Spring Fling

I am guest posting on the AccuQuilt Blog today...and the spotlight is on my latest design creation "Spring Fling". This bright and cheerful springtime wall hanging (measuring 24" W x 18" H) will definitely bring joy to your favorite spot...and I give you a full tutorial, so you can make one of your very own. This project uses the new GO! Qube Mix & Match 6" Block to create the six 6" traditional quilt blocks...and a couple GO! applique dies for the center motifs.  I provide a full detailed tutorial with images that will have you sewing  your own springtime project in no time! So, stop by the AccuQuilt Blog for all the details...you have plenty of time to finish up this seasonal project before your garden is in full bloom...
https://www.accuquilt.com/blog/education/go-product-tutorials/spring-fling-wall-hanging-a-quilting-tutorial/

Hippity Hoppity

Wishing all my family and friends that are celebrating today a very Blessed Easter...I hope your day is filled with sunshine and happiness...

I am still busy working on a gigantic freelance pattern designing/writing project (and will be for the next few weeks)...but I wanted to pop in and share just a few photos from the week. I managed to finish up a springtime quilting project that will be featured on the AccuQuilt Blog this coming week (more on that in a few days)...I started working a few needlework finishing and sewing projects for a customer...and I have been diligently stitching a new needlework model every evening. So, while my days are filled with computer work, I am still making time to be creative!

A little peek at the binding process for my springtime quilting project...more on this
will be posted later this week....

I've been doing so much sewing/quilting lately, it was time to refill my thread
boxes...I just had to take a photo of the pretty colors...

The sweetest package arrived from a very dear friend this week -  a delayed
birthday surprise. It was filled with fabulous goodies, including this wonderful
sewing machine pincushion (and yes, that is a tape measure)...

For those of you on Ello, you can now find me too:
https://ello.co/brdgirl

I hate to rush off, but I have to get my Blue Ribbon Stuffed Mushrooms in the oven (I prepared them last night) - Travis's mom is cooking an Easter lunch and we are headed over there shortly...we are also celebrating her birthday that took place earlier this week. I hope your day is filled with family, friends, food, and festivities...

Monday Musings

Just a quick post today, as I am knee deep in a HUGE project (and when I say huge, that is definitely an understatement) - I will be be wearing my designing/pattern writing hat (sitting at my computer) for the next couple weeks, working on a (somewhat overwhelming) freelance job. I have been keeping busy with my assorted creative endeavors - stitching, sewing, quilting, designing and working on a TON of new things...plus lots of walking and training.

Over the weekend, the most amazing thing happened - I was finally able to replace my desktop computer, thanks to a nice tax return (regular readers know my ancient desktop computer died early this year and I have been working on my laptop). I spent all day Sunday getting it set-up and loading my design files, software, and tools....and today I am excited to get back to work on my FAST new system. My husband also insisted I get a REAL office chair, instead of the old folding chair I have been using for as long as I can remember...it's like having a brand new office...I feel very blessed and overjoyed! This is my fist blog post using my new computer and monitor and it is so much easier/faster - YAY! 

Miss Schatzi turned three-years-old last week and we celebrated by taking a walk around the lake (her favorite) and she got to be off-leash. She didn't get in the water, as there has been some flooding and the inlet I usually take her on was in bad shape...but she still had a marvelous time! I can't believe she is already three - seems like we just got her yesterday. She continues to be be a great training partner for the Komen 3-Day...and makes me smile on a daily basis...

This is how Simba spends his time while Schatzi and I are on the move...

I have started stitching a new model and I am enjoying every minute - it incorporates a plethora of my favorite things and the cheerful colors make me happy! Evenings are my designated stitch time and I am making progress, slowly, but surely...

My Etsy Shop has been busy and I thank you all for your orders and wonderful feedback! I continue to develop plans for future items...and have been color sorting all my fabric scraps for future projects...

I also have a few photos of some fabulous birthday gifts that I am finally getting around to posting...I am so blessed to have creative and talented friends that "get me" and make me the most incredible presents...plus keep me stocked with beautiful fabrics, trims, notions, and patterns/books!...and they find me the BEST squirrel and owl keepsakes...

Whimsical fabric - brown squirrel is a tea infuser - blue squirrel is a pen...TOO FUN!

Finally, I want to thank those of you who have been keeping my family in your thoughts and prayers with the passing of Travis's aunt (mother of our godson)...thank you for your condolences and comforting words - she fought an incredibly brave battle and I know she is now resting peacefully and pain-free, with the most fabulous wings!...and Travis and I have one more angel watching over us...

