Patterns for Dots and Posies Projects

Happy Saturday! It is a wintery, cold day here in Kansas and I am happy to be in my cozy office getting work done...the house is quiet for the first time in weeks and I am taking advantage. I had a productive week, writing three new quilt patterns, designing a new cross stitch piece and working on client finishing/sewing orders. After a rocky start to the new year, things are finally humming along in my happy place.

Before we get started today...
A fun new note: I am now a verified Amazon Influencer and have built a Blue Ribbon Designs Amazon Store Front for all the products I recommend and showcase in my blog posts/social media. I am always getting questions about products I share or have in my images, along with the products/materials I use in my studio - and I usually send whoever is asking a link to the product. Now all those products will be in one place for easy shopping...and if you happen to purchase an item from one of my links, I get a little commission. I have always said I will not put advertising on my blog or website...this just makes it easier to find the products I tell you about and will be done in linking format, not big ads across posts. I will continue to add items as I post about them...and these are only products that I personally recommend and use, I am not affiliated with any of these companies. I hope these links will make it easier to find the products and materials I showcase. For example - you will see some of the products I write about today that were used in my latest quilting projects are highlighted/underlined with a link - clicking on them will open a new window showing the products in more detail with ordering options. This will be a work in progress...and I thank you in advance for shopping in my Amazon Store Front. Now on to the exciting news...THREE new quilt patterns!!

Thank you all for the wonderful response to my latest quilt designs using the Dots and Posies Collection by Poppie Cotton - I received wonderful feedback on all four pieces...which is so encouraging! I have written comprehensive patterns for three of the designs: the Forty-Five Tote Bag, the Joyful Journal Jacket and the Pretty Posies Pouch. Each of these patterns can be found in my Etsy Shop as digital download PDF patterns. The patterns are written to easily use your favorite fabric collection and precuts...and are sold separately.

Forty-Five Tote

My Forty-Five Tote is an over-sized tote bag, perfect for carrying everything you need to a retreat or class...or as an overnight bag. I've named it the Forty-Five Tote, because it is made with 40 - 5" squares...yep, this tote bag is 5" Precut or Charm Pack friendly! It is a hefty size at 14" W x 18" H x 4" D (plus handles) - it has two pockets outside (sized to fit a large smartphone) and two extra-large pockets inside to organize the contents. The inside pockets are each made with four 5" squares, so the inside of the bag is pretty too! This bag uses Pellon Fusible Fleece for all the bag panels (outer and lining) and in the handles and pockets to make it extra sturdy and hold it's form well (I like a STURDY tote!).

To purchase a digital download PDF Pattern for the Forty-Five Tote, visit my Etsy Shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BlueRibbonDesigns OR 
https://www.etsy.com/listing/941372669/forty-five-tote-bag-quilt-pattern 

Joyful Journal Jacket

I always like to have a notebook with me, especially at classes and retreats...so I designed this swoon-worthy journal cover. It can be used to keep a list of current projects or to take notes - you can use it to journal, sketch or jot down design ideas. This cover was designed to fit a standard Composition Notebook (9.75" x 7.5") which you can find at your favorite office supply store with narrow or wide lines, unlined (my favorite because I can sketch in it) or graph ruled (perfect for charting projects). I used a large focal print for the bottom section of the cover and inside flaps - then, pieced smaller squares for the top section of the cover...adding a coordinating rick rack between the two. Again, I used my favorite print in the collection to make a Velcro tab closure. This rosy quilting/stitching journal is the perfect complement to any retreat/class tote...or ideal to be placed at a bedside table for keeping a journal or diary. 
To purchase a digital download PDF pattern for my Joyful Journal Jacket, visit my Etsy Shop:
https://etsy.com/shop/BlueRibbonDesigns OR
https://www.etsy.com/listing/928107884/joyful-journal-jacket-quilt-pattern

Pretty Posies Pouch

This adorable patchwork pouch is a versatile addition to any tote bag. It can hold quilting/stitching tools or a small project...or can be used for health and beauty items, if using the tote for an overnight bag. Small patchwork squares show off the variety of prints...and you can always fussy cut the squares to feature your favorite motifs. I added a removeable wrist strap (using a Swivel Clip with D-Ring) and a coordinating zipper pull for added embellishment. This mighty little bag measures 9" W x 8" H x 2" D, making it a perfect accessory for a tote bag. I used a large print focal fabric for the back side of my bag, using the patchwork only on the front...this gave me the "best of both worlds" with a variety of small quilted squares on the front and lovely large print on the back!
To purchase a digital download PDF pattern for my Pretty Posies Pouch, visit my Etsy Shop:https://etsy.com/shop/BlueRibbonDesigns OR
https://www.etsy.com/listing/943706179/pretty-posies-pouch-quilt-pattern

