Sneak Peek - "Sweet Songs of Spring" & A Personal Note

A very short post today.

Here is a sneak peek photo of "Sweet Songs of Spring"...there will be an accompanying set of needlework smalls and finishing instructions with this release. This new design is currently at the framer and is set to be released in February.

On a personal note:

Many of you know I tend to be a very private person - I like to keep my blog posts light and limited to creativity and inspiration. Lately my blog has been neglected, as I work on market designs...and I thank you all for your patience with my limited posts. Now, I have been faced with a new challenge. My grandmother is currently dying and she has become my top priority. I will be flying to Las Vegas to visit with her during her final days. During this time, emails may not be responded to in a timely manner, market releases may be delayed, the email newsletter will be delayed, and my communication may be minimal. Thank you for your understanding. Please know Blue Ribbon Designs means the world to me and I will do my best to keep things on schedule.

Schoolgirl Samplings - A Partial Sneak Peek!

Hello faithful friends and followers - thank you for your patience with my blog entries while I am busy working on the Nashville Needlework Market releases. Today I am giving you a peek at "Schoolgirl Samplings". This design is actually for a stitched needlework box and smalls...however, for those who aren't fond of the finishing work involved, I have designed a sampler you can stitch instead (or in addition to the box). The stitched box has a little bit of a twist and I am working on the construction now along with the needlework smalls....however, the framed sampler is completely stitched and here is a little sneak peek for you! The design will be released later in February at the Nashville market and will include charting and finishing instructions for the sampler, needlework box, and set of needlework smalls. Stay tuned for a photo of the box and accompanying smalls...I will do my best to keep the "Future" page on my website updated with the latest information...thank you for your patience....

Sewing/Stitching Companion

I am still SUPER busy working on new designs for teaching and the TNNA Nashville Needlework Market in February. I am a little behind on my market releases, so my posts may be minimal for the next few weeks....but don't give up on me, I love sharing my projects and inspirations with you!
Today I wanted to share with you a project I made for a holiday gift...a little sewing/stitching companion. It was done completely in the hoop on my sewing/embroidery machine and was digitized by Birdhouse Cottage Crafts. 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 - perfect for a needle threader, package of needles, or a skein of floss. The fabric (which is gorgeous in person!) is Somerset Cottage by Robyn Pandolph (RJR Fabrics)...and was chosen specifically to coordinate with the recently released Elizabeth I scissors (LOVE THESE!) by Kelmscott Designs. This was a very enjoyable project made easily in an afternoon.

New England Stitchers' Retreat Teaching Design

Here is another reason I have been slow to post lately...and I know you have been waiting to see this...it is my teaching design for the New England Stitchers' Retreat(Enfield, NH - May 2010)! I have been working hard to get these class pieces stitched and finished.

The design is called "Beauty in Simplicity" and was inspired and influenced by the Shaker culture and lifestyle (as the retreat is being held at the historic Great Stone Dwelling House). The beauty of nature is the focus of this design, made to fit the oval lid of a hand-crafted Shaker box. Matching needlework smalls (scissor fob, pinkeep, and needlebook) complement the box, giving you a complete sewing set.

Class will cover the stitching of the box lid and needlework smalls, working the Basketweave Tent Stitch (grass), finishing techniques for each of the needlework smalls, mounting your piece on the shaker box lid, personalizing your smalls, and making twisted cord. Plan to complete your scissor fob in class!

I know many of you are curious if I will release my teaching designs to the general public...and the answer is yes; however, I wait a minimum of one year before putting them on the market....so those of you who cannot attend will have to be extremely patient.

Photos and details will be posted soon on http://www.stitchingretreat.com/ soon!

