Holiday Titles Are Now In Shops

It's hard to believe that Christmas is just around the corner. To help you with your holiday decorating and gift giving needs, I offer six new holiday designs. Find these titles and more JBW Designs at your local stitching shop. If your shop doesn't offer JBW Designs, ask them to contact me to place an order.

Merry - It's a simple name but a classic and elegant design. The design was stitched on #32 Christmas Red (from Zweigart) and #28 Jobelan - Christmas Red (from Wichelt). The stitch count is 198 W x 70 H - and the finished size on #32 is 12" x 4 1/2". One of the models is pictured as a bolster - which is such a unique and fun finishing method, and the other was finished as a long narrow pillow. It was stitched in white floss.

Sing a Song of Christmas VII (O' Little Town of Bethlehem) - Now onto a long title - but it is part of the popular little stocking series which features classic Christmas songs. The design was stitched on a #32 Antique White Belfast in a variety of fibers from Classic Colorworks, Weeks Dye Works, and Gentle Arts, but DMC equivalents are always listed. Three little brass charms are included in each leaflet.

Sing a Song of Christmas VIII (Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer) - It's such a popular song that you may want to stitch one for each of your children or grandchildren. The design was stitched on the #32 Antique White Belfast again, and all of the designs are approximately 3" W x 4" H. It too uses a variety of hand dyed fibers, but also called for a #4 metallic braid from Kreinik, and two sizes of beads from Mill Hill: #00557 and #40557.

Sing a Song of Christmas IX (Winter Wonderland) - The verse I used on this little stocking is: "Sleigh bells ring - Are you listening?" and it too features a number of classic elements: a church, evergreen trees, a sleigh filled with presents, a tree, and a little reindeer. It was stitched on the #32 Belfast linen in Antique White and uses the same variety of hand dyed fibers, plus the #4 metallic braid and the petite gold beads.

Sledding Santa - The little wooden sleds make such darling ornaments and Christmas decorations - that I couldn't resist designing two more pieces for the sleds. Although I did stitch a second model over one - and finished it as an ornament. The design was stitched on a #32 Vintage Blue Whisper fabric from Zweigart, and measures approximately 1.7" W x 2.9" H - when stitched over two threads. A variety of hand dyed fibers were used in the original, but DMC colors are listed also. Each leaflet includes the embellishments: two brass stars and a pom pom.

Sledding Snowman - These little sled designs are quite quick to stitch, and can be finished in an evening. We love projects like this which can be completed in just a short amount of tie. The snowman was stitched on #32 linen from Zweigart in Vintage Blue Whisper. The finished size is 1 1/2" W x 3" H on the #32 count. But I also stitched a second model on a #28 linen over one. Hand dyed fibers were used and the leaflet includes a pom pom embellishment.

Peace On Earth Kit - The little white tree is stitched on a #28 linen - color Christmas Red. The kit includes the following: an 8" x 10" piece of linen, floss for stitching, the cotton backing fabric, a color booklet, needle, Dames of the Needle pom pom trim, 2 red bells, one long pin, ribbon and finishing instructions. The design pictured was stitched over two threads, but could also be stitched over one thread and finished as an ornament. The finished size of the model on red over two is: 3.6" W x 5.5" H.

Joy Kit - Joy has been stitched on #32 linen - color Water Lily. The kit includes the following items: a 6" x 8" piece of linen, the cotton backing fabric, a skein of dark green floss for the cording, organdy ribbon, a jingle bell, pin and greenery, and the finishing instructions. The finished size of the design over two is 4" W x 1 1/2" H. A model had also been stitched over one thread and would make a darling little ornament also. The Joy ornament is a companion to my ornament in this year's Just Cross Stitch Christmas issue. Look for the Noel - as it matches the finishing of this new kit.

Spring Releases 2018

As I write this, the sun is shining in Michigan and though it is still chilly outside, we hope that Spring is just around the corner. I have released four new titles and a limited edition kit this spring. Look for them at your local needlework shop!

