Sunday Sewing Project

Finally, I made time to do a little sewing this morning...the first time I have worked on a sewing project (except mending and backing a few ornaments) since Christmas...and it felt wonderful! I decided to work on a new table runner with fabrics to brighten up my winter blues....I am SO READY for spring to arrive, and this cheery fabric by Mary Engelbreit (Attitude Girls) for Moda seemed perfect...it also matches my black and white kitchen quite well. I love how this table runner used prairie points and buttons to give it dimension. The design is from "Fast & Furious Quilting As You Go" by G. E. Designs. The instructions to "quilt as you go" are quite easy, however, I think I like traditional quilting better...simply because I like sharp crisp seams (I am a presser) and with this quilting method, you have a lot of bulk and pins to deal with. The whole project only took me a couple hours and was quite quick...then I was able to hand stitch the binding and add the buttons during the USA/Canada Gold Medal Hockey Game. I should also add, I adapted the pattern to make the runner two charm square sections (9.5") larger, as I want to use it with a longer table. It felt fantastic to work on a project that was not "business related"...and sparked my creativity for some future sewing adventures....

For The Love of Needlework - Part 2

Here are a four more pieces my grandmother stitched...these four are a little smaller and are already hanging in my home....I truly treasure them! The top two with the butterflies are crewel embroidery...and the bottom two are needlepoint. I love the fluffy seeded dandelion in the first picture...and her french knots are immaculate...plus these are so nice and springy (which is welcome with the piles and piles of snow we have on the ground). The floral needlepoint pictures are amazing - the photos do not do them justice - the background area (dark navy) is stitched with Mosaic stitch...and each and every stitch is perfect. I feel so blessed to be able to have these AMAZING pieces in my collection...

For The Love of Needlework - Part 1

Today I finished unpacking my grandmother's needlework...and I was knee deep in styrofoam packing peanuts and bubble wrap! The UPS Store on West Sahara Avenue in Las Vegas did a FANTASTIC job of packaging and shipping these heirlooms...if you are ever needing to ship something from Las Vegas, I HIGHLY recommend them (super friendly and fantastic to work with!). There are 10 framed pieces and one that has been removed from the frame, as the mounting/stretching needed to be redone. Two small pieces are crewel embroidery...there is one cross stitch piece on Aida...and eight large pieces of needlepoint. As I unpacked each piece, I studied and admired them, as if for the first time. Unfortunately, I could not find dates on any of them...which saddens me, as I would like to know a little more history. Since there are so many, I will share them over a couple days...keep in mind, all of the pieces (except the crewel) are framed with glass, so there will be a bit of glare...here are five very large needlepoint pieces....my favorite being the top right one shown. It is obvious the hours and hours of time and love that went into stitching each masterpiece....

A Little Motivation...

Does this sampler look familiar to you?? It sure does to my group of stitching friends...we have been getting together bi-monthly for quite some time...and this is always the project I bring with me to our gatherings. Now, I must mention - I am lucky if I make it to the stitch group once a month...in fact, I might only make it once every couple months...and as you can tell, I probably do more chatting and socializing than stitching...but still, why haven't I completed this project?! It was started with best of intentions...to be totally honest, it was started officially in February 2006 - I know this because, at the time it was a mystery sampler....I diligently stitched the first two months (parts 1 and 2) with every intention of stitching each part as it was released. Well, soon after, my design career took off and now, I rarely find time to stitch anything other than my own creations. So, I post this here with the hopes of shaming myself into actually finishing this project in the near future...

A few details about the design...
It was a Mystery Sampler by Yvonne Horn of Papillon Creations and Part 1 was released in the very first issue of the Gift of Stitching Magazine. If it looks like tiny stitches to you, it is because I am stitching it on 45-count Pearled Barley linen by Lakeside Linens...I love how detailed it looks in person...however, this piece has a lot of specialty stitches that are NOT all easily worked on 45-count (something I didn't think about when I started). I am using the Vikki Clayton silks (HDF) suggested.