Brightening Up The Day

Well, here we are in Iowa...in the middle of more "blizzard-like" conditions (as is most of the Midwest)....the constant snow, ice, wind, and bitter cold are starting to wear on me....and my poor little dog Simba, who although loves the snow, is dreading any trips outside. Seems like every day I am on "snow removal"...and the snow blowing and shoveling is really starting to irritate me. Yes, the snow can be extremely beautiful and usually doesn't both me...but pair it up with the ice and below zero temperatures and I am not happy.
Trying to find a way to brighten up my spirits in this lousy weather, I went to my huge basket of handmade seasonal items...looking for some Valentine and springtime items to decorate the house with...something to bring a little warmth to my mood. Going through my basket, I found this art quilt I made last year...it was a class piece...and my very first attempt at art quilting. The class was called "Believe Me" and was designed taught by a local art quilt celebrity, Barbara Riggs (to say her art quilts are AMAZING is an understatement). I really enjoyed this creative class...and it definitely made me want to do more art quilting and embellishing in the future. This is a small wall hanging (approximately 12 1/2" W x 15 1/2" H) and was made with silks and batiks...the tulip padding was quite fun to learn (giving the flowers a 3D effect) and I liked playing with the free-motion quilting and applique. Finding this piece in my stash did brighten my day! I have a couple more Valentine pieces to share with you in the future...for now, I must get back to my never-ending pile of model stitching....
Until next time, keep warm and cozy...

Stitcher's Hideaway Teaching Design

If you read my blog regularly, then you know I been a little lapse on my posts lately...I have been stitching up a storm, working on two new teaching pieces for 2010. Yesterday, I finished model stitching a Christmas Sampler for the Stitcher's Hideaway needlework retreat I will be teaching in Mystic, CT (October 2010). This retreat has a holiday theme, so I have designed a piece called "Pocketful of Peppermint" that can be stitched as a sampler...and the separate sections can be stitched as ornaments! This pieces has ten specialty stitches (in addition to basic stitches). The class will cover stitching the sampler, how to work each of the specialty stitches, three types of ornament finishing, adding beads when finishing an ornament, personalizing your ornaments, and making twisted cord. I am currently in the process of stitching the ornaments, but I thought you would like to take a little sneak peek at the sampler...before framing, of course. Tomorrow, I will be off to the framer with this design and a new piece for February titled "In My Heart". I will have more fun things to share with you soon...

Happy New Year's Eve Day

Hello friends and followers! Thank you for hanging out while I took a little break from my blog posts. Like most, the holiday season has been a little hectic for me, as I struggled to balance family/friends, holiday plans, and my business obligations. I sure could use a "sewing day" to clear my head and regroup. I have been frantically working on two teaching designs for 2010...stitching so much, my fingers are bleeding. I have also been trying to get several new designs "in-the-works" for the Nashville Needlearts Market in February. Things here have been insane to say the least, and I am starting have a short fuse. I did have a lovely Christmas holiday, made so very special by my good friends and family....and it was definitely a white Christmas, as snow has continued to fall here on a daily basis.

Speaking of snowfall, I wanted to share this beautiful ornament with you! This snowflake arrived in my mailbox yesterday, all the way from England....and let me tell you, the photo does not do it justice. This lovely hand-beaded ornament came from Lindsay and it is gorgeous! Lindsay posted on an earlier blog entry (December 5th) that she would like to do a snowflake ornament exchange with me...so I sent her some machine embroidered snowflakes and she sent me this beautiful work of art - thank you Lindsay!

As 2009 comes to a close, I would like to thank all of you for supporting my blog journey and Blue Ribbon Designs. You continue to inspire me with your creativity, kindness, and generous spirits! 2009 has been a successful year for me (and my business) and that would not be possible without each and every one of you. As we prepare for 2010, take a moment to reflect on the past year and all the many blessings you have in your life...look at all the beautiful stitching and/or sewing projects you have accomplished. Wishing you a happy, healthy 2010 filled with joy, laughter, and creativity!

Holiday Wrapping - Do You Foof??

Here is another one of my favorite things...this holiday season, I have been glossing all my gifts!

If you haven't heard of the FoofQueens or GiftGloss, then you must visit their website: http://www.foofqueens.com/. "Foofing", also known as "glossing", is a great new way to spruce up and embellish your gifts...and I warn you, it is highly addictive! GiftGloss is a clear, tubular wrap that comes with its own dispenser...you can slide your gift into the GiftGloss alone (as a clear wrap)...or roll/wrap your gift in tissue paper before sliding into the GiftGloss to conceal the gift. You can tie each of the ends with ribbon (these are called "piggy" tails) or you can pull the excess to the top and tie a "pony" tail. My favorite part is finding the perfect tie-on to embellish the gift. The FoofQueens website has all sorts of inspiring photos and videos....you will be amazed at the creativity. I have been enjoying my first "foofed" Christmas...finding fun ways to wrap my gifts...it is also a fabulous way to cover baked gifts and treats!

