Teaching and Tahoe...

"Bluebird Sewing Box" - The Class Project

Believe it or not, I am still really under the weather...sick as sick can be...and it is definitely not a cold, as some of the highlights include a 102 temperature, chills, sweats, terrible aches, weakness and dizziness - along with all the regular, nasty head cold symptoms and a terrible cough....so for my purposes, this will be known as the "California Flu". The California Flu has had me in bed or on the sofa for the last three days and is still hanging on...in fact, this post is coming to you via my laptop while I am curled up in bed (hopefully on the mend)...and will probably take me several writing sessions (my focus is limited and only good for short periods of time)...therefore, any typographical or grammatical errors are unintentional and probably a side effect of this gruesome illness...

So let's talk about my teaching trip to California...
It started out a little hectic...I was supposed to fly from Des Moines to Denver to Sacramento...well, it didn't work out that way. My flight (on Thursday) was several hours delayed getting out of Des Moines (the plane was coming from Chicago and it happened to be on the day with the terrible thunderstorms and flooding)...and although they held my connection in Denver to Sacramento for a couple hours, a sprint from one end of the Denver airport to the other found me out of breath and watching the last daily flight to Sacramento taxiing away from the gate. Ugh. All the flights for the following day were completely booked and I got an immediate notification that I was scheduled on the 6:10 AM flight for Saturday morning - well, that wasn't going to work, as I had a class to teach on Friday evening (and I really didn't want to spend 36+ hours in the airport). I started the tearful walk to the airline help center to see if there was anything they could do...I knew there was one last flight to California on Thursday evening (I had done my homework)...and as I was passing through the airport on the moving sidewalk, I saw the gate for the 9:45 PM flight to San Francisco (the last flight of the day and my only hope of getting to CA). I  hurdled the sidewalk railing (seriously), headed straight for that gate, and prayed for a miracle. Once the counter was open, I was put on standby for the flight to San Francisco...and I was (you guessed it) number eleven...bye, bye hope. I called my dear friend who was going to pick me up at whatever airport I could get to and broke the news...it was not looking good. Somehow, they made room for twelve passengers and I got on that flight - it was a blessing - and I am so glad I was proactive and hurdled the rail of the moving sidewalk. Great news, I made it California - it was after midnight and we had a long drive to Modesto, but I made it to California!! I think we arrived at about 2:30 AM...too bad my luggage was still in Denver. I won't go into too much detail - but let's just say, all the attendees got to see me without make-up in day-old clothes with my hair tied up...basically at my worst (I just used the explanation that I was practicing for the Koman 3-Day event I am participating in this coming November)...how embarrassing. My suitcase did arrive at 2:19 Saturday morning...and even more convenient, it was "signature required" - yep, doorbell ringing, dogs barking, everyone awake at 2:20 AM. But I must say, after all that, it was a fabulous trip!

It was so much fun to see all my California friends and stitching family...and we had such a marvelous time! Friday morning/afternoon, I got a chance to see many of the attendees at Elegant Stitch (of course everyone wanted to do some shopping - including me)...that evening we had a wonderful light dinner at the hotel...then started the "Bluebird Sewing Box" class. I was thrilled to see everyone finish their floral scissor fob and we even had time to start covering the rest of the class materials. Saturday everyone had a chance to start stitching...and many had a very good start on the project! After breaking for lunch, we finished covering all the class materials...I signed all the class notebooks...and I had a chance to visit with each attendee, one on one. After class, we headed back to Elegant Stitch for more shopping and visiting. It was a FABULOUS couple days and I truly enjoyed the entire event. It is always such a blessing to travel and meet fellow needleworkers...and even more fun when I get to return and see so many familiar faces...plus there were new faces, as well. I just adore Elegant Stitch and all my California friends!