There you have it - information on my latest quilt pattern designs - I enjoyed designing and creating each of them and look forward to my next pattern ideas "coming to life". I am actually working on several new cross stitch charts for future release, as well. For now, I am ready to do a little relaxing this weekend...we have plans tonight with friends visiting from Iowa and I look forward to taking a little break from work projects. Thanks for stopping by for a visit - I hope we can "chat" again soon....

Dots and Posies Fabric TourForty-Five Tote and Accessories

Happy Monday and happy new year - welcome to the Poppie Cotton Dots and Posies Fabric Tour! I am super excited to be the first stop on the tour...and I have a new tote bag design and several accessories to share...all created with the new Dots and Posies fabric collection. It was quite fulfilling to put on my quilt designing hat and work on several projects that were swimming around in my head. When Jina first reached out to me about this collection (months ago), I instantly knew I would be making a large quilted tote bag and accessories. This new collection has a lovely vintage look with soft colors and exquisite tiny details...I truly enjoyed working on these cheerful projects. Let's take a look at what I created...

Forty-Five Tote
The first piece I designed was an over-sized tote bag, perfect for carrying everything you need to a retreat or class...or as an overnight bag. I've named it the Forty-Five Tote, because it is made with 40 - 5" squares...that's right, this tote bag is 5" Precut or Charm Pack friendly! It is a hefty size at 14" W x 18" H x 4" D (plus handles) - it has two pockets outside (sized to fit a large smartphone) and two extra-large pockets inside to organize the contents. I love how this tote highlights all the prints in the Dots and Posies Collection...and you can use your favorite print for linings, handles and outer pockets. The inside pockets are each made with four 5" squares, so the inside of the bag is pretty too! I used Poppie Cotton Country Confetti ("Strawberry Lemonade") for lining the bag and pockets, the bag handles and the bag base...and I used my favorite Dots and Posies print ("Birds & Hexies") for the outer pockets. I found the mix of large scale and small scale prints eye-pleasing and the retro look full of cheer!
To purchase a digital download PDF pattern for the Forty-Five Tote, visit my Etsy Shop:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/BlueRibbonDesigns OR
https://www.etsy.com/listing/941372669/forty-five-tote-bag-quilt-pattern 

Joyful Journal Jacket
I always like to have a notebook with me, especially at classes and retreats...so I designed this swoon-worthy journal cover. It can be used to keep a list of current projects or to take notes - you can use it to journal, sketch or jot down design ideas. This cover was designed to fit a standard Composition Notebook (9.75" x 7.5") which you can find at your favorite office supply store with narrow or wide lines, unlined (my favorite because I can sketch in it) or graph ruled (perfect for charting projects). I used a large focal print for the bottom section of the cover and inside flaps - then, pieced smaller squares for the top section of the cover...adding a coordinating rick rack between the two. Again, I used my favorite print in the collection to make a Velcro tab closure. This rosy quilting/stitching journal is the perfect complement to any retreat/class tote...or ideal to be placed at a bedside table for keeping a journal or diary. The comforting colors of Dots and Posies worked perfectly for this design...
To purchase a digital download PDF pattern for my Joyful Journal Jacket, visit my Etsy Shop:
https://etsy.com/shop/BlueRibbonDesigns OR
https://www.etsy.com/listing/928107884/joyful-journal-jacket-quilt-pattern

Pretty Posies Pouch
This adorable patchwork pouch is a versatile addition to any tote bag. It can hold quilting/stitching tools or a small project...or can be used for health and beauty items, if using the tote for an overnight bag. Small patchwork squares show off the variety of prints in this lovely fabric collection...and you can always fussy cut the squares to feature your favorite motifs. I added a removeable wrist strap and a coordinating zipper pull for added embellishment. This mighty little bag measures 9" W x 8" H x 2" D, making it a perfect accessory for a tote bag. I used a large print focal fabric for the back side of my bag ("Prize Roses"), using the patchwork only on the front...this gave me the "best of both worlds" with a variety of small quilted squares on the front and lovely rose print on the back! This small soft-colored pouch brings me joy every time I look at it...
To purchase a digital download PDF pattern for my Pretty Posies Pouch, visit my Etsy Shop:https://etsy.com/shop/BlueRibbonDesigns OR
https://www.etsy.com/listing/943706179/pretty-posies-pouch-quilt-pattern