My Happy Place

I have been continuing to reside in my happy place this week - working on a plethora of stitching, sewing, and quilting projects that bring me personal joy. I can't wait to give you a little peek at my latest cross stitch model - it makes me smile from ear to ear (yes, those are the fabric and thread colors shown right)....and I charted a couple more new pieces over the last few days. I have also been catching up on some long overdue customer sewing...and I have almost completed a beautiful spring wall hanging the features 6" traditional quilt blocks and machine appliqué (more on that in the coming weeks). Plus, I have been busy creating items for my Etsy shop and listing new things - including more Stitch Starter Ruler with Pocket Sleeve sets and some new Blue Ribbon Designs cross stitch chart bundles....and I have some new zippered pouches (I call them tool pouches) that will list very soon - they measure 9.25" W x 7.25" H and are a great size for multiple uses!

I continue to go to the gym each morning and have been getting in some great 3-Day training walks in the afternoon - yes, some of them have even been outdoors, now that the weather is starting to improve...and yes, Miss Schatzi is thrilled to be getting in some good mileage outside. It has been uplifting to see the sun shining and I can't wait until spring truly arrives. I hope beautiful weather is arriving in your area and that you are feeling inspired...

A Creative Boost

Hello friends! I have been having an extra creative week...it is always good when you have a personal epiphany. The past few months had found me feeling defeated and searching for purpose - but it is amazing how a few letdowns and frustrations can bring clarity. It took being treated far less than I was worth to give me the proper attitude adjustment! So this week, I am getting back to basics and doing what I love...removing the negativity and jobs that abuse my talent...and I'm enjoying my creative journey. I have been designing new projects (both cross stitch and quilting), sewing for my Etsy shop each day, completing some custom projects for those who truly appreciate my talents, and model stitching each evening...and that makes me extremely happy (and isn't that what life is truly about?). So, I hope to be here more often, sharing the fun projects I work on each day...and the little things that inspire me!

The last few days have found me sewing up and listing a bunch of Stitch Starter Ruler Pocket Sleeves...I have been having playing in my fabric stash and fussy cutting some fabulous prints. These pocket sleeves measure 3.5" x 3.5" and hold my BRD 3" Stitch Starter Ruler perfectly - they are fully lined with no raw seams...and they use fusible fleece to give them a bit of padding and stability. To read about the BRD Stitch Starter Ruler, visit this link:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/210845150/stitch-starter-ruler
...and to see the available Stitch Starter Ruler and Pocket Sleeve sets, visit:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/BlueRibbonDesigns?section_id=11683865&ref=shopsection_leftnav_4

This afternoon, I am working on a springtime project of my own design with very cheerful colors (yes, I am ready for spring!)....and I am sewing up a few smaller zippered pouches to add to my Etsy shop (I call them tool pouches). It is supposed to warm up a bit this afternoon, so Miss Schatzi and I will definitely be taking a decent walk (which is always good for my sanity and creativity!). Take a little time to do something you enjoy today...

Bring Me Luck

Hello friends! I am guest posting on the AccuQuilt Blog today...go take a look and read all about my "Bring Me Luck" mini quilt. This mini quilt (measuring 30" x 30") is a fun twist on a St. Patrick's Day project...I say "fun twist" because it uses four leaf clovers instead of the traditional three-leaved shamrocks. It is the perfect size for a wall hanging or table topper...and the four leaf clovers are created using hearts and a curved stem...yep, another creative way to use your AccuQuilt cutting dies! I provide a full detailed tutorial with images that will have you sewing up your own "lucky" project in no time! So, stop by the AccuQuilt Blog for all the details...you have plenty of time to finish up this seasonal project before March 17th....
http://www.accuquilt.com/blog/education/go-product-tutorials/bring-me-luck-mini-quilt-a-quilting-tutorial/

Hugs and Kisses

Happy Valentine's Day friends, family, and followers! My heart is overflowing - you have overwhelmed me with joyous birthday and valentine wishes the last couple days - thank you for making me feel special. Although it is snowing and bitter cold outside, I am warmed by your kindness...

To celebrate the love today, here's a mosaic of just a few Blue Ribbon Designs that showcase the heart...

I hope you are enjoying this Valentine's Day and that you are inspired to do something a little fun and/or creative for a loved one!

Winter Break

Miss Schatzi supervising snow removal...

It's been a busy week, finishing up last minute deadlines and orders before I take a vacation - yes, you heard me, I am taking a REAL vacation (gasp!). Yep, I am getting away from heaping mounds of snow (and everyday stresses) and headed to the beach and SeaWorld...a true winter vacation with my family. I managed to get quite a bit on my list accomplished...I still have a few irons in the fire, but they will wait until my return...or at least I hope they will.  I just finished up three ornament designs (one Halloween and two Christmas) for future Just CrossStitch magazines...and I am getting ready to start stitching my 2016 Komen fundraising Cross Stitch design. I have been sewing and quilting and pattern designing...and working on new pieces for my Etsy Shop - yep, my creative juices have been flowing...here's a few recent photos...

