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...

Oh Happy Day!

I received the most wonderful surprise in the mail today - a lovely package from Paola in Italy....and it was filled with the most gorgeous assortment of her Puntini Puntini pins, buttons, tags, and thread winders...need I say it was the greatest mail day EVER?!....I am still over-the-moon with excitement! I was giddy as I opened the envelope - there were 7 cards of her amazing pins and a little organza bag filled with her perfectly detailed buttons, tags, and thread winders. I slowly open each card of pins and admired them one by one...then I promptly opened the bag and drooled as I placed each piece on a linen covered table. Paola - I am in awe of your kindness, talent, and creativity...you totally surprised me...your package made my day/month/year. I will cherish these special gifts....and I am already inspired for future projects...thank you so very, very much - my heart is smiling!

Those of you who frequent my blog know I am a huge fan of Puntini Puntini decorative pins, buttons, tags, and thread winders - they are something special - they truly make me happy! I use them often in my pincushions and as embellishments for gifts. To find out more, visit Paolas websites filled with eye candy:
http://www.puntini-puntini.blogspot.com/

http://puntinipuntini.splinder.com/

...and to purchase her pins, buttons, tags, and thread winders...along with her needlework designs in the United States, visit ABC Stitch Therapy:

http://www.abcstitch.com/designers_php/designers.php?category=Puntini%20Puntini

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!!

Holiday Sewing Projects - Stitching Treasure Pockets

Now that many of my handmade/homemade gifts have been delivered, I thought I would share some of the things that I have been making....and maybe give you a few ideas of things to make yourself! This year, I have so many business obligations, I had to narrow down my gift giving list (in order to keep my sanity) - I have so much fun making gifts, I tend to go overboard and try to make things for everyone...and I knew this year, that was not a possibility - I had to focus on a more select group. For three of my dear stitching friends I made the little sewing pockets seen in the photo...well actually, according to the pattern, they are cell phone bags - I just decided they would make cute little stitching pouches. I tried to pick fabric I thought the recipients would enjoy - then I included several tiny needlework treasures in the pockets. This little pouch has two inside pockets, a Velcro closure, and measures about 4" W x 5.5" H....perfect for a stitching or project bag. Inside I tucked different accessories - scissors, needle minders, counting pins, and/or needles. I was very happy with how each one turned out...and I made a couple extras that I just may giveaway here on my blog when I reach 400 followers (hint, hint)....

Sewing Companion Giveaway Winners!

It's time to post the recipients of my latest giveaway. I was overwhelmed (to say the least) at the response - 135 entrants and well over 300 entries (as you can see, I had a basket full of slips)....wow! I wish I could make 135 sewing companions, so each of you could receive one - but that would be quite a HUGE undertaking...so, unfortunately, only 2 lucky entrants will be receiving one at this time. If you name was not drawn, please don't be discouraged - I love to make things and give them away and there will definitely be more chances in the future. 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!

So now, without further ado, here are the winning comments:

1. North Country Stitcher said...
   I am always amazed by your finished projects. How generous of you to share them with us. I have been reading your blog for awhile & recently became a follower. No twitter account- cell phones don't work here. I haven't started a blog yet.. Thanks for the chance to win. Lisa M
   
2. Jennifer said...
   It would be amazing to win something made by you!I'm currently a follower and I've posted your giveaway on the sidebar of my blog (www.serialstarter.blogspot.com).I guess this qualifies me for 3 out of 4! Good luck to everyone!

I emailed both of the recipients on Friday night, and at the time of this post I had already received a response from Jennifer.

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!

Sewing Companion Giveaway

I know it is a little overdue, as I reached 300 followers several weeks ago (a HUGE thank you to my readers!), but I finally finished the prizes for a new milestone giveaway! First a bit about the prizes, then details on how to enter...

