Coming the Fall of 2011 - "Moonlit Midnight"

Okay, I do know it is a little early to release a Halloween design...but here is a sneak peek at a new design that will be coming in August of 2011. It is called "Moonlit Midnight" and the chartpack will contain charting for the entire sampler - along with finishing instructions for making the ornaments (or scissor fobs) shown below....and finishing instructions for making the pins/magnets with yo-yo backs, also seen below. The pieces were stitched on 32-count Tundra hand-dyed linen from Lakeside Linens with Weeks Dyes Works cotton floss. This piece was originally designed for a special Halloween event, but the coordinator didn't think it was a good fit for their group - so their loss is your gain - I will be releasing it to the general public later this year! You will have to be patient for the release...it won't be available until the fall needlework market...but since the stitching is complete, I thought I would share it now - a little something to look forward to...







A couple more things to share...
I have updated my website with details and supply lists for the two new designs being released in February at the Nashville Needlework Market... http://www.blueribbondesigns.com/blue_ribbon_coming_soon.htm

Exciting news - I will be releasing my 100th design at market (can you believe it?! - and that is not counting magazine or teaching pieces)...so I will be having a giveaway in the coming weeks to celebrate....

One last thing - I see my blog has reached 400 followers - WOW! - thank you so much for reading, commenting, and encouraging me! I will be having a milestone giveaway for my faithful followers in the very near future....check back soon!

In The Kitchen

As a young child, my grandmother Neine was a huge influence on me - not only did she get me interested in needlework...she taught me the joys of cooking/baking, the value of a clean/organized home, and the importance of sending handwritten correspondence. Often when I am in the kitchen, I think of my time in the kitchen with Neine when I was growing up - although we lived many miles apart and my time with her was limited, I still have the most vivid memories. This morning as the delicious aroma of Sticky Buns filled our home, I couldn't help but think of my time with my grandmother and our time together in her kitchen.

Today I thought I would share another favorite recipe with you...and although it is labor intensive, it is worth every minute...

Sticky Buns

First, make your favorite sweet dough recipe - I like to use the "60-minute Sweet Dough" recipe from the old Betty Crocker's Picture Cook Book. (If you don't have a favorite sweet dough recipe or a "go to" cookbook, do a Google search for Sweet Dough Recipe, you will get many to choose from!)

Sweet Dough
1 tablespoon softened (not melted butter)

1/4 cup sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

Roll out prepared sweet dough on floured surface to approximately 12" x 7" (you may have more/less dough depending on your recipe and may have to slightly adjust the measurements), then spread with 1 tablespoon of soft butter. Next, sprinkle the dough with 1/4 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Roll up lengthwise and cut into twelve slices each approximately 1" thick. At this step, you could bake and have wonderful cinnamon rolls, but I continue on and make sticky buns.

1/4 cup melted butter
1/4 brown sugar

1/4 pecans pieces

Mix the three above ingredients and then pour into the bottom of a greased pan - you may use your favorite baking dish, but I like to use 9" round pans. Spread the mixture evenly in the bottom of the pan; place the the dough rolls on top leaving a little space between each one. Cover and let rise for about 30 minutes. Bake in a 375 degree oven until golden brown (about 20-25 minutes). When baked, turn your baking pan upside down onto a serving plate. Serve with your favorite coffee or tea.

"Holiday Helpings" - NEW Stitch Starter Sleeves

As the Nashville Needlework Market quickly approaches, I have been busy finishing up the details for my two new releases. This one is called "Holiday Helpings"...it is a new set of Stitch Starter Sleeves all with holiday themes. The chartpack (being released in February at the Nashville Market) will contain: one stitch starter ruler tool (seen right), charting for all six holiday "Stitch Starter Sleeves" (seen below), stitching instructions, complete finishing instructions, and an alphabet/numbers for personalization....it will also contain instructions for using the Stitch Starter Ruler tool. The model sleeves were stitched on 32-count Lakeside Linen (Chantilly Creme) with Weeks Dye Works cotton floss. As you can see from the photo below, I chose Valentine's Day, Easter, Independence Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas....and as an added bonus, a St. Patrick's Day complimentary chart will be posted on my website after market release. I had a lot of fun charting these seasonal "pockets" for the Stitch Starter Ruler - I can envision each of these designs being stitched as an ornament or the cover of a needlebook - maybe even a floss ring tag...wouldn't they be cute for holiday stitching exchanges?! More information will be posted soon - but until then, visit my website for information on the first set of Stitch Starter Sleeves, details about the ruler and instructions for use...