Pretty Posies Project Bag
Finally - if you follow my blog and social media, then you know how much I love to make project bags! I just had to make a special project bag for this tote bag set...I decided to make my large signature project bag with a twist. I strip pieced several fabrics, then fussy cut a large beautiful rose ("Prize Roses Blue") in a hexagon shape to appliqué to the top right-hand corner. I used the "Stripe Green" print for a narrow strip between my top strip set and the bottom focal fabric strip of "Birds & Hexies", which I thought made a nice divider. I created the front and the back of the bag the same, matching the seams on the sides and added a coordinating zipper pull. I think I need to make a couple more of these...because who only has one project in their retreat/class tote??...and because it is just so C.U.T.E.!

There you have it - my tote bag and accessories using the Dots and Posies collection from Poppie Cotton. This fabric line is shipping and in shops now, so be sure to check your favorite local shop or online shop to find these gorgeous prints. 

I hope you have enjoyed this stop on the fabric tour - thank you for visiting. Could you feel the sheer happiness I put into each piece?! I am already working on quilt ideas for the next Poppie Cotton fabric tour in March...it is for the upcoming Goose Creek Gardens collection...and it is GORGEOUS. 

If you make a project from the Dots and Posies collection featured in this post, I would love to hear from you...happy sewing and quilting!

Notable Needlework

Hello creative friends - it has been a full day and I thought I would briefly drop by before I head back into the studio to finish up another project bag order. I just finished setting up a new thermal printer in my office for shipping labels (a HUGE Christmas surprise that arrived today! - I have had one on my wish list for years!), packing up a few orders and answering some correspondence...so, I thought I would quickly stop by and share some needlework finishing with you. These pieces were all stitched by the same incredible needleworker and I just did the finishing (not my designs or stitching, just my finishing). I will put designer names/titles in the photo captions (when known), just in case you are interested. This stunning group of items was quite fun to work on and I enjoyed choosing the materials...one was a limited edition kit that included finishing materials and for the others, I chose the supplies...doing my best to follow directives from the needleworker. I am really happy with how each and every piece turned out...and I hope the stitcher will be quite pleased too. I packed them all up in a large shipping box when complete and shipped it off on Monday. I still have almost 100 pieces of needlework to finish for clients, so I will have more fun photos to show you soon. For now, enjoy these images...and I hope you will be inspired to pull out your most recent cross stitch piece and do a little needlework finishing yourself...

Redbud Cottage Pinkeep by Stacy Nash Primitives

Expect Less Strawberry by Erica Michaels
All About Berries Club - an exclusive club through Dyeing To Stitch

Expect Less Strawberry by Erica Michaels
All About Berries Club - an exclusive club through Dyeing To Stitch

Project Quarantine: Stay Home & Stitch by With Thy Needle & Thread

Let's Stay Home by Samplers Forever - Claudia Ciceri

Find Comfort by Scarlett House

I Collect by With Thy Needle & Thread

Bird of Spring by Dames of the Needle

Redbird Sampler by Heart in Hand

That's enough for tonight...I'm off to the next project! Thank you for visiting...I'll stop back again soon and share some holiday gifts and a few snapshots from my kitchen...and I'll have new photos of the canine "kids" soon...

Finishing Frenzy

Hello friends - it is Wednesday evening and I thought I stop by for a visit, before sitting down at the sewing machine again. It has been a productive few weeks and I am steadily working through needlework finishing and project bag orders before the Christmas holiday arrives next week (YIKES!).

First of all, I would like to thank everyone for their comments, shares and e-mails regarding my last post (The End of an Era: Finding my Worth). The feedback was varied and quite overwhelming - so much so, that I couldn't answer every single message. Most of the feedback was positive and uplifting...and of course I got some nastygrams, as well. I just want to make one final statement on the subject, as quite a few stitchers feel the JCS Ornament Issue is an act of volunteerism and giving back to the needlework industry:

My post was not about volunteering, giving back or charity work. Volunteering for a good cause, generally does not profit a large corporation. I have volunteered in the needlework community many, MANY times over the last twenty years and I have given back and said thank you to stitchers and my fans countless times – happily, with joy in my heart! I have shared my time, knowledge, talent, and complimentary designs…I have made countless donations…and I will continue to do so…those acts make my heart happy and are done on my terms. 