This little quilted treasure is called a "Sewing Companion" - it is done completely in the hoop on my embroidery machine and was digitized by Birdhouse Cottage Crafts. Inside, there is a pocket for your scissors...a wool page for your pins and needles...under the wool is page of quilt batting to collect your orts...and under those pages is a little hidden pocket (seen in photo below) - perfect for a needle threader, package of needles, or a skein of floss. This fancy little "book" (3.25" W x 5" H) travels well and gets loads of attention....I almost always have one in my stitching bag! These two posed a bit of a challenge for me, as I wanted to use some discontinued sampler fabric from Rhubarb and Ginger by Blackbird Designs for Moda and I didn't want the quilting to take away from the fabric design - I ended up using clear nylon thread for the quilting...and of course I left off the embroidered words from the original design. I really liked how they turned out....

So you want to know about the giveaway??
There will be two winners:

• 1st Place: One Sewing Companion (one from the photo), complete with scissors...and some needles and pins. 1st Place winner will choose either the red or the brown companion (red companion will come with red scissors, brown companion will come with gold stork scissors).


• 2nd Place: One Sewing Companion (one from the photo), complete with scissors...and some needles and pins. 2nd Place winner will receive the companion not chosen by 1st Place.

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 choosing the winners by random draw on Friday, November 19th - entry cutoff time will be Thursday, November 18th - 11:59 PM CST. Winners will be posted here on Saturday, November 20th. I will contact the winners 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!!

A Sweet Special Package

The most adorable little package arrived in the mail today....and as stitchers, we all know good (GREAT) things come in small packages! Donna, who attended a retreat I recently taught in Mystic, CT sent me a GORGEOUS scissor fob that she made especially for me...and you know it was made especially for me because it has a sewing bird charm attached to the end (we all know I am obsessed with birds!). Isn't it just the sweetest?! I love the light pink roses and beads with the silver...and the two pearls...the bird with a needle and thread in his beak...I just adore everything about it....so delicate and sparkly....and doesn't it look perfect with my favorite pair of Dovo scissors??!! I have always said needleworkers are generous and thoughtful beyond compare - Donna, thank you so much for this special gift - I will treasure it!

Meet Oliver The Owl (A Pincushion)

"Oliver the Owl" is a wonderful wool pincushion design featured in the current issue of Fons and Porter's Love of Quilting magazine (the November/December 2010 issue)....and was designed by my dear friend Kimber (you may recall I recently shared a wool bird pincushion with that was also designed by Kimber). After making the wool bird, I was totally inspired to make the owl....so after picking up some gorgeous and unique wool fabrics in Liberty, MO, I decided to jump in and make my own Oliver the Owl this morning - a little creative break from my model stitching. I am so happy with how he turned out! I love the pocket for the scissors...and I am thrilled with the vintage buttons I found in my collection for the eyes. The instructions and templates in the magazine were very clear...and since I had recently made the bird, the owl was a nice and relatively easy Saturday project. Oliver brings me joy! Make a little time this weekend for something that brings you joy....

Historic Connecticut Needlework

On my recent trip to Connecticut, I was blessed to see some remarkable and well preserved historic needlework. If you live in the Connecticut area or a making a trip to New England, there are currently two exhibits highlighting historic needlework that are definitely worth the visit! To read the Hartford Courant newspaper article about these exhibits, click here (thanks to Sue for letting me have this section from her newspaper!)....in addition, an interesting article in the New York Times that can be viewed by clicking here.

The "With My Needle and Brush: Schoolgirl Embroidery from the Connecticut River Valley" exhibit is on display at the Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme, CT through January 30, 2011. This exhibition, from guest curators Carol and Stephen Huber, included approximately seventy embroideries, watercolor sketches, and portraits - most are from private collections (rarely seen) - and all in excellent collection. I was in awe as I studied the various techniques and read the histories - the use of silk was incredible and I was quite surprised at many of the materials used. Although no photography was allowed in the exhibit halls, I have a clear vision of many works in my head, as they were absolutely gorgeous. A book to accompany this exhibit will be available in late 2011. If you have a chance to visit this marvelous display of needlework and history, don't miss it - it is definitely worth the trip. The photo to the right shows the exhibit program (a six page color guide to the exhibit).

