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...

Valentine Snow Day

We are in the middle of another winter storm here in Iowa - inches of snow, bitter cold temperatures, and extreme winds - a great day to stay inside and be creative...in fact, I only ventured outside today to walk try to walk Simba (and that was quite an adventure, as my neighbors didn't feel it was important to clean their sidewalks and driveways). I have spent the last couple days catching up on paperwork, doing my year-end business reporting, my sales taxes, and cleaning/rearranging and inventorying my warehouse...and I must say, I am thrilled to have those "not-so-fun" tasks done. Today I decided to spend my snow day playing in my studio...the theme for today was Valentine's Day!

I decided to finish up another batch of machine embroidered lace hearts for my Etsy shop...I had some color requests and some custom orders, so I got all those finished and shipped...and I managed to get an assortment of 34 hearts listed. In my digitized machine embroidery library I found my favorite tiny lace heart, so I started making a small batch...I also played with some wools and made another one of my heart/flower embellished zippered pouches...and I got fabrics cut for several more sewing projects. It was a wonderful afternoon/evening and I enjoyed every minute...

Machine embroidered lace hearts for my Etsy Shop...

Tiny machine embroidered FSL hearts in progress...

Heart/flower embellished zippered wool pouch...

A Valentine project in progress...

I have one more fun thing to share with you today - last weekend my husband took me out for an afternoon...after all, it had been weeks since I had been out and about - the flu had kept me cooped up for WAY too long. We had a delightful lunch, then headed to our favorite coffee shop...then I twisted his arm (it wasn't hard) to take me to the new cupcake shop that just opened up in our neighborhood - it is called Scratch Cupcakery...and it was AMAZING! I have never seen so many beautifully decorated cupcakes in one place - and that is a good thing, as they were packed with people - we had to wait in line and I think we watched about 50 cupcakes walk out the door in the few minutes we were there. Their cupcake menu is extensive and we had a terrible time trying to narrow down our choices. We decided to pick-up four cupcakes - 2 for each...one for then and one for later...we both wanted to try Toffee...and I wanted to try White Chocolate Raspberry, but since they were sold out, I was "forced" to try Raspberry Love...and my husband tried Coconut. I must tell you - they tasted as good as they looked...the cake was rich and moist and they use real heavenly buttercream frosting - they were sinful. I am actually surprised a got a couple photos before they were devoured. For some reason, I see another trip to this scrumptious cupcake place in the near future...

Thanks for visiting me today friends! I am now headed to my cozy stitching nest to finish up the needlework small for part two of the mystery sampler...and since I have a chill, I may just have to make a hot cup of tea or coffee to warm up...enjoy your evening - and if you are experiencing winter weather, stay safe and warm...

Sewing Up A Storm...

Remember the new project bags I told you about a few weeks ago...the ones I was perfecting my pattern for...the ones that would be perfect for carrying an entire needlework project?? Well, I finally have a pile of them completed and listed in my Etsy shop. After working on several prototypes, I decided on a size of approximately 14" W x 10.25" H...and the zipper placement to be across the top, instead of in the front - which makes it easier to insert your stitching chart and materials. A full-size (8.5" x 11") pattern or book fits easily inside with plenty of room for your fabric, threads, and essentials. Each bag is padded with fusible fleece, making it sturdy and perfect for protecting the contents....and it is fully lined with NO raw, exposed, or serged seams. They are a bit time consuming to make - hence, the delay and finishing this first batch...but I am thrilled with the results. Next up, I will be finishing a pile of needlebooks that I have been promising you for some time....they are on the way...really, they are....I have set a goal to have them completed this week...

For now, it is off to my stitching nest...where I am working on a model for The World of Cross Stitching Magazine...it is in my signature style and is coming along very nicely. I feel extremely blessed with the state of the economy/industry to have teaching engagements, magazine/book projects, and my Etsy shop to keep Blue Ribbon Designs going strong...there will be new needlework charts on the way, I am just trying to make the best business decision for their release...rest assured there will be new designs from Blue Ribbon Designs in the coming months - I'll keep you updated as to when...

