Pretty Little Pincushions

I have to start today's blog post by thanking everyone who has taken a moment to vote for my two finalist quilt blocks in the AccuQuilt Barn Quilt Contest - I really REALLY appreciate your votes! I can't wait to see if my block(s) make the Top 20 - I'm still crossing my fingers. If you haven't had a chance to vote - there is still time - voting is open through Wednesday, April 18th.

To vote:
Please visit: http://www.accuquilt.com/barnquilt/entry.html/
My finalist blocks are #21 and #24
Click on the boxes UNDER my blocks.
Thank you so very much (you make me happy!)..and you will be the first to know if my blocks advance to the final round!

On to today's creative post. I have been spending my afternoon's in my sewing studio - after finishing the piece for the New England Stitcher's Retreat, I found I needed a little break and have found much joy and contentment working on a few sewing/quilting projects....don't get me wrong, I have still been model stitching in the evenings, just taking a couple hours a day to unwind. I have been making a bunch of my tuffet pincushions - each is approximately 3.5" x 5" x 1.75" and adorned with a (pinned on) little wool heart. The pincushions in the photographs use the fabric collection Beach House by Blackbird Designs for Moda for the tops and coordinating wool felt for the bottoms. I have had a lot of fun putting these together and actually have a large pile (using different fabrics) to stuff and whip stitch closed - I just happened to run out of "stuffing".

So on to some BIG news: I am opening an Etsy shop where I will start listing all the pretty little things I like to make that don't have a "home". I have the storefront built and you are welcome to visit and mark it as a favorite - the "shelves" are still empty, but I will start listing items this week - including the pincushions you are seeing in this post. In addition to my pincushions, over time, I will be adding a lot of the things you have seen me post about: snack mats/mug rugs, napkin holders, ort holders, zipper pouches, project bags, drawstring bags, journal covers...pretty much whatever I feel moved to create. When I post about my sewing/quilting projects, I will be sure to let you know if I am adding those items to my Etsy shop...I will also be adding a few creative crafting supplies - such as: special die cut wool/fabric shapes, pretty pins, and supplies that relate to the projects I share with you. You can find me at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/BlueRibbonDesigns...I look forward to your visit!

Crossing My Fingers (and Toes)...

Today is a happy day - I just found out I made the "Top 100 Finalists" in the AccuQuilt Barn Quilt Design Contest!...so, friends and followers....I could really use your help... 

If you read my blog regularly, then you know how much I ADORE my AccuQuilt Fabric Cutters...in fact, I use at least one of them almost every single day. Well, when AccuQuilt announced their yearly Barn Quilt Contest, I just had to enter - in fact, I wanted to win so badly, I designed and entered ten (yes, I said ten) different quilt blocks. Well, imagine my shock when I checked out the Top 100 Finalists and two of my designs had been selected - I was over-the moon with excitement!! I'm sure they had at least a gazillion entries, so to know that two of mine made the first cut makes me giddy...

So, here is where I need your help - I need you to vote for my two blocks, so they make the Top 20, where celebrity judges Alex Anderson, Ricky Tims, Eleanor Burns, and AccuQuilt management will choose the Grand Prize winner. Please, please, pretty please take a moment and vote for my quilt blocks...I would REALLY appreciate it!...and if you ask your friends and family to vote for me too, that would be AMAZING....please help me spread the word...

Here is how to vote:

Visit: http://www.accuquilt.com/barnquilt/entry.html/

My finalist blocks are #21 and #24

Click on the boxes UNDER my blocks.

To learn a little bit more about the barn quilt movement visit: http://www.accuquilt.com/barnquilt/facts.html

Thanks for taking a moment to do this for me...wouldn't it be cool to see my quilt block design hanging at AccuQuilt Headquarters?! Just think, if I win more AccuQuilt products, I can make more things to share/giveaway... 