I hope posting a photo here will give me "the push" (or gentle nudge) I need to finally finish this project! I am sure my stitching group would love to see me working on something new...

"Pocketful of Peppermint" - Ornaments

Now that the new designs have FINALLY shipped and are on their way to a needlework shop near you, last night I had time to finish up the Christmas ornaments for the Stitcher's Hideaway Retreat in October. As most of you know, I really enjoy the finishing work and had a nice time working on these while listening to the Olympics. Poor Sue, I have been promising her a photo of the ornaments and the framed sampler since January - she has been so incredibly patient! The sampler 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. This class has been filling up super fast...and I can't wait to meet the stitchers that are attending (I've read they are a TON of fun!)...I hope to finally put some faces to names and email addresses! And before I get asked this question again, I will answer it - yes, this piece will be available to the general public, but not for at least one year after the class dates. I have never been to New England before, so I am really looking forward to teaching in Enfield, NH in May (photos of class piece can be seen in my January 8th post) and then in Mystic, CT in October!

...and lastly, now that I am finally starting to get things under control, I will start taking photos of my grandmother's needlepoint pieces - I know several of you wrote to me wanting to see pictures of her framed work...and I will get them posted here soon!

The Gift of Friendship

Today was such a fun day! I have been so busy with the new releases and catching up on work, I REALLY needed some time away (seriously, there are no words for how much I needed to get out of my office). Simba was scheduled to go to the groomer today, so while he was enjoying a bath/haircut, I met my good friend Merry at the local quilt shop for a little retail therapy. It was so enjoyable to see the new spring fabrics, pick up a couple new projects (more stash!), and just be "out in the world". We then had plans to eat at a new Japanese restaurant...which was FABULOUS! The best part of it all was spending some time with my friend and a couple cups of hot tea...catching up, gossiping, and giggling - it was such a "pick-me-up" and a much needed break from the chaos which has been my life lately. To top off my day, she brought me the most thoughtful handmade birthday gifts (don't you just love it when your birthday celebration lasts for a week!). As I have said before, my friends are so extremely talented...and Merry is no exception - she does beautiful handwork, sews, quilts, knits, and crochets (and is one of the best cooks I know)...she is always working on something creative. Months ago, she asked me about my favorite piece I had designed - this was a tough question, as all of my designs are my "babies"...so I chose my most recent release (at the time) "A Sampling In The Square"...I knew she was up to something, but didn't get any specifics. Today, I finally found out her little secret. She took a photo of the design I chose and made it into a pendant for me...and it is teeny tiny....about 1 inch square...I mean SUPER SMALL...in fact, it was almost nearly impossible for me to get a decent photo because it is so miniature...she also attached a bee charm to to bottom, knowing I am sentimental about bees (my grandfather was a bee keeper). I am still amazed by this...so thoughtful and so special. Her gift also included a couple items she made for my kitchen...an adorable flour sack towel adorned with hand stitching of the cutest flower pot and a floral fabric accent...and a new dish cloth...my kitchen is all set for spring (which can't get here soon enough!).

Yes, today was a good day!

Every Day Is A Blue Ribbon Day

I just couldn't resist sharing this special little box with you! This was a birthday gift from my dear friend Kay of Sweetwater Studio, who is an AMAZING artist (and I sure hope she doesn't mind me sharing photos with you). She is so extremely creative and talented...she makes FABULOUS small works of art and does all sorts of book binding...along with teaching classes on bookmaking. To me, everything she creates is spectacular....and this special little box is no exception. From the blue ribbon on the lid...to the flowers on the inside of the lid...to the treasures found inside (two pieces of Silk Dupioni and a tiny bag of antique buttons), this box is "perfect"...I have been drooling on it since I received it!

If you are in the Des Moines area and would like information on Kay's six new classes at Pure Paper, shoot me a message and I will forward her class email (with photos and details) to you....