An original quilt block design project I am working on...

Another deluxe pincushion I made for a friend...perfecting my pattern...

Sneak peek - I can't show you the fronts, but here are the backs
 of two new Christmas ornament designs for JCS magazine...

Sneak peek - I can't show you the front, but here is the back
of a new Halloween ornament for JCS magazine...

A WIP update (And A Forest Grew by Rosewood Manor) -
it will be done one day...

A snippit of a new St. Patrick's Day machine applique
design/project I have been working on...

Simba keeping warm in his Michigan sweater...

So, I will be away from my studio/office from this evening (Wednesday, February 3rd) through Thursday, February 11th...all correspondence and orders will be answered/filled in the order received upon my return on February 12th...I truly appreciate your patience! I am sure I will have some fun photos and things to share when I get back...sunshine, here I come...

Sweetie Pie Pinwheels

I just adore working on projects for Valentine's Day - it makes me happy to work with red, pink, and white fabrics...and I always have fun with heart shapes/motifs. I have been working with various Valentine fabrics in my stash (and a few new fat quarters I picked up at a local quilt shop) and enjoying every minute of it! Today, I am sharing with you my January project for the AccuQuilt Blog - my Sweetie Pie Pinwheels table topper.

This project was cut entirely with my AccuQuilt GO! Fabric Cutter (you could also use the GO! Baby or the GO! Big Electric) and the new GO! Qube Mix & Match 8" Block....plus I used the GO! Strip Cutter-2" to cut my binding. I chose two traditional blocks - the GO! Double X No. 1 Block (because I could see hearts in it) and the GO! Turnstile Block (because I wanted some festive pinwheels)...and I created a center block, which I call the Four-way Heart Block, to pull it all together. You can find the complete tutorial to create this heartfelt table topper on the AccuQuilt Blog - I provide you with step-by-step instructions and have images to help you follow along. If you are looking for a sweet Valentine quilting project for your February decor, this should do the trick!

  



This project is great for scraps or fat quarters...and while I used more traditional holiday colors, it would look great in a variety of color pallets! It finishes a nice size (24” x 24”) - perfect for your Valentine decorating...

So be sure to stop by the AccuQuilt Blog for a materials list and step-by-step tutorial, with images:
https://www.accuquilt.com/blog/education/go-product-tutorials/go-qube-jan-project-v10/

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

Owl You Need Is Love

In December, I was busy working on two new Valentine's Day designs for AccuQuilt (my regular readers may remember seeing a couple sneak peeks)....and I am super excited that I can finally share them with you. I created a pair of patterns/samples that are sure to fill your heart with love - one is traditional piecing and one is piecing with machine applique. I had quite a bit of fun designing these two projects and working with the lovely Robert Kaufman Fabrics (pinks and reds always brighten a mood)!

First up is the GO! Log Cabin Love Wall Hanging. This log cabin heart might look a bit complicated, but it truly is easier than you may think...it uses one cutting die for the entire quilt top - the GO! Log Cabin-12" Finished Square by Leslie Main.  Twelve 12" log cabin quilt blocks fit together to make a large heart wall hanging that measures 48" x 36". The GO! Log Cabin cutting die cuts makes it SUPER simple to cut the quilt blocks...and to make this project go even more smoothly, be sure to keep your cut pieces organized and follow the images in the pattern (the instructions breakdown each block and the layout).  For added convenience, I used the GO! Strip Cutter-2 1/2" (2" Finished) to cut my binding strips.

...and for a little cute overload, here is my GO! Owl You Need is Love Wall Hanging. This heartfelt machine applique project give you a chance to be a little creative with the layout. It utilizes the following cutting dies:

• GO! Owl
• GO! Queen of Hearts
• GO! Heart-2", 3", 4"
• GO! Value Die
• GO! Stems & Leaves
• GO! Strip Cutter-1 1/2" (1" Finished)
• GO! Strip Cutter-2 1/2" (2" Finished) (binding)

Be sure to iron on your fusible web before cutting the applique shapes and you will have this super sweet wall hanging complete in plenty of time for Valentine's Day!

You can find both these patterns (along with several other new valentine projects) on the AccuQuilt website...and for a limited time, they are FREE...so visit the following links to download the patterns and make a couple heart-filled projects for February!

GO! Log Cabin Love Wall Hanging Pattern

GO! Owl You Need is Love Wall Hanging Pattern