Thanksgiving Greetings

The holidays are upon us...and many of us (myself included) need to take a moment and just breathe...I, for one, have learned (or at least I'm trying to learn) that I can't always "do it all" (no matter how hard I try)...therefore, my husband and I, along with his parents will be going out for Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow - that's right, no grocery shopping, no messy kitchen, no hours behind the stove, and no dishes to wash...and for once in my life, I am truly okay with that.

I have so many things to be extremely thankful for...a loving family, a wonderful husband, AMAZING friends (who accept me, my quirks, and my crazy busy schedule!), two adorable dogs, and a career I find joy in every single day...way too many things to list...and I am grateful for all of you who share my passions, encourage me with your comments and emails, and support my designs and creative ventures - you all brighten my days!

Over the past ten years or so, I have truly enjoyed designing charts and patterns especially for this time of year - I adore the colors of autumn...I thought you might like to see a collage that includes many these pieces...you can find additional information on each of these designs by exploring my website...enjoy!

To everyone celebrating tomorrow - and to my many international fans and friends - take a little time to count your blessings...and a little time to stitch...
Happy Thanksgiving!

Tickled Pink!

Closing ceremony - the survivors entering the
 stadium and the raising of the final flag
...shoes up!

I am finally back in Iowa and have had a couple days to recover from my Komen 3-Day journey...and to say it was incredible would be an understatement. I have experienced very few moments in my life that have been more powerful...and I am proud to say I walked every single step of the sixty miles last weekend in San Diego. Walking into the closing ceremony, hand in hand, with my fabulous team was a breathtaking experience, full of emotion and a huge sense of achievement....there really are not words to describe it. The entire walk was AMAZING - my heart felt great, my legs were ready (my year of training definitely paid off), and I was able to enjoy the beautiful San Diego scenery that surrounded me. I did manage to get "impressive" blisters (as Terry, our medic called them) on day 2 that were a definitely a challenge on day 3... but, the medical crew (who were FANTASTIC) bandaged up my "super bad blisters" (yes, that was my diagnosis), so I could walk on the final day.  There were numerous memorable moments - in fact, too many to list...so, I will share a plethora of captioned photos with you that will give you just a peek at my experience...

Opening ceremony on the first day...getting pumped up for 60-miles - listening to an
inspiring speech by Dr. Sheri Phillips (the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure®
national spokesperson)...

I signed the white memorial flag in remembrance with a couple very special names:
Cathey Magill aka "Pumpkin" and Golda Paton (the mother of my very dear friend)...
I wanted to write a message with each, but unfortunately, the markers were running
dry...this was a very emotional moment...

The first day - walking through Torrey Pines State Reserve - Lois was handed off
the commitment flag that she had carried for 20 miles in Dallas in 2012...

The first day - setting up camp - and yes, I am wearing our matching team jammies,
after a hot shower...and yes, I slept in that pink tent...you can see the shower trucks in
the background...

Day 2 - taking in the scenery in La Jolla - seals, pelicans, seagulls - a welcome change
from cold and snowy Iowa (click to enlarge)...

One of the sweep vans - sweep vans are decorated and operated by volunteers - they pick up
any walkers needing a lift to the next pit stop/camp or who need medical attention...

Arriving at lunch on the 3rd and final day...at the top of the "death march" or "suicide hill",
 as many walkers called it...the lunch crew took very good care of us...

Arriving at the finish line after every single step of the 60-miles: (L-R) me, Lois, and Sandy...
Note the matching hats our team captain made for us...and the matching bows on our shoes -
these details helped us find each other in the crowd of 2,300 walkers...

Our two other fabulous teammates arriving at the finish line (in the chaos, it was
difficult for all of us to stay together): Diane on the left and Lori on the right...

My tired/blistered feet after the 60-miles...

Walkers marching down the tunnel of people before crossing the finish line...

Walkers marching down the tunnel of people before crossing the finish line...

My incredible teammates: (L-R) Sandy, Lois, Terry, Diane and Lori...I heart you all!

Walkers checking in at the finish line at Petco Park - the man in the center with the
red, black, and white backpack was an inspiration throughout the entire walk -
he is 72 years young and took every single step - slow and steady!