Better Late Than Never

Last month, I promised to share some Valentine projects with you, but with the craziness of these last several weeks, I didn't get to the projects I had planned...plus, I didn't have time to get them posted. Although I am a day late, I thought I would share a couple photos with you...

The first photo is of the cutest little Valentine quilting piece - a Valentine candle mat with heart-shaped yo-yos around the edge. Last year for my birthday, my dear friend Mary gave me a magazine with the pattern, the medium heart yo-yo maker, and the fabric ("Candy Kisses" by Sandy Gervais for Moda) to make this sweet little mat. This was such a fun project to construct...a basic 16 patch with yo-yos...easy to make with a charm pack! It is approximately 13.5" x 13.5"...perfect on my coffee table. I just love Valentine fabrics - the colors always make me happy...

I am also excited to share - I very recently (this past weekend) purchased a new top-of-the-line serger, so I will have even more fun projects to pass along to you as I educate myself on all the "bells and whistles"...I have been wanting to upgrade my serger for quite some time...I can't wait to use it to its full capabilities! I have been going through sewing withdrawal this last month, so it is going to be so delightful to find an afternoon to work on a new project...I'm sure it will lift my spirits immediately!

The second photo is of the lovely birthday/Valentine's Day flowers I received from my husband...they look so gorgeous in person - I just couldn't get a picture that does them justice. They brighten my days, so I thought I would brighten my blog with them!

...and finally, for those of you wanting an update on my three new designs...
I got the final printing proofs today and they were on target, so my printer will be working hard to get them ready this week...I am hoping to get them bagged, packaged, and shipped to auto shops by the end of the week...then to distributors next week. Hopefully they will be at your favorite needlework shops before the end of the month. I will keep you updated...or you can always check my website for the latest news!

"Schoolgirl Samplings"

Just a quick blog post today, as I am working hard to catch up with everything. I know these photos of "Schoolgirl Samplings" are posted on my website (I just put them up yesterday), but I just had to share them here, as I am so proud of this new design! This chart will be coming out later this month...charting includes the sampler, the octagon box, and the three needlework smalls...and complete finishing instructions are provided for the box and all three smalls (pin pillow, needlebook, and scissor fob). The idea (coordinating with my original verse) is the outside of the box and front of the needlework smalls is "land" (stitched on 32-count Strawflower) and the inside of the box and the back of the needlework smalls is "sea" (stitched on 32-count Sea Storm). In the sampler, the "land" is the center octagon and each of the four corners represents "sea". I have had this idea in the works for over a year and I am so excited to finally share it with you! I was thrilled when Paula at Kelmscott Designs came out with the mother of pearl Fish Thread Winders, as I knew they would be a perfect addition to this project (sold separately). I will be posting more photos and details (including supply lists) on my website in the next few days...but I just had to share my excitement here with you first!!

For My Grandmother

Hello dear friends and followers - I am happy to be back! Thank you all for your patience with me, while I was away....and thank you to those of you who sent me emails and notes while I was dealing with the death of my grandmother - your kindness brought me comfort. My grandmother (photo right) was a brilliant artist and needleworker...her paintings and handwork are amazing. I was blessed to ship home twelve of her framed needlework pieces (mostly needlepoint)...I plan to share them here on my blog in the near future. She truly loved living in Las Vegas (five minutes from the Strip) and I tried to find time to see her favorite things while I was out there. The Botanical Gardens, The Fountains, and Gallery of Fine Art, all at the Bellagio Hotel were among her favorites...along with the view from the Stratosphere. Below are a few snapshots...

Now time to focus on work, so I can get the new designs out this month. Visit my website "Future" page to see photos (be sure to check out "Schoolgirl Samplings" - I am so very proud of it - it has been in the planning stages for over a year!)...more info will be posted soon...and I will get a newsletter written soon (really, I will )...I have a TON of BRD stuff to share...

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!