Flirty Birdies

This will be a quick post, as my list is beyond long today...in fact, so long that I am not sure where to start. I finished up a labor of love this week...a quilt my husband requested for one of his employees at work. I'm pretty sure he has no idea of the work or expense involved...he didn't even let me know how the recipient responded until I asked (sigh)...but it was for a great cause and hopefully I put some good karma out in the universe. This is a flannel baby quilt... using an older collection of fabric - Flirty Birdies by Michele Scott for Northcott. I actually didn't get a good photo of the completed quilt (another sigh), as I was in a bit of a rush to get it done...and it was late at night when I finally finished it. The expectant mother is waiting until birth to learn the sex of the baby, so this is the more gender neutral option. I used my embroidery machine to create a special label for the back using coordinating colors (I have blocked out some of the information for privacy reasons). Although, I don't have a picture perfect photo to share, it did turn out cute and cuddly...and hopefully, it will be well-loved.

So I have marked this off my "to-do list" and I can get back to work that needs to be done. I'll be in my cutting room for the rest of the day - I have piles (and piles) of project bags to cut, two stitching mats, several mug rugs, a couple wall hangings and bunches of needlework finishing pieces to prepare. I am feeling overwhelmed trying to get the majority done before a trip to Florida in mid-February...luckily, most of my clients have patience...much more so than the weight I put on my own shoulders to get things done quickly. With that, I am done procrastinating and off to the cutting tables...I hope the rest of your Thursday is a happy one...

Some Serious Sewing

Hello all - thanks for stopping by for a visit! This will be a quick post, as I am in the middle of a sewing marathon. I have been catching up on custom project bag orders this week and my sewing machine has been humming along. I have been working on quite a few of my signature BRD project bags in both large and small sizes - all with fabulous fabrics provided by the customers. This batch also includes a few more With Thy Needle and Thread "Stitcher's Rule" project bags that are created from a printed panel (purchased from WTNT)...but in true Belinda fashion, I made changes to the panel instructions to make them with the zipper across the top...and I've made several with a boxed bottom. Plus, I had a special request for a vinyl lined zipper bag for a traveler - I made a special pattern for this unique bag that has cotton fabric on the outside and is lined with a coordinating cotton fabric and clear vinyl....along with a boxed bottom. This bag was a bit of a challenge, but I was thrilled with the results and may make more in the future, if the demand is there - it was a bit time consuming, but well worth the end product. So without further ado, here are just a few of the bags that I completed this week...

My signature cosmetic bag - cotton outside and inside
with an added clear vinyl lining...

Inside of cosmetic bag...

With Thy Needle and Thread "Stitcher's Rule" project bags
that are created from a printed panel and finished "my way"...

With Thy Needle and Thread "Stitcher's Rule" project bags 
that are created from a printed panel and finished "my way"...

It's been a busy week, as I rush to complete as many orders as possible before a trip to Florida in mid-February (yes, I am taking a week of vacation with my husband - headed to the Orlando area to visit my momma and Dan..and to get in some beach time). I have more project bags, a couple stitching mats, a custom quilt order and piles of needlework finishing in my studio bins at the moment...and some cross stitch design work in progress (yes, I am still working on some new designs!). I also just finished up a couple more pieces for Just CrossStitch magazine, so you will find Blue Ribbon Designs in several issues in the coming year. Plus, I would like to make time to get a few more items listed in my Etsy Shop - (EXCITING NEWS!) I am only five sales away from 2,000 which is a HUGE milestone. Things here are buzzing along and I feel so blessed to be able to be creative each and every day!

For now, I will leave you with a photo that Travis took of the dogs on Christmas day - Garin's head tilt is everything...and another one of them being BIG "helpers" in my sewing studio....

Three Blue Houses

Hello friends! I thought I would stop by for a quick visit tonight - I have been a little overwhelmed trying to catch up with work obligations and really needed a break from my sewing machine. I have been frantically trying to catch-up with custom sewing orders and finish a couple cross stitch deadlines (two more pieces for Just CrossStitch magazine)...my studio tables are pretty full at the moment and I have been feeling a bit frazzled...so, of course, my husband asks me to whip up a very special baby quilt for someone he works with (you know, in my spare time 😉). My to-do list is nice and full - but I feel extremely blessed to be busy. I have been meaning to stop by and share a couple cross stitch pieces with you - one I stitched for a very dear friend...and one that very dear friend stitched for me...

