In My Happy Place - New Cross Stitch Designs

Hello friends! I have so much to share today, I am not really sure where to start...but I guess the best place to start is with a big THANK YOU! I am overwhelmed by the positive response to my first FlossTube video - honestly, you have all made me a bit emotional. I truly appreciate all the kind words, lovely comments, likes and subscribes. I am actually ready to film Episode Two…and I have already filmed a full finishing tutorial for my new Under My Wing pinkeep design, which will be posted in the next few days. Thank you all for making me feel extremely welcome and a little less self-conscious and insecure. 

My new cross stitch designs have been listed in my Etsy Shop...and I feel extremely blessed by the enthusiastic response. I hope you can feel the love and joy I put into each piece. It feels good sharing new cross stitch designs, even if they are in a different format. I feel like I wasted so much time trying to fit into the "industry mold" of how things are supposed to be done...and now that I am doing what works best for me and my small business, my creativity is flowing. As I mentioned in previous posts, 2021 is the year for "finding my worth" and putting out new designs on my own terms is a HUGE step for me! I am learning daily...and I now realize that there is no mold that my business has to fit into - I need to make my own mold. Today is a good day - I have put more of my artwork out into the world - I have found my joy - I am crossing my fingers it will be successful and I can continue to pursue my passion...

Without further ado, here are the new designs. Each one is available in my Etsy Shop in digital download format. Each design includes charting in both color AND black and white - that way, if you are printing, you can save ink and print the black and white version OR if you are stitching from a device, you can use the color chart...the best of both worlds. Each design also includes full finishing instructions.

First up is "Pasture Parade"...this is my cow design for The Moo The Merrier designer collaboration. That's right - a bunch of your favorite designers have new designs, each featuring cows! This collaboration was right up my alley, as I have cows in my own backyard...they come right up to my fence line (see my design inspiration below). I always call it a "cow parade" when they are grazing along our fence...they line up and stroll by, just like a parade.😊 The parameters for this design were pretty loose - we all used the same Sulky 12 Wt. Cotton Petites thread pack of twelve colors - (most of the designs) are 60 x 60 - and they all feature a cow(s) in some way. My design is stitched on 32-count Sand Dune by Lakeside Linens with the following seven Sulky 12 Wt. Cotton colors (DMC equivalents provided): 1001 Bright White (B5200), 1005 Black (310), 1147 Christmas Red (817), 1174 Dark Pine (319), 1292 Heron Blue (3840), 4002 Buttercream (725), 4011 Milk Chocolate (3862). I decided to finish my design for an easel, opting for a flat finish...I backed it with Hand-Dyed Onsaburg Fabric (Pilot Light) by Lady Dot Creates and added two-tone twisted cord and gingham ribbon. Just wait until you see the variety of cow designs from your favorite designers - there are dozens of them, each special in their own way! Visit Instagram and search #themoothemerrier to see photos of quite a few...many designers are releasing them this weekend at the Needlework Expo trade show, so more photos are popping up daily...

 

My second new release is titled "Under My Wing" (if you look closely, you will see a tapestry needle tucked under the bird's wing). It is a sweet little sewing bird pinkeep that I designed especially with gift giving in mind...in fact, I designed the original a couple years ago with the sole intention of only making one for each of my dear friends Mary and Kimber as birthday gifts. I had quite a few people ask me about a pattern, so I decided to stitch a couple more as models and release it as a pattern. The models are stitched with Sulky 12 Wt. Cotton Petites on 32-count Chantilly Creme by Lakeside Linens. The chart includes both colorways you see pictured on the pattern cover and a full alphabet for personalizing/monogramming. The base of the pinkeep is a vintage zinc Ball Jar lid (which if you don't have one in an attic or basement, you can find on Ebay, Etsy or even Amazon...or at an antique shop or thrift store). The tops are trimmed with Hand-Dyed Chenille by Lady Dot Creates...and the perimeter of the base is trimmed with Vintage Ruler Half Inch by Lady Dot, as well...and I tucked a tapestry needle under the bird's wing as the final finishing touch. These are super easy to make substitutions - change up the color of thread on the spool and use a matching chenille and your best friend's initial(s) for a lovely handmade gift! Add some special decorative pins to complete the look. A full finishing tutorial video will be posted on my YouTube channel in the next week.