Once the Elegant Stitch Workshop was complete, I had plans to stay in California with Lois and Bruce and do some sightseeing! Lois and I had made plans to spend a couple days in Lake Tahoe...and a day in Yosemite National Park...both of which I had never visited before...yes, I know I am such a lucky girl! Sunday morning we were up bright and early - we did a ten mile walk in Modesto, then set out on our journey to Lake Tahoe. This (born and raised) Iowa girl was pretty much blown away by the entire trip - the snow-capped mountains, the HUGE trees, the water, the wildlife - it was incredible (I will let the photos do the talking). We drove the entire 72 miles around the lake - stopping at ALL the scenic overlooks, where my jaw was consistently dropped...we picked up a late picnic lunch and ate on the beach...we stopped at Vista Point and Memorial Point...checked out Emerald Bay, King's Beach, Crystal Bay, Fannette Island, Eagle Falls, Heavenly Village, and the Y (to name a few places)...we saw it ALL. Around 6:15 PM, when we were finishing our scenic drive and heading for the lodge (are you ready for this??) we actually saw a tagged momma California brown bear and three (YES, THREE) bear cubs...seriously...we saw four bears along the roadside! It was a challenge to get good photos from a moving car (sorry for the blurriness, but I had to show you my proof!)...at first we only saw one bear (the one I have a close-up of)...but then we saw the momma and two more cubs in the distance - it was incredible and unforgettable...I can't believe I actually saw bears!
So without further ado, here is just a tiny bit of Lake Tahoe through my camera lens...

So there you have it, just a taste of the beauty I was able to take in while I was visiting Lake Tahoe...it was truly breathtaking! I will be back with more photos from my visit...including a few from Yosemite National Park. For, now it is back to bed for me...I *have to* get rid of this terrible "California Flu"...

A New Family Addition...

I have returned from my whirlwind teaching trip to California...and I was blessed to stay a few extra days for some rest and relaxation with a very dear friend (which I desperately needed). I have tons of photos and stories to share with you...however, during our few days off, we both managed to get some sort of cold/flu crud and I am completely miserable...so today's blog post is going to be a bit short and I will return when I am feeling better with a post or two all about my travels.

Recently, I shared with you that we might be having a new arrival in our home...well, it's official - on Saturday, May 11th, a German Shepherd puppy will be joining our family! My husband made a trip up to our breeder in Hugo, MN last weekend while I was away and got a few photos of our little girl. The breeder thought the pink ribbon girl would fit best into our family...and sure enough, when he let all nine of the puppies (five girls and four boys) out, the one with the pink ribbon ran right up to Travis and said hello. Here are some of the photos...including one of all nine of the girls (she is on the left)...

Truth be told, I really did not want another dog in the house - Simba is definitely enough responsibility for me...but this is my husband's dream dog (he grew up with a German Shepherd) and he has been begging to get one for fifteen years...many of you know I tend to be a bit of a control freak and have to have everything a "certain way"...but I have decided life is short and it is time be a little more relaxed...so here we go...my first attempt...we'll see how I do after a few weeks with a puppy in the house...I'm sure I'll have more to share in a couple weeks when she is old enough to join our home...

California Bound...

My suitcase is packed again...and I am ready to fly back to the West Coast - today I leave for one of my very favorite destinations (Elegant Stitch in Modesto, CA) for another teaching trip. I am so excited to see good friends (there will be quite a few familiar faces) and add more new members to my stitching family! I absolutely adore traveling to meet fellow needleworkers and spending time with each of them in class (and yes, I am giddy to be escaping the terrible Iowa weather!). I will be teaching "Bluebird Sewing Box" (shown below) to a nice large group...and I just know we are going to have a fabulous time! As a bonus, all of Team Twinkle Toes will be in attendance and we will be taking a group photo...and who knows, we might even be able to get in a walk...after all, it is sunny and 80+ degrees there! I am currently finishing up a few details, packing my bags, and getting my camera ready - I leave in just a few hours - I plan to take lots of photos to share with you (Lois has been kind enough to let me stay a couple extra days and be my tour guide...she has no idea what she is in for...well, actually, she does...and I am sure we will find some trouble to get into)! I will not be taking my laptop on this trip, so my communication will definitely be limited - please be patient with my response time...I will return all messages and reopen my Etsy shop upon my return next Thursday (April 25th).