Stitching & Sewing

I have been on a very creative path since my last post. As far as cross stitch, I have been working on needlework smalls and a tutorial for a class coming up later this year, I have been preparing five new Blue Ribbon Designs for printing...and I finished charting and started model stitching magazine pieces for both The World of Cross Stitching Magazine and Cross-Stitch & Needlework Magazine. There will be more details on each of these designs coming in the future....

I have also been keeping busy with sewing and quilting. I finished a birthday gift for my dear friend Lorrie - a knitting needle case using the Blueberry Crumb Cake fabric line by Blackbird Designs for Moda....I had been wanting to make Lorrie one of these cases since she admired one I made for my friend Merry last Christmas. This tri-fold case has plenty of pockets for knitting needles (with a fabric flap pocket cover) and a zippered pouch built in...plus it folds up and ties closed to make it perfect for travel.

My Etsy shop also has new pincushions for sale. I have had several requests for more Blueberry Crumb Cake and Beach House tuffets (to match my stitch starter ruler pockets and stitching pouches), so the ones pictured below have been listed....

I also completed this custom purple set for one of my Etsy Shop frequent buyers - I had fun working on this special project...

I have ten of my new project bags cut and ready to be pieced this week...I just need a few more hours in each day (don't we all?). I also have a pile of needlebooks ready for assembly (which I know several of you are anxiously awaiting)...I am hoping to get to those soon, as well. With massive model stitching on my plate and my husband being home on vacation this week, my time is a little limited...but I will do my best to get these new items completed/listed soon....

Bird On A Branch

I did some "playing" today....I worked on a prototype for a new zippered project pouch I plan to produce in multiple for my Etsy shop...I made two different styles with several specifics in mind - I have always had serged seams inside my fully lined/padded zippered pouches and I am working to have no raw/serged edges...it was a bit of a challenge today, but I finally got one made of muslin to work....and then I did one with quality cotton to test everything...once I have the pattern perfected, I will get a pile cut and start the assembly line sewing. These zippered pouches will be large enough to hold a stitching chart and supplies - the prototype is 14" W x 10.25" H....and may change just a bit before production...and they are fully lined and use fusible fleece to give them a sturdy padding. I would like to add some embellishments and, of course, a zipper tab. I have quite a few yards of retired sampler fabric that will be perfect for these...

I also wanted to try a new wool appliqué pincushion idea I have been playing around with....which turned out to be a very fun distraction to my day. The top of the pincushion is wool fabric and wool felt (some hand-dyed)...and the bottom of the pincushion is quality cotton quilting fabric (the same green leaf fabric you see in the photo). It is stuffed nicely with crushed walnut shells and measures approximately 6" W x 4.75 H x 2" D. The wool appliqué was all done on machine...and it gave me a chance to experiment with some specialty stitches. The bird's eye is a teeny tiny button hand sewn in place and I added a few decorative pins for embellishment. I have plans to do an assortment of fun wool appliqué pincushions for my Etsy shop - with a variety of colors and motifs...this was just my first attempt to work with size and layout...and if you like this particular one, it will be listed momentarily...

Focused and Inspired...

It has been a productive few days, as I have been having model stitching marathons each evening and working on items for my Etsy shop 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 of my pieces in the Blueberry Crumb Cake fabric line by Blackbird Designs...so I finished up 24 pieces over the weekend - nine more Stitching Cases (Needlework Pouches) and fifteen more Stitch Starter Ruler Sets....and yes, there will be some needlebooks on the way (I know I have been promising them for a while - they are just a little more time consuming and require some additional supplies - but I will get some completed soon!). All 24 pieces shown below have now been listed...
http://www.etsy.com/shop/BlueRibbonDesigns

I have a fun new pincushion idea I want to try...so I picked up a 25 lb. bag of crushed walnut shells today while running errands. I also picked up a fun assortment of new fabrics while I was in Omaha/Fremont a couple weeks ago - so I have things in the works for those, as well.

