FlossTube Episode Ten - New Cross Stitch

Greetings friends...my latest FlossTube video has been posted - I hope you'll come visit with me! I share all the details for my two new cross stitch designs....plus I show some of my classic Valentine's Day needlework smalls and a sneak peek of some new Etsy items...I also share about the quilt classes I will be teaching. I look forward to seeing you.... Thank you to those who have subscribed to my channel and to those who have liked and commented on my videos - I appreciate your kind support! 

You can find my YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/c/BelindaKarlsNace and I will post the latest video (https://youtu.be/pabbN8qDYzo) below:

I will be back soon to share my most recent projects (I've been busy in the studio). It has been difficult to find a balance with my new designs, Etsy projects, custom and finishing work, teaching, and my freelance designing...plus I am now in the process of building a brand new website...I am so busy, but it is truly a blessing! Thanks for making the time to stop by my blog today...💗

FlossTube Episode Nine and 2021 Reflection

Happy last Friday of 2021 (almost the new year!) friends... My latest FlossTube video has been posted. This video is a holiday wrap-up, a general update and shows some holiday and personal sewing/quilting/stitching...I talk about my upcoming quilt class and show a couple sneak peeks of upcoming new cross stitch designs. Thank you to those who have subscribed to my channel and to those who have liked and commented on my videos - I appreciate the kind words! 

You can find my YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/c/BelindaKarlsNace and I will post the latest video (https://youtu.be/LVbobG3ddoA) below:

In just a matter of hours, we will be welcoming the new year...and as 2021 comes to a close, I am reflecting on the last 365 days...it sure has been another busy and artistic year...2021 was full of achievements, challenges, advancement, self reflection, and new directions. Thank you for contributing to the success of Blue Ribbon Designs and for your support, encouragement, and loyalty - there are many talented designers/finishers/teachers out there...and a vast amount of needlework, sewing and quilting patterns to choose from - I sincerely thank you for welcoming my designs and allowing my dream to be a reality. I truly love sharing my creativity and I hope you will continue to receive my designs/patterns with open arms and share in my passion for all things done with needle and thread. As we move forward into 2022, I have many goals (too many to list) and a good amount of projects in the works...a pile of creative design ideas and (as always) exciting plans for the future. Thank you for allowing me to pursue my passion...

I would like to thank you for supporting Blue Ribbon Designs and my blogging journey. You continue to inspire me with your creativity, kindness, and generous spirits - BRD would not be possible without you and your patience as I explore new creative avenues and ideas. In preparation for 2022, take a moment to reflect on the past year and the many blessings bestowed upon you...and be sure to take a look at all the beautiful stitching, sewing, quilting, and crafting projects you have accomplished. I wish you a happy, healthy 2022 filled with joy, laughter, and creativity! HAPPY NEW YEAR....

FlossTube Episode Five: New Quilt Patterns and Cross Stitch Update

Happy Sunday friends! My latest FlossTube video has been posted.  This video shares a couple new quilt patterns...has an update on a couple upcoming cross stitch designs…a new quilt project idea in the works.... a fun cutting tip/trick...some fabric haul...Q & A...and we have a giveaway winner.  Yes, once again, it is packed full! Thank you to those who have subscribed to my channel and to those who have liked and commented on my videos - I appreciate the kind and welcoming words! This video is a wrap up before I take a short vacation...I'll be back to visit with you again soon....

You can find my YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/c/BelindaKarlsNace and I will post the latest video below:

FlossTube Episode Four: Needle and Thread Projects

Happy Thursday friends! My latest FlossTube video has been posted.  This video shares a couple sneak peeks at upcoming cross stitch designs…a new quilt pattern and an upcoming project...a personal quilt project...client needlework finishing...Q & A...a SAL...and a giveaway opportunity.  Yep, it is packed full! I'm starting to get the hang of this FlossTube thing - still much learning to do, but getting better and feeling a tad more comfortable. Thank you to those who have subscribed to my channel and to those who have liked and commented on my videos - I appreciate the kind and welcoming words!

You can find my YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/c/BelindaKarlsNace and I will post the latest video below:

I will be back soon to share quite a bit of needlework finishing (I've been busy in the studio)…and be sure to stop back on Friday, April 16th for my stop on the Poppie Cotton Kaisley Rose Fabric Tour - I will have some brand new quilty pieces to show you!!