"Mischief at Midnight"

I know my posts have been a bit sporadic lately - truth be told, I have been working pretty much non-stop on a large design project for the last three weeks. This is a class design for the New England Stitcher's Retreat titled "Mischief at Midnight" - this year I am teaching a Halloween themed project, as the class is in mid-October. This is my third year teaching at the fabulous Enfield Shaker Museum in Enfield, NH, and I couldn't be more excited! The stitching retreats are held at the Great Stone Dwelling House, which is also home to the Enfield Shaker Museum...what a treat to stay in this historic building built in 1841, free of televisions, radios, phones, etc. - some might miss those modern day amenities, but I'll take the charm of this historic setting any day...and who misses modern technology when you have the company of talented needleworkers, fabulous views, delicious food, and a full schedule of great events. The attendees basically have the entire building to themselves for the duration of the event - making it the perfect venue for late night stitching and giggling (in your pajamas, no less)! I know there are already quite a few of you registered for this fun class and I can't wait to see many familiar faces...and meet new friends....I know you have all been waiting to see what the special class design is - and I am happy to announce it is complete...and you are seeing it here first!

"Mischief at Midnight" is a Halloween needlework tray and matching needlework smalls. This spooky design features a Halloween scene in the base of the tray (also suitable for framing)...the inside walls of the tray feature stars, bats, and ghosts...the outside walls of the tray feature a fence surrounding the entire scene (with a few jack-o-lanterns, owls, and spiders). The gate for the fence is a removable needlebook (attached with hidden magnets)...and there is a coordinating pinkeep and scissor fob to complete your needlework tray set. The tray measures approximately 8.5" x 8.5".

Each piece is stitched with Weeks Dye Works cotton floss on Weeks Dye Works 30-count Tigers Eye hand over-dyed linen. Colors include:  Carrot, Chestnut, Galvanized, Grits, Hazelnut, Kohl, Moss, Sweet Potato, and Whiskey.

Stitches include:  Cross Stitch over two linen threads, Cross Stitch over one linen thread (optional), Back Stitch, Smyrna Cross Stitch, Whip Stitch, and student's choice of Basketweave Tent Stitch, Continental Tent Stitch, or Half Cross Tent Stitch. Class will cover the stitching of the needlework tray and needlework smalls, working the various Tent Stitches and specialty stitches, tips and tricks for Cross Stitch over one linen thread, assembling the needlework tray, finishing techniques for each of the needlework smalls, personalizing your smalls, and making twisted cord - and attendees can plan to complete the scissor fob and/or pinkeep in class!

If you are interested in attending the special event, visit: http://www.stitchingretreat.com/oct-19-22-2012-retreat/ for more details. You can also see photos from my previous visits and read all about my experiences - just search my blog (the box under my followers) for "New England Stitcher's Retreat".

...and before I get a million questions - this special project has been designed specifically for this retreat and will not be available to the general public until approximately one year after the event...so if you are not attending and are excited about this design, you will have to be very patient....

So there you have it - "Mischief at Midnight" - I hope it was worth the wait!

Tray with gate...

 Needlework Smalls - Front

 Needlework Smalls - Back

 Needlebook - Open

Tray with needlework smalls...

 Tray without smalls...

Springtime Giveaway Recipients

What a delight it was to read all of the comment entries in my latest blog giveaway...I loved reading about what "springtime" means to you - and about how you enjoy this springtime weather - it was such a treat to hear from each and every one of you! I must thank you all for visiting and following my blog, posting comments, and inspiring me on a daily basis. I am making this post a bit later in the day than expected - I have been experiencing some technical difficulties, therefore there are no photos posted today (I apologize) - but rest assured, all of your entries were put into my large basket and the recipients were randomly drawn...yes, that is right, I said recipients! The comments were all so bright and cheerful, I decided to draw two names...so without further ado...here are the posts from the two lucky recipients - congratulations to both Barb and Jannie:

• Anonymous Apr 2, 2012 06:22 PM
  I enjoy the colors of spring - esp after a drab winter! Snowdrops bloom first in our garden, and the Lenten roses are beautiful. Daffodils are so cheerful! But my favorite spring bloomers are the Redbud trees and the azalea bushes, and later in spring, the mountain laurel (our state flower in PA). We have all of these in our yard.
  You create beautiful designs Belinda and I enjoy reading your blog.
  Barb 

