Homespun Halloween

Happy Halloween to all my friends, family, and followers! I can't believe my Halloween cross stitch calendar revealed the final motif for the month of October today...I'm not quite sure where the year has gone - it seems it has disappeared rather quickly...and soon Thanksgiving and Christmas will be upon us (GASP!). My neighborhood celebrated Halloween last night with trick-or-treaters rushing from house to house getting their fill of candy - I always look forward to seeing the creative costumes that show up on our front porch....and last night I saw some great ones - including the best Ghostbuster I have seen (with an illuminated backpack) and an adorable horse (her mom had sewn the costume). I also enjoy seeing some of the fun decorating that happens in our area...here is photo I snapped of a front yard just up the street from us...I see they are ready for the negative election campaigns to stop - it made me chuckle.

Over the past fifteen years or so, I have celebrated my love of Halloween by designing quite a few needlework charts and  sewing projects especially for this time of year...I thought it would be fun to share a collage that includes many of my spooky pieces...you can find additional information on each of these pieces by exploring my website and/or Etsy shop (including "Behind the Gate" - the Halloween calendar shown above)...enjoy!

Finally....since it is always 'all about the squirrel' - even on Halloween...I had to share an image of the front of a Halloween card that arrived in my mailbox this week from a very dear friend....it made me smile immediately when it arrived! Inside, it says "Peek a BOO!"....

May Jack-o-lanterns burning bright
Of soft and golden hue
Pierce through the future's veil and show
What fate now holds for you.
                                                           -Author Unknown

Pumpkin Patch Placemats

Hello creative friends! Be sure to head over to the AccuQuilt Blog today for my latest guest blog post...there you will find a complete tutorial for my "Pumpkin Patch Placemats" with all the details, so you can make a set of your very own...

These patchwork pumpkin placemats use traditional piecing and are perfect for a beginner...and the entire project was cut on my GO! Fabric Cutter (project is GO! Big, GO!, and GO! Baby compatible) using:

GO! Qube Mix & Match 8” Block (55776)

• Dies Used: #1 GO! Square 4” Finished, #2 GO! Square 2” Finished, #5 GO! HST 2” Finished Square, #7 GO! Parallelogram, and #8 GO! Rectangle

GO! Qube 8″ Companion Set-Classic (55780)

• Dies Used: #10 GO! Signature Block

GO! Strip Cutter-2″ (1 1/2″ Finished) (55025 or 55164) (binding only)

This project is great for scraps or fat quarters...and while I used autumn print fabrics, these placemats would look great in a variety of batiks or solids. Each placemat finishes 20"W x 14"H - and the instructions are written for a two placemat set.

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-project-tutorials/pumpkin-patch-placemats-a-quilting-tutorial/

I know they look a little complicated, but I show step by step how to create them...and you could have a set completed by Thanksgiving!

...and while you are visiting the blog, be sure to check out all of the inspiring projects - there are endless creative ideas to get you in the sewing/quilting mood!

Creative Catch-up

Hello friends! Finally - I have a minute to blog (whew!)...it has been an INSANE month and I have quite a bit to share. Please excuse my absence - between quilt market projects/my workload, my husband having back surgery, Simba (a senior Shih Tzu) needing quite a bit of extra attention right now (he will be 15 in November and is having some health issues), and the weight of everything on my immune system (of course I get sick), I have been a little overwhelmed. I am, however, hanging in there and keeping my creativity flowing....and doing my best to remain positive...and tonight (while happily listening to the Cubbies game), I found a quiet moment to share some photos with you. Here is a taste of what has been happening in the studio this past month (these are some of the things I can share)...and I'll be back tomorrow to share my AccuQuilt Blog project for October (it's an AUTUMN design)....

I finished up quite a few customer needlework pieces...here are some images...these were stitched by a favorite customer that pretty much lets me finish her pieces how I see fit - she gives me a few details, but I get to be creative and pick all supplies - which makes the process REALLY fun for me!...and even more fun, a couple of these are my cross stitch designs!

Of course, I have had more orders for zippered project bags and tool pouches (here are photos of a few)...I have a bunch more in the works...and at the time of this post, a few are still available in my Etsy shop (which is RARE!) - including a couple made from Halloween fabrics...
https://www.etsy.com/shop/BlueRibbonDesigns

I have also been working on some large quilting projects...I finished another BIG team quilt (Auburn Tigers) for  customer and have been working on a couple other sizable pieces (which I can't show just yet - but I can share a photo of some of the pretty Robert Kaufman fabrics I have been working with)....

Finally, here is a sneak peek of tomorrow's post...a fall project I have been working on for the AccuQuilt Blog....