To those of you attending - I'm counting the hours - I can't wait to see you - we are going to have a MARVELOUS time!

Sunshine on a Rainy Day

I can't believe it has been a week since my last post...I have had multiple tidbits of interest to share, but time has definitely been at a minimum. I am getting ready to leave for California tomorrow to teach a workshop at Elegant Stitch and visit with friends and fellow needleworkers...which means preparation and kitting, printing, packing, and all the fun things that come with teaching a class. I have also been walking mileage daily to prepare for the Komen 3-Day (60 mile) walk  taking place in November - who knew walking would be so time consuming - training is taking a couple hours each day...luckily we have had good weather and most of my walks have been outside for the last couple weeks - I would really appreciate any donations, so I can reach my fundraising goal (http://www.the3day.org/goto/Belinda) ...no amount is too small - every little bit helps! I have also been spring cleaning and preparing our home for a possible new arrival in the next few weeks - we may be getting a new puppy (more details to follow in a future post). On the needlework front, I am putting the finishing touches on the class design for the New England Stitcher's Retreat - I was really hoping to have it complete by now, but I had a couple setbacks - the stitching is complete and I will be doing the finishing upon my return from California...so I will be able to share it with you very soon!

Keeping this short (so I can finish my packing and spend some time with my husband before my trip), I thought I would share a few photos with you of things that are currently making me happy (on a VERY rainy, stormy, windy, gloomy day)....
First of all, isn't my new bumble bee mug the cutest thing you have ever seen??! I originally saw it a couple months ago while shopping with friends, admired it, but did not buy it - then, last week, I had lunch with the same two dear friends and when we saw it again, it *had to* come home with me...I would love to have more of these mugs - they have some really cute ones (a frog and a hedgehog both come to mind)...the bumble bee brings me so much joy! Also making me happy - zippers, zippers, and more zippers - I am addicted to projects with zippers. The fabric shown is from a favorite sunshiny collection - "California Girl" by JoAnna Figueroa, Fig Tree & Co. for Moda...and the book is my current project favorite - "A Quilting Life" by Sherri McConnell.

So there you have it - several fun things that are currently bringing sunshine to my life...

On a final note, I would like to thank everyone who has voted for my quilt blocks in the 4th Annual AccuQuilt Barn Quilt Design Contest...what a thrill it is to have two blocks in the "Top 100" again this year...my fingers are crossed for another win!

Happy Dance Day!

My Top 100 Finalist Quilt Blocks
 in the the 2013 AccuQuilt  Barn QuiltDesign Contest
Top: #97
Bottom: #50

Today is a happy day - I just found out I made the "Top 100 Finalists" in the AccuQuilt Barn Quilt Design Contest again this year...so, friends and followers, I could really use your voting 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 pretty much every single day. When AccuQuilt announced the 4th Annual Barn Quilt Contest, I just had to enter again - in fact, I have entered multiple blocks every single year since the contest started. Well, imagine my shock when I checked out the Top 100 Finalists and two of my designs had been selected once again - 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 10, 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 again this year...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...

Since my winning quilt block in 2012 was a star block, I decided to go in a different direction this year. I knew I wanted a geometric block (#50), but I also knew I wanted a block with some floral flair (#97)...and the sunflower seemed perfect addition to a more traditional block - especially since AccuQuilt's headquarters (where the block will be displayed) is located in the Midwest.  I really thought about the history and tradition of the barn quilt when working on my entries...and the type of block I would actually see on a barn when traveling along a country road...

Here is how to vote:

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

My finalist blocks are #50 and #97

Click on the boxes ABOVE my blocks. You can vote for up to five entries per e-mail address/per device...and I hope my two blocks will be on your ballot...