• Jannie Apr 1, 2012 07:26 AM
  I live in Colorado - our springtime here is the best! No humidity. Beautiful Mts. in the distance with snow on the top reminds me that the snow is far far away frome me - right where I like it. The deer come out a lot more to drink from the creek behind us and the ducks in the creek continually do the Happy Dance. Of all the places I've ever lived, the skies are bluer here than anywhere & especially in the spring and summer seasons. I love your blog and I check it everyday - your designs astound me ( - : Thx for the way too generous giveaways. Bless you.

I will be sending an email to both recipients momentarily....and I sincerely thank you all for taking the time to post a comment - I truly wish I could afford to send each entry a prize chart. Rest assured, there will be more giveaways in the future!

BRD Springtime Giveaway

Spring has definitely arrived in my corner of the world - we are having lovely, sunshine filled days and everything is green and starting to bloom - so let's celebrate by having a Blue Ribbon Designs giveaway!

The prize?? - a duo of Blue Ribbon Designs needlework charts - "Sweet Songs of Spring" and "Blooming with Inspiration"...yep, one lucky recipient will receive both design charts...

To enter, simply leave one comment on this post - tell me what you love about springtime, what you plant in your gardens, or what you enjoy doing this time of year - all comments will go into a random drawing where one fan/follower will receive this special pair of design charts.

Fine print:

• Giveaway is open until 11:59 PM CST Tuesday, April 3rd, 2012.
• International entries welcome.
• All entries require a valid email address. Please make sure your email address is visible in your profile (so I have a way of contacting you, should you be randomly chosen) - if you are uncertain or post "anonymously", please leave your email address and your first name with your comment - entries without a valid email will be disqualified.
• No chart substitutions.
• E-mail entries will not be accepted, you must leave a comment on this post.
• One comment per person; multiple comments will be deleted/disqualified.
• One recipient will be announced on Wednesday April 4, 2012.

There you have it - all the "Springtime" giveaway details...I am happy to be able to thank those who continually follow my blog and leave encouraging and enthusiastic comments! I hope my future posts maintain your interest and inspire you... Good luck to all!

Perfect Day To Play

I have spent the last week stitching non-stop, working on my Halloween class design for the New England Stitcher's Retreat. I was so happy when the fabric arrived and I have been completely focused on the project ever since...it is coming along beautifully and I am about 75% done with the stitching and hope to start putting it together later this week. If all goes well, you will be seeing some photos very soon!

This afternoon I took several hours off to have lunch with my dear friends Merry and Kimber - I had made plans with them several weeks ago...and I am so glad I did - I really needed to get out of my stitching chair and take some time away. It felt absolutely marvelous to get out of the house on such a beautiful day and enjoy a leisurely lunch with my BFFs.

I was excited to give them each a special gift I had put together while waiting for my fabric to arrive. I know, they aren't Easter baskets...in all reality, they are collapsible cocktail napkin holders...but I thought they would work perfectly to hold some Easter treats. I used a Terry Atkinson Groovy Girls Club Pattern called Napkin Holder....and it gives you the option of 4 different sizes of collapsible holders: Cocktail (5.5" x 5.5" x 2.5"), Luncheon (7" x 7" x 2.5"), Rectangle (5" x 8.5" x 2.5"), and Sugar/Tea (2.5" x 3.5" x 2"). I chose the cocktail napkin size and I picked out fabric specifically for Merry and Kimber. I was pretty happy with how they turned out, considering this was my first try at this pattern....once all the pieces were cut, they went together rather quickly....and another fun thing - I got to go through my vast button stash to pick buttons for each...and the button ties are colorful hair elastics. After finishing both, I put Easter grass in the base and filled them with special treats...then I foofed them, using GiftGloss and springy green tulle. Didn't they turn out adorable??! I have plenty of the ultra firm single-sided fusible stabilizer - in fact, I have an entire bolt of it - so I see many more of these in my future. The smallest size will be a perfect little collapsible ort container to take with me on my travels...and the larger ones are perfect for gifts and organization. Now that I have made a couple, I'm sure I can adapt the pattern to any size holder I want...it is easy to adjust.