Thanks for visiting today - I've missed you...and stop back really soon to check out the "pumpkin" project...it makes me happy!

Jewels and Vines

I am a bit behind on my blogging (several of you have noticed and checked on me - thank  you!) - when things get hectic in my studio, my blog always seems to end up on the back burner, just simmering...and with quilt market right around the corner, I have some major freelance projects with fast turnaround times keeping me overwhelmed busy. The list is LONG - in fact, my to-do list has five different post topics I would love to show you - yep, I have been creatively busy and have a TON of things to share (needlework and quilting)...just be patient a little while longer.

So, today, I am here to share with you my September project tutorial for the AccuQuilt Blog (yes, I should have shared this last week - ho hum) - my "Jewels and Vines" 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), along with the GO! Qube Mix & Match 9" Block and new GO! Qube 9" Companion Set-Classics....plus I used the GO! Strip Cutter-2" to cut my binding. I chose two blocks from the new GO! Qube 9" Companion Set Classics-72 Block Patterns Booklet: the GO! Drunkard’s Lane Block and the GO! Endorsement Block...and I have something VERY fun to tell you - I designed, wrote the instructions, and named all 72 of the blocks found in this pattern booklet (for all four set sizes). Now that the GO! Qube Companion Sets are available, I plan to share more with you in a future post...and I will show you just how versatile they are...but for now, we are talking about my "Jewels and Vines" project (stay on track Belinda). You can find the complete tutorial to create this  table topper on the AccuQuilt Blog - I provide you with step-by-step instructions and images:
https://www.accuquilt.com/blog/education/go-project-tutorials/jewels-and-vines-table-runner-a-quilting-tutorial/

The fabrics I used are from Timeless Treasures - a fat quarter stack I received as part of my honorable mention prize package from the 2016 AccuQuilt Quilt Block Contest -  it included several collections from Chong-a Hwang (“Essex”, “Suffolk”, and “Tree of Life”) and several Timeless Treasures Spring Basics (https://ttfabrics.com/fabric/spring-basic-10/).

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-project-tutorials/jewels-and-vines-table-runner-a-quilting-tutorial/

...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!

"Blizzard Buddies"

My copy of the Just CrossStitch 2016 Special Christmas Ornament Issue arrived today, and I am pleased to share my contribution to the magazine with you. My ornament is titled "Blizzard Buddies" and can be found on page 65...and this year, I included my recipe for my Blue Ribbon Stuffed Mushrooms (which I will also share later in this pre-holiday post). My 2016 ornament features red birds, pine trees, and snowflakes and complements my woodland ornaments from the past several years (along with ornament from the 2016 Christmas Ornament Preview Issue) - and as usual, combines cross stitch over both one and two linen threads. I stitched the model on 40-count Mocha linen from Weeks Dye Works (same as previous ornaments in this series) and used Weeks Dye Works cotton floss (DMC conversions are provided). I opted for a flat-finish with two-tone twisted cord to match my previous holiday ornaments. *Please note - the image on page 67 is definitely not true to color - it is extremely light/over exposed - this ornament DOES match the colors of my previous ornaments in the series...don't let the overly lightened image fool you - you can see all the details in the ornament...and the snowflakes show up beautifully!

This is the 10th (yes, 10th) year I have been included in the annual Ornament Issue - WOW, how time flies! If you would like to see all 10 of my contributions, you can visit the "Publications" tab on my website (my ornaments from the Christmas Ornament Preview Issues are shown there, as well). This magazine has gone through a lot of changes over the years (just like my design style), yet still continues to be a yearly fan favorite. I remember getting my first designer invitation back in 2006 to be in the magazine - I was "giddy" - it was an honor to get that invitation each year to be included. This year, they sent invitations to "submit a design idea" - and for me (to be honest) that took away quite a bit of the prestige and excitement that came along with being included in the magazine (especially when this is an "unpaid" assignment and designers do not receive compensation for being included)...this may be why you aren't seeing some of your favorite designers in the 2016 issue. With the needlework industry constantly changing, who knows what the future holds - but I have been proud to be a part of this special publication for the past 10 years!

....now, as promised - my recipe for stuffed mushrooms. We all have a "go to" recipe...the one that everyone wants you to bring when you have a holiday or family gathering...the one that everyone asks for the recipe...my "go to" recipe is for stuffed mushrooms. I started out years ago with a basic recipe and have continued to make changes...years later, I have finally tweaked my own recipe to (what I think is) perfection. So, here is my original recipe (which I call "Blue Ribbon Stuffed Mushrooms" - the magazine edited my recipe name/title)...from my kitchen to yours...enjoy!