More exciting news - my prize-winning $1,000 AccuQuilt shopping spree order arrived last week...after spending over a week narrowing down my wish list (was that ever a task...my "want list" is ridiculously LONG), I finally settled on 23 Studio dies, 2 GO! dies, and 10 cutting mats/plastics...I was completely giddy when two large boxes arrived from AccuQuilt! I haven't had much time to just "play" yet - but I have big plans for all the dies I chose...and as I work on each project, I will be sure to share them here....

Sweet Surprises

A little over a week ago, I received the sweetest surprise in the mail from my dear friend Lorrie - a "just because I love you" surprise...WOW...it was unexpected and amazing and totally turned my week around. In the package was a a wrapped (yes, wrapped...and we all know how much I love tiny wrapped packages!) present...and inside - a beautiful thread puller with counting pins and a handmade needlecase!

She had the tread puller (aka Thread Catcher) and counting pins made especially  for me (so very thoughtful!) by BeadinHandy on Etsy, using my "blue ribbon blue" color and silver owl beads (shown right - difficult to photograph - click on the image too see it in more detail) - I absolutely ADORE these - they are made beautifully and fit me to a tee - they are perfect...and I see in this particular Etsy shop, there is the cutest set with "rich purple birds" - hmmm, I may need to make a purchase myself. What a special set of treasures!

The beautiful needlecase  was made from of one of my favorite fabric lines (Williamsburg R Presents The Sampler Collection by Windham Fabrics) by Lorrie herself...and it is LOVELY (shown bottom photo - left). I, personally, have made tens of these needlecases, but have given them all away and not kept one for myself...so I was absolutely THRILLED to have one made for me...one that I can treasure and use - oh what a perfect surprise!

....and, as if that wasn't enough, today I received yet ANOTHER small package in the mail from Lorrie...and low and behold, it was a drawstring bag to match my needlecase....in the same fabulous fabric. Again, I have made many of these, only to give all of them away - so to have one all for myself is such a treat! I can't wait to use this special pouch to carry a project on the go with me...and of course, I will have my new matching needlecase filled with needles/pins, scissors, and my little ruler, as well!

Lorrie - thank you so much for lifting my spirits - your kindness and thoughtfulness has touched me deeply. What a wonderful way to start my week....

A Plethora of Pouches

I hope this post finds you enjoying what is left of your weekend....

I have found myself model stitching up a storm over the last week...but I did manage to get in a tiny bit of sewing. I finished up eighteen more sewing cases/needlework pouches in a variety of fun fabrics...measuring 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. This time I embellished a pile with wool hearts and a pile with wool flowers. I have listed these in my Etsy shop...and more needlebook/scissor cases are next on my list - I have a pile cut and ready to assemble later this week.

Tonight I am back in my stitching nest working on the class project for the Salty Yarns event in October - I have been making good progress and can't wait to share it with you!

A Loveliness of Ladybugs

After sewing several ladybug zipper pouches, I decided to do a little research on ladybugs...and the first thing I wanted to know is "what is the collective noun for ladybugs"?...well, I found out a group of ladybugs is called a loveliness - how adorable is that?! They are also known as a ladybird or lady beetle...and yes, there is a male ladybug...and here are several other fun facts:

• In the past, doctors would mash ladybugs and put them in your mouth to cure a toothache
• You can fit 80,000 ladybugs into a gallon jug
• Male ladybugs are smaller than female ladybugs
• They can live for as many as three years
• A ladybug beats its wings 85 times per second when it flies
• Their spots fade as they get older

Not that you needed an insect lesson today - I just thought it would be fun to share a little bit of what I learned on my endless quest for knowledge...