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 for a second year in a row?! Just think, if I win more AccuQuilt products, I can make more things to share/giveaway... 

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my post and for your votes...I'm sure you all know how much this means to me...

Top 100 Finalist Block #97

Top 100 Finalist Block #50

Hippity Hoppity

If you are an avid reader of my blog, then you know I am definitely still a kid at heart...which completely explains why I love the website "Mr. Printables"...it is chock full of fun, free printable downloads for kids! Check out these ADORABLE Bunny Party Favor Bags - aren't they just the cutest...and you can make them in a matter of minutes (seriously) with very few supplies. First of all you need a computer, Internet connection, and a printer...and I am guessing if you are visiting my blog, you have all three...next you need a several pieces of white cardstock or heavy paper (which many of us have on hand). Do you have your paper loaded in the printer, yet?? Okay, so now click on this link for the Bunny Party Favor Bags - you can now easily download and print four (yes, I said FOUR!) different Bunny Bags for FREE! - there is one large and one small pink bunny...one titled "Strippy Jumper" and one titled "Woolly Socks" (which are both small - meaning each fits on one piece of 8.5" x 11" cardstock). Once you have the selection you want printed, you will need scissors, a scoring tool/board (don't fret, a bone-folder or pen cap works great for scoring), a craft knife, and a glue stick...you can find all those things around the house, can't you?? Now, time for the "crafty" part, cut on the solid lines, score on the dashed lines, and use a craft knife to cut the two lines where shown (this is where the ears fit through)...fold on the score lines...and glue where it notes "glue"...that's all there is to it...easy peasy! There is also an stinkin' cute Frog Favor Bag and it has step by step directions and photos of how to put a favor bag together...wouldn't the Frog Favor Bag be fun for a stitching retreat?! The last and final step is to fill your bag(s) with treats...and maybe a little Easter grass or tissue paper. Fun, easy, and affordable...and you can make them for or with children (or a big kid, like me)...and simply precious...

Blue Jeans and Daisies - The Entire Reveal!

Part Three of the Mystery Sampler Club is shipping this week - it shipped to Norden Crafts last week and they started shipping to your favorite needlework shops on Monday! I am so excited for you to see the third and final installment of "Blue Jeans and Daisies"...

For those of you who are not familiar with the Mystery Sampler Club - let me quickly catch you up to speed...
You have to sign up with your favorite needlework shop (you can only get it through a needlework shop - your shop of choice - LNS or ONS) - they will have all the details for the program...and before you comment/post/email "I don't have a local needlework shop" - contact the shop where you purchase your stitching stash (charts and supplies)...it can be a local shop OR an online needlework shop...OR visit the "Locate" page on my website for a list of shops that will be able to assist you.  There are three parts to the "mystery sampler" - the first part (featured in a January post) started shipping in January - the second part (featured in a February post) started shipping in February - and the third part (featured in this post) started shipping to needlework shops this week...together all three parts make one large sampler. Many of you are familiar with the Lizzie Kate "Very Scary" Mystery Sampler and the With Thy Needle & Thread "Birds of a Feather" Mystery Sampler - this is the very same program.

Now that we have everyone on the same page...here is a look at part three...and a few details...

The mystery sampler is stitched on 30-count Blue Jeans hand-dyed fabric by Weeks Dye Works - this exact fabric is also available in 35-count, should you prefer a higher count linen. It is stitched with Weeks Dye Works cotton floss...and a DMC conversion is provided.
See a complete supply listing on my website: http://www.blueribbondesigns.com/BRD109C%20Specifics.html

Part three uses the following stitches (and yes, diagrams are provided): Cross Stitch over two linen threads, Back Stitch, Smyrna Cross Stitch, and Four-Sided Stitch.