Ode to Britain - This is the second release in a series of travel themed designs. The first was Alphabetique which centered around France. Ode to Britain features many iconic British motifs (Big Ben, London Bridge, tea pots, an umbrella, double decker bus, phone booth) as well as Olde English lettering. It is worked entirely in one color - Cherry Wine from Gentle Arts.

Seaside Series II & III - These next two booklets are a continuation of the Seaside Series started last year. I stitched models both over one and over two, and my finisher came up with very clever and creative finishes for them. The over two models were finished as plant pokes and put in a little tin pail (from Hobby Lobby) with sand and seashells. The over one models, were finished as a banner - which looks very nautical!

Seaside Series II includes the pelican and the seashell. The pelican was stitched on #32 Seafoam linen from Stephanie's Fabrics using Peacock from Romy's Creations and Hibiscus from Weeks Dye Works. The seashell was stitched on #32 French polka dot linen from  Yarn Tree in House Wine from Classic Colorworks.

Seaside Series III includes the dolphin and the crab. The dolphin was stitched on #32 Blue Whisper linen from Zweigart in Simona's Iris from Romy's Creations. The crab was stitched on #32 linen from Picture This Plus in the color Bashful. It was stitched using Strawberry Parfait from Classic Colorworks.

With Love - is a delicate heart made up of roses. Models were stitched both over one and over two threads. The model over one was stitched on #32 Cashel white linen in Romance from Weeks Dye Works. It was finished as a wearable pin.









The model over two was stitched on #32 Picture This Plus linen in the color Petal using Pink Grapefruit from Romy's Creations. It has been finished as a box with lovely lace trim, ribbons and beads.

Love Always - is a limited edition kit. This sweet little design could be used in so many ways. It has been finished as a small hanging ornament, but you could use it on a greeting card, a pin to wear, on top of a small trinket box . . . use your imagination! The kit includes a piece of #32 Belfast linen in antique white, the backing fabric, buttons, floss for cording, ribbon and complete finishing instructions to finish as pictured.




Contact your favorite needlework shop to find the new designs and kits. And don't' forget to share your finished JBW cross-stitch projects on our Friends of JBW Designs Facebook page. We love to see your creative finishes!

New Spring Releases

The brand new Spring title have been released and are available at your local stitching shop. If your local shop does not carry them, please have them contact us to place an order.

Alphabetique #330 - A beautiful alphabet combined with French motifs is stitched in classic red. The fabric used is #32 Belfast linen in the color Platinum. Sampler Threads (Cherry Wine) and DMC #B5200 were used to stitch the model.









Baby Memories #331 - Baby Memories contains three motifs stitched on perforated paper and arranged with baby items in a shadow box. The motifs can also be stitched on fabric and finished as blocks, pillows, or hanging pieces. For the memory box, 14 count perforated paper was used and the blocks were stitched on #32 linen Country French Latte. DMC fibers were used.

  

French Flower Cart #332 - This traditional flower cart was finished as a standing block. It was stitched on #32 French Polka Dot cream linen using a combination of Classic Colorworks and Weeks Dye Works fibers.







Ooh La La #333 - Ooh La La is a scissors case and fob that was released last year as a Limited Edition Kit. It was quite popular and to make it more widely available, we have released the charts in booklet form. The scissors case was stitched on #32 Antique White Belfast Linen and the fob on #28 Antique White Linen. DMC fibers were used.

The stitcher has the choice of two backgrounds - alphabet or crowns. Full finishing instructions are also included.








Seaside Series #334 - I got a little carried away stitching models of this design. Models were stitched on #32 linen in French Polka Dot and French Stripe pink. They were also stitched over one on #28 linen. I also had some beautiful fabric from Hand Dyed by Stephanie - #32 Ice Crystal, Elizabeth, and Seafoam. Weeks Dye Works or Classic Colorworks fibers were used on the #32 or #28 linen. Fibers from Romy's Creations were used on the hand dyed fabrics.

With This Ring #335 - Wedding season is upon us and this new design makes a lovely gift to commemorate the couple's special day. I stitched it on both #32 Belfast Antique White linen and #32 Belfast Flax linen. A combination of Classic Colorworks, Weeks Dye Works, and Gentle Arts were used.






