Fun with Felt

Greetings, friends! I am gearing up for my first Benzie Maker Team post that will be live on their website on June 3rd...but I had to stop by and share a few recent makes and the welcome package that Benzie Design sent me...along with a personal order I placed.

First, I have to tell you about the welcome package I received. This package was a beauty! If you are new to Benzie Design, you should know, they package everything impeccably - every package from them arrives like a present. The welcome box was full of Benzie Design favorites:

• Bellwether Swatch Chart (72 Colors of 100% Pure Merino Wool) 
• Bellwether Felt (Cutting Table Palette)
• A Selection of Benzie's Favorite Threads
• Felt Scissors
  
• Linen Embroidery Fabric
• Sequins and Beads
• Stuffing Tool
• Needle Felting Tool
• Corriedale Roving Bundle
• Felting Pad

I posted a video on my Instagram and YouTube Channel, should you want to see each individual product. Here are a several images - one of the packed box (minus the welcome letter) and a couple photos of the contents.

Since the announcement that I made the team, I have been itching to play with some of the welcome products, along with the supplies I have purchased from Benzie Design over the years. I decided to create several adorable felt donuts using the Valentine Treat Trio Tutorial by Mollie Johanson of Wild Olive. I already had all the supplies for this project, including the Circles & Scallops, Deep Etch Die, making the cutting easy! I had been wanting to make some of these since I first saw them...and I am so happy I finally did. I normally don't have much time to play in my studio for fun...but this project made my heart happy. I have already gifted the few that I made.

I also placed a personal order for a few things I needed and a few things I wanted...oh, how difficult it was to decide what to order...I would take at least one of everything they sell, if I could afford it! I narrowed my order down to a couple pairs of scalloped shears, a couple more deep etch dies (Daisy Flowers Small and Daisy Flowers Large), some super strong small magnets, a pair of metal snips, and a screw punch. These are all tools that will make my creative life easier. I may need to get a part-time job or rob a bank to start paying for my Benzie Design addiction...

Finally, I wanted to share a project I finished yesterday...a Graduate Pennant! This tutorial was posted on the Benzie website by one of my fellow team members (Happy Camper). It was posted at the perfect time, as we have a high school graduation party to attend this weekend for the daughter of dear friends. I already had all the supplies and her tutorial made it easy! I chose the colors of our local high school (purple and yellow) and of course, I chose the option to sew all the pieces in place. I was so happy with how it turned out...and the mother of the graduate was impressed too, so WIN, WIN!

Graduate Pennant Tutorial by Happy Camper: https://www.benziedesign.com/blogs/tutorials/graduate-pennant

I can't share my first project for the Benzie Design website just yet...but look for a sneak peek photo real soon. It is a very fun summery project...and just makes me smile! It is due to them next week and will be live on June 3rd.

For now, I am back to work - I just finished my Therm O Web project for this month and I am working on posting all the details. It will be up on the Therm O Web Blog on Monday, May19th.

I hope you will stop back and visit with  me again soon!

The Simple Things

Isn't it interesting how the simple things can make us happy? Even though I *need* them for work, when stitching/sewing/quilting/crafting supplies arrive, I am giddy! It is a blessing to have a studio filled with the best materials and tools for the job - sometimes, I have to pinch myself to make sure this is not a dream...I really get to be creative and artistic on a daily basis. So, when my work supplies arrive I am always excited (maybe a little too excited)...for example - the colorful cotton threads seen to the right - I always look forward to replenishing fibers for hand or machine sewing...I mean, just look at that rainbow...

...and zippers - not too many people would get excited over a package of zippers...but when a box of 200 colorful zippers lands in my mailbox, I am over-the-moon! Yep, it is like I won the lottery when zippers arrive...

...and fabrics...who doesn't love new fabrics...fat quarters, charm packs, yardage, jelly rolls, you name it...linens for cross stitching or cotton prints for quilting...any and all fabrics make my heart happy!

Notions and storage solutions are another instant smile. Who else gets excited about needles?? - a new package or container of needles arrives (for hand or machine) and there's a BIG smile...and what about new scissors or tools - they are "happy dance" worthy! New tins, bins, boxes, or adorable storage solutions and I am in heaven...

Oh, and new dies for my cutting machines...I can't wait to get them out of the packaging and try them out for the first time! New patterns, charts, books, and magazines too - I can't wait to look through every single page...