The San Diego police department entertaining us with a dance at the finish line -
they were phenomenal throughout all three days!

The San Diego police department booty shakin' during a dance at the finish line
- they were quite entertaining!

Lining up in rows of eight to enter the closing ceremony...

A sea of walkers at the closing ceremony....

Closing ceremony - the survivors entering the stadium and the raising of the
final flag...shoes up!

The very inspirational Dr. Sheri Phillips, the national spokesperson for the
Susan G. Komen  3-Day for the Cure® - lifting us up at the closing
 ceremony - she walked all 60-miles...

Closing ceremony - raising the final flag "NEVER GIVE UP"...

In closing, I will share the thank you note I e-mailed to everyone who made a donation...this sums it up...

My dear friends, family, and needlework enthusiasts, 

A GIGANTIC heartfelt thank you for supporting me on my Komen 3-Day journey! It was an UNBELIEVABLE three days and I am extremely proud to report I walked every single step of the 60-miles. It was an AMAZING, challenging, fun, (at times) painful, and breathtaking experience...filled with memories that will definitely last a lifetime.

Because of your generosity, and the support of all of my donors and team members, I raised over $8,300 to help end breast cancer...our small, but mighty team Twinkle Toes (five walkers and one medical crew member) raised just shy of $30,000 for this important cause...and the San Diego event (2300 walkers and 425 crew members) raised an OUTSTANDING $6,100,000! I cannot thank you enough for your support, love, and encouragement - I am so very touched by your generosity and kindness.

I also want to take a moment and express my sincere gratitude to those of you who made cash donations to our team captain for expenses, to those of you who sent care packages to me before the trip, and to those of you who sent sweet treats with notes to me in camp - you helped lighten the financial burden and truly enhanced my experience - I am forever grateful.

YOU made this INCREDIBLE journey possible and I thank YOU from the bottom of my heart. Together we ARE making a difference!

xoxo, Belinda "Baby Twinkle Toes" 

Team Twinkle Toes is thrilled to announce we are headed to Dallas in 2014!

So now, life gets back to "normal" - I play catch-up...I finish up the new designs for printing...I answer correspondence...I fill orders...I tackle the HUGE "to do" list...and I try to keep my feet elevated...and in a couple weeks I will get back to training for the 2014 Komen 3-Day in Dallas...it's all good!

From California With Love...

Hello friends! This is just a quick post from California to let you know I completed the Komen 3-Day walk...it was an UNBELIEVABLE three days and I am extremely proud to report I walked every single step of the 60-miles. It was an AMAZING, challenging, fun, (at times) painful, and breathtaking experience...filled with memories that will definitely last a lifetime...and YOU made that possible. I will make sure to tell you all about it and post photos upon my return - but until then, here are a few snapshots I took on my smartphone along the way (please excuse the quality)...

Team Twinkle Toes right before the opening ceremonies...

My home for the event...

The view from our tent...

Memorial tents at our 3-Day camp...

San Diego Police Department decked out in pink - they made our journey
very fun and safe! They were absolutely wonderful....

Members of SDPD entertaining and uplifting us on the walk...

Our view at Petco Park (home of the SD Padres) as we crossed the finish line...

Because of your generosity, and the support of all of my donors and team members, I raised over $8,300 to help end breast cancer...our small, but mighty team Twinkle Toes (five walkers and one medical crew member) raised just shy of $30,000 for this important cause...and the San Diego event (2300 walkers and 425 crew members) raised an OUTSTANDING $6,100,000! I cannot thank you enough for your support, love, and encouragement - I am so very touched by your generosity and kindness.

I also want to take a moment and express my sincere gratitude to those of you who made cash donations to our team captain for expenses, to those of you who sent care packages to me before the trip, and to those of you who sent sweet treats with notes to me in camp - you helped lighten the financial burden and truly enhanced my experience - I am forever grateful.

YOU made this INCREDIBLE journey possible and I thank YOU from the bottom of my heart. Together we ARE making a difference!

If you made a last minute donation and are waiting for "Red Rosies and Pink Posies", I will send the chart to you as soon as I return to Iowa (thank you for your patience!)...I will also be answering outstanding e-mails and inquiries at that time...

xoxoxo

California Bound...