After spending the afternoon with Kimber and Merry, I have a better attitude and feel refreshed and ready to get back to work. My chores for the day are done, so I am headed back to my stitching nest - it will be another late night (early morning)....

Pretty Floral Purse

This weekend we celebrated my mother-in-law's birthday. We had a nice dinner at our house...and I baked a homemade lemon cake (which turned out so fabulous - I wish I would have taken a photo). I also made her a quilted purse, which I filled with several other gifts. This purse is an adaptation of "Bow Tucks Tote" (ps008) by Quilts Illustrated...I have made several of these and decided to try one with a bit of a different shape (more of a purse than a tote) and an additional pocket on the back side - I finally feel comfortable enough with my sewing skills to make changes and try new things. I love the adjustable ties on either side...and the inside is filled with pockets. My version has a pocket on the front and one on the back...and it has very sturdy handles. I used a vintage floral button I found at a local shop for the closure, which I thought matched the fabric perfectly. The original designs is 13" x 11" x 5", where mine measures approximately 14 1/2" L x 7" H x 4" D. I was quite pleased with how this bag turned out! After completing the purse, I wrapped several smaller presents to place inside...including a matching tissue holder (this was made using the Thimbleberries pattern "Quilter's Carry-All & Accessories"). My mother-in-law seemed to really like her new purse and definitely appreciated the time and work that I spent creating it...

Springtime Stitching Case

I can't tell you the last time I worked on a cross stitch design that was not my own - it seems like it has been years. Since the last several days have been a bit of a struggle for me...and I am still (yes, still) waiting on my linen order for the three designs on my current to-do list (it WILL be here Monday - I even have tracking information), I decided it was in my best interest to work on a project that has nothing to do with Blue Ribbon Designs - something quick and springy and stress-free. My choice was the new Lizzie Kate Limited Edition Stitch Kit "Birdz & Bugz"....I saw this at market and loved how cheerful it was...it just makes me happy...I even have yardage of the fabric collection used for the fold-up stitching case in my stash. The kit included the pre-made stitching case (you stitch the design on the attached banding), the chart, and the beads. I had all the required threads in my stash, so that was easy. I did the majority of the stitching last night in one (yes, one) sitting...put in the last few stitches this morning and added the beads. I will mention, since some of you may have this kit in your stash - the center arrows on the chart for the outside band (the one with the large flowers and snail) are not correct - they are not centered - they are several stitches off, so be aware if you are super picky! - I didn't realize this until I had quite a bit stitched, therefore, mine is off-center...gives it character, don't you think?? I am super happy to have this fun little stitching case complete and it was wonderful to take my mind off of work for several hours this weekend. Now it is back to the tasks at hand - I am super anxious to have some of the fabrics for my upcoming class pieces in my hands tomorrow...this week will be dedicated to the New England Stitcher's Retreat Halloween design...hopefully the rest of the project will go smoothly....

Sunshine on St. Patrick's Day

Happy St. Patrick's Day friends, family, and followers! I received a beautiful Marjolein Bastin Hallmark card from my dear friend Robin yesterday and thought the sentiment would be perfect to share today...

Wishing you -

sunshine round your shoulders,

shamrocks at your feet,

a rainbow in your pocket,

and friendship ever sweet...

Yesterday was a challenging day for me, but my close friends made it better - I am very blessed to have super special people in my life that listen, support, encourage, and inspire me (you all know who you are). Amazing how when things seem rough, true friends sense it and send you a note, give you a call, or lend a hand (even when it is not asked of them).

I truly hope you are having a happy St. Patrick's Day - filled with the gift of friendship, good luck, and life's blessings!