Holiday Trio Giveaway Winner

Happy holidays all....thank you for reading and following my blog...and thank you for your fun giveaway entries! I wish there could be more than one recipient, as I enjoy ALL of you. Remember, there will be more giveaways in 2010 (I promise!). The random generator chose lucky number 23...which is Kellie....Kellie, I will be emailing you.

I still have a few holiday things to post ...so I will be back with more...

Teacups & Tiaras

First of all, my final giveaway of 2009 is still going on...see my blog entry from yesterday (December 17th) to enter for your chance to win...

Last night was our local EGA (Valley Junction Chapter) holiday party...and what a nice evening it was! I was disappointed not all of us could fit in one room, so several of us were left to sit in an adjoining room; this made it very difficult to be involved or hear the festivities...but I didn't let that ruin my night....our little group made our own fun! The holiday party committee did a fabulous job...and planned a special tea party at one of my favorite spots in Historic Valley Junction called Teacups and Tiaras. The entire evening had a tea party theme...each place setting had a teacup pincushion and a goodie bag...including a specially made laying tool with teacup and tiara charms...and a hand folded teabag with counting pins inside...all made by the talented committee members. The dinner was delicious...and I kid you not, the dessert was one of the best I have ever tasted (think Oreo cookie crust, peppermint ice cream, with a chocolate fudge frosting - garnished with a dab of whip cream and crushed peppermint candies)! Each year, for those who want to participate, we do a handmade ornament exchange...pictured below is the ornament I stitched (Lizzie Kate's "Noel Squared") and the ornament I received - stitched by member Sharon B. (Blackbird Designs "Peace" from the 2009 JCS Ornament Issue)...I absolutely LOVE my ornament and it will make a nice addition to my nonexistent tree (I know, I know, I really need to get a tree....I hear you!)....

Holiday Giveaway - Trio Of Gifts

I promised yesterday I would be back with a post...to share my group gift...and to have another holiday giveaway, so here I am!

We all know I love to play with my sewing machine, so yesterday as my gift to each stitcher in our little group, I brought a basket full of zippered pocket tissue cases...all made from holiday fabric. I had so much fun spending some time at my sewing machine and making all of these...but even more fun giving them away! I featured these fun little pocket tissue cases in my homemade holiday gift ideas (number four), so if you would like to read more about them see my post from November 21st.


Now on to my final giveaway for the year...and I think it is a pretty good one! If you have been reading my blog and following my gift ideas, then you will recognize each of these items. One lucky recipient will win: a pocket tissue case (with tissues), a holiday pincushion, and a humbug bag (the three pieces shown in the photo)! ...and yes, I made all three of the pieces with my own two hands. Here is what you need to do to be eligible for this prize:

Simply leave a comment to this post (you must leave a comment, email entries will not be accepted) telling me your favorite Christmas carol or holiday song...or favorite Christmas story or TV special...and you will be in a random drawing to win the final giveaway of the year. I will post the winner Sunday, December 20th; I will use the random generator to choose one lucky recipient from all the entries. PLEASE leave your email address or make sure it is in your profile - entries without a valid email address will not be eligible. Check back on Sunday to see if you are the lucky winner - I will be contacting the winner by email - if I have your information in time, your prize will go out in Priority Mail on Monday - in time to receive it before Christmas (an overseas winner may have to be a little more patient with the post)!

Good luck to all...and thank you for reading/following!

Feeling So Blessed...

Today was my local stitch group's holiday gathering...and what a delightful time we had! I hadn't been in the most festive of mood this year, but that changed today - there is nothing like stitching and sharing with friends...add to that good food, hot cider, and special gifts...all in a fabulous holiday atmosphere...I feel completely refreshed and much more in the Christmas spirit! I have some of the most talented, creative, and generous friends. You all know I absolutely love opening tiny presents...could be a pencil or a toothbrush, but if it is wrapped, I am "over the moon" - so what a surprise today when we all found out each of us had brought gifts for the whole group...we had so much fun stitching, exchanging packages, laughing, and catching up...what a joyous way to spend part of my day - I am feeling so very blessed! To my stitching friends - thank you for making this day so very special...