The chartpack also includes part three of the Springtime Jumble. Here is a little information about the Springtime Jumble:
The answer to the Springtime Jumble will be the password to open a Mystery Bonus design - this Mystery Bonus has now been revealed on my website (http://www.blueribbondesigns.com). You will need to collect all three patterns to complete the Springtime Jumble and unlock the Mystery Bonus. Details can be found inside each package. Just a note about the password - it will make sense - and it is case sensitive...when prompted, you will need to enter the password as all capital letters. Please do not spoil the fun by sharing or posting the password - this special Mystery Bonus is intended for needleworkers who have purchased the charts for "Blue Jeans and Daisies". Here is a peek at the bonus design - it is for a treasure box to hold the three coordinating needlework smalls:

Each installment contains a fun finishing idea...and the finishing idea for part three is a needlebook - finishing instructions are included. Use a motif from the sampler and some fabric and floss from your stash to make a springtime needlebook (NOTE: the chart explains to use fabric and floss from your stash for the fun finishing idea - if you purchased a kit including linen and threads, it does not include amounts for the fun finishing idea). I chose to use cotton quilting fabric to "line" my needlebook and coordinating 1/8" grosgrain ribbon for the ties...choose your favorite finishing supplies...be creative!

Specifics for part three (complete supply listings, stitch counts, stitches used, etc.) can be found on my website:
www.blueribbondesigns.com/BRD109C%20Specifics.html

Additional photos of part two can be found on my website:
www.blueribbondesigns.com/Blue%20Jeans%20and%20Daisies%20Part%20Three.html

Contact your needlework shop of choice to join in the fun (there is still plenty of time)...or if you have questions...they will assist you with obtaining the patterns, the threads, the fabric...and they can answer questions and provide you with alternative sizes and supplies.

Are excited to see the third and final installment of this special springtime edition of the Mystery Sampler Club? - it has been a treat for me to work on this project...and I hope you are enjoying stitching each and every section, along with the needlework smalls...

A Friend Indeed...

A friend is someone who understands your past, believes in your future, and accepts you just the way you are.  --Anonymous

Does the needlework in the photo look familiar to you?? Well, it was a complimentary chart I offered on my website back in 2006, titled "A Friend Indeed". This freebie has been retired for years, but after some gentle nudging, I have made it available (once again) for a limited time.

To obtain a copy of this complimentary pattern, simply visit my website: http://www.blueribbondesigns.com/ and click on "Freebie" in the left-hand menu - you will see a photo of this new design at the top of the webpage - click on the statement "CLICK HERE FOR CHART" (directly under the photo) - a new window will open containing the design in PDF form (you will need Adobe Reader to view/print the chart). Please remember, this design is protected by copyright law - thank you for respecting my copyright.

I hope you enjoy the re-release of this special design - my gift to you for your continued support, friendship, and encouragement...and if you haven't stitched any of my designs before, I hope this chart will entice you to purchase some of the larger designs in my catalog from your favorite needlework shop...

My hope is you will stitch this special design for a dear friend...use your favorite colors...and finish it in your own personal style...
Enjoy...and happy stitching!

Stitching and Sewing...

It has been a productive week - I have been working on class materials and having model stitching and finishing marathons...along with working on items for my Etsy shop for several hours during each day. I have a very detailed list of what I plan to accomplish in the next couple weeks and I am doing my best to stay focused to meet my goals. I have a nice long list of new ideas for my Etsy shop, but have had numerous requests for more Needlework Pouches and Stitch Starter Ruler Sleeves ...so I finished up 55 pieces during the week...and yes, there will be some  more needlebooks and project bags on the way.

The Sewing Cases (Needlework Pouches) measure approximately 4" W x 5.5" H (when closed) - one is the perfect size for carrying your needlework tools in your project bag...or to hold a small sewing kit...or to easily hold a smart phone and your cash/credit cards...even a passport or iPod fits easily inside. They have two nice size pockets, fully-lined with no exposed seams - a sewn-in velcro closure - and most are embellished with wool felt/fabric flowers, hearts, and buttons.