Hello friends...yes, I am still alive and kicking...it has just been a crazy couple weeks. I am actually leaving for California for the Komen 3-Day walk in a couple hours and I have been swamped trying to get several models done and ready for printing production upon my return...so, if you have sent me a message and are waiting on a reply, I apologize for the delay - just way too many irons in the fire! So, as you probably expect, this will be a short post...

I would like to say a HUGE thank you to everyone who has supported my Komen 3-Day walk with a donation to receive my special pink needlework design "Red Rosies and Pink Posies" - I am overwhelmed by your generosity! Together we have raised over $8,000 for breast cancer awareness, education, and funding...which is simply INCREDIBLE!...and our mighty team Twinkle Toes (five walkers and one medical crew member) have raised almost $30,000 for this important cause!! I just can't thank each and every one of you enough...there are not words to express my gratitude. The Komen walk starts on Friday and over the course of three days we will each walk 60-miles for this worthy fundraiser. If you would like to follow my journey, please make sure you send me a friend request on Facebook, as posts will be made on my personal FB account (http://www.facebook.com/BRDgirl)...then I will post here when I return from my trip. I will be out of my studio/office from November 12th - November 20th, with very limited communication; therefore, I will respond to all correspondence (e-mails, Etsy inquiries, FB messages, comments, etc.) in the order received upon my return - I appreciate your patience!  Thank you for your encouragement, support, and love! http://www.the3day.org/goto/Belinda

So, quickly, here is a sneak peek at what has been keeping me busy...it is titled "Quilt Block Christmas"...it is now at the framer and will be in printing production as soon as I return from California (along with "Woodland Tree Farm")...

...and finally, here are a few photos we have received of Schatzi while she is at formal training...we miss her bunches and can't wait for her to come home on Decembr 7th...

I look forward to sharing details of my trip with you when I return...until then, be happy and stay safe....

Pink Halloween

Today we celebrate Halloween and the last day of Breast Cancer Awareness Month...which makes complete sense, because cancer is extremely scary (but it is definitely not a trick or a treat). I decided to spend my Halloween afternoon on a training walk and prepare for the Komen 3-Day which will be here in just two short weeks. Now that I have kicked my head cold to the curb, I have been able to get back to walking (just fewer miles) and I am feeling ready for the 60-miles in San Diego. While I was walking this afternoon, I was reflecting on my journey thus far and my last minute preparations...and my phone chimed with the BEST news...our Team Twinkle Toes (five fabulous walking members and one amazing medical crew member) hit the big $25,000 fundraising mark....yep, we surpassed $25,000 with two weeks to go!!! I am also excited to share that I, personally, am just shy of reaching an astounding $8,000...which I REALLY hope to surpass...anyone think I can reach $10,000 in the next two weeks (where is a corporate sponsor when I need one?)??? WOW - I am almost completely speechless and touched beyond belief - a HUGE thank you to everyone who has supported and encouraged both me and my fellow teammates - I am so very thankful. I also want to take a moment and express my gratitude to those of you who have made cash donations to our team captain for expenses - those gifts are helping to make our financial load lighter and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Who knew how expensive this journey would be??...from shoes and socks to camping gear to medical aids to round trip airfare...then gas expenses to get to San Diego, hotel fees, shuttle fees, towel service, meals...the list goes on and on. I am feeling so very blessed to have so much love and support! I can't believe I leave for California in a week and a half...and I am shipping out most of the walk necessities tomorrow (with only one suitcase for my flight, I am not wasting any of my allotted 50 pounds on a sleeping bag, air mattress, and pillow...or drop cloths, flashlight, clothes pins, cinch sacks or any of the other walking necessities)...because we all know I pack like a girl. I have been gathering all the needed gear for months and after my walk this evening, I got it all boxed up for the trip to California...one more thing off my list...and now it all seems so real...two weeks from tonight I will be in San Diego getting a good meal and (hopefully) a good night of sleep before our 5:00 AM arrival for the opening ceremonies...

To read more about the Komen 3-Day, my reasons for walking, and/or support me and my fellow teammates on this incredible journey, visit: http://www.the3day.org/goto/Belinda

Okay, so after all the "pink" talk, I haven't forgotten about Halloween or my fellow needleworkers...here is a little Halloween collage featuring many of your favorite spooky Blue Ribbon Designs...