I found myself wondering this morning if other professions would get employees as cheerful as I am while I am working...hmmmm... I think it would be incredible to be a librarian - every new book that arrived would be intriguing...or a chef - new groceries in stock and I would want to immediately create a new specialty dish...or, working in a plant nursery - that would do it too! Does your job make your heart skip a beat? - if so, I would love to hear about it...

No matter what you are doing today, I hope the simple things bring you joy!!

Hippity Hoppity

Wishing all my family and friends that are celebrating today a very Blessed Easter...I hope your day is filled with sunshine and happiness...

I am still busy working on a gigantic freelance pattern designing/writing project (and will be for the next few weeks)...but I wanted to pop in and share just a few photos from the week. I managed to finish up a springtime quilting project that will be featured on the AccuQuilt Blog this coming week (more on that in a few days)...I started working a few needlework finishing and sewing projects for a customer...and I have been diligently stitching a new needlework model every evening. So, while my days are filled with computer work, I am still making time to be creative!

A little peek at the binding process for my springtime quilting project...more on this
will be posted later this week....

I've been doing so much sewing/quilting lately, it was time to refill my thread
boxes...I just had to take a photo of the pretty colors...

The sweetest package arrived from a very dear friend this week -  a delayed
birthday surprise. It was filled with fabulous goodies, including this wonderful
sewing machine pincushion (and yes, that is a tape measure)...

For those of you on Ello, you can now find me too:
https://ello.co/brdgirl

I hate to rush off, but I have to get my Blue Ribbon Stuffed Mushrooms in the oven (I prepared them last night) - Travis's mom is cooking an Easter lunch and we are headed over there shortly...we are also celebrating her birthday that took place earlier this week. I hope your day is filled with family, friends, food, and festivities...

Prize Package Pondering...

Have you visited the Therm O Web blog before??...well, it is one of my favorites. They are always posting fun tutorials and creative ideas...and yes, they have lots of great giveaways! If you haven't heard of Therm O Web - they are a prominent adhesive manufacturer in the craft and fabric markets...they produce quality iron-on adhesives for fabrics, along with an extensive line of adhesives for hobbies and scrapbooking. I have their blog saved in my reader and at least several times a week it inspires me. During December, they hosted a "12 Days of Giveaways" with some FABULOUS prizes...and (to my surprise) I just happened to be the big winner on day 10! My prize package arrived yesterday (it couldn't have come at a better time) and it included: a selection of four Thermo O Web HeatnBond® products, a fat quarter stack from Camelot Fabrics ("Naughty Puppies"), and some coordinating spools of Coats Threads (Paper Piecing Thread, Bold Hand Quilting Thread, and Embroidery Thread). Now to decide what to create with my new stash...any ideas???...

"Through The Trees"

This coming Wednesday I start shipping the two new Halloween designs to shops that participate in my automatic program...I am super excited to have two very unique Halloween pieces ready for you! Today I will tell you all about "Through The Trees" (BRD-112)...then we will talk about "Mischief at Midnight" in the next couple days.

"Through The Trees" is a framed design and two coordinating needlework smalls (a pin pillow and scissor fob). This spooky design with an original verse contains an assortment of specialty stitches, including: Cross Stitch over-two linen threads, Back Stitch, Four-Sided Stitch, Long-Armed Cross Stitch, Smyrna Cross Stitch, Nun Stitch, Tent Stitch, Cross Stitch with Bar, Point Croise Stitch (Double Back Stitch), Long Straight Stitch, French or Colonial Knots (minimal) - stitching diagrams and instructions are included in the chartpack. The charting also contains complete finishing instructions for the scissor fob and pin pillow with place for scissor attachment. The models were stitched on 32-count Tundra hand-dyed fabric from Lakeside Linens...but I would also suggest Weeks Dye Works Dolphin (a little darker grey) or Weeks Dye Works Dove (a little more green) for a good Halloween look. I used Weeks Dye Works cotton floss, but as always, DMC conversions are provided....and those cute little scissors you see attached to the pin pillow model (which are NOT included with the chart) are Primitive Little Gems by Kelmscott Designs.

You can find a complete supply list and all the details on my website:
http://www.blueribbondesigns.com/BRD112%20Specifics.html

Expect this new Halloween design to start arriving in needlework shops the first week of September!