The Stitch Start Ruler Pocket Sleeves measure 3.5" x 3.5" and holds my Blue Ribbon Designs 3" square ruler perfectly - they are fully lined with no raw seams...and they use fusible fleece to give them a bit of padding and stability. Each Stitch Start Ruler Pocket Sleeve comes with one Stitch Starter Ruler (single Stitch Starter Rulers without a sleeve are available, as well). To read more about my Stitch Starter Ruler, visit: http://www.blueribbondesigns.com/USING%20THE%20STITCH%20STARTER.pdf

All the pieces shown  have now been listed...
http://www.etsy.com/shop/BlueRibbonDesigns

We have a full weekend planned - including a birthday party for my mother-in-law tomorrow...and then fantastic tickets to see "Million Dollar Quartet" at the Des Moines Civic Center tomorrow night (can't wait). I hope this weekend finds you doing something you enjoy...and I hope you have a little time set aside to do something creative!

St. Patrick's Day Greetings

May love and laughter light your days,
and warm your heart and home.
May good and faithful friends be yours,
wherever you may roam.
May peace and plenty bless your world
with joy that long endures.
May all life's passing seasons
bring the best to you and yours!
                                   - An Old Irish Blessing

Happy St. Patrick's Day to those of you celebrating today...I hope you are wearing your green and you have a chance to enjoy a nice cold green beer or margarita...or maybe a cup of green tea....or even better, a Shamrock Shake! I truly hope you are having a happy St. Patrick's Day - filled with the gift of friendship, good luck, and life's blessings...

BRD-065 Letters, Leprechauns, and Luck

Brightening and Inspiring

Hello friends! I know I have been a little quiet the last couple weeks...but that is just because I have been busy with projects (most of which I can't share with you just yet)...my fingers have been stitching and sewing up a storm.

Part three of the mystery sampler "Blue Jeans and Daisies" is complete and back from the printer, so I will be getting those bagged and packaged this weekend - the fun finishing idea for part three turned out adorable...and the mystery bonus turned out even better than I expected (I just adore it!) - I can't wait until the week of March 25th, so I can share them with you! I also have stitched and finished my ornament for the Just CrossStitch 2013 Ornament Issue - and I am very pleased with the results...it will coordinate nicely with my ornaments from the last couple years. I have been working every night on the class project for the New England Stitcher's Retreat and hope to have everything finalized and photos available by the end of the month (fingers crossed)  - it has an autumn theme and is designed around a Shallow Shaker Carrier (made by the same artist who made the "Beauty In Simplicity" Shaker boxes) - one of the unique smalls has been giving me some designing fits, but I think I have it all hammered out now. I have also been finishing up the details for the Elegant Stitch Workshop I am teaching in April - I have all the extensive finishing kits prepared and I am now working on the class binders...all of which will be shipping to California by the end of the month. Plus I have a couple new designs I am preparing for printing that will be released in late April/early May.

With all those irons in the fire, I somehow managed to cut and prepare around 60 items for my Etsy shop - a new pile of Stitch Stater Sleeves...more Needlework Pouches...and there will also be some new Project Bags. I have been trying to schedule a few hours each day to sew....and I have started to get a nice little pile of complete items - I hope to get some listed over the weekend...

We have still been having undesirable weather here in Iowa, however, yesterday, the temperatures were in the mid-40s and the snow finally started to melt away - it was so wonderful to see the sun shine! I decided to celebrate by getting in almost ten miles of training/walking yesterday afternoon - I started out with just over 2 miles with Simba (a good warm-up)...then dropped him off at home and walked 7.5 miles on my own. I was so happy to  break in my new shoes, even though I had to dodge the puddles and melting snow.