I decided I would work on more of my handmade holiday gifts instead of fighting the shopping crowds today...and spending my morning in the sewing studio was my gift, as it brings me sheer joy. So now, back to my sewing project...okay, how cute are these little ladybug zippered pouches?!...I guess they are technically "coin purses", but I plan to put stitchy things inside - a pair of scissors, needles, needle threader, 3" ruler, etc....a special little sewing/stitching kit. The wings are cotton quilting fabric...the head, the spots, and the belly are felted wool fabric...and of course, the eyes are buttons. The first "ladybird" was so adorable, I had to make a whole family (Teresa, I know you are smiling!)...plus I wanted to try out several red fabric prints that I thought would make cute ladybug wings. The head and the spots were attached using a blanket stitch, which could easily be done by hand - but I chose to do this stitch on my sewing machine. They measure about 5" in diameter, so they are the perfect size to tuck in your stitching bag, tote, or purse....and the zipper closure helps keep all your handy little tools safe inside. I have a few special people in mind to receive a lucky ladybug...and I might just keep one for myself because they make me happy! I hope you will take some time to work on a project that brings you happiness...

Stitching Pouch & Tools Giveaway Winner

Hello all - I am here today to post the recipient of my latest giveaway! I have been enjoying my visits to each of your blogs and meeting many of you on Twitter - my stitching/sewing family has grown leaps and bounds and I am thrilled to get to know all of you - thank you so much for your comments and encouragement! In a perfect world, I would sew each and every one of my followers a stitching pouch...and fill each and every one of them with stitching tools - but alas, I only have one to giveaway this time. If you are not the recipient, please don't be discouraged, I will be hosting another giveaway in the weeks to come to celebrate the release of my 100th design...plus you all know I LOVE to make things and give them away, so there will be plenty more opportunities in the future....

So, without further ado...Congratulations Terri! - after getting all the entry slips printed and placed in a basket, my husband drew the following slip:

dixiesamplardesigns said...
Congratulations on reaching 400 followers...that is awesome!! And what a lovely collection of goodies to celebrate the occasion...
I would love to be entered.
I am a devoted follower.
I do not tweet or twit, LOL!
I will definitely post this on my blog.
My email is available thru my blog.
Congrats again...and thank you for such a generous giveaway!
Happy Stitchin'

Again, thank you all for taking an interest in my blog and in Blue Ribbon Designs - I hope you will continue to follow me on my creative journey!

Stitching Pouch & Tools Giveaway

Hello friends and followers - thank you so much for visiting...I am so glad you are here!

As I mentioned yesterday - I have officially surpassed 400 official blog followers...and you all know what that means...it is time for a milestone giveaway!

First, here are the details on the prize (exactly as seen below)...it is a small stitching pouch with two inside pockets...and I made it with my own two hands. It is approximately 4" W x 5.25" H (when closed) with a Velcro closure. It will come "fully stocked" with a pair of gold scissors, tapestry needles, needle threaders, and a magnetic needle minder. It is made with the cutest cotton button fabric and is completely lined.

How to enter and particulars - please read carefully:

You can receive multiple entries - one entry for each of the following:

• Leave a comment = 1 entry
  
• Be an official follower (current or new) = 1 entry
  
• Follow on Twitter = 1 entry
  
• Post about this giveaway on your blog = 1 entry
  

Leave me one comment with all of this information and be sure to include your email address (or make sure it is viewable in your profile) - entries without a valid email will be not be eligible.

A sample entry may look like:
Words, words, words...your comment.
I follow your blog.
I follow you on Twitter (User ID).
I posted about your giveaway on my blog (blog address).
email@address.com

A comment like the one above would be worth four entries (entry information will be confirmed).

I will be choose the winner by random draw on Sunday, February 6, 2011 - entry cutoff time will be Saturday, February 5th - 11:59 PM CST. The winner will be posted here on Sunday, February 6th. I will contact the winner via email - you will have 48 hours to respond, if I do not hear from you in that time, I will choose a replacement winner. So those are all the "details" - good luck to each and every one of you...and again, thank you for following!!