FlossTube Episode Two: New Cross Stitch Design Releases

Well, I did it...I finally have my second FlossTube posted. I'm still learning (OBVIOUSLY): laughing at myself for repeating “super excited” at least a gazillion times – shaking my head at the unflattering camera angle (so many chins!) –  working on not saying “so” and “um” – and proud I kept filming when the hot flash started...just a little bit of behind the scenes complete honesty. 😀 I was giggling so hard at myself when I was editing it - just shaking my head....what have I gotten myself into?! This video is a showcase of my new cross stitch designs…and a peek at a new quilting design. A special thanks to those who encouraged me to take this journey and put myself out there (you know who you are)…and to everyone who shared, subscribed, liked and commented on my first video…I heart you.

You can find my YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/c/BelindaKarlsNace and I will post the latest video below:

Thank you for the warm welcome into the FlossTube community! Plus...I can't tell you how much I appreciate all the kind words regarding my new cross stitch designs - you all sure know how to lift a girl's spirits. I am feeling happy and blessed. 

The finishing tutorial video for "Under My Wing" will be posted in the next couple days...stay tuned...

Also - I sent out a BRD Newsletter a couple days ago...if you missed it, you can read and/or subscribe here:
https://mailchi.mp/617e3aab836c/blue-ribbon-designs-newsletter-march-2021

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...

DESIGNER EPIC #sewworthit Video Story Contest

Have you watched my Video Story Contest Entry yet? It tells you why the Husqvarna Viking Designer Epic is #sewworthit using elements from my daily life - I hope you will take a moment (it is only a minute long) and watch it and maybe it will make you smile! I'm not the best saleswoman or good at asking for help/votes, but I am good at being creative and persistent. I am currently in second place and could use your help to win the sewing/embroidery machine of my dreams - if you could view my video, then place a vote for me, I would be greatly appreciative!
Visit: http://woobox.com/eyk7zi/gallery/DvLFOHRtQis to view and vote...it only takes a second and you don't need to sign-in or sign-up, just click the word VOTE above my video. Thanks!

Giving Thanks...and My Story Video

Wild turkeys having a feast at the bird feeders
 in the backyard on Thanksgiving...followed by
a drink from the bird bath...

Happy day after Thanksgiving - I hope you had a wonderful celebration with family and friends! My husband and I actually made a trip to Lake Summerset, IL, so I could spend Thanksgiving with my mommy for the first time in over 20 years. It was a quick, but special trip...and it was so nice to see my mom and Dan and extended family. We left yesterday morning - made the five hour drive and arrived an hour before dinner - then, spent the night and returned home bright and early this morning, as my husband had to work this afternoon (many of you know, my husband is in management for UPS and we all know how much shipping is happening this time of year!). In any case, we had a lovely trip, family time, and a delicious meal...and Schatzi even tagged along and spent time with some new friends (Daisy and Wilson).

Thank you to everyone for your love and kind words regarding Simba...I found comfort in many of your messages. I also have to thank those who have checked in with me since my oral surgery - it went as expected and I am healing - all is well. I feel very blessed to have so many caring people in my life - my heart is full.

On to the creative part of my post...
We all know how passionate I am about anything created with a needle and thread - by hand or machine....and many of you know there are two things I can't live without in my sewing studio - my Accuquilt products and my Husqvarna Viking Designer Diamond sewing and embroidery machine/Huskylock s25. I'm pretty sure everyone knows how much I love my sewing machine and how hard I worked to get it years ago - it brings me joy every single day. Over the years, they have released new and improved versions of my machine...but the most recent, the Designer Epic, is truly extraordinary - oh how I have been drooling over this machine for months. Obviously a machine of this caliber is not in my budget, so when I saw Husqvarna Viking Sewing Machines was have a video contest with an Epic as a grand prize, I had to put on my thinking cap to think of a video idea that would be worthy of submission. My idea grew slowly and turned into the contest entry you can view below - I am an amatuer videographer, but I had so much fun making it...and I knew I had to give it a shot! I'm not a big fan of contests that require you to solicit votes - many times it is a popularity contest and the entry itself (no matter how good it is) isn't a factor...but I had to make an exception in this special case and at least TRY. I hope you enjoy my short video testimonial about why I love the Husqvarna Viking Designer Epic sewing and embroidery machine and why it is #sewworthit...and if you feel so inclined, please place a vote for my entry.

To vote, simply visit the following link - and click on VOTE - NO sign-up, e-mail, or personal information is required - yep, just visit the link and click VOTE:

http://woobox.com/eyk7zi/gallery/DvLFOHRtQis

It only takes a second and I would appreciate it "sew" very much! Contest rules state: you can vote once per IP address.

You can see the video in it's entirety by visiting the link above, or my YouTube page, or for those who have a browser that support it, I am posting it below (note: you still have to visit the link above to vote):

I hope it makes you smile and you can tell how much I enjoyed putting it together...and, of course, a squirrel made the final cut (after all, it is "my video story"). My fingers (and toes) are crossed, as I am sure there will be some GOOD competition (at the time of this post, my video was the only submission - along with two Epic videos from Husqvarna Viking)....maybe that is good luck!