Blue Jeans and Daisies - Part One

The Mystery Sampler Club is kicking off this week, as patterns for part one have started shipping from Norden Crafts to your favorite needlework shops! I am so excited for you to see the first installment of "Blue Jeans and Daisies".

For those of you who are not familiar with the Mystery Sampler Club - let me quickly catch you up to speed...
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...and before you comment/post/email "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.  There will be three parts to the "mystery sampler" - the first part (featured in this post) is shipping now - the second part will be released in February - and the third part will be released 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.

Now that we have everyone on the same page...here is a look at part one...and a few details...

The mystery sampler is stitched on 30-count Blue Jeans hand-dyed fabric by Weeks Dye Works - this exact fabric is also available in 35-count, should you prefer a higher count linen. It is stitched with Weeks Dye Works cotton floss...and a DMC conversion is provided.
See a complete supply listing on my website: http://www.blueribbondesigns.com/BRD109A%20Specifics.html

Part one uses the following stitches (and yes, diagrams are provided): Cross Stitch over two linen threads, Back Stitch, Rhodes Heart, and Fly Stitch Variation.

The chartpack also includes part one of the Springtime Jumble. Here is a little information about the Springtime Jumble:
The answer to the springtime jumble will be the password to open a mystery bonus design - this mystery bonus will be revealed on my website (http://www.blueribbondesigns.com) when the third and final mystery sampler installment is released. You will need to collect all three patterns to complete the Springtime Jumble and unlock the mystery bonus. Details can be found inside each package.

Each installment contains a fun finishing idea...and the finishing idea for part one is a scissor fob - finishing instructions are included. Use a motif from part one of the sampler (I used the Robin square) and some fabric and floss from your stash to make a springtime scissor fob!

Specifics (complete supply listings, stitch counts, stitches used, etc.) can be found on my website: 

http://www.blueribbondesigns.com/BRD109A%20Specifics.html

Additional photos can be found on my website:

http://www.blueribbondesigns.com/Blue%20Jeans%20and%20Daisies%20Part%20One.html

Contact your needlework shop of choice to join in the fun...or if you have questions...they will assist you with obtaining the patterns, the threads, the fabric...and they can answer questions and provide you with alternative sizes and supplies.

I hope you are excited to get started on this special springtime edition of the Mystery Sampler Club!

Let It Snow!

One of my favorite things to make each holiday season are these machine embroidered snowflakes. I start early in the season and make well over 100 of them - I tuck them inside of cards and tie them on packages. These are made on my embroidery machine...and are technically called "free-standing lace"...they are made entirely of thread! For those of you not familiar with an embroidery machine, here is a little idea of how these snowflakes are made - using digitized designs, the machine embroiders the snowflakes on water-soluble stabilizer...once the design is stitched, you put it in water and the stabilizer dissolves, leaving you with a beautiful piece of lace made completely of embroidery thread. I like to put a piece of white ribbon through the hanger on each snowflake before placing it in a card or on a gift. Each snowflake takes anywhere from 45 minutes to over an hour to make, so I usually set up my machine and let them embroider while I am working on various other crafts in my studio. In the photos you can see a selection of my embroidered snowflakes...average size for the smaller snowflakes is 2 1/2" - 2 3/4" and the larger snowflakes average 3 1/2" - 4" square. Many digitizers offer snowflakes for machine embroidery, but if you are interested in these particular snowflakes, they are designed by Criswell Embroidery & Design....you can purchase their digitized designs on CD at your favorite quilt shop or by downloading them from their website. Over the last week, I have made just over 50 and I would like to make a few more...I have a new design collection I would like to try with several different styles....and if I find time, I may just make a few to display in my own home...

Playing with Pins

Well, my head cold blossomed into a terrible stomach flu and I have been suffering for a couple days...I am quite annoyed, because it is really slowing me down. My closest friends know, I am terrible at sitting still - absolutely terrible - I don't relax well, and my hands need to constantly be busy...so even with the flu, I have been trying to accomplish at least something.

I am feeling a bit overwhelmed with the holidays approaching quickly...especially since I like to make most of my gifts. I sat down a few days ago and made a list of gifts I would like to create for the loved ones in my life...and as usual, I don't know how I will get them all done - along with the pile of fast approaching deadlines I have with my design business. I made myself a schedule - well, being sick, I haven't been able to try it out yet...but I did get things down on paper...hopefully once I am healthy, I can reach all of my goals.