Blue Ribbon Stuffed Mushrooms
1 Pound of mushrooms (washed and stems removed)
3 tablespoons margarine (softened, not melted)
1/4 cup finely chopped bell pepper (I like to use a red pepper)
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1/4 cup Feta cheese (crumbled)
2 strips of cooked bacon (crumbled) (real bacon bits make it easier!)
1 1/2 cups soft bread crumbs (I like to use moistened Pepperidge Farm Herb Seasoned stuffing mix)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper (fresh ground is best!)
1/4 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon thyme

Mix all ingredients except mushroom caps in a bowl - blending ingredients well. If your mixture seems a little dry, add some chicken broth or stock (or water) to the mixture to moisten. Fill mushroom caps with mixture. Place stuffed mushrooms in a lightly greased baking dish, then bake for 15-20 minutes in a 350-degree oven.

Stuffing mixture can be made and refrigerated a day early for stuffing the mushrooms the day of your event. ...and of course, the measurements don't have to be exact, this is just a guideline for ingredients - I usually just "eyeball" the measurements. I always make these during the holidays and they are a HUGE hit.

Take a Little Trip with Me

Sometimes when you *need* to get away, you have to make the best of a long weekend...and that is exactly what my husband and I did over the Labor Day holiday. An unfortunate change in my travel plans for this fall had my husband wanting me to go on a week long fishing trip...now, don't get me wrong, I love spending time with my husband, but the idea of an entire week of fishing from sun up until sundown sure didn't seem like the vacation for me...so we made a compromise - he takes me away (without any fishing) for a few days and he could go on his fall fishing trip with the boys - win, win. I chose to go to South Dakota because seeing Mount Rushmore was on my bucket list...and it was within driving distance (a nine our drive from our home in Iowa). We left bright and early on Saturday morning and had Saturday evening, Sunday and Monday in the Black Hills...and then headed for home before the light of dawn on Tuesday. I wish it could have been a few days longer, but we made the best with the time we had! Here is a little diary of our travels, full of photos (click on images for larger views)...

Saturday
On our way to Mount Rushmore, we couldn't resist stopping at a few of the advertised tourist stops...I should let you know that while some might find tourist areas fun and "must visit", we are the exact opposite and usually do everything in our power to avoid them - cheap trinkets, carnival scenes, and crowds are not our thing...they are just not for us. However, we thought we might see something interesting along the way...so, first, we visited the self-proclaimed "World Famous" Corn Palace in Mitchell, SD - which we thought was WAY over-rated and wasn't worth the time...except we needed to get out of the vehicle and stretch our legs. My understanding is years ago, this was quite a sight...but in 2016, not so much - the history was interesting, but stopping was not needed - in fact, we didn't even think a drive-by was needed...but live and learn...and now we can say we were there. By the time we needed to eat and stretch again, we were in Wall, SD - home of  the "#1 Roadside Attraction in America" (really??) - Wall Drug Store...which was (let's say) an experience. We did take advantage of some of the funny photo ops in "backyard" (if you are friends with me on Snapchat, you got to see some of these)...but didn't shop or eat there (not our scene) - we did however (on the advice of TripAdvisor) visit the Badlands Saloon and Grille across the street, which was much more our speed to have a late lunch. Then it was back on the road to our home away from home, the K Bar S Lodge. We arrived late afternoon and once checked in, were excited to see Mount Rushmore from our private balcony. This lodge is located in Keystone, SD and although close enough to the tourist areas, it was off the beaten path - we loved it - a beautiful mountainside property with great views, great service, a fabulous breakfast each morning (in a glass gazebo with deer all around) and a rock fireplace fire pit each night for s'mores. Now it was feeling like a vacation! After getting settled, we headed to the Mount Rushmore National Memorial (just a few miles away) - and it was worth the trip - my jaw dropped - a beautiful way to spend the evening. We walked the Presidential Trail and took it all in...and I was so happy this is where I chose to go for our mini vacation. After Mount Rushmore, we were ready for dinner...and again using advice from TripAdvisor, decided on Powder House Lodge Restaurant...a perfect pick (a huge thumbs up!) - we enjoyed the patio and a delicious dinner....and then we went back to the Lodge and collapsed after a LONG day.