Last, but definitely not least, is "My Favorite Things Sampler" - a bright and cheerful signature style Blue Ribbon Design! You can stitch the entire sampler, or select some of your favorite motifs for smaller projects. This design is stitched on 35-count Baby's Breath by Weeks Dye Works with Weeks Dye Works Hand Over-Dyed 6-Strand Floss (DMC equivalents are included). I decided to finish this piece as a quilted wall hanging - I used Hand-Dyed Onsaburg Fabric by Lady Dot Creates in Cheese Balls and Crab Grass for the borders and cotton quilt fabric for the binding and backing...and yes, finishing instructions are included. I have been working on this design since we moved to Kansas...and as a nature lover, it does showcase some of my favorite things...there are also some stitching and sewing motifs! The small squares are the perfect size for scissor fobs...and the middle section would be perfect for a small framed design...you could even make a lovely selection of ornaments. The full design would look great in a tray, on a box top or in a frame. My signature samplers are created in sections that look good together or on their own - with each option having extensive stitching and finishing possibilities...and this design definitely hits those marks!

I truly hope one or all of these new designs will speak to you...and you will find joy in stitching one for yourself or a friend!

I am already working on more new cross stitch releases - seriously, I have piles (yes, piles!) in the works...so if these are well-received, I will continue to bring you pieces that make my heart happy.

A couple other notes:
I will be slowly be converting my older cross stitch designs to digital download format and listing them as I go - two have already been listed in my Etsy Shop by popular demand "Valentine Wishes" and "Letters, Leprechauns and Luck". If you have a favorite you would like to see available in PDF format, send me a message or drop me a comment.

Also - more Stitch Starter Rulers are on the way! Hooray!! I finally found a wonderful laser cutting and printing company and they are working on my restocking order...the design proof has been finalized and they estimate to ship to me on March 9th. I will list them and post on social media as soon as they arrive. I know many of you have been patiently waiting and I appreciate you!

Finally - I will be updating my website with the new designs today - I am still working on listing the digital designs for sale on my website (there is a learning curve), so for now, visit my Etsy Shop to purchase the new designs...

Thank you so much for visiting with me today and sharing in my happiness...I hope you are inspired by this post to work on something that brings you joy!

Out of My Comfort Zone

Well, I finally did it - I jumped into the deep end and did something I have shied away from for many years...yep, I finally posted a FlossTube video...actually, it may be too soon to call it a FlossTube video...for now, we'll just call it a video. I figured with new designs coming out soon, it was time to stop over-thinking it and go for it...and of course, it is another step forward in finding my worth. Yes, it needs improvement... and yes, I almost deleted it before anyone could see it...and yes, it is completely out of my comfort zone...like as far out of my comfort zone as you can get. For better or worse, it's now out in the universe (or should I say YouTubeland), so there is really no going back now. We'll see where it goes from here - if you like it and would like to see more, I will start filming additional video clips...if I get a negative response and I scare everyone, I'll find a place to bury it and it will be the one and only...I'll see what it looks like in a day or two...

Episode One is called "Figuring Things Out & A Sneak Peak (Next Time - Better Lighting)." It was filmed in a small corner of my sewing room (studio) and I give you a brief introduction to me and Blue Ribbon Designs. It has a sneak peek of a new cross stitch sampler coming out soon and I talk a little bit about two other designs I will be releasing with it. I also do a show and tell with my latest quilt pattern designs. 

Mostly, I was proud that I figured out how to write and post the closed captioning with the video - this was important to me and I am so glad I got it to work. It's the little things...

You can find Episode One on my YouTube Channel or you can view it here: 

Let me know if you want to see more - if I have some subscribers and the views/likes/comments are positive, I'll make time to create additional content...

For now, I am back to my happy place - I have to finish piecing a new quilt design and get the finishing touches done on my new cross stitch patterns...as always, my list is long. Thanks for stopping by for a visit today...wishing you a happy and productive weekend...

An Epiphany...Plus a Project Potpourri

Greetings friends - it has been a creative few weeks in my studio and I am back with a "smile on my face" post...get ready for another honest, heartfelt  "worth a read" update... 

