Sweet Treat Mini Stocking

Greetings friends! It is new project tutorial day - time to share my November post for the Therm O Web Blog with you! I always enjoy putting on my Fabric Education Designer hat and creating new projects/tutorials to share with you on their popular blog (Therm O Web are the makers of all those wonderful HeatnBond and SpraynBond products). Each month, I share a fun, new project and give you my tips and tricks for using their products. For the month of November, the blog is focused on holiday gifts, along with Christmas and winter ideas. I created a brand new project that was posted yesterday - it is a complete project tutorial for my "Sweet Treat Mini Stocking." My comprehensive tutorial contains a complete supply list, printable pattern with templates, and step-by-step directions with color photos. This is a quick and easy project, perfect for holiday decorating and gift giving. If you think sewing a stocking may be a bit complex, then this is the project for you; these simple, step-by-step instructions will have you making your own stocking(s) in no time! These are the perfect size to tie on a package, hang on a tree, or hold a gift card and/or holiday treats. I hope you will stop by the Therm O Web blog and check out my project and tutorial...

This is a joy-filled sewing project that is perfect for fat quarters or fat eighths or scraps. For this post, I used HeatnBond Fusible Fleece, HeatnBond Medium Weight Non-Woven Fusible Interfacing, SpraynBond Pattern & Stencil Spray, and a Pressing Paper Fabric and Craft Sheet...plus, I give you tips for using these items! Visit the tutorial post for a complete and detailed supply list.

Are you familiar with SpraynBond Pattern & Stencil Spray? I know I have talked about this product before, but it is so impressive, I am sharing it again. I use this for every project I create with paper templates - I even keep an extra bottle on hand, as it makes working with paper templates so much easier! SpraynBond Pattern & Stencil Spray is a temporary, light-tack adhesive for fabric that will hold patterns down, keep stencils in place and can be used on rulers to keep the cutting guide straight. Pattern & Stencil Adhesive is repositionable, re-usable and does not leave that icky residue on fabrics. The templates I provide for today's tutorial can be printed on regular printer paper and used with SpraynBond Pattern & Stencil Spray to easily cut out your stockings (no tracing the templates or using pins or tape to hold the templates in place).

If you have questions on any ThermOWeb HeatnBond products or would like to see a specific type of product in one of my projects, drop me a comment or email.

You will have to visit the ThermOWeb blog for my complete tutorial and pattern, but I am posting a few photos here...

Here is a direct link to the project tutorial:

https://blog.thermoweb.com/sweet-treat-mini-stocking-featuring-heatnbond/

I hope this project gets you excited to create something special and unique...

I am creating monthly projects for the ThermOWeb blog and will be sure to post here, when I do...my project for December is scheduled to be posted on December 20th...and I am working on another very fun holiday idea!

Thank you for stopping by for a visit today - I always enjoy sharing with you. Enjoy the rest of your week and make time to work on something creative...

Oodles of Ornaments

It continues to be a finishing frenzy in the Blue Ribbon Designs studio...client orders are still piled across my counters and my list continues to grow. I have been super focused and productive, working around the clock to finish up the projects on my to-do tables along with preparing new designs. I have a plethora of finishing clients to take care of for the holidays (and into the new year)…and I am trying to balance it all and keep my sanity. I have been working on a variety of creative activities, including: lots of needlework finishing, pattern writing, custom sewing, custom quilting and freelance designing…plus making some gifts for the holidays…the to-do list is almost overwhelming. Of course, this time of year, I'm asked to keep many of my client finishes a secret...here is a picture album of needlework finishing that I completed over the last few weeks that I have the "okay to show" (not my designs or stitching, just my finishing work)…

Fabric shown with each was used for the backing...and the gorgeous hand-dyed ribbons, velveteen, pop-pom trim and twill tape are all from Lady Dot Creates (visit her Etsy Shop for the very best pretties and finishing materials)…

I hope you are inspired to finish some of your own holiday projects! I am headed back to the studio momentarily to work on more client (you guessed it) Christmas ornaments...it seems like the piles are never-ending. I just took advantage of the Audible Black Friday Sale (a girl can never have too many books) and have a wonderful assortment of new titles queued up and ready for listening...  

As I look forward to the Thanksgiving holiday tomorrow, I have so many things to be extremely thankful for: a loving family, a wonderful husband, AMAZING friends (who accept me, my quirks, and my crazy busy schedule!), two loveable dogs, and a career I find joy in every single day...way too many things to list. I am truly grateful for all of you who share my passions, encourage me with your comments and emails, and support my designs and creative ventures - you all brighten my days!

To everyone celebrating tomorrow - and to my many international fans and friends - take a little time to count your blessings...and a little time to stitch...

Happy Thanksgiving!

Season of Sewing

Happy holidays to all my readers - I hope you have been having a joyous season!