Happy Halloween to all my friends, family, and followers - I heart you!

Learning to Slow Down...

Sometimes in life, you just need to slow down...and I have been reminded of this several times in the last week. First I took a bad fall while doing a training walk on Saturday morning....I thought it was just because I am a klutz, but several people in my life seem to think I am overdoing it. I was walking down a steep hill, stepped in a crack, rolled my ankle, and fell face first (like a ton of bricks) to the concrete sidewalk...and yep, I even hit my head (I was seeing stars). I managed to sit up, get my wits about me and walk the mile to get home (feeling like a moron). I arrived home with a bruised ego, a bump on the head, several scraps and bruises, and a severely sprained right hand (yep, I had x-rays done on Monday and we all know I am usually WAY TOO stubborn to go to the doctor). So, my hand is all wrapped up for at least two weeks - no cast, thank goodness. Not sure how I managed to walk over 1,000 miles since the first of the year without incident and then have a dramatic fall...I am just relieved it didn't happen in San Diego! I am left-handed, so that is a plus...but I am having difficulty with even the smallest of tasks (including typing), so you might not see me as much for a couple weeks....it is painful from fingertips to armpit. I am frustrated, cranky, and irritable...and just to make sure the universe made it's point that I need to learn to slow down, I awoke this morning with a terrible headache/stuffy head/crud...and even though I have been resting most of the day, I still feel miserable. So, I get it...I heard the message (loud and clear)...I need to slow down a bit...as if at this point, I have any choice...ugh...

I will leave you today with a few photos of Schatzi at her formal training. For those of you who don't know, we took Schatzi up to Minnesota to Neuman K-9 Academy, where she is being professionally trained for two months....during this time, we are not allowed to visit, but we get weekly updates and photos. She is in "doggy boot camp" which includes: confidence building, obedience training, proper etiquette, field trips, running on a treadmill, and socialization with other dogs. We miss her desperately, but know she will return home well-behaved and more obedient...at least as well-behaved as you can expect from a German Shepherd puppy. These photos were sent to us this week..and by the look of her in action on the slide, confidence is not an issue for her! You see her trainer, Josiah, in the photos...oh, and I should mention, this is where she was born, so her mother and one brother are on site...and three of her sisters are there for training, as well...she is surrounded by family....

I am  now headed back to my stitching nest (where I have my current project on a lap stand - I can't even hold my q-snap....grrrrr....it is slow going)...I'll be nursing my hand and my head cold (along with my ego)...

Friendship Friday (A Week Late)...

This past week has been a bit of a whirlwind and my schedule has been quite full. We took our German Shepherd puppy (Schatzi) up to Minnesota last weekend for two months of training...plus my husband had bicep surgery on Tuesday to repair a torn tendon...so with my normal intense schedule and my training walks, I have been doing my best to find some sort of balance. My husband's surgery went as well as can be expected and he should be healed up in several months...and we are definitely missing our baby girl, but she is in great hands at her training boot camp (plus, she has her mom and four siblings to keep her company). The photo was taken in our kitchen a few days before we took her up to MN (70.2 pounds)...she likes to help/watch me cook...

I did get together with my dear friends (Lorrie and Mary) last Friday for an afternoon road trip...and yes, Mary brought me another ADORABLE squirrel (shown right) - isn't it just the cutest?! We went to one of our very favorite quilt shops - Quilts and Other Notions in Creston, Iowa. Oh, how we LOVE this shop - always something fun and new - a HUGE selection of fabrics, trims, and notions - and THE BEST customer service around! It is an hour or so drive - but worth every single minute - plus it gives us time to catch-up and giggle. As always, we were all good little shoppers and found an assortment of treasures to take home. This wonderful quilt shop also has a fabulous "Creative Center" right next door where they entertain and hold classes and retreats...and last weekend was their retreat weekend, so creativity was everywhere...and while I was paying for my purchases, Lorrie and Mary slipped next door with Joyce (the shop owner) to see all the attendees in action. It was a lovely afternoon with my girlfriends and the perfect way to kick off the busy week ahead...