The final design was released as a Limited Edition Kit at the Nashville Market. It is a small pin cushion with French motifs. The kit includes everything you need to complete the design, except for the DMC fibers. Little French Pinkeep - 

February News

My goodness I have been neglecting my readers! I've been working like a crazy person getting the new models charted, stitched and finished for our next show in early March. If you subscribe to my monthly newsletter - you will be able to see Sneak Peeks of the newest releases! Each year the Just Cross Stitch magazine editor writes to designers to ask if we would submit something for their annual ornament issue. Sometimes I just can't figure out how to find the time, but this year I made myself chart and stitch the ornament in two days. A new record! I stitched it both over one and two threads, as I love the look of the tiny ones.

I just received a new shipment of one of my favorite products - linen bags made in France. There are 3 sizes: an over the shoulder purse, as well as small and medium cosmetic bags. They really have so many uses: I store my device cords in one, and often travel with a stitching project in the larger model. They can be monogrammed with initials on the top cuff.





Sometimes the smallest gift can be the most meaningful. My granddaughter Elli made a card for me for my birthday - and here is what she wrote: Happy Birthday Nana! One day I want to stitch with you, please. Oh my - that has to be on the top of my list this week! And then the cutest part - across the top she wrote: These are stitching ideas. She had colored 6 little designs - which were exactly what an 8 year old would like to stitch: hearts, balloons and flowers.

We all hope that someone in our family will get the same pleasure and sense of calm that we do from stitching, and I think I have the next heir to my company!

Wishing you a wonderful month of projects, and maybe even some completions! Be sure to post your finished designs on our Friends of JBW Designs Facebook page, as we receive great suggestions and love to share them with you.

Happy Stitching!

With kind regards,
Judy

Christmas Titles Have Been Released

Here are this year's Christmas titles. They have been shipped to the shops on our automatic list. Look for these titles and other JBW Designs at your local stitching shop.  If they don't carry my designs, tell them to contact me to place an order.

This Christmas brings the start of a new series I am calling Sing A Song of Christmas. Each design is centered around a different Christmas song. The first three are Over the River, Here Comes Santa Claus and Frosty the Snowman. They have been finished as little stocking ornaments.

My next design is a darling Folk Art Christmas Tree. This design looks sweet mounted on a folk art tree board from Kelmscott Designs. I have some of these boards in stock. Please have your shop contact me to order them if you would like to finish your piece like the sample.

I have also designed a companion piece to last year's Tidings of Joy. It is called O' Christmas Tree and I just love it stitched in white thread on red fabric over one. I also stitched it over two on white fabric with red thread. It looks great either way.

Finally, this year's Limited Edition Ornament Kit is entitled Deck the Halls. The kit includes the fabric, chart, finishing instructions, charms, ribbon, and chenille trim. You just need to provide the fibers.

I invite you to join my Friends of JBW Designs page on Facebook and please post photos of your finished JBW designs. I love seeing everyone's creativity!

Window of Time

Guess what?! The new Halloween releases were delivered by the printer earlier this week, and we have sent out tons of them to our loyal needlework shops this afternoon. If by some chance, you don't receive my monthly newsletters or are not part of my Friends of JBW Designs group on Facebook, then you'll need to see these new designs! I seem to have been intrigued with the color black this time, but you must agree - it works if you're stitching either the French Country Black Cat, French Country Crow, French Country Ghost, or The Witch's Hat. But never hesitate to change the fabrics and fibers in my designs. It's always fun to see your inspirations.

Not only have I been working on Halloween patterns since April, but the new Christmas designs have been completed.

There will be six new designs released in early September at the Harvest Hop which is an online show for needlework shops. The shop owners will be buying from many designers at that time, as the Fall and Christmas seasons tend to be the best selling months.

You'll be the first to hear about the new designs. There are three small stockings in a new series call, "Sing A Song of Christmas." Each one features a phrase from a popular holiday tune. In addition, I'll have another red and white design, a folk art Christmas tree, and a 2016 Limited Edition Ornament Kit.

