Sweet Snacks Mug Rug - NEW Pattern

Greetings friends - happy Friday! I am back today with a brand new quilt pattern release. Truth be told, I had a completely different plan for this pattern, but sometimes things don't work out as envisioned. So, in true Belinda fashion, I quickly changed course and decided to finish this pattern and make it available in my Etsy shop.

“Sweet Snacks Mug Rug" is machine appliqué, along with traditional piecing and assembly. It measures 10" x 7" and works perfectly for a snack mat. The pattern contains basic machine appliqué instructions, appliqué templates, and comprehensive/detailed instructions with color diagrams... and is super quick and easy to create. This 8-page pattern is designed to use scraps and small pieces of fabric...or would work great with your favorite fabric collection. The largest piece of fabric needed is for the backing (10.5" x 7.5"). This project is great for beginners or those wanting to dabble in appliqué....and is perfect for seasonal sewing and gift giving!

The cover model was created with scraps from the Prairie Sisters Homestead collection by Lori Woods for Poppie Cotton along with a small piece of Country Confetti (also from Poppie Cotton) for the appliqué background. It uses HeatnBond Lite Iron-On Adhesive (paper backed fusible web) and HeatnBond Fusible Fleece (you could use batting, but fusible fleece makes it easier). I have also created one in winter/Christmas fabrics - this one has "cocoa" in the teacup with 1/4" buttons representing marshmallows.😊

Paper Pattern: https://blueribbondesigns.etsy.com/listing/1656421646

Digital Pattern: https://blueribbondesigns.etsy.com/listing/1656427148

This mug rug brings a smile to my face, as I have it on my desk daily (the winter one is on a side table in my sewing room)...and I can envision it created with several other seasonal fabrics (I better get busy!). I hope you will spend a little time in your sewing space making a "Sweet Snacks" mug mat that fits your personality and decor.

For now, I am back to my design table and sewing studio...plus I have a new cross stitch model in the works in my stitching nest. Be sure to stop back on February 4th, for a very special Valentine treat!! 💖

Four Winter Wishes - New Cross Stitch

Greetings friends - I'm so happy you stopped by for a visit today!

These last couple weeks have found me in my happy place, working on new patterns and designs. Today, I am here to share my latest cross stitch pattern release, "Four Winter Wishes." If you have been following along, then you know this is my fifth pattern release in the last two weeks - two cross stitch patterns and three quilting patterns!

My heart has been smiling while working on all sorts of creative projects - so let's talk about the latest one. Yes, it's another NEW cross stitch release alert! I just listed another winter/holiday cross stitch design called "Four Winter Wishes" and it is available in both paper pattern and digital format in my Etsy shop. Here are a few more details...

Four Winter Wishes (BRD-135)

This set of four winter/holiday designs is in a traditional sampler format - and includes both Cross Stitch Over-One and Cross Stitch Over-Two...and some Back Stitches (if finished, as shown). I finished these four designs as ornaments with a beaded edge, but they work perfectly as bowl fillers, finished with your favorite method...they would also look lovely as small framed designs. The fifteen-page pattern contains charting for the Four Winter Wishes counted cross stitch designs (in color and black and white), stitching instructions, stitch diagrams, personalization page, enlarged Cross Stitch Over-One charts, and complete finishing instructions (to finish as shown). Models are stitched with Weeks Dye Works Cotton Floss (DMC conversions included) on 32-count Examplar from Lakeside Linens, but most any neutral fabric will do...just make sure the white snowflakes will be visible. 

Digital Pattern: https://blueribbondesigns.etsy.com/listing/1625845067
Paper Pattern: https://blueribbondesigns.etsy.com/listing/1611661922

I really hope you like this winter/holiday/Christmas design - I found my joy working on this special pattern!

I have another new cross stitch model in the works and two more quilting/sewing patterns, as well...so stay tuned for those...

...and, I have needlework finishing and custom work to complete for clients...piles of sewing to complete for my Etsy shop...and another project tutorial for the ThermOWeb blog that will be available December 20th, so I will be back to visit with you again before you know it! 

Thanks for stopping by today and for always being so supportive of my creativity...💗

All Spruced Up - New Cross Stitch

Greetings friends - I'm so happy you stopped by for a visit today!

First of all, thank you so much for the super sweet comments and messages regarding my recent quilt patterns and ThermOWeb design tutorials - I am so thrilled you like my designs! I look forward to sharing more patterns and tutorials with you in the coming months...