I spent most of October, November and the beginning of December in a needlework finishing frenzy...but for the last couple weeks, I have been able to get back to some custom sewing projects. I thought I would stop by for a very quick visit tonight (as I am recovering from a terrible stomach bug) and share a plethora of project bags I completed the last couple weeks...along with an additional sewing project.

To start, I will share an assortment of my large and small project bags...for these particular bags, all the fabrics were provided by clients. I have quite a few zippered bag orders right now - an assortment of large project bags, small project bags, and a few tool bags...plus some custom panel project bags...yes, I am sewing up a storm to catch up! I continue to have quite a few questions on the patterns I use and the sizes of the bags...so I thought I would clear up any confusion. My project bags are made from my very own pattern that I designed specifically for cross stitch patterns and supplies (it is not available for sale)...all of my bags have a zipper across the top instead of the front...and all of my bags have enclosed seams (no raw/exposed edges on the inside of the bag). I use a custom die cutting system for consistent size and minimal fabric waste. My zippered bags are popular with clients who want to provide their own favorite fabrics - my clients get to shop and pick the fabrics they love (for themselves or for gifts), then ship them off to me and I create the requested size(s) of choice...

Here are details for my four most popular sizes:

Large Project Bag (most popular size):
Size: Approximately 14.25" W x 10.25" H
Designed for full size patterns measuring 8.5" x 11" and supplies.

Small Project Bag:
 Approximately 10.75" W x 7.75" H
Designed for half sheet patterns measuring 5.5" x 8.5" and supplies.

Tool Bag:
Approximately 9.25" W x 7.25" H
Designed for small projects and or tools/accessories.

Artist Bag (Over-Sized Pencil Bag):
Approximately 9.25" W x 4.5" H
Designed for needlework tools, colored pencils or supplies on the go...

My custom bags are made to order (most commonly, my customers supply fabrics of their choice). When time allows, I make them for my Etsy Shop (with fabrics I choose). The four sizes listed above are my basic/most requested bags, but (for a small additional fee) I can make them to any size requested. Should you like more information (pricing and fabric size details), please e-mail me (link also in profile). You can see all sorts of photos on my Instagram page...and see what is available and read my reviews by visiting my Etsy shop...

Finally - I did a little additional sewing and quilting a couple days before Christmas. I wanted to try out a new stocking template...and I was itching to try a new transparent quilting thread that came highly recommended (which is FABULOUS!). I decided to use a fun word fabric that I have a partial bolt of on hand -  Mama Said Sew Revisited by Sweetwater for Moda (click on photos to enlarge). I was so happy with how this quilted stocking turned out and will keep this template in my arsenal for custom orders. For photography, I thought it would be really cute as a seamstress stocking filled with sewing notions - which (coincidentally) would be the ultimate stocking for me! Unfortunately, Santa didn't come fill it (there is always next year)...but I think it will be very cute to hang in my sewing studio...

I'll be back soon with a couple fun needlework finishes and some more creative projects.

As 2019 comes to a close, I am reflecting on the last 365 days...it sure has been another busy and artistic year...I hope you will take a moment to reflect on the past year and the many blessings bestowed upon you. Thank you for supporting Blue Ribbon Designs and your love and support throughout the year! I wish you a happy, healthy 2020 filled with joy, laughter, and creativity!
HAPPY NEW YEAR...

Bring on December

Happy December friends and family! Wow - where has the time gone??...this year has passed by so quickly...this time last year, we had just learned we would be moving out of Iowa - and now, here I am writing this from Kansas...it's been a whirlwind. I hope you have been enjoying the season, keeping warm and cozy, and finding a little bit of time to do the things you enjoy!

I have been stitching, sewing, quilting, and needlework finishing - happily creating almost every single day. I have finally completed all the orders that "had to be done before Christmas"...now I am working on all the "no holiday rush" projects, which lets me breathe a sigh of relief (even though the piles are high)! I finally took some time and re-organized the upstairs sewing studio over the last couple days - it *needed* to be done (oh my goodness - it was somewhat disorganized chaos!)...next up will be the basement warehouse/cutting/shipping area. I am still trying to get everything the way I want it after the move...the dream is, one day, I would really like everything in one big studio area....but I am not complaining - I have wonderful spaces!

First up today - I am having a Holiday Shop Sale (today and tomorrow, which is Cyber Monday)...Visit either https://blueribbondesigns.etsy.com or https://blueribbondesigns.com to save:
20% Off All Single Blue Ribbon Designs Cross Stitch Charts, Pincushions and Pin/Button Packs! PLUS: All orders of $40.00 or more (before shipping/sales tax) will receive a free gift - my "Woodland Tree Farm" cross stitch chart. In addition: FREE shipping in the United States with $35 purchase. I know that is a lot of information - but if you have been waiting to purchase any favorite designs, now is the time to stock up!