My message: I don’t want a large company (that doesn’t publish this magazine for charity) to profit off of the hard work and creativity of the artists that make it possible. Period. 

I, personally, would love to see the Just CrossStitch Ornament Issue thrive and be full of favorite designers (like you, I am a fan). My post was about asking them to step up and support the artists that provide the material that make it their "best selling issue of the year."

Whew! Enough of that - now back to happiness and creativity!

The last few weeks have been full of needlework finishing and project bag sewing - with my husband's crazy holiday work schedule (he is in management for UPS), I have had plenty of sewing and finishing marathons...most nights, working until midnight. I have been going though tons of supplies and I am waiting on several large orders of materials (delays in fulfilling and shipping orders is slowing my progress). The highlight of my week was receiving an INCREDIBLE package from (my dear friend) Lady Dot Creates - lots of luscious hand-dyed trims, twill tapes, ribbons and fabric...if you finish your own needlework and have not ordered from her, you are missing out - gorgeous, consistent colors and high quality products. You can find her website by visiting: http://ladydotcreates.com or shop in her Etsy Store by visiting: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ladydotcreates...

Here are some images of recent project bag and needlework finishing orders...and I have at least a dozen more needlework finishes that I can show you in my next post...

For now, I am headed back to my sewing room - I finally received a large order of 3/4" cotton rick rack, so I can complete a pile of orders...it is going to be another late night. I'll be back soon to share some more needlework finishes...and I have some gifts I made that I can share with you, as well...

Wishing you some creative time during the holiday rush...I hope you can find a little time to work on a project that brings you joy!

The End of an Era: Finding my Worth

I hope fellow needleworkers, friends, and creative enthusiasts will read this post (apologies for the length) and think about how we can support the designers and artists that fuel the stitching industry.

It's hard to believe the first Just CrossStitch Special Christmas Ornament Issue was published in 1997. Truth be told, I was a fan from the start...way before I started designing professionally. I would pick up my copy at the local needlework shop or newsstand and analyze every single page. There was just something heartwarming about the diverse selection of designers, seeing their personal photos, trying their favorite Christmas recipes and reading about their stories/memories...it was truly a treat. I would spend hours perusing the pages and choosing the Christmas ornaments I wanted to/would stitch.

I honestly can't even explain the joy I felt in 2006, when I was invited to participate in this annual issue for the very first time...it was that feeling of "wow, someone has noticed my designs...I've finally made it!" That's right, 2020 marked the fifteenth year I received an invitation to design an ornament for this special issue. Even with changes over the years and many favorite designers disappearing from the issue (believe me, I've had second thoughts about it for a few years too), I continued to feel blessed to design my ornament each year. 

About a month ago, I received my sixteenth invitation for the 2021 issue (yes, designers are invited almost a year in advance). Again, I started weighing the pros and cons of being involved - mainly, because designers are NOT PAID for this issue. You heard me correctly - Just Cross Stitch Magazine does not pay designers to be in their boasted "best selling issue of the year." If you are new to the industry, sure you can get noticed being in this issue and being paid in "exposure" might be worth it; but for hardworking designers that have been around for a number of years and built a brand, giving away work for free, just doesn't seem like the best decision. I started to think about the time involved, the supplies needed, what my art is worth and even the cost of postage to mail the ornament to the publication. Plus it takes away time from working on paid pieces...and I market it for them on social media...is this really the best use of my talents?? This is my full-time job. Then I thought about my fans and the needleworkers who stitch my pieces - will I let them down if I decline?...will they be disappointed? I started questioning why...if this is JCS's best selling issue of the year, why aren't they paying and supporting the designers that make it possible? Why do they pay their staff, but not the artist? Would this be a paying job if the needlework industry was a male dominated profession? I know, a bit over the top...but that really was my thought process. I tend to quietly let things sink in, weigh it all out and make measured decisions. I took a deep breath and formulated my response (and yes, I sent this exact response in reply to the invitation):

Hi [Editorial Assistant],

I apologize for the delay in my response. To be honest, I have gone back and forth, struggling to make a decision on whether or not to be involved with the Christmas Ornament Issue in 2021.