If you are a regular reader of my blog, then you know, my personal stitching time is close to non-existent these days - when I'm stitching it is almost exclusively one of my own Blue Ribbon Designs. However, I have an extremely special friend that stitches for me often - in fact, my studio is full of pieces that remind me of her and her kind heart...and I knew I wanted to stitch her a piece for Christmas. I actually had something specific in mind, finished a specific way. Since our recent move, I still have a few large studio boxes in the basement to unpack (I know, shocker)...they are labeled quite well and I have just been grabbing things from them, as needed. Well, when searching for that something specific for my original idea, I ran across a small kit with a tiny desktop frame...I didn't care for the pattern, but I really liked the frame...so I quickly switched gears and started looking for a pattern to fit. I do have my charts and patterns unpacked and accessible in my studio, so I grabbed my large basket of cross stitch stash and found an old Ewe & I & Friends chart, that I thought would be perfect...it's called Three Pink Houses. I explain all of this, because I made quite a few changes to make it exactly what I wanted, but it was a great starting point for what I envisioned! Here is a photo of the original chart...

First of all, I left off the border, so it would fit properly. Next I changed the pink houses to blue...and I personalized it with our initials and the year...I'm pretty sure I moved around a few colors too! I used the DMC colors listed...and for the houses, I used Blue Moon from Classic Colorworks. All in all, I was thrilled with the results and it turned out exactly as I had hoped!

Imagine my smile when I opened my gifts from this special friend and she had stitched a beautiful piece for me, as well. This is Antique Scissors & Spools by Shakespeare's Peddler -  a fabulous addition to my studio...and it looks wonderful with the piece she stitched me for my last birthday (Sew Happy by All Through The Night). Right now, they are both displayed on the high-top counter in my studio, until I get some 3M Command Hooks (my husband says no holes in the walls of our new house). Aren't stitchy friends THE BEST?!! I feel so special and loved...

Our first Christmas in the new house was memorable because I have the very best friends (located all across the country)...my circle may be small, but it is mighty!

It's been the longest day and I am off to relax a wee bit before bedtime. Thank you for visiting with me tonight...I'll do my best to stop back again soon!

Season of Sewing

Happy holidays to all my readers - I hope you have been having a joyous season!

I spent most of October, November and the beginning of December in a needlework finishing frenzy...but for the last couple weeks, I have been able to get back to some custom sewing projects. I thought I would stop by for a very quick visit tonight (as I am recovering from a terrible stomach bug) and share a plethora of project bags I completed the last couple weeks...along with an additional sewing project.

To start, I will share an assortment of my large and small project bags...for these particular bags, all the fabrics were provided by clients. I have quite a few zippered bag orders right now - an assortment of large project bags, small project bags, and a few tool bags...plus some custom panel project bags...yes, I am sewing up a storm to catch up! I continue to have quite a few questions on the patterns I use and the sizes of the bags...so I thought I would clear up any confusion. My project bags are made from my very own pattern that I designed specifically for cross stitch patterns and supplies (it is not available for sale)...all of my bags have a zipper across the top instead of the front...and all of my bags have enclosed seams (no raw/exposed edges on the inside of the bag). I use a custom die cutting system for consistent size and minimal fabric waste. My zippered bags are popular with clients who want to provide their own favorite fabrics - my clients get to shop and pick the fabrics they love (for themselves or for gifts), then ship them off to me and I create the requested size(s) of choice...

Here are details for my four most popular sizes:

Large Project Bag (most popular size):
Size: Approximately 14.25" W x 10.25" H
Designed for full size patterns measuring 8.5" x 11" and supplies.

Small Project Bag:
 Approximately 10.75" W x 7.75" H
Designed for half sheet patterns measuring 5.5" x 8.5" and supplies.

Tool Bag:
Approximately 9.25" W x 7.25" H
Designed for small projects and or tools/accessories.

Artist Bag (Over-Sized Pencil Bag):
Approximately 9.25" W x 4.5" H
Designed for needlework tools, colored pencils or supplies on the go...

My custom bags are made to order (most commonly, my customers supply fabrics of their choice). When time allows, I make them for my Etsy Shop (with fabrics I choose). The four sizes listed above are my basic/most requested bags, but (for a small additional fee) I can make them to any size requested. Should you like more information (pricing and fabric size details), please e-mail me (link also in profile). You can see all sorts of photos on my Instagram page...and see what is available and read my reviews by visiting my Etsy shop...