I have been crazy busy working on all sorts of creative projects, while fighting a yearly cold/flu that has moved to my chest with a bag cough - but enough of that - let's get to the happy news! Today, I am here to tell you all about one of those projects....yes, it's a NEW cross stitch design alert! I just released a brand new winter/holiday cross stitch design called "All Spruced Up" and it is available in both paper pattern and digital format in my Etsy shop. Here are a few more details...

All Spruced Up (BRD-134)

Introducing the fifth set of Rick Rack Rounds!

Just like it's predecessors Sweet Slice of Liberty, Hitchin' A Ride, Sunflower Delivery, and Perched on a Pincushion, these have a stitch count of 48" x 48" and are stitched on 32-count fabric, measuring 3 1/4" round. I stitched "All Spruced Up" (named for the pine trees and the little details I added on these three) on 32-count Sand Dune by Lakeside Linens with Sulky 12 Wt. Cotton Petites (DMC equivalents are also provided). You can use almost any neutral fabric color for these winter beauties (just make sure your white floss will show) and pick your favorite cheerful floss colors. The pattern includes complete finishing instructions for my Rick Rack Rounds - and you can insert pins as I did...or they look great with just the rick rack (or trim of your choice) - I used hand-dyed rick rack from Lady Dot Creates. For a little added detail, I added a few fun, optional embellishments: a mini pom-pom to the bird's hat (you could use wool or wool roving), red and white baker's twine to the reindeer's tree, and a floss bow to the wreath on on the gingerbread house...these tiny details make me HAPPY! Rick Rack Rounds make great bowl fillers or could be finished as seasonal ornaments. The pattern comes with a plethora of creative ideas! I filmed a comprehensive FlossTube video showing how to do the finishing on these, you can find it here: https://youtu.be/YkBe77naAZI. These winter/holiday-themed rounds are quick to stitch and easy to finish...and more seasonal/holiday Rick Rack Rounds are on the way!

Paper pattern: https://blueribbondesigns.etsy.com/listing/1616743073

Digital pattern: https://blueribbondesigns.etsy.com/listing/1602577212

I really hope you like this new winter/holiday/Christmas inspired design - I found my joy working on this special set!

I have another new cross stitch design in the works and three more quilting/sewing patterns, as well...so stay tuned for those...

...and, I have needlework finishing and custom work to complete for clients...piles of sewing to complete for my Etsy shop...and another project tutorial for the ThermOWeb blog that will be available in December, so I will be back to visit with you again before you know it! 

Thanks for stopping by today and for always being so supportive of my creativity...💗

Snow Much Fun

A couple months ago, I was busy working on today's feature project...yep, when we were all preparing for summer, I was hard at work on a snowman project (such is the life of a designer - always working months in advance)! I designed this "Snow Much Fun" wall hanging pattern especially for AccuQuilt...and now that they have released the pattern on their website, I am finally able to share it with you.

If you are a regular reader of my blog, then you know I like to use my AccuQuilt cutting die shapes in unique and creative ways...like how I designed a plethora of animals using only the GO! Owl cutting die in my GO! Talk To The Animals quilt. For the GO! Snow Much Fun Wall Hanging, I had the challenge of designing a quilt that made a fun selection of snowmen using only the GO! Holiday Accessories die and the the GO! Circle-2", 3", 5" die....add in the GO! Square-8 1/2" (8" Finished) for the applique background blocks and the GO! Strip Cutter-2 1/2" (2" Finished) for binding and you can EASILY cut this out this intricate wall hanging in an afternoon.

Since this project pattern was created for a July release, I wanted to use a bright assortment of colors...and Robert Kaufman Kona Cotton Solids seemed the perfect choice!...and although you can't see them in these images, I used some actual buttons for embellishing (instead of appliquéing some of the very small circles). I also had fun naming each of the blocks for the pattern instructions (like "Snowman Stargazer", "Snowman Snow Globe", "Snowman Love").

If you want to try one or more of these blocks, but the wall hanging seems a little daunting, here are some other suggestions...make one block and use as a mug rug...use your favorite blocks to make a table runner...one block would make a cute winter potholder or trivet...or use four blocks and make a mini quilt. Any of these options would make a heartfelt holiday gift!

So, go visit the patterns section of the AccuQuilt website and download this wintry wall hanging pattern...which for a limited time is FREE - yes, I said FREE!
http://www.accuquilt.com/shop/go-snow-much-fun-wall-hanging-pattern.html

(and during the month of July, the GO! Holiday Accessories die and the GO! Circle-2", 3", 5" die are on sale)

....and if you want to see more on how to make this cheerful project, AccuQuilt has posted a video with more details and tips for cutting all the shapes...