A Touch Of Twinkle

We have had the most gorgeous weather here in Iowa this week - unseasonably warm - temperatures in the 70s and 80s with a nice breeze...and the sun has been shining all week - it is making it REALLY difficult for me to focus on anything work related...I just want to be outside! I'm still waiting on the fabric for my New England Stitcher's Retreat project {still sighing}...but good news...fingers crossed...it will be here tomorrow (although I thought it would be here yesterday or today) and I will be able to work on the class project over the weekend...if not, I am going to throw my hands up in the air (probably cursing), use another linen supplier and color, and completely start over, as I just don't have any more time to wait...and I know you are all very anxious to see the project - I'm feeling the pressure. I have been keeping busy with charting for several new class designs and some summer pieces....and in the evenings I am model stitching a set of needlework smalls for an upcoming release...

I had a huge list of errands to accomplish today - but before I started, I had to decided to go to Archiver's and do a little shopping - my dear friend Mary gave me a gift card for my birthday (she knows me so well, as Archiver's is one of my very favorite places) and I wanted to put it to good use! Finding creative things to purchase was definitely not a problem for me - friends who have shopped at Archiver's with me know I can fill a hand cart pretty quickly! Today, the store was having a free "Make It" class for a mini booklet, so of course I had to partake...isn't mine (upper right) adorable?! The free classes are always good for teaching me about some new fancy product that I can't live without...or teach me more about a product I already own. Today's class started with the Martha Stewart Scoring Board, which I already have and adore (thank goodness)...then moved on to a Crop-A-Dile Corner Chomper which was WAY COOL and is now on my list of things I *need* (gee, that list just keeps growing)...next, a Crop-A-Dile (Original) was used to punch the holes for the ribbon. The bunting flags were cut with a punch...and attached with Pop Dots to give them a nice dimensional look...and finally a touch of twinkle was added by using a Gelly Roll Stardust Clear Glitter Pen (and I must admit a package of these pens went home with me!). It was a quick project and gave me a few minutes to "play" before heading out to accomplish my list...and I have a cute little mini album - finished and ready for photos, embellishments, and memories. I managed to use my entire gift card (and a little more) - I know - SHOCKER! What else did I pick up...well - some sunshine yellow scalloped notes that will be perfect for Easter, some vintage inspired spool buttons, a package of beaded hat pins, a card of pins and buttons, some doodle twine (I just loved the pink/brown combination), and a few more odds and ends. It was a very inspiring visit and a nice creative start to my day!

Festive Fabric Envelopes

I have had minimal time for sewing lately - but over the weekend, I managed to try out a newly purchased pattern. I cut the pieces on Saturday evening - quilted and binded them on Sunday - then finished up these fun fabric envelopes last night. The pattern is called Hold That Thought! (TP#102) by The Teacher's Pet - it is one of their "Simple Pleasures" patterns, which are great for using up small pieces/scraps of fabric. It has directions for four sizes of gift envelopes - the smallest one (shown top right) is made with two charm squares (5" squares) of fabric...isn't it adorable?! I started out by making the two larger envelopes, as I really wanted to try out my new binding tool (The Binding Tool by TQM Products) and I needed at least 14" on one side to use it correctly. I absolutely LOVE this binding tool and am so thrilled I was able to find one while I was in Franklin, TN - I am always looking for ways to improve my binding techniques, and this tool is definitely a "keeper". After working on the two larger envelopes, I knew I just *had to* make the smallest one - after all, it is so cute! These fabric envelopes are perfect for a beginner and use minimal supplies - the smallest envelope only needs two 5" squares of fabric, a 5" square of batting, and a binding strip....plus they are almost instant gratification, as they sew up quite quickly and easily. I plan to make these for some upcoming gifts using the recipient's favorite fabrics and filling them with special treasures.

Shamrock Snack Mats

I have spring fever...massive spring fever...it was almost impossible for me to focus on work today, as it was beautiful and sunny outside...still a little cool, but sunny, blue skies. I have several BRD class projects in the works, but I really wanted to be outside "playing" today.