Finally - I did a little additional sewing and quilting a couple days before Christmas. I wanted to try out a new stocking template...and I was itching to try a new transparent quilting thread that came highly recommended (which is FABULOUS!). I decided to use a fun word fabric that I have a partial bolt of on hand -  Mama Said Sew Revisited by Sweetwater for Moda (click on photos to enlarge). I was so happy with how this quilted stocking turned out and will keep this template in my arsenal for custom orders. For photography, I thought it would be really cute as a seamstress stocking filled with sewing notions - which (coincidentally) would be the ultimate stocking for me! Unfortunately, Santa didn't come fill it (there is always next year)...but I think it will be very cute to hang in my sewing studio...

I'll be back soon with a couple fun needlework finishes and some more creative projects.

As 2019 comes to a close, I am reflecting on the last 365 days...it sure has been another busy and artistic year...I hope you will take a moment to reflect on the past year and the many blessings bestowed upon you. Thank you for supporting Blue Ribbon Designs and your love and support throughout the year! I wish you a happy, healthy 2020 filled with joy, laughter, and creativity!
HAPPY NEW YEAR...

Holiday Highlights

It’s almost Christmas, so today I have a little video treat for you...it features all sorts of Blue Ribbon Designs (some you may have forgotten, some may be new to you). Merry Christmas to those celebrating - wishing you a blessed and magical holiday! May you find joy in the celebration, beauty in your surroundings, and love in your heart...

To find more information on these BRD holiday designs, visit the following resources:
https://blueribbondesigns.com
https://blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com
https://etsy.com/shop/BlueRibbonDesigns

Happy Holidays!

The Finishing Touch

Hello friends - I'm back for a quick evening post - it seems this is the quietest/easiest time of day to sit down and visit with you! Our household is on a crazy schedule at the moment and I am finding it a bit of a challenge. I thought I would stop by tonight and share some recent needlework finishes I completed for a favorite customer. This is the last of the needlework finishing for a little while and I will be back to cutting project bags and custom sewing orders later tonight. These needlework pieces were all for one  wonderful customer...and she is GREAT to work with - a box of needlework arrives with the instructions of "do whatever you think" - these are my favorite type of orders that make the time in my studio rewarding and fun. I truly adore orders like these, as I get to choose all the backing fabrics, shapes, and embellishments...and truth be told, that is my favorite part!! I had fun picking coordinating fabrics for the backs, picking trims (thanks to Lady Dot Creates) and making the twisted cord...and, as always, adding the finishing touches...

One piece I should share about is the needlepoint pillow (shown in upper right corner and below). I normally do not finish needlepoint or canvas pieces - they are definitely not my specialty...but this was a unique situation and the piece was in remembrance for a family member. The stitching wasn't quite complete and there were a couple stains - but I got it cleaned up, pressed and blocked the best I could. The original idea was to trim the pillow with piping or cord around the perimeter, but once I had the pillow created, I really liked the look without any edging. I sent photos to the stitcher and we agreed it looked good without. I was quite pleased with the end result. It is always rewarding when something special turns out as imagined.

I hope you enjoy these images...and maybe you will be inspired to pull out your most recent cross stitch piece and do a little needlework finishing yourself. Designers/details are listed with the images when available...fabrics in the photos are used for backing...

Needlepoint Canvas by Bucilla
(I do not have a title or year)

Needlepoint Pillow Back

Let It Snow - Threadwork Primitives

Jingle All The Way - Just Another Button Company (I think)

Jingle All The Way - Ornament Back

Family Mittens by Cricket Collection

Grand Olde Flag by With thy Needle & Thread
My finishing idea - model is flat finished.

Grand Olde Flag Hanging

Summer Stroll by Just Nan

Spell of the Moon by Backbird Designs

Tom Turkey Sampler by Heart in Hand

Love Sampler by Heart in Hand
My finishing idea - valentine/letter holder - model was framed.
I 💗 this!!

I am now headed down to my cutting room to prepare project bags until my husband gets home from work. Yes friends, the sleep schedule is insane here and the struggle is real...my daily routine is completely out of sorts. I'm guessing I have over a hundred bags to cut, so I have plenty to keep me occupied...plus I'm listening to a great book (I LOVE Audible) that will keep me company (along with the dogs - they love the cool basement floor!). I have more creative things to share with you, so I should be back another late night this week...