Here are several patterns that called my name...the shop had ladybug models
hanging on the wall from "The Ladies" pattern that were ADORABLE...
and I must make a "Flutterby" Bee Pincushion...

I *HAD TO* have both of these fabrics...
Left - Collage by Carrie Bloomston for Such Designs (Windham Fabrics)
Right - Nevermore Collection by Gillian Fullard/London Portfolio for Michael Miller Fabrics

A couple more cuts of Winter's Lane by Kate & Birdie Paper Co. for Moda to add to my collection...

I loved this redwork style fabric by Marcus Brothers Textiles...
I am guessing it is an older fabric, as to my surprise it was on sale for $3.00/yard...
I thought it would be fun for fussy cutting...

I am now headed back to my stitching nest...I have been busy working on a set of design models for Annie's Publishing that will accompany a "learning to cross stitch" video I am shooting with/for them early next year...more details on this in the future. I also have a holiday design to finish up, so I can get it to my framer....and a new magazine piece to design...it should be a very creative weekend!

Honesty, Beauty, and Grace

About a month ago, I did a blog post explaining one of the reasons I am walking in the Komen 3-Day next month (60 miles in 3 days)...in this earlier post (for those of you who did not already have the sincere pleasure of knowing her) I introduced you to Cathey (or "Pumpkin" as most of the blog community knows her). At the time, Cathey was knee deep in complications from Stage 4 Breast Cancer - and she was blogging about her diagnosis with honesty, beauty, and grace. The news of Cathey's passing reached me yesterday evening and has quickly spread throughout the needlework community - Cathey's dear friend Katie has been contacting her friends and fellow needleworkers with this heartbreaking news and has done several blog posts honoring Pumpkin (visit http://kscott77.blogspot.com to read a little more and see some beautiful photos of Cathey).

Cathey and I had several email conversations since I made my post in September, and I wanted to share a couple of these notes with you - they show what an extraordinary person she was - how loving and caring she was - and how she put everyone else's needs and feelings above her own....

From: 'Pumpkin'
Sent: Sunday, September 08, 2013 1:18 PM
To: Blue Ribbon Designs
Subject: [Samplings From A Blue Ribbon Girl] New comment on One of the Reasons....

Pumpkin has left a new comment on your post "One of the Reasons...":

Dear Belinda, I just read your post and to say that I'm speechless is an understatement. I am SO honored that you thought of me. Out of all the other women out there, I can't believe that my name is the one that came to your mind. I respect anyone who goes out there and walks/runs for those they love. I know you will achieve your goal and I will be thinking of you. I only wish we lived closer so that I could take you out to lunch and give you a great big hug ;o) ((((HUGS)))) Cathey
Btw - I love your design! So full of versatility. Beautifully done! 
_______________________________________________________________________

From: Blue Ribbon Designs

Sent: Sunday, September 8, 2013 6:54 PM

To: 'Pumpkin'

Subject: RE: [Samplings From A Blue Ribbon Girl] New comment on One of the Reasons....

Hi Cathey,

Your blog posts have touched me deeply - I think about you each and every day - I truly admire you and definitely feel you are an inspiration. I am the one who wishes we loved closer, so I could take YOU to lunch and brighten your days. Know I am sending good vibes your way...you got this...

I am attaching a copy of my "pink" project just for you - I hope it makes you smile.

Keep being positive...and if you EVER need an ear, seriously, I am here for you...you will be in my thoughts and my heart when I do the 60-mile walk in San Diego in November!

xoxo,

Belinda

_________________________________________________________________________

From: Cathey Magill [mailto:chinbit@ns.sympatico.ca]
Sent: Monday, September 09, 2013 2:47 PM
To: Blue Ribbon Designs
Subject: Re: [Samplings From A Blue Ribbon Girl] New comment on One of the Reasons....

Oh Belinda!  I’m completely shocked!  You didn’t need to do that.  I actually opened your email late, late, late last night but had to wait to respond because I was just too emotional...  I am so happy to receive your special pattern :)  And that’s what it is, special.  Hopefully I will have time to stitch at least something from it.  After looking at it over and over again, I do have an idea in mind...

Would you mind if I ‘borrowed’ your picture of this design or if you sent it to me by email?  I’d love to write a post on my Blog.  I won’t mention that you sent me the pattern as a gift if you don’t want me to.  I know some people are very sensitive about that sort of thing >:o( .