I am have been humming along in my "happy place" for a couple weeks...feeling hopeful, encouraged and upbeat...in fact, my heart has been singing. I think that comes from taking the time to work on my own designs - both quilting and cross stitching and taking some steps back from the piles of needlework finishing. It is no secret that I have always found most of my joy designing, creating and sharing my artistic ideas. Working on my latest quilt designs really brought me back the heart of Blue Ribbon Designs and what is most important and fulfilling for me moving forward. For quite a few years, I have been concerned with making sure others are happy - as we all know, I tend to be a "pleaser"...we've talked about it here before. Let's be honest - for the last several years, it hasn't been financially possible for me to have tons of charts printed...and because of that, I put my design career off to the side and worked on "paying jobs," like needlework finishing and project bags to pay the bills...I was worried about what shops or distributors would think if I adjusted my business plan or what stitchers would think if I had charts for digital download or if I would be helping the copyright criminals if I had charts and patterns listed for digital sale...I have even been concerned what other designers would think...yes, this has all been weighing on me for quite some time. I was so worried about upsetting someone by not following the old, set-in-stone industry way, that I lost track of what was most important to me and what brings me joy. Recently, when I started listing my quilt patterns for sale as digital downloads in my Etsy Shop and a lightning bolt didn't strike me down, I really started thinking about what I want my creative focus to be moving forward. For some reason, designing and listing those patterns lifted this HUGE weight off my shoulders that I have been carrying around for pretty much as long as I can remember...and it has been a HEAVY stifling weight. Have I sold a bunch of those new quilt patterns?...no, not really...but it has been so incredible for my soul...and a BIG step forward in "finding my worth," as discussed here a couple months ago. Just getting my ideas down on paper, models made, patterns written and the final products listed gave me wings! I have three new cross stitch designs that I am finalizing that will be available in my Etsy Shop soon - a small one, a medium sized one, and a larger one. Plus, believe it or not, I have almost thirty designs that have just been sitting around waiting for me to decide what to do with them (some of them for YEARS). See, I have what seems to be an endless supply of design ideas and sketches on paper, but not an endless bank account to mass produce them. So to keep my heart happy and light, over time, I will be listing them for digital download in my Etsy Shop (and soon on my website, once I have time to do some code writing). Don't worry, if I have a request(s) for a printed chart/pattern, I will print/ship on demand for you - I know some only like a printed pattern and I will do my best to accommodate you. I will not be making kits, so stitchers will still have to visit their favorite needlework shop for supplies. Will that be my path indefinitely, I'm not sure...but for now, it will allow me to fulfill my passion and keep new designs available. I honestly can't even begin to tell you how much sleep I have lost over this decision, but as I say type it out loud, I know it is what is best for my work, right now. I will still be taking on  needlework finishing, project bags and custom orders, but it will be in moderation and I will be a little more selective. I know there will be some that have a lot to say regarding all this...and please feel free to leave your constructive comments below. More details and news on upcoming designs will be forthcoming. I hope you will be excited to see new Blue Ribbon Designs and will continue to follow me on my creative journey....

Finally, I couldn't write this post without some artful finishes to show you...I have definitely been keeping super busy behind the scenes. These are some client finishes and custom orders...along with a few gifts I made over the holiday season...and a fun finish I completed for a favorite designer a few months ago, but waited to share...oh and there is a unique storage, organizing tip included too!! 

First up - an assortment of WTNT panel bags that were finished for clients...to clarify, I did not design the fabric panel, nor do I sell them...this is just my finishing work (assorted project bags made from printed fabric panels by Brenda Gervais/With Thy Needle & Thread - search/see the designer website for more information)…

Here is the organizing tip I mentioned...see those clear boxes with trims in them in the photo above? Well, I got a gazillion questions about this when I posted a picture similar to this on my Instagram story...so I thought I would share here. I have my trims/ribbons/cords/rick rack all separated by color in clear boxes on my studio counter, so I can easily choose what I need for each project (a HUGE shoutout to Lois at Lady Dot Creates for helping me fill them! Visit her Etsy Shop for the best, best, BEST finishing supplies!). Anyway - everyone wants to know about these boxes...well, they are actually repurposed Beanie Baby acrylic display boxes from many years ago. I have 24 of them on my counter, stacked three high...some have wooden spools, some hold rolls of ribbon, you get the idea. Purchased separately many years ago...but can now be found on Amazon in bulk with 25 to a box for a much better deal. Also, if you look closely at the photo at the very top of this page, you will see I have all my stabilizers organized on the back of my studio closet door...and I get asked about that all the time too - they are actually in an over-the-door handbag organizer. I hope these two tips may be useful in your organizing journey. You can visit my Amazon Influencer Shop for more of my storage idea items... https://www.amazon.com/shop/brdgirl

Next up - here is a piece I was lucky enough to finish for Paulette at Plum Street Samplers - this is Called "Good Company" and was an exclusive for Acorns and Threads. Visit  http://www.acornsandthreads.com/exclusives for more details. Again this is a Plum Street Samplers design...not my stitching, just my finishing...

Catching up with a few gifts I made recently...here is my first large project bag with a carry handle and clear laminate...shown close up for detail and highlighting the chicken scissor charm - fabric and charm are by Poppie Cotton. I also made an artists pouch for a friend with a cross stitch print fabric and used another adorable Poppie Cotton charm for a cute addition...

Finally, here is an assortment of needlework finishes (not my stitching or designs, just my finshing), a couple custom small scissor/needle cases (my own design, which I will be releasing as a pattern in the future), a few fun custom project bags and a special custom pillow.

I hope today's post was good reading and gave you a little insight...I also hope it inspired you and sparked your creativity! Thank you so much for reading and visiting with me today. I appreciate your comments and while I don't always respond, I read each and every one - your constructive criticism is taken to heart and  your encouragement means the world to me...💗

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!