While I have been trying to model stitch with my cold/flu, counting does not seem to be my strong suit right now...so I opted for something a bit simpler this evening. Obviously, if you read my blog, then you know I have an extreme fondness for pincushions...and I am always on the lookout of special pins to decorate them with for gift giving. Lately I have been inspired to make my own unique pins...and tonight, that is exactly what I did...I bundled up in my comfy chair, with my hot tea, cold/flu medicine, and a tray of supplies (and Simba too!). I just gathered up some wools, buttons, threads, scissors, glue, flat-head pins, pearls, and beads - and then I played. The result was a pile of fancy pins I will be able to dress up my pincushions with this holiday season. What do you think? - I am actually thrilled with the results...not bad for a girl with a bright red nose who can't keep any food down...I can only image how well they would look, if I was 100%...I definitely see more of these in my future...

A, B, or C Giveaway

Hello friends! I was thrilled to see my official follower count pass the 500 mark last week - thank you so much for visiting my blog! - and I promised a big giveaway when this happened for those who choose to faithfully follow...I finally have three prizes together and the details ready...and I think (hope) you will be pleased and excited!

For this giveaway, official followers will have the chance to win an upcoming design chart (you will be one of the first to have one!) along with the coordinating threads and finishing kit - you will be responsible for your own linen, stuffing, mini drill, and basic sewing supplies.

Out of all the comments provided, I will randomly choose three recipients: one winner from those who choose A. Moonlit Midnight; one winner from those who choose B. Pocketful of Peppermint; and one winner from those who choose C. Quilted Garden.

The rules are easy (please read carefully):

1. Make sure you are an official follower - current or new (you must be listed under "Followers" on the right-hand toolbar)...so if you aren't already following, feel free to sign up by clicking on the "Join This Site" link in the right-hand tool bar (this button is right under the word "Followers". My international followers are also welcome!
   
   
2. Leave ONE comment to this post telling me which of the three new designs is your favorite (the one you would like to win) and why: A. Moonlit Midnight...or B. Pocketful of Peppermint...or C. Quilted Garden. Please leave only one comment and make sure to tell me your choice - multiple comments will be deleted/disqualified.
   
   
3. 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, please leave your email address with your comment - entries without a valid email will be disqualified.
   
   
4. The deadline to enter will be 11:59 pm CST, Friday, August 12th. Recipients will be chosen by random draw and posted on my blog on Saturday, August 13th. I will contact the recipients via email - you will have 48 hours to respond, if I do not hear from you in that time frame, I will choose a replacement recipient(s).

So those are the details....I hope this giveaway was worth the wait...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!!

Little Blue Bungalow

I have always been a fan of Weeks Dye Works...not only do they have quality hand dyed products for stitchers, quilters, knitters, crocheters, and crafters - they also have fabulous, consistent, and colorfast fibers! Did you know that Weeks Dye Works is the first hand over-dye company to be certified a “Green Company” by American Textile Specialties?...or that all their dyes are organic and environmentally safe and made in America? These are just a few reasons I adore their floss, linen, wool fabric, pearl cottons and sewing thread; so when they asked me for a free chart they could post on their website, I just had to design something new and special...

So, stop by the Weeks Dye Works website and explore...check out their products....read about their dyeing process...view an extensive list of designers that use their fabric and fibers....and the check out the "Free Designer Charts" (hold your cursor over "Designers" in the top menu) to get your own copy of the new complimentary chart ("Little Blue Bungalow") that I designed especially for them! You will have to scroll down, as they listed my design at the very bottom of the page...you will need Adobe Reader to open/print the chart....and as always, this design is protected by copyright law - thank you for respecting my copyright. You will also find free charts from some other favorite designers - Cherrywood Design Studios, SamSarah Design Studio, and Just Another Button Company!

This fun little design definitely brought some springtime cheer into my household - I enjoyed working on the design and making it into a floral pillow. The model is stitched on 35-count WDW Angel Hair Linen with seven colors of WDW cotton floss...including two of the great new colors just released at the Nashville Needlework Market (Capri and Charlotte's Pink).

I hope you enjoy this special new complimentary design - another gift to you for your continued support, friendship, and encouragement - thank you for allowing me to "pursue my passion"...and if you need a new project, I hope this chart will entice you to visit your favorite needlework shop and purchase some of the larger designs in the Blue Ribbon Designs catalog!