The Connecticut Historical Society Museum and Library in Hartford, CT is showcasing "Connecticut Needlework: Women, Art, and Family, 1740-1840" through March 26, 2011. This exhibit includes 82 pieces represent 32 Connecticut towns - the pieces represented range from early bed rugs to needlework samplers to clothing and accessories. The Connecticut Historical Society has released a book of the same title to accompany the exhibit - I purchased the beautiful 220 page hardcover copy with a gorgeous selection of photographs and wonderful analysis of each piece...I can't wait to delve further into this fabulous resource with a wealth of information.


Both museum gift shops have a great selection of needlework kits, books, and items that complement the exhibits. I brought home several keepsakes and another book (Samplers by Rebecca Scott) to add to my collection. I also picked up a couple of The Connecticut Historical Society Bulletin Publications that highlight historic needlework for reference (from 1959 and 1987).

One more thing today....
I know I told you I would be having a new giveaway to commemorate reaching 300 followers - and I haven't forgotten....there will be a new giveaway soon! I am working on the prize(s) and more details will be posted soon....

Just The Girls...

I'm pretty sure I have some of the best friends in the world!

We planned this day for months...a "girl day" at Kimber's house - a day of hand sewing, lunch, girl talk, and quilt shopping....and it was totally worth the wait! My friend Merry and I made the trip out to Kimber's home (a pretty perfect 1885 yellow brick Victorian farmhouse) in Adel first thing this morning...and after a cup of tea, a tour, and some treats, we got started on the hand sewing project Kimber prepared for us. We each made a wool fabric bird pincushion that uses a wooden spool for the base - this is one of Kimber's very own designs that was featured in the magazine "More Fast and Fabulous Quilting Ideas" last fall...isn't it the cutest little bird ever?!....for more information, visit her August 28th blog post, where you can see an entire flock of these adorable birds!

We had so much fun making these birds...in fact, in our creative state, we completely lost track of time....all of a sudden we checked the clock and it was past lunch time. So we headed out to a little Chinese restaurant for a delicious lunch and got refueled for the afternoon....then it was off to the quilt shop. Adel has a very charming quilt shop called Adel Quilting and Dry Goods (and they have a great blog)...I find the best little projects there (I have to do my part to help stimulate the Adel economy)...there is always something new that I haven't seen before. Today I picked-up some chalkboard cloth, some vinyl coated cotton, a couple fat quarters, and new Mac-A-Doodles embroidery project and frame. Afterwards, we stopped next door at Atherton House, a unique gift shop (where I purchased some wonderful kitchen seasonings)....then we headed back to Kimber's very special 1885 farmhouse for more hot tea and desserts!

We spent the afternoon talking, giggling, and sharing...and Merry actually did a little hand sewing....it was the perfect day!

Now, if that wasn't enough, there were gift bags...if you are a regular reader of my blog, then you know each time all of us girls get together, we bring each other gift bags. Merry's gift bags are always stellar (remember all the jellies and jams she gave me earlier this year?!)...well today's gift bag was another WINNER! Check out this adorable miniature dress form and the super cute aprons she made for it (yes, one is sampler fabric!)...it is the perfect pin cushion (and we all know how much I LOVE pincushions!) - along with it...a jar of her phenomenal apple butter, a gorgeous appliqued kitchen towel (I know, she is just too darn talented!), some pumpkin spice tea bags, and various Halloween treats...how is that for a "just because" gift bag??! Next, a total surprise...since Kimber was kind enough to teach us a project and supply all the needed materials, I never guessed in a million years she would have gift bags for us...but, yep, she did...and I was giddy like a little girl as I went though the bag...a quilt pattern, fabrics, a wonderful book, and a totally awesome wooden ruler - I was blown away, to say the least. Between the shopping and our gift bags, I had a car load of goodies to bring home!