I feel very small though for not sponsoring you though :(  You’ve gone and done something so kind and generous.  I hope you don’t think that I’m being ungrateful.  You see, I send a monthly donation to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation and have been doing so for almost 12 years now.  I hope you understand...

I can tell you one thing I would like to see in the future.  I know runs like this raise the money for breast cancer research and that is the most important but after having Edwin I’ve realized they’re missing something.  How great would it be to have a program to help out new/single/low income mothers who are diagnosed?  I’m extremely blessed because my parents just picked up and moved down here to help us out but what if you had no one?  DH and I have been talking about this for awhile now and I wish there was someway to set up a foundation.  Maybe if I win the lottery very soon!  LOL!

Listen, I have babbled on for way too long.  It might be the pain medication so please forgive me if I’ve said something that’s offended you!  Does the warning Do Not Operate Machinery apply to computers as well?  ;)

Big hugs,
Cathey

This conversation continued in several more messages, but you get the point...Cathey had a beautiful soul and truly touched lives...she was a rare shining star. I am honored that I had a chance to get to know her...and I am honored to walk 60 miles for her in November...and I will keep walking until there is a cure...

...and now for something that would make Cathey smile...

Thanks to the love and support of my dear friends, family, and the AMAZING needlework community, I have reached my fundraising goal of $7,500 for the Komen 3-Day!! Yes, I am happy dancing!! I am so very touched by the show of support and the notes I have received - thank you so very much. I can't even begin to express my gratitude - I am overwhelmed by your kindness, love, and genuine support. I have heard from several people that I should raise my goal higher...that I might get more donations if I was still working to reaching my goal...but I think all of you know that no matter what my thermometer reads, I will still be trying to raise funds for breast cancer education and awareness - my goal will always be "more"...if you haven't already, please consider making a donation - no amount is too small...and of course, no amount is too large....we CAN make a difference....and don't forget, my "Red Rosies and Pink Posies" needlework chart is still available to those who make a donation of $15 or more. You can read all about my journey, see my progress, and make a donation by visiting: http://www.the3day.org/goto/Belinda 

I will continue to train and raise funds...and I plan to take every step of the 60 miles - for Cathey, for my many supporters, for the survivors, and for the fighters...

Bats, Cats, and Ravens

My embroidery machine has been stitching up a storm - filling some customer orders and making more Halloween and autumn freestanding lace ornaments for my Etsy shop. I have replenished some of the sold out Halloween ornaments, as well as the autumn leaves...and I have been working on two brand new ornaments, as well - a handful of "Gothic Bats"...and several "Soaring Ravens". These two new ornament additions to my shop are digitized by Urban Threads (should you own an embroidery machine and want to make some for yourself)...and I just adore them! The bat has quickly become one of my favorite holiday ornaments and I have several hanging on my small Halloween tree...and the soaring raven is so wonderfully unique with it's moving parts. The raven is actually four individually embroidered pieces - the body/head, a tail feather, and two wings...then they are attached together using small brads, making the wings and tail feather movable...I was just tickled with how these stitched up!

For those of you who are not familiar with an embroidery machine or freestanding lace, here is a little idea of how these ornaments are made - using digitized designs, the machine embroiders the ornaments on water-soluble stabilizer...once the design is completely 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 ribbon through the hanger on ornament before placing it in a card or on a gift. Each large motif can take anywhere from 45 minutes to well over an hour to make...the larger and more detailed the design, the longer they take to embroider. They are quite sturdy and will stay looking great for years to come...and freestanding lace can be pressed with a hot iron at any time...and starched, if needed...

 

         

Also currently in the shop - more Mischief at Midnight Finishing Kits...and a limited number of Harvest Huswif Finishing Kits - these are the same finishing materials used for the model and original class kits...and all the supplies are pre-cut and ready for use (NOTE: these are finishing kits only - you will have to purchase the chart and the stitching supplies from your needlework shop of choice).

I am now headed to my sewing machine to work on a custom order...then I am off to my stitching nest to do some model work - I am knee deep in fast approaching deadline that I am hoping to finish up in the next day or two...I hope you are having a creative and productive day!