It's a wonder I have time to do anything else, but I do take time to work on our gardens, go boating with the grandchildren, and enjoy each day when we can eat out on the porch.

I'm grateful for so many blessings in my life, and hope that you too find time for relaxation after your busy work days.

With kindest regards,
Judy

New Spring Titles

Announcing the New Spring Titles from JBW Designs!

#315 Floral Alphabet - A feminine alphabet which can be beautifully framed or finished as a pillow. Stitched on #32 antique ivory Belfast linen.

#316 French Country Bicycle - This is a new look for a very traditional French theme: flower baskets, lavender, a cafe and a bicycle brimming with charm.

#317 French Country Snowflake - A shop owner in Vermont requested this design, and it was so much fun to stitch that I got carried away and stitched 3 different models. The model pictured was stitched on #32 Belfast Blue Spruce linen with white floss.

#318 French Country Stork - Stitched on #32 French Polka Dot linen from Fabric Flair. This design includes a complete alphabet to personalize the piece with names and dates. The model was finished as a flat hanging piece and it could be stitched in any color combination.

#319 - Ready, Set, Go ABC's - The perfect project for a little boy's room. I've used a variety of Classic Colorworks and Weeks fibers, and have a button kit available which includes all 22 tiny white and black buttons. The model was finished with a Family Tree Frame.

#320 A Visit From the Tooth Fairy - A classic design for small children. A pre-finished pillow has been designed especially for this piece, and I've used JABC buttons for the fairy's wand and the corners of the pillow.

Special Kits

released at the Nashville Market

Ooh La La -  A darling little scissors picket kit. The pocket is on the back and I've used the cutest little pair of Eiffel Tower scissors to complete the theme. The kit includes a piece of #32 linen for the larger design and a piece of #28 linen for the scissors fob which is worked over one. Also included are the print and polka dot fabrics, ribbon, a button, rick rack and complete finishing instructions. Two background options are offered: either little crowns or an alphabet. Just select your favorite!

Pastel Project Bag - A sweet little zippered bag, perfect for carrying one of your favorite new JBW Designs along with your stitching accessories. Two fabric options are available: one in peach and the other in aqua. Each bag has a #32 linen insert and requires no finishing. A complete monogram chart is included with each kit. This would be a lovely gift for Mother's Day, a wedding shower - or something just for yourself!

Find the New Spring Titles from JBW Designs at a needlework retailer near you!

Teaching Future Stitchers

This past weekend our four youngest grandchildren were here for an 'overnight' with Nana and Papa.
Since there are three boys and just one girl, Elli and I  often bake or do other projects while the boys are being ' just silly'.   She asked me if we could 'sew' together , and of course I was delighted.
We were up in my studio so I showed her my latest design and we found her special sewing supplies.  We sat side by side while she continued a previous project and I was available to help her if the fibers slipped off her needle, or if things became a little tangled.

Sometimes we forget how diligent small children can be when they are concentrating on learning to do something they truly enjoy.  She is so proud of her work and I am so pleased that perhaps she will carry on my stitching passion.  We've decided that I will make her little design into a small pillow for her bed.

A few years ago I was interviewed for a blog post about the Affectionately Yours book. The writer
asked what I was doing to help  ensure that future generations would continue to learn to stitch. This question really made me stop and think, as my answer at the time was that I was doing nothing.

So I designed a small booklet called Learning To Cross Stitch, which is a guide to all of the beginning elements of stitching.  Several shops have had some very innovative ideas on how they could promote cross stitching for children.  One shop in PA had a several day event that involved making aprons for American Girl dolls.  One day was just an introduction, followed up with stitching borders, and then stitching the doll's  or little girl's name onto the apron.

The future of cross stitch will depend upon each one of us sharing our passion with others - no matter whether they are six, twenty six or forty six years old.  And we understand how it brings such a sense of peace and calmness to our very busy lives.

Share your suggestions and I will post them in future JBW blogs.  Thank you!