Shown in the photos - lovely treasures from our gift exchange: top right - a handmade prairie point (fabric) pine cone ornament...below (L to R) - Red Raspberry Jam, Mill Hill Holiday Pin Kit, Handmade Tapestry Threader, Handmade (by 10-year-old child) Beaded Ornament Hanger, Handmade Scissor Fob, Tweezers (the most unique ones I have seen), DMC variegated floss, and Vanilla Chai drink mix.

Check back tomorrow to see the gift I brought for everyone...and for your chance to win one in a new holiday giveaway!

Homemade Holiday Gift Ideas ~ Number Seven

Today's homemade holiday gift idea is a quilted journal...and although, these may look complicated to make, they might actually be easier than you think! I have shown a couple of these to you before, but yesterday I made four more for gifts. The ones shown below have the recipient's name embroidered on the cover; therefore, I have chosen to "white out" the names until the gifts are received. The cover actually fits over a composition notebook that can easily be found at any office supply store - it measures 9 3/4" h x 7 1/2"w. The supply list is minimal...this is a great project for using up scrap fabric...and they can easily be embellished with all sorts of trims, buttons, and/or embroidery. Best of all, there are two FREE patterns available online! The pattern used for the samples in the photos is from an older Quilts and More Quarterly Challenge and can be found in PDF form on the allpeoplequilt.com website. For a slightly smaller version (made to fit a spiral bound A5 art diary 8 1/4" h x 6 1/4" w) visit the Moda Bake Shop Blog for an excellent tutorial called "Journal Covers". These journals are the perfect size for making a list, taking notes, or writing down your personal thoughts....and make a lovely holiday gift!

Something Adorable, Something Elegant, Something Sweet

Today I have three fun things to share with you...something adorable, something elegant, and something sweet! Let's start out with the "something adorable"...

This special Christmas Ornament is so totally awesome...the photo just doesn't do it justice! It is called "Willy's Gift" and was designed (and stitched) by Michelle Lutzen of Stitchy Kitty. This ornament was part of The Busy Needle Diabetes Ornament Tree, a yearly fundraiser benefiting local diabetes charities. This is the 10th year Sara has hosted this increasing popular fundraiser...and each year, she outdoes herself. This year included the "always talked about" ornament tree (with a cross stitch freebie packet available with donation), an eBay auction, and raffle items...and the festivities continue through December 31st...visit The Busy Needle webpage for more details on this fantastic cause. I was lucky enough to be the high bidder on this fabulous ornament...signed on the back by the designer! If you are not familiar with Stitchy Kitty designs, please check out Michelle's website...her fun and whimsical designs always make me smile....and she even has some freebie treats just for stopping by! (I know what you are thinking...Belinda, you really need to get a Christmas tree...)

Next, "something elegant"...how gorgeous are these beaded needlework accessories?! The were made by Tommye at TJB Designs...and I absolutely LOVE them. Check out the TJB Designs Etsy Store for more of these great accessories...my pieces in the photo include a scissor fob, counting/marking pins, and three needle threaders...and I love them all! Tommye does a fabulous job...the craftsmanship was top notch and even the packaging was special...and as a nice surprise, she included a brand new shiny needle with my order! For an additional treat visit her blog (she gets more stitching projects done than anyone I know!)...I have been having fun following her holiday list and seeing all the amazing gifts she has been making...

Finally, "something sweet"...last night we had a holiday party to attend and of course I brought a tray of cookies. These are one of my favorites (and my husband likes them too!)...

Peanut Butter & Chocolate Star Cookies

1 bag chocolate stars

1/2 cup shortening

3/4 cup peanut butter

1/3 cup granulated sugar

1/3 cup packed light brown sugar

1 egg

2 tablespoons milk

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 1/2 cups flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

Granulated sugar (for rolling dough before baking)

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Beat shortening and peanut butter in large bowl until well blended. Add sugar and brown sugar; beat until fluffy. Add egg, milk, and vanilla; beat well. Stir together flour, baking soda, and salt; gradually beat into peanut butter mixture. Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Roll in granulated sugar; place on ungreased baking sheet. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Immediately press a chocolate star into the center of each cookie; cookie will crack around edges. Remove from baking sheet to wire rack. Cool completely. This recipe makes about 4 dozen "yummy" cookies.