I hope you will make a Snow Much Fun project...and if you do, please be sure to share a photo with me - I would love to see your interpretation of my design!

Christmas Cottage Cushion

Hello creative friends! Be sure to head over to the AccuQuilt Blog for my latest guest blog post...there you will find a complete tutorial for my "Christmas Cottage Cushion" with all the details, so you can make one of your very own...

This festive, holiday pillow is made with some basic piecing and machine appliqué and can be worked up rather quickly. It uses four AccuQuilt GO! cutting dies:

• GO! Schoolhouse (55344)
• GO! Rectangle-2½” x 4½” (2″ x 4″ Finished) (55159)
• GO! Triangle-Isosceles-5″ x 6″ (55016)
• GO! Strip Cutter-2″ (1½” Finished) (55025 or 55164)

....along with the GO! Fabric Cutter (55100S) or GO! Big Electric Fabric Cutter (55500).

This project is great for scraps or fat quarters...and while I used more traditional holiday colors, it would look great in a variety of color pallets! It finishes a nice size (21½” x 13½”) - perfect for seasonal decorating.

So be sure to stop by the AccuQuilt Blog for a materials list and step by step tutorial, with images:
https://www.accuquilt.com/blog/education/go-project-tutorials/christmas-cottage-cushion-holiday-quilting-tutorial/

...and while you are there, check out a plethora of inspiring projects - there are TONS of wonderful ideas to get you in the sewing/quilting mood!

Winter's Here...

It's true, winter has arrived in Iowa...bitter cold, gusts of wind, and lots of snow flurries. I thoroughly enjoy the winter scenes, but truth be told, I'm not a fan of the arctic cold...which definitely gives me a good excuse to stay inside and cozy up in my sewing studio. Recently, I had the chance to work on another large quilt sample for AccuQuilt...and this one combined traditional piecing and machine appliqué, my favorite! This is the GO! Winter's Here Sampler Quilt and it was an absolute joy to piece...and probably my favorite sample I have created for AccuQuilt to date. I had to chuckle when I was getting the details for this project and I realized I had all fourteen dies needed already in my collection...yes, I guess it is time I admit I have an addiction...

This wonderful winter quilt uses the following dies and is compatible with the GO! Baby, GO!, GO! Big, and Studio Fabric Cutters:

•  GO! Bird (55352) 
•  GO! Dove (55350)
•  GO! Cardinal (55351)
•  GO! Reindeer (55353)
•  GO! Snowflake (55359)
•  GO! Holiday Medley (55043)
•  GO! Square-31⁄2" (55006)
•  GO! Square-43⁄4" (55019)
•  GO! Square-61⁄2" (55000)
•  GO! Half Square-3" Finished Triangle (55009)
•  GO! Triangle-47⁄8" (55002)
•  GO! Strip Cutter-11⁄2" (55024)
•  GO! Strip Cutter-21⁄2" (55014 or 55017)
•  GO! Strip Cutter-31⁄2" (55032)

The finished blocks each measure 12" square...the finished size of the sampler quilt with sashing and borders is 57" x 57"...the entire quilt was cut quickly and accurately in an evening...and I can envision it in several different colorways. I did vertical curvy line quilting...which reminded me of Christmas ribbon candy when I had it complete. Oh, how I wanted to keep this quilt for my very own - I just loved it! Maybe one day I will have enough time to recreate it (a girl can dream)...

If you think this is a project you would enjoy, you can download the pattern for free for a limited time by visiting:

http://www.accuquilt.com/go-winter-s-here-sampler-quilt-1.html
I think you will be surprised how quickly and easily it comes together!

Tomorrow will be another productive day spent in my sewing studio - I have a pile of needlework finishing to complete, several custom quilting orders, and freelance design work to do...I'll be be keeping busy, happy, and warm!

Oh, and one more thing....don't forget to stop back tomorrow, Thursday, November 20th for my stop on the Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks Blog Tour...I'll be unveiling my block and I will have a couple giveaway opportunities! Here's a little video to show you what all the excitement is about...

 

A Sign of Spring??

Right now, we have a foot of snow on the ground and more on the way...it is cold and gloomy...and my temperature is definitely reading "spring fever"! I could really use a vacation...a trip to somewhere warm with a beach and a lovely umbrella drink (a girl can dream!)...however, today, while walking Simba, I did hear several birds chirping in the front trees - which did give me some hope...

Could this be my first sign of spring?? Again, a girl can dream!...

Brightening Up Winter

View from my deck door...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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...