Stitching Through The Seasons

Today is the day...my "Learn To Cross Stitch" video class is live and ready for purchase/viewing...it's been a long time in the making...and I am happy to say, I am pleased with the results! When I started working on this special video project with Annie's, I had no idea how much work it would entail or what to expect...but, here we are a year later and the finished product turned out great! This is definitely not your average "shot in a basement" video - this class was professionally filmed in Annie's studio with top notch production, high quality cameras, and a full set. There are 13 segments in the video and I start with the very basics; we start out discussing materials, supplies, and tools - then we talk about how to read a Cross Stitch chart, how to prepare your supplies, and how to take your first stitches. We cover how to work Cross Stitches (two different methods), Back Stitches, Partial Cross Stitches, and French Knots....and each technique segment has an exclusive Blue Ribbon Designs project....plus I talk about finishing touches and finishing ideas. This video class is perfect for a beginner, as well as a seasoned needleworker that wants to brush up on their skills and knowledge.

Annie's online classes include downloadable and printable class projects in PDF format in addition to the online video content. The five exclusive projects that accompany my video class work through the seasons...starting with a very basic spring project (Cross Stitch in one or two colors)..."Springtime Magnets"...

The second project introduces Back Stitches and multiple colors -"Summertime Treasure Boxes"...

Project number three is "Autumn Greeting Card" and it introduces Partial Cross Stitches...

The fourth project revolves around French Knots...it is a set of "Winter Hoop Ornaments"...if you struggle with French Knots this class has an entire segment (with up-close video footage) that will help you master these pesky knots...

The final project combines all of the previous skills into one project...a "Seasonal Sampler"...you may choose to stitch the entire design or your favorite segment(s)....

As many of you know, needlework is my passion and obsession...I worked hard to write a comprehensive video script that showcases the time-honored tradition of Cross Stitch. I did my best to cover all the basics and give the viewer as many details and examples as possible...my goal is to have the viewer/student feel comfortable and at ease learning...I want you to enjoy every stitch! If you know someone who can benefit from this "Learn to Cross Stitch" video, please direct them to:
http://www.anniescatalog.com/onlineclasses/detail.html?code=NCV22 

No previous needlework experience is required to successfully complete this video and the exclusive class projects...plus, Annie's online classes can be viewed at your convenience, 24/7, 365 days a year from any mobile device - both tablet and non-tablet (but classes are best viewed on tablets or computers)...and they never expire...also, there is an "Ask The Instructor" option, just in case you need to ask me a question while you are learning. This class will also be available from Annie's on DVD in the very near future. 

You can see a Class Overview and the Introduction video for free by visiting: http://www.anniescatalog.com/onlineclasses/detail.html?code=NCV22 and clicking on the links in the "Lesson Description" box (lower right corner).

Now that I have shared all about my new online video class with you, I am off to do a little sewing/quilting...and then I will be in my stitching nest working on a new design model...it's another cold, rainy, gloomy day - perfect for needlework...enjoy your day!

An Autumn Afternoon

To say things have been a bit hectic for me lately would be an understatement - the last several weeks, I honestly don't know whether I am coming or going...and to make things a bit more crazy, my husband has been on vacation this week. He planned to spend the majority of the week in the timber bow hunting...but truth be told, I think his plan is to completely drive me crazy - seems he has been home quite a bit and is definitely hindering my work progress. I really needed a few hours to clear my head today, so I asked him to take me to the Blank Park Zoo - I figured we could get some fresh air and enjoy a sunny, autumn afternoon... and spending a few hours of quality time with him might allow me to focus on work for a day without complaint.

I was a gorgeous afternoon - the sun was shining - it was right around 60 degrees - and there was a light breeze....a perfect day to spend at the zoo! Since it was the middle of the week and children are in school, we pretty much had the zoo to ourselves and enjoyed a leisurely walk through the park. Many of the animals thrive in this fall weather...the exhibits on display were quite active. I loved seeing the wallabies hopping around...and even captured a photo of a mama taking care of two joeys. The penguins seemed to be having the most fun of all - swimming and diving in the water...in fact, they were making me so happy, I had to record a little video (we'll see if this works, as it is my first video...fingers crossed)...

As always, I had my camera along and took these photos to share with you...

It was a wonderful day to spend an afternoon outside of the office...and although I felt a little guilty for taking some time away, it was much needed. I hope you are making a little time to enjoy the crisp autumn air...