Next up today....some fabulous needlework finishes! These were all stitched by the same talented person...they are not my designs or stitching...this is just my custom finishing work. I truly enjoyed finishing each and every one of these special pieces...and I still have a pile to complete for the same client (guess what I will be working on later tonight)...

Love My Stitching by Hands On Design
My style large project bag...

Ye Old Crow Sampler by Heart in Hand

The Embroideress Stocking by Kathy Barrick

Forever Friends by Summer House Stitche Workes
Limited Kit - A Little Help From Our Friends Stitching Circle from Silver Needle

A Nordic Mitten by JBW Designs

Queen of the Needle by With thy Needle & Thread
Finished as a needlebook...

Queen of the Needle by With thy Needle & Thread
Finished as a needlebook...INSIDE

Finally today - a little about our Thanksgiving holiday...
Many of you know that my husband is in management for UPS, so there is never any traveling for us during the holidays...as he works seven days a week and is on call 24-hours a day. So, for me, the holidays are a little challenging - especially this year, being far away from all my loved ones in a new state. Last weekend, we made the trip up to Iowa to celebrate Thanksgiving with Travis's parents and to celebrate Friendsgiving with our "neighborhood gang" family (see fun photo below - I'm chuckling as I type this remembering how much work it was to get everyone in the picture and we still didn't quite accomplish our goal - these are my people!!💗)...it was a quick, but much needed road trip - I truly cherished the time with family and dear friends! I even got to see my BFF Mary for a big hug and a quick walk around the block (she lives just a few houses away from my in-laws!). That short trip gave me enough joy to get through this holiday season! Oh, did I mention we took the dogs with us??...yep, they rode in the back of the Jeep with the seat down...

My fabulous Iowa "neighborhood gang" family...💗

I hope you had a wonderful thanksgiving and made a few fun memories! We were actually at home in Kansas for a quiet day - we went to the gym for an early morning workout, then had homemade pizza and wine for our Thanksgiving feast...and watched a movie with the dogs kids. After getting to celebrate early, this was a pretty perfect way to spend the holiday...

Thanks for visiting today - I am headed back to my CLEAN sewing studio to get a little weekend work done and some orders ready for shipment tomorrow. Take a little time to find joy during the holiday season rush!

Spectacular Sixteen

Hello creative friends! I just placed Garin on his after-breakfast timeout...that gives me about an hour to catch up on some pressing work. Orders are packaged and important correspondence is answered...so I thought I would stop by for a quick visit and share some needlework finishing, before the day gets away from me (and I get started on a large AccuQuilt project that I need to complete in a very short amount of time). These pieces were all stitched by the same incredible needleworker (and dear friend) and I simply completed the finishing. I will put designer names/titles in the photo captions (if I have the information), just in case you are interested (special thanks to Robin who sent me the details on one that stumped me!). This fabulous grouping was quite enjoyable to put together and several pieces definitely challenged me. One project was a limited edition kit that included finishing materials (Swirly Birds and Flowers from SamSarah Design Studio)...and one had a pre-finished Winter Thread Pal provided (Winter Wonderland by Little House Needleworks)...for the others, I chose the supplies, doing my best to make the pieces resemble the model images. I am really happy with how each and every piece turned out...and I think (I hope) the stitcher was quite pleased too! I still have well over fifty needlework pieces to finish for clients, so I will have more fun photos to show you soon. For now, enjoy these images...and I hope you will be inspired to pull out your most recent cross stitch piece(s) and do a little needlework finishing yourself...

Swirly Birds and Flowers from SamSarah Design Studio
Limited Kit from the Silver Needle’s A Little Help From Our
 Stitching Friends Stitching Circle

(additional angle)

Winter Wonderland by Little House Needleworks

The Sister Purse by JBW Designs

Twitter Blue by the Courtney Collection
from the 2009 Just CrossStitch Ornament Issue

Redbird Sampler by Heart in Hand

Mary's Work Sampler Bag by Stacy Nash Primitives

Hedgerow Birds Project Bag by Blackbird Designs (Loose Feathers Pattern 40)
Front

Hedgerow Birds Project Bag by Blackbird Designs (Loose Feathers Pattern 40)
Back

Various Mini Stockings by Blackbird Designs
...details in single images below...

Never Far Apart -by Blackbird Designs
(was a limited edition kit)

Love is in the Air : Three Stockings for February by Blackbird Designs

Crowning the Tree by Blackbird Designs

By the Chimney with Care: Three Stockings for January by Blackbird Designs

Winter Snow Stocking by Heartstring Samplery
Fronts

Backs

Merry Noel Collection: Festive Redbird by Homespun Elegance
Christmas Blessings by Milady's Needle