I'm sure part of that is frustration - I am about half done with the Halloween project for the New England Stitcher's Retreat (which I know some of you are VERY anxious to see - and believe me, I am anxious to finish it), but I am at a stopping point until my fabric order arrives - when I started I only had a sample of the fabric - I have been waiting for more than a week for my fabric order from the manufacturer, and it is yet to arrive....so I am in a holding pattern...waiting {sigh}. To try to keep on track and meet my deadlines, I have been finishing up the charting for two other class designs (fabric for those is on order too) and model stitching a springtime release in the evenings.

Tonight, I finished up a quilting project a started a couple days ago...I decided to use the scrap fabric from my St. Patrick's Day "Twisting Star Table Topper" to make a handful of snack mats. I made quick work of cutting the 2" squares by using my AccuQuilt GO! Baby fabric cutter....after cutting 75 squares, I started laying them out in sets of 5 x 5 (25 squares to a mat). I then used one of my favorite ways to piece them together - I fused the 25 squares to a 10" x 10" piece of fusible lightweight interfacing - then pieced them together from the wrong side - it works really slick for smaller pieces of fabric. I added jumbo rick rack around the perimeter of each before attaching the batting and backing. Once they were turned and pressed, I top stitched around the entire perimeter - the finished size is 7.5" x 7.5"....perfect for sprucing up my afternoon snack (a Golden Delicious apple and a handful of raw almonds). I have built up quite a collection of these fun snack mats (mug rugs), thanks to my girlfriends who have made me a nice assortment...along with several I have quilted myself...so much better than a napkin or plate...and definitely more cheerful!

Tomato Tuffets

While I was shopping with friends in Franklin, TN, I picked up the cutest Tomato Pincushion kit at The Quilting Squares Quilt Shop & Knit Emporium (Tomato Pin Cushion by P.S. Goin' Sewin'). It contained everything needed to make two tomato spool pincushions...I just provided a needle, glue and scissors...easy peasy...and in true Belinda fashion, I added some ribbon from my stash. I had started the process of creating these the day after I got home from my Nashville trip, but (as usual) I was sidetracked and put them aside....then yesterday morning, one of my shopping companions sent me a photo of her completed pincushions and it was just the motivation I need to finish mine! The "tomato" and the "strawberry" are felt balls...the tops are green wool felt...and pearl cotton floss was used to make the tomato wedges, attach the tops, and connect the strawberry. So adorable and so easy! I thought about painting my spools to give them a bit of pizazz, but opted to add some coordinating striped 1" grosgrain ribbon from my stash...which I thought was a nice splash of color to the plain wooden spool. I liked this idea so much, I went to my stash of wool felt/felt balls and made a couple without spools...these will make fun gifts throughout the year...and look cute with or without the spool. I just love the petite size - perfect for a small sewing box or taking on the go...the tomato only measures approximately 1.75" wide (the wooden spools measure 1.25" W x 2" H). I hope this quick and easy project inspires you to make a couple pincushions of your own...

St. Patrick's Day Twisting Star

So, there are several reasons I am excited about finishing my latest quilting project...first of all - I have had this in my to-do pile for over a year - yep, I purchased the fabric before St. Patrick's Day last year...second of all - it has several inset seams, which I was kind of scared of, but worked out quite well...and finally, all my star triangles have points (woo-hoo)! I actually started this project on Saturday afternoon and finished the piecing and binding this evening. I am so tickled to have this project done and on my dining room table before St. Patrick's Day. The pattern is called "Twisting Star Table Toppers" and is from Quilt Tales....it has 8 different projects, including: a candle mat, two table toppers, a set of placemats, and four table runners. I chose the 24" table topper...and I have enough of the fabric leftover to make the candle mat. I was actually impressed with how easily this project came together and how well it turned out....and I can definitely see working this project with a variety of fabrics. One of my local quilt shops had a template set (3 sizes) made for the center hexagon(s) and I am very happy I made that purchase - it made cutting the center quite easy...I also used my AccuQuilt GO! Fabric Cutter to cut all the strips and the binding. Yes, I am very happy with my new holiday table topper...