I know many of you have already started to experience springtime weather...and I am so very jealous (I am completely green with envy)...I sure hope it reaches us soon (although I see "frozen mix" is in the forecast again for next week). Good thing I have friends that send me sunshine and flowers in photo form (even if they are trying to be vindictive and rub it in my face - you know who you are!). Here is a collage of photographs from a dear friend in California that have been brightening and inspiring my days...I am so excited to travel there next month and see some of this beauty in person...

Finally, my husband just returned from his annual 10-day fishing trip to Lake Fork, Texas....every year, he travels to Texas in early spring for some bass fishing. I wanted to share just a few photos from his trip with you...he only took a handful of photos, but did manage to capture a beautiful sunset and an eagle perched high atop a tree branch...and of course, I have one with him holding his "catch of the day"...

Wishing you an inspiring, wonderful, and creative weekend...

Spring Cleaning and Savings

The snow finally started to melt today...the forecast calls for rain all weekend...and I have had more bird sightings...could spring be arriving? I am so ready for sunshine and warmer temperatures....and I'm definitely in the mood for spring cleaning...it is time for a fresh clean start in 2013! I have already started cleaning my studio and going through fabric, notions, embellishments, and patterns...picking fresh new projects and planning upcoming pieces...I am overflowing with creative inspiration!

I thought you might like to help me with my spring cleaning, so I have decided to offer a coupon code for my Etsy shop (which incidentally will officially be one year old next month!)...yep, it is time for my first ever "sale"...time to clean up the shelves and make way for my new items in the works. The store is full of items for St. Patrick's Day and Easter...along with several types of pincushions, needlebooks, stitching cases, small pillows, pin and button packs, lace ornaments, and stitch starter rulers (with or without sleeves). If you have had your eye on something now would be the time to put it in your shopping basket. This will be a shop-wide sale of 10% off your purchase - simply use the coupon code LUCKY0313 at checkout. This special offer will last through 11:59 PM CST Sunday, March 10, 2013 - the discount does not apply to shipping charges and is not valid for previous orders or custom orders/special requests. Shop early for the best selection!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/BlueRibbonDesigns

      

For now, I am back to cleaning my studio/office...and daydreaming about new projects and designs I have in the works...so many creative routes to travel...

Excellent Eggs...

Despite the sleet and snow that has been falling for almost 24-hours, I did see more birds in the trees today...so I am still hopeful that spring is on the way! I can't believe Easter is in just a few weeks...it's no wonder why I have had and urge to work on some cheerful, springtime items. I wanted to do some seasonal freestanding lace ornaments for my wrought iron tree and found some wonderfully digitized Easter eggs at emblibrary.com...I made a set for myself and decided they were so bright and beautiful, I just had to make some for my Etsy shop. I started out making several sets in pastel colors...then I made a few sets in citrus colors...for some reason these Easter eggs make me happy! I immediately put my set on display...which is a lovely way to distract me from the gloom and icy/snowy conditions outside. These eggs are machine embroidered and measure an average of 3" W x 3.75" H...and I am thinking they would look good on an Easter wreath (I may just have to make myself some more!)....

I have been getting quite a bit of designing and model stitching done this week. I designed, stitched, and finished my ornament for the 2013 Just CrossStitch Ornament Issue...I designed and have almost finished the Mystery Bonus for Blue Jeans and Daisies (plus I finished the "fun finishing idea" for part three)...and I have been stitching the class project for the New England Stitcher's Retreat being held this fall...it has been a productive week. I also have another fun design in the works - something very special - and I will have more to share with you in the near future.

For now, I will be spending the rest of the evening in my cozy stitching nest...it's the perfect place to relax on a cold, snowy evening...

A Sign of Spring??

Right now, we have a foot of snow on the ground and more on the way...it is cold and gloomy...and my temperature is definitely reading "spring fever"! I could really use a vacation...a trip to somewhere warm with a beach and a lovely umbrella drink (a girl can dream!)...however, today, while walking Simba, I did hear several birds chirping in the front trees - which did give me some hope...

Could this be my first sign of spring?? Again, a girl can dream!...