A Tree Made For Me

I am actually giggling as I write this post...
Many of my close friends and family...and my faithful blog followers know my biggest "dirty little secret"....even though I have designed well over 100 Christmas ornaments, I have never had a tree. Every year, I say the same thing, I *have to* get a Christmas tree....I have hundreds of stitched ornaments to fill one. Well, I finally found a wonderful tree - I know it is a little unconventional, but it is so "me". I have quite a bit of Longaberger wrought iron furniture and wrought iron candle sconces leading up my staircase and over my fireplace - this tree (although not Longaberger) works perfectly!! I knew right when I saw it, it was coming home with me (at a great after-holiday price too)...and last night my husband assembled it to make sure all the pieces and parts were there. I want to decorate it right now...isn't it fun?! I know it isn't the best photo and it looks a little bare with out decoration, but it really is fabulous....it is 88" tall and looks like it will hold multitudes of ornaments - so next Christmas look for my first blog post with a decorated tree...

And on another cross stitch Christmas ornament note - I am excited to share I have been invited to design an ornament for the 2011 Just Cross Stitch Ornament Issue...along with one for the Ornament Preview Issue...so next winter I will have two more ornaments to add to my new tree!

A Sweet Valentine Treat

Last night, while I was in the middle of one of my model stitching marathons, the "frog" paid me a visit...it frustrated me beyond belief and I knew at that moment I needed to take a few moments away from my needlework. I decided to try a little machine embroidery project that has been in my pile since last Valentine's Day...some In-The-Hoop Heart Pop Wrappers - a fun and simple machine embroidery project from JesseKate Designs...and if you have an embroidery machine, the digitized file is available for free (yes, FREE) at SWAKembroidery.com. I thought these were totally adorable! You need minimal supplies - wool, sewing thread, scraps of ribbon, pinking shears, and your embroidery machine....and oh yes, the miniature lollipops (at first, I tried regular size Valentine BlowPops and they are just a bit too big to fit). In just over a half hour, I made 10 of these fun lollipop covers that will make a nice Valentine's Day treat for friends and family! It was thoroughly enjoyable to take a few moments and work on something with instant gratification. I have several other neat Valentine ideas I would really like to try, so hopefully after market preparations, I will be able to make a little more time for sewing and quilting....

Quiet Quilting

I finally made time to do a little quilting this evening. With my husband away on a hunting trip and my head spinning from Blue Ribbon Designs deadlines, I needed a few quiet hours in my sewing studio. I have a GIANT pile of sewing projects I *really* want to work on, so it was hard to choose only one...I decided to finish piecing and quilting this Double Dutch mini quilt. I have to admit, I was a little worried about the very small flying geese units, but was thrilled when they fit together rather nicely....a definite improvement for me! I have really been enjoying this series of mini quilts and finally purchased a 12" standing frame to display them...it will be fun to change the quilt each month and I look forward to having each one on display.

I have a couple really adorable Valentine sewing projects I would love to machine embroider and sew up, so I will be working extra hard to meet all my deadlines...I definitely *need* more play time!

As far as needlework, I am still working on the "Holiday Helpings" Stitch Starter Sleeves...they are stitching up just as I envisioned and I can't wait to share them with you! I am stitching as fast as my little fingers can handle...and since I have a quiet house tonight, I should be getting quite a bit more accomplished...

"Turn The Page" Bookmarks

What does one do when they are snowed in??...needlework, of course!

As the snow continues to fall here in Iowa (and most of the country), I have been curled up inside as much as possible...finishing up my two new releases for the Nashville Needlearts Market in February. I gave you a sneak peek of "Turn The Page", my new bookmark sampler, a couple weeks ago...it is currently being framed (I picked what I think is a fabulous frame molding)...and the last several days, I finished up the stitching of the sample bookmarks. Today, I completed the finishing work...there are four different styles - finishing instructions will be included in the chartpack...and each one of them is quite easy to put together. I had fun picking coordinating fabric for the back of one (birds)...felted wool for finishing another (bunnies)...and the other two (grapes, hearts) use linen for the backing. I am so excited with how the sampler and the bookmarks turned out and can't wait to release this chart next month....plus I am ready to put my new bookmarks to use!