Like I said - I have the best friends! Today was a little slice of heaven....

A Bunch of Goodies!

I promised I would share some of my new stash with you once my boxes arrived from Connecticut...and they are here!! I did quite a bit of shopping on my trip...and I was given some AMAZING gifts. Here are some of the goodies I shipped back...

Several of the retreat attendees were extremely thoughtful and brought me gifts...and they sure did their research...they all knew exactly what I love! I was the recipient of stitching goodies, luscious autumn quilting fabrics, a bottle of Merlot and specialty chocolates (the yummy chocolates didn't make it home)...even a Longberger basket with beautiful stationery and a pen...I was truly blown away by the kindness and generosity of my new stitching friends...thank you all so very much!

One of the retreat attendees from Albany, NY brought me a GORGEOUS set of coordinating autumn fabrics from her local quilt shop - Flying Geese Fabrics - these beautiful fabrics were even folded like flying geese blocks and tied with ribbon (I had to take the bundle apart to show you each of these beautiful fat quarters)....I honestly can't wait to find some quilting time, so I can put these fabrics to work - I just have to pick the perfect project first...I'm thinking more applique...hmmm...

A couple students from Rochester, NY brought me a bottle of Merlot (my personal favorite) from a local winery (Bully Hill Vineyards)....accompanying the wine, a lovely assortment of chocolate from Encore Chocolates - these were so delicious, they didn't even make it back to Iowa...and they even included a chocolate frog - yep, a chocolate frog! It was such a treat to receive such delicacies from their hometown. I can't wait to share the bottle of wine with my husband....and the chocolate frog managed to hop back to Iowa - for the moment, it is too adorable to eat!

On my first day in Connecticut, Sue took me to Colchester Mill Fabrics and I managed to do some power shopping - I found these lovely fabrics and some beaded trims for a couple stitching projects. I already had some of the sampler fabric, but I can never have too much - plus I can always use a few more fat quarters of the coordinating pieces. This shop had a huge assortment of specialty and upholstery fabrics and it was quite fun to look at all the choices!

During my day off between retreats, Sue and Deb took me to a super cool bead shop in old downtown Mystic called "You've Got To Be Beading"....I loved this place! There were so many beads and charms, it was hard to make a decision. I really like silver charms, so I had to pick out some fun ones to bring home - some wonderful crowns, keys, and a really cool tree...I was looking for some bird charms, but only saw Christmas birds (calling birds, turtle doves, French hens, etc.)....other than that, they had quality charms for any project! I picked-up up some lovely coral mother-of-pearl beads and a fun salt and pepper mixture....

Next - here is a photo of my stash purchases from Chris's Collection - as I mentioned, Chris and Pam set-up an amazing shopping experience for us at the hotel (see previous post) and I managed to find quite a few items to purchase....including: several unique primitive pin cushions/strawberries, a couple tuck pillows, a hat pin, several Just Nan pieces (including the vintage Jeweled Owl thread winder), Flowers of the Field by Blackbird Designs, Red Stocking Collection II by JBW Designs (and a couple pre-made stockings), some adorable "Around The Block" JABCO pins, and a package of Handbegh hand-felted wool balls. I also picked up a new favorite thing (not in the photo) - a Handy Caddy - a clear, collapsible storage caddy for all my stitching tools - thanks to some of the attendees for using these in class, you enabled me!

