be accepted, you must leave a comment on this post.
• One comment per person; multiple comments will be deleted/disqualified.
• One recipient will be announced on Wednesday April 4, 2012.

There you have it - all the "Springtime" giveaway details...I am happy to be able to thank those who continually follow my blog and leave encouraging and enthusiastic comments! I hope my future posts maintain your interest and inspire you... Good luck to all!

Spring Fever

I have spring fever - it's not a secret...I honestly can't wait for sunshine, clear days, green grass, leafs on trees, and walks in the park...really, any sign would make me happy. Today is cold, gloomy, grey, overcast, and raining...and that is not helping with my spring fever...I'm ready for the season to change. Just as the rain/sleet was really starting to get to me, my husband and I spotted a large group of robins in our yard...the first robins of the year! Across the street is a large cherry tree and an entire flock of robins was having a feast - a beautiful sign of spring - exactly what I needed to see today. Travis was laughing as I ran to get my camera...I just had to get a few photos before they flew away...something to remind me that springtime is really on the way (if only it could arrive today)!

The gloomy weather has been the perfect excuse to lock myself in the studio - I have been busy working on class kits, some small magazine models, and I am almost finished with a nice size quilt I started over the weekend. I used a sunshine yellow fabric to sash my quilt, just to brighten up my mood....hopefully I will have a photo for you real soon. This evening, I will be doing some finishing work and maybe do a little more quilting...I am not going to let my spring fever inhibit my creativity!

A Touch of Spring

What a beautiful few days we have had here in Iowa...the sun has been shining, temperatures are unseasonably warm, and most of the snow and ice has melted away....and although we have not seen the end of the cold and snow, this vacation from winter weather has been welcomed with open arms! I am itching for spring to arrive...and little signs are popping up - I heard birds singing outside my bedroom window this morning, kids are outside playing basketball this afternoon, and it seems everyone is outside walking their dog. It is fun to see fresh patterns and fabrics arriving in shops...and summer clothing is already on store racks. This is the time of year I am itching to spring clean my home and start fresh for the year ahead. I was telling my girlfriends - I just want a few days off to wash and scrub everything - a deep cleaning - get rid of the winter blahs.

Yesterday, I received the cutest package in the mail...and it definitely put me in the mood for spring! My dear friend Lorrie send me the sweetest birthday card...along with a gorgeous pale pink wall-mount bud vase and beautiful rose handkerchief. This was one of those super surprise packages that was completely unexpected and immediately made me smile. I have not seen a bud vase quite like this one before...it is cone-shaped with a flat back and a hole at the top for hanging - isn't it wonderful?! It is the perfect touch of spring for my home. I was also giddy with the handkerchief - it has a stunning rose pattern - and handkerchiefs are really making a comeback...there are numerous new books and articles featuring them and their uses in sewing and craft projects. I was tickled to receive such a thoughtful gift for my special day. Like I said yesterday - friendships are definitely good for the soul - I am so extremely blessed!

A Sign of Spring: UPDATE

A little update on the basket bird nest....

First of all, after seeing the mother bird in the nest and the father bird close by (and with a bunch help from my mother who is a bird aficionado), it has been determined that this nest belongs to a House Finch. When I posted on Wednesday, the bird nest had two tiny adorable eggs....Thursday morning, the nest had three eggs....Friday morning the nest had four eggs...and today, the nest had five eggs! Looks like my little bird family is growing...who knows, maybe tomorrow the nest will have six eggs....

Unfortunately, there are no cross stitch or sewing project photos to show today...I have been busy getting all the materials and kits finished and shipped to New England for the retreat next week. I have also been doing some charting for new summer designs, a magazine sampler, and a class for 2011...I'm keeping busy, as usual...

Wishing you a joyous weekend filled with sunshine...

Snowy Robin

Remember all the way back to yesterday when I was commenting about how signs of spring were everywhere? I was thinking I need to take some photos of the robins and tiny little sprouting plants popping up...and this morning the sun was shining and I thought what a lovely day to go outside and do some yard work...well, now it is 8 hours later and it is SNOWING! It started out misty, then sleet, now snow - how did my beautiful sunshine day completely turn around?! I had to go outside and catch a photo of this beautiful robin on my freshly snow-covered lawn. Yes, signs of spring are arriving...but winter has decided to keep it's presence a little longer....

I guess it will be a good evening to stay inside and do some much needed model stitching. My broken finger is finally starting to heal and I am able to hold a needle much easier. I'm looking forward a Saturday stitch-in with my girlfriends tomorrow - always a special treat! Maybe I will bring that poor Papillon Creations Mystery Sampler I have been working on since February 2006....