I am now focused on "Holiday Helpings", my other release for market, which is a new set of Stitch Starter Sleeves (and will include my Stitch Starter Ruler). It was a treat picking each of the holidays to represent and charting each one...and I will share a photo with you soon...

Winter is definitely here...and while I love the cozy stitching time inside, I dread the shoveling and snow blowing that needs to be done a couple times a day. I am already dreaming of spring! I hope you are staying warm and dry...and you have been able to "dig out" if you are in the majority of the U.S. with snow on the ground...

Sunflower Serenade - A Teaching Piece

Here is a peek at what I have been working on while trying to get over my cold/flu (which is much better now!)...it is called "Sunflower Serenade" and is the sampler for the the Heart's Desire (a needlework shop in Wichita, KS) Cross Stitch Camp held at the Rock Springs 4-H campground near Junction City, KS. This year, the event is being held April 14th-17th. This teaching piece will also have a matching scissor fob, which we will plan to stitch/finish in class...it is stitched on 28-count Jobelan (Bone) with Weeks Dye Works cotton floss. Debbie had asked me about possibly designing something with a Kansas theme (which at first seemed like a HUGE challenge)...so I did one of my signature samplers with a bit of Kansas - after doing some research, I incorporated the state flower (Sunflower), the state bird (Western Meadowlark), the state insect (Honeybee), and a barn representing agriculture (a major industry in KS)...plus a touch of spring, as the camp is being held in April. I am definitely looking forward to this Midwest event in several months! Again, before I get bombarded with questions - this special design will not be available to the general public until at least one year after the retreat is held...so if you can not attend, you need to be patient. Please contact Heart's Desire for more information and details....

This morning, I made a trip out into the winter weather to visit my framer...where I dropped off a pile of pieces including "Sunflower Serenade", "Turn The Page", and "Moonlit Midnight". Then, I spent the afternoon working on my state sales taxes and preparing my 2010 tax documents for my CPA (fun, fun, fun). This evening, I have been working on some of the bookmarks that coordinate with "Turn The Page". I am slowly working through my GIANT to-do list, while trying to stay warm and completely regain my health. I have a couple more teaching designs to prepare, along with two market designs to complete/ready for printing - it is going to be a VERY busy month...

Fun and Funky Refrigerator Magnets

It has been a while since I have posted a machine embroidery project, so I just had to share these fun and funky refrigerator magnets. These bright and cheery magnets are done completely in a machine embroidery hoop and are a great beginner project for those learning how to use an embroidery machine....plus, as a bonus, they are great for using up small bits of fabric. These magnets are basically machine applique with added embroidery; the base of each magnet is cutaway stabilizer...fabric is then machine appliqued on top...followed by the embroidered elements...and then finally, the satin stitch border - excess tear-away stabilizer is then removed, leaving you with a completely finished magnet, all done in the embroidery hoop! These great, inexpensive digitized designs can be found (along with TONS of others) on the Embroidery Library website - just type magnets in the search box and you will find all sorts of fun ideas. You can also visit the Embroidery Library's project section for a complete tutorial with color photographs on how to make these great magnets. With minimal supplies and a little time in the sewing room, you can brighten-up any kitchen....

Happy New Year!

My New Year's Eve celebration was filled with good friends, food and beverage, and lots of laughter! We attended a party put on by our neighbors and close friends with lots Mexican food and plenty of Margaritas...and we had a delightful fun-filled evening. Everyone was asked to bring a snack or appetizer, so I decided to bring my Mexican Cheese Ball - which is always enjoyed and pretty simple to make. I thought I would share my recipe with you - your first taste from my kitchen in 2011...

Mexican Cheese Ball

2 (8 ounce) blocks of cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

4 green onions, finely chopped

1/4 cup taco seasoning (I use Penzey's Original Taco Seasoning)

1/4 cup picante sauce (I use Pace)

2/3 cup crushed tortilla strips or chips (I use Chili Lime Tortilla Strips)

Mix first five ingredients until thoroughly combined. Shape into a ball and refrigerate for at least 2 hours . Before serving, roll in crushed tortilla strips. Serve with crackers and tortilla or corn chips.