Finally, I have to share the ornaments I received in the ornament exchange. Each attendee had the option to bring a wrapped, stitched ornament for a fun evening exchange. I brought one wrapped ornament for each retreat - and I am so THRILLED I did! In the Mystic I exchange, I received Donna's ornament - the Britty Kitty ornament by Brittercup Designs....isn't it adorable?! For Mystic II, I received Chris's ornament - which was a Blue Ribbon Design - I thought that was awesome - I was so excited to get one of my ornament designs stitched by someone other than me! Obviously, Chris is an over-achiever, because also included with her wrapped ornament - a q-snap cover in Christmas fabric (I have been wanting to purchase or make one of these for the longest time), a peppermint pin, and chocolate. Extra special thanks to Donna and Chris - I will treasure the ornaments you made!!

So there you have it - an assortment of the items I shipped home from Connecticut - that should give me plenty to admire and play with for quite some time!

Stitcher's Hideaway Needlework Retreats - Mystic I and II

I am home and ready for a good night of sleep in my own bed. What a fabulous time I had teaching at Stitcher's Hideaway! It was two wonderful retreats - both filled with amazing, creative, talented, and unique students - it was so much fun to expand my stitching family. Each attendee did a great job with the class project and many, if not all, had a finished ornament to take home with them (some of my over-achievers had two!)....and some of those who took the beading class the night before even had a finished beaded ornament to take home, as well. It was a true delight spending time with each of the attendees - hearing about their hometowns, their stitching stories, and their personal experiences - I am so excited to have all of them in my stitching family! I took along a trunk show of 15 models and a bunch of my smalls...and piles of charts for shopping...and shop they did...plus Chris and Pam from Chris's Collection set-up an entire needlework shop in one of the hotel rooms which was AMAZING. I managed to purchase two bags of stash and gifts - which I will share next week - I had to ship home all my purchases, as my suitcase was pretty close to maximum capacity at 48 pounds. Several of the students brought me the most special gifts (thank you so much!) and I had to ship those, as well, so I will have a very fun post next week when UPS rings my doorbell. There was a visit from Santa Claus, goodie bags, door prizes, an ornament exchange, and a show-and-tell filled with gorgeous needlework and crafts. Overall, it was the most fabulous experience and I have many wonderful memories of my time in Mystic, CT. Thank you so much to all the attendees - for the laughs, the learning experiences, and the smiles - you are all special.

Mystic I Photos:

I wish I could share them all, but that is not an option - so I am sticking to just a few. The first couple are my hard working students...followed by Santa stopping by for a visit and a photo of him with Sue (Stitcher's Hideaway creator and my lovely, gracious tour guide). The next photo is of the ornaments for the ornament exchange...followed by a couple show and tell photos - sorry I can't share them all, these were some VERY talented needleworkers. The final photo is of Christine - she was my first deaf student with a sign language interpreter - this was Christine's first time stitching on linen and it was sheer joy seeing her eyes light up and her facial expressions each time she mastered a specialty stitch or technique - she was a shining star and all the other attendees cheered her on and assisted with her learning....she even managed to visit Mystic II for the second day to learn even more...

Chris's Collection Shop Photos:

Chris and Pam from Chris's Collection provided a great shopping experience for all. They had such a great assortment and a bunch of new items from the recent St. Charles Market. I honestly couldn't believe how they could fit so much into a tiny hotel room....they did a fantastic job! If they can make a small space this wonderful in a few hours, I imagine the shop in Southwick, MA is pretty perfect....

Mystic II Photos:

I was so extremely blessed to teach a second retreat...and this group was so much fun - they had me laughing a good amount of time and were very quick learners! The first photos show some hard at work and opening door prizes....followed by several photos from our visit from Santa. Next is a photo of the ornaments from the ornament exchange, followed by several photos from show and tell. Again, there were wonderful stories and pieces of needlework shown and I was in awe of all the talent in the room!

There you have it - my two retreats in a nutshell - I tried to show you as much as possible in a short amount of space - there were so many fun images, it was hard to pick the few to share. As you can see, I really enjoyed my visit to Connecticut....I hope I will have a chance to return soon! Next week, I will share some shopping, stash, and gift photos....I can hardly wait for my boxes to arrive....