Deer at the Lodge

Sunday
We were up bright and early for breakfast and were on our way shortly after 7:00. First stop of the day Bear Country U.S.A. (and we were the first to enter the park) - and it did not disappoint. This is a drive through park where you can see all sorts of wildlife from the comfort of your own vehicle. All the animals were out and about...the reindeer were extra friendly, as well as the wolves...and we saw TONS of bears, elk, sheep, and buffalo (to name a few). There is also a walking tour where we enjoyed watching the baby bears play. Next, we were on our way to Badlands National Park...we took advantage of many scenic overlooks with spectacular views as we drove the Badlands Loop Road. We even got to see Big Horn Sheep up close and personal in their habitat. It was like visiting a mini Grand Canyon and well worth the additional drive. Following the Badlands, we headed to Downtown Rapid City - where we had lunch at Firehouse Brewery Company, then walked the quaint Main Street Square and visited quite a few of the local shops...we also found an incredible "Art Alley" full of graffiti (which I thought was AMAZING). After walking off lunch, it was time to visit the Crazy Horse Memorial - to me, this was pretty spectacular - I really enjoyed watching the movie of the history, taking in the exhibits, and learning about the memorial going forward.We spent the afternoon being educated about this unbelievable project. After a full day, we headed to the Red Garter Saloon (in the heart of the Keystone tourist area) - we enjoyed a live show and a couple adult beverages...then walked to Janes Boardwalk Pizza for dinner (ranked #1 restaurant in Keystone)...and it did not disappoint - although it is in a touristy area, we enjoyed it and the people watching (you order at a window and sit on the boardwalk and we still give it two thumbs up!)...after another beverage at the Red Garter Saloon, we headed back to the lodge for a little fire pit action. It was another full day!

Monday
We reserved all of Labor Day for Custer State Park...and truth be told, I could have spent an entire week there - I could have a serious love affair with this park...I thought it was SPECTACULAR. We started our early morning at Sylvan Lake and then driving the Needles Highway - and unfortunately, it was foggy...really, REALLY foggy...but with the fog came something incredible...right after the Needles Eye Tunnel, we saw mountain goats - two of them...one of the most magical things I have ever seen (and my favorite sighting of the entire trip)...I LOVE them. The locals told us it is VERY rare to see them and that we were very lucky (and I agree!). After the Needles Highway, we headed to the Blue Bell Stables for horseback riding...yep, two plus hours on the trails in Custer Park - it was BEAUTIFUL! My husband and I rode two Norwegian Fjord Horses (Aztec and Cortez) and they were gorgeous - I was a bit nervous, as my horseback riding is limited - so, of course, during the ride, there was a problem with my saddle and I nearly fell off (my saddle rotated around and I was hanging off the side of my horse!) - but my husband, who is an experienced rider, jumped off his horse to my rescue...and I survived...and I provided loads of entertainment for all the riders, so that was a plus (Bling Bats, I know you have a visual and I can hear you laughing!). It was an incredible experience (minus the near fall) and I really enjoyed it and the breathtaking scenery and riding through the rocky streams. Horseback riding was followed by lunch at the Blue Bell Lodge - an Old West saloon-style lodge with yummy food - I was impressed! We then drove the Wild Life Loop Road - hoping for lots of animal sightings (we were especially looking forward to the buffalo). We saw quite a bit of wildlife - Prairie Dogs (of course), White-tailed Deer, Burros (they were super duper friendly), and Pronghorns...but only ONE buffalo. I would have been extremely disappointed, but we were headed to the Game Lodge Area to take the Buffalo Safari Jeep Tour (we had a reservation for weeks - it was the one thing I picked to do on our trip)...and they promised me that they would take me to the buffalo...and they didn't lie - I saw more buffalo than I could have ever imagined...and I saw them up close and personal from an open-air Jeep...it was unbelievable. They were able to drive us off road and right into the herds...WOW...I couldn't believe it...and I would go again, if I could - it was worth every penny! The park currently has 1,400 buffalo and I think we saw most of them. It was ASTOUNDING. Following the Jeep Tour, we had reservations for the  Chuck Wagon Cookout in the canyon - good food and live music - and we all wore cowboy hats and bandannas - it was memorable. I enjoyed every single minute of this day! We then took Iron Mountain Road and Pigtail Bridges to get back to the lodge - this drive through the Black Hills National Forest was incredible...even at night...and we had to slow way down for hundreds of buffalo on the road (in the dark) and quite a few deer. It was the perfect end to our trip...

Wednesday, we were back home and it is (once again) business as usual...I was back in the gym and back to work...but I slept well and refreshed last night...and my load feels just a bit lighter after fresh air and beautiful scenery. There was a lot of creative inspiration on this trip...luckily, I took a TON of photos! Thanks for revisiting our mini vacation with me...

I'll be back again real soon to share some stitching and quilting projects with you....for now, enjoy the rest of your week...