I saved just enough for Travis and I to enjoy while watching football this afternoon (Go Blue!). I hope you enjoy what is left of your New Year's Day...

A Look Forward To 2011

In just a matter of hours, we will be welcoming the new year...and as 2010 comes to a close, it is time to reflect on the last 365 days. This year has been a good year for Blue Ribbon Designs - a year of triumphs, challenges, and rewards. Thank you for making this a special year for me and for your support, encouragement, and loyalty - there are many talented designers and teachers out there...and a vast amount of needlework patterns to choose from - I sincerely thank you for welcoming my designs into your stitching rotation and allowing my dream to be a reality. I truly love what I do and I hope you will continue to receive my designs with open arms and share in my passion for all things done with needle and thread. Looking forward to 2011, I have many projects in the works - a pile of design ideas, multiple classes across the US, and exciting plans for the future. Thank you for following me on my creative journey...

As promised, here is a sneak peek at an upcoming design titled "Turn The Page" - it is the second in my series of bookmark samplers. As with the first design, you can stitch the entire framed sampler or choose a favorite section for making a bookmark. The model was stitched on 40-count Weeks Dye Works Linen (Angel Hair) with Weeks Dye Work cotton floss. Unfortunately with the winter storm brewing, it is quite gloomy and dark - the light was not ideal for photography - but I promised a photo today...and you get the idea! I have plans to release this design in February at the Nashville Needlework Market.

Wishing you and your loved ones a new year filled with happiness, prosperity, and kindness...all the best in 2011...

Friendship Across The Miles

Well, it is almost the new year...and I am bringing it in, as usual, with a terrible cold/flu...I have been fighting it for weeks and somehow right after Christmas it surfaced at maximum strength. For the last several days, I have been pretty miserable (that explains my lack of posts, tweets, and returned emails) - today has almost been tolerable and I am hoping to have shaken it off by the start of 2011! Before we make the move into the new year, I do have a couple more holiday things I wanted to share with you...

Back in the Spirit of Cross Stitch and CATS Stitching Festival days - back when they were held in Des Moines, Iowa each year...we're talking about years ago...during one of the needlework classes, I sat next to Lee and her husband Harmon (this was back when I was taking classes, before I was teaching them). Lee is from Detroit, MI and we had an instant connection - she was such a sweetheart and we enjoyed sitting together at several classes/events. We exchanged contact information and birthdays and have kept in touch all these years. On special occasions, Lee and Harmon always send me the most beautiful cards in the mail and tuck-in adorable little treasures. This year, they sent me the cutest hand crocheted Christmas tree - complete with little jeweled ornaments and a gold star on top! It was made by one of their friends and was such a heartwarming enclosure. To think we met over our mutual love of needlework, became friends across the miles, and have kept in touch all these years is a tribute to what friendship is all about. I hope one day Lee, Harmon, and I will be reunited...but until then, Lee and I will keep up our long distance friendship with cards and notes and fond memories of our special time together.

I also have to share what my sweet friend Merry did for me. She had no idea that I have been really sick for almost a week...but she must have sensed I needed her...because I received a wonderful envelope from her in the mail this week. What was in it?? - a pair of cuffs she knitted especially for me - I knew she was working on them, because she asked me for my palm measurements, but I had no idea they were done and on the way! I absolutely love the dungarees blue she used - it was the perfect color choice for me...and they fit, well, "like a glove". Also included - a fun floral pink folder (shown in the photo) with several quilt and sewing patterns and some gorgeous pieces of fabric. How is that for a "care" package??...and she didn't even know I needed one.

Finally, as I mentioned before, my husband and I really don't do Christmas gifts for each other - we usually just get a couple things we need/want for our home - this year, a new Keurig Platinum Brewer and a Dyson Ball vacuum. But, my husband threw me off a bit...about a week before Christmas, he came home with a surprise gift for me. If you follow me on Twitter, I posted a photo of this wrapped mystery gift and asked for guesses...and several of you guessed correctly! It was a NookColor - really the only thing I mentioned I wanted - I am so super excited - and although I haven't felt well enough to do much reading, I have managed to almost finish one book and have perused several magazines (which are awesome on a color eReader!). It was a grand surprise and I am still giddy about it. I did make him a little something special for Christmas - a new large fleece blanket and matching over-sized pillow - both in camouflage fleece for his "man cave". They were a huge hit - especially with Simba who has been caught curled up in the center of the big fluffy pillow...and burrowed down in the blanket.