I have shared my talent with this special issue for fifteen years…and even before I was designing full-time, it was my favorite issue and something I looked forward to purchasing. Every year, Just CrossStitch advertises that this is the “best selling issue of the year”, yet the designers that make this issue possible are not being properly compensated. Yes, the exposure is good if you are new to the industry…but for those of us who have built a name and a brand, the exposure is doing little to compensate us. This is my full-time job and something I take extremely seriously. Giving away my work for free and enabling that behavior to continue is something I can’t advocate. I’m sure you don’t ask your staff to work for free. I have expenses, time and creativity involved – not to mention the postage to send my sample to you. Plus, I have always marketed my design in this issue on all forms of social media, something I also do without compensation. Exploiting designers on any level is not something I can support.

I have decided it is in my best interest not to participate in 2021. I truly hope Just CrossStitch will take a look at this policy going forward and start paying designers fair compensation for their work – without designers, there would be no needlework industry.

This was a tough message to write and I truly weighed my options (mostly because I don’t want to let my fans down that count on me being in this special issue). I tried to write this in a kind, yet professional way. I have always been (and I still am) a fan of Just CrossStitch Magazine and I hope we will have a chance to work on future (paid) projects together. 

Sincerely,

Belinda

[Signature]

I don't know what I thought would happen - I mean, who am I, really??...and, in all reality, I enabled this poor behavior for years. I didn't expect a big change...but I did think I would get some sort of response that would give me some closure. I did get a short, nice response from the Editorial Assistant:

Hello Belinda,

Thank you for your response to our Christmas ornament design call.  As the editorial assistant for Just CrossStitch Magazine, I personally don’t have any control over the details of this publication, but please be assured that I have forwarded your concerns. Your note was very well written. I understand and appreciate you sharing your view. 

Kind regards,

[Editorial Assistant] 

Your basic - it's out of my hands and I'll send it on....but that was it. 

What an overall disappointment - disappointment in this particular publication and disappointment in myself for enabling this behavior for fifteen years. So, here I am, sharing this - my learning experience - hoping I can make some sort of difference. 

Going forward, I plan to be selective with my artistry and work on projects that are in my best interest. I, have too many times, been way underpaid (or in this case not paid) for my creativity (hmmm, AccuQuilt also quickly comes to mind)…and, in reality, these instances started to make me undervalue myself...and that is a terrible headspace to occupy. I plan to make 2021 the year to value and believe in myself and my talents!

So, for my needlework friends and fans...I am working on some ideas for a Christmas ornament(s) for next year...I have several fun ideas floating around and I will make sure you have a BRD Woodland Series ornament available for stitching next year...and it will be on my own terms! 

I hope you will share your thoughts (positive or negative) on this post with me...and/or share this post with your stitching friends and needlework communities. Maybe you'll share your thoughts with Just Cross Stitch Magazine. Think about how you can help secure the future of our industry by supporting designers and artists...

Thank you for reading this lengthy post...I'll be back soon with positivity and creativity!

Blue Ribbon Designs - Annual Sale

Visit my Etsy Shop or website for my annual sale - going on now through midnight on Monday, November 30th...pick up your favorite single cross stitch charts and pincushions for 20% off.  Plus all orders of $35 or more are eligible for a FREE GIFT.
Thank you for supporting my small business throughout the year!

Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BlueRibbonDesigns

Website: https://blueribbondesigns.com/

 

Oodles of Ornaments

It continues to be a finishing frenzy in the Blue Ribbon Designs studio...client orders are still piled across my counters and my list continues to grow. I have been super focused and productive, working around the clock to finish up the projects on my to-do tables along with preparing new designs. I have a plethora of finishing clients to take care of for the holidays (and into the new year)…and I am trying to balance it all and keep my sanity. I have been working on a variety of creative activities, including: lots of needlework finishing, pattern writing, custom sewing, custom quilting and freelance designing…plus making some gifts for the holidays…the to-do list is almost overwhelming. Of course, this time of year, I'm asked to keep many of my client finishes a secret...here is a picture album of needlework finishing that I completed over the last few weeks that I have the "okay to show" (not my designs or stitching, just my finishing work)…

Fabric shown with each was used for the backing...and the gorgeous hand-dyed ribbons, velveteen, pop-pom trim and twill tape are all from Lady Dot Creates (visit her Etsy Shop for the very best pretties and finishing materials)…

I hope you are inspired to finish some of your own holiday projects! I am headed back to the studio momentarily to work on more client (you guessed it) Christmas ornaments...it seems like the piles are never-ending. I just took advantage of the Audible Black Friday Sale (a girl can never have too many books) and have a wonderful assortment of new titles queued up and ready for listening...  

As I look forward to the Thanksgiving holiday tomorrow, 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 loveable dogs, and a career I find joy in every single day...way too many things to list. I am truly 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!

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!