All in all it was a magical Christmas and I feel extremely blessed. Now, if I could just beat this darned cold/flu for the New Year...

Tomorrow, tune in for a sneak peek photo of "Turn The Page" - my new bookmark sampler that will be released at the TNNA Needlework Market in February....

Holiday Sewing Projects - Patchwork Table Runner & Towels

I did it - I finally finished my last handmade gift of the season! I am actually shocked I reached my goal...a month ago I had no idea how I was going to get it all done, but a little time management, a specific prioritized list, and a few late nights helped me accomplish my lofty goals.

Last night, after a couple shots of DayQuil cold medicine (yes, my head cold is in full force - just in time for Christmas), I felt well enough to quilt and bind this table runner and add the finishing touches to some matching kitchen towels. The table runner is a Pieced Tree Pattern called "Scrappy -Do" (Tiny One #21) and was much easier than it looks! Even feeling under the weather, I loved every minute of this project - maybe it is the floral fabrics - they just seem bright and cheery to me. If you are a beginner quilter or want a good starting project, these little Pieced Tree Patterns "tiny" laminated card projects are perfect - they are inexpensive and have easy diagrams and instructions. This table runner is a nice size at 12"w x 32.5" long and will be a good addition to the recipient's kitchen. When I cut the fabric for this project, I had a small pile of 2.5" x 2.5" squares left over, so I decided to use them to embellish a couple matching kitchen towels...then I added some cheerful medium-sized yellow rick rack. I was so thrilled with how these turned out that I want to do a set for my kitchen! I will be pairing the table runner and kitchen towels with a special cookbook...and all I have left to do is foof (wrap) it!

As the snow continues to fall here in Iowa, I am going to enjoy my Christmas Eve day. I already have a big pot of homemade chili simmering in the crock pot and plan to do a little baking this afternoon. Once the house is tidy, the last couple gifts are foofed, and my fun in the kitchen is done, I plan to relax this evening with my husband (who will be home on Christmas Eve for a change!)...a nice fire in the fireplace, maybe a good movie...and of course I get to unwrap my mystery gift...

Wishing you a white Christmas filled with laughter and love - Happy Holidays!

Spreading Out The Joy

Remember yesterday when I said "it is the season of surprises"? Well, today, another HUGE surprise arrived (I am feeling VERY spoiled!). While I was out running errands before the blizzard is in full swing, my dear friend Mary left the most amazing surprise box at my front door! I have been feeling quite under the weather with another (or maybe the same) head cold and was having quite a rough day - only to come home and find this over-the-top surprise. Mary and I both have hectic schedules and haven't had a chance to get together this holiday season - but that sure didn't stop her from sharing the Christmas love! I arrived home to find a great plastic storage box (which will now be a home for in-progress quilt blocks) filled - yes, filled with small wrapped packages. Now those of you who know me or follow my blog, are aware I absolutely adore tiny packages - in fact, stockings have always been my favorite, as my mother would wrap everything when she filled mine - to me there is so much excitement in seeing an array of small wrapped presents. Although I thought momentarily about opening a gift a day...or saving these packages until Christmas, the little girl in me had to open all of them immediately (and there was A LOT to open)!

Mary actually stitched me "The Queen Bee" by JBW Designs - which is perfect! Many of my friends call me "B"...and honey bees have a special place in my heart, as my grandfather was a beekeeper - she knows all this and cross stitched this design especially for me...a truly touching piece. Plus, she knows how much I love to sew, quilt, and create and is letting me decide how to finish it - which is a gift in itself - I already have a ton of ideas!

This fun surprise box was filled with things I love (a TON of thought went into it!) - fabrics, tea, miniature rick rack, ornaments, a journal, a book, stationery, and multiple other treats...to be honest, I am overwhelmed....she must have started collecting items months ago...

I have always said I have the most thoughtful and giving friends - they just "get me"...my quirks, my hectic schedule, and my control freak perfectionist personality. I truly feel like a little kid this Christmas - I don't ever remember a year where there were so many treats and surprises. I am truly thankful for my many blessings.

I hope you are receiving an abundance of surprises this holiday season...and have the chance to celebrate the great gift of friendship...