Patchwork in the Heart Quilt Pattern

Greetings friends! Thanks to your wonderful feedback on my last post, I have written a quilt pattern for "Patchwork in the Heart." A wonderfully scrappy mini quilt that can be used as a wall hanging or table topper. This quilt measures a manageable 24.5" W x 24.5" H and the pattern includes tips for making it larger or smaller. The pattern contains comprehensive/detailed instructions with all sorts of color diagrams...and it includes basic instructions for fusible machine appliqué. This 8-page pattern is designed to easily use scraps or your favorite fabric collection - it is mini charm pack friendly, and is good for all skill levels. You can find this new design in my Etsy Shop, in both paper and digital format...

Paper Pattern: https://blueribbondesigns.etsy.com/listing/1871705191
Digital Pattern: https://blueribbondesigns.etsy.com/listing/1871707905

I designed this quilt for a Poppie Cotton Valentine's Day feature. This month Poppie Cotton is spotlighting their fabric ambassadors with projects from the heart. Many of you know that I have been blessed to work with Poppie Cotton for years and have created with almost every single collection they have released...so I came up with a special project to highlight a large selection of prints. One of the things I love about this quilt is, it can be as planned as you want OR as scrappy as you want (like I made mine). I used pink and red fabric scraps from almost 40 Poppie Cotton collections, along with 3/8 Yard Country Confetti (Marshmallow New White CC20190) for background and 1/4 Yard Country Confetti (Cotton Candy Dark Pink CC20181) for binding - plus HeatnBond Fusible Fleece, HeatnBond Lite (fusible web) and backing. I used HeatnBond Tear-Away Stabilizer Sheets to stabilize my heart blocks during the appliqué process...and SpraynBond Basting Spray to baste the backing in place for quilting. Visit my YouTube Channel for a short video tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/mxWtxlYbeqo

You can also find the exact supplies I used (including the black wrought iron quilt hanger) by visiting the feature post in my Amazon Shop (note, as an influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases).

Thank you so much for visiting with me today and checking out my latest quilt pattern. I will be back soon with a peek at a new cross stitch model...and a seasonal project tutorial that I just completed for Therm O Web.

For now, I am back to the studio...I am working on a plethora of new designs and ideas. Of course I will be celebrating the Super Bowl tomorrow (well, actually later today - this crazy night schedule) with close friends...rooting for our local Kansas City Chiefs! Since my birthday always falls on or near Super Bowl Sunday, we will be celebrating my birthday (a few days early) at our Super Bowl party and having cake! 🎂 If our Chiefs can pull off the 3-peat, the parade will take place on my birthday...fingers crossed! I'll be wearing my number 10 jersey tomorrow for good luck...🏈💛❤️

Chiefs Fan Zone - Union Station Kansas City

Chiefs Fan Zone - Union Station Kansas City

Chiefs Fan Zone - Union Station Kansas City

"Patchwork in the Heart" Mini Quilt

Greetings friends - happy February! You are visiting on a great day - I have a heart-filled project to share with you…my "Patchwork in the Heart" scrappy mini quilt. Poppie Cotton is sharing Valentine projects this month while spotlighting their fabric ambassadors....and if you follow them on social media, then you are aware that today the spotlight is on me.😊 Many of you know that I have been blessed to work with Poppie Cotton for years and have created with almost every single collection they have released...so I came up with a special project to highlight a large selection of prints.

“Patchwork in the Heart” measures 24” x 24” and every single fabric in this quilt is unique. There isn’t a pattern, I just made it up as I went along – a pattern could definitely be created, if there is some interest (drop me a note or comment if you would like to see me write a pattern).  I cut 2.5” squares from all the pink and red prints from at least 36 different Poppie Cotton Collections - there are 144 prints represented in this quilt, plus Country Confetti for the background and binding. I made 36 4-Patch blocks, cutting half of them into hearts for fusible appliqué – then alternated the appliqué blocks with the remaining 4-Patch blocks. It is kind of an “I Spy” quilt of Poppie Cotton fabrics. I added hanging tabs…or it can be used as a table topper. 

I think I cut 182 unique 2.5” red and pink prints, so I had a few remaining squares that I used to create this cute project bag. I made another appliqué heart block and inserted it into the patchwork. I used a cheerful Poppie Cotton pink daisy print on the back, with a white zipper and pink zipper pull.

There will be a reel on my Instagram page that shows the assembly of my mini quilt…with a longer version on my YouTube channel...look for these on Wednesday evening.

I hope you have been inspired by this mini quilt, stitched with love, and filled with Poppie Cotton history. Thank you for visiting and sharing my passion for all things created with needle and thread!♥️

Jar of Hearts Stitch Valentine Cards

Greetings friends! It is new project tutorial day - time to share my January project created for the Therm O Web blog with you. I always enjoy putting on my Fabric Education Designer hat and creating new projects/tutorials to share. For the month of January, the blog is focused on home decor, embellished apparel, HeatnBond Sparkle Paste, appliqué, and girlfriend gifts. I created a brand new project that was posted yesterday - it is a complete project tutorial for my Jar of Hearts Stitched Valentine Card. My comprehensive tutorial contains a complete supply list, printable pattern with templates, and step-by-step directions with color photos. 

Last month I stitched up a few Christmas cards, and decided it would be fun to sew up a handful of valentines. I knew right away that I wanted to use the NEW HeatnBond Sparkle Paste to add a little glittery goodness to my cards. As I went through the design process, I thought it would be interesting to try adding HeatnBond Iron-On Vinyl to my card fronts (without the ironing) - we all know that I tend to think outside the box and don't always use products or supplies as intended. When this idea came together as I envisioned, it was extremely rewarding! The Sparkle Paste not only added shimmer and shine, but it added dimension to the jar lid...and the vinyl worked perfectly to make the jar look like glass. Yes, these were sewn on my sewing machine - you can easily sew on paper/cardstock! I used a used universal needle and a straight stitch - sewing on the cardstock will dull your needle (so no need for a fresh needle), a well-loved needle will work just fine.

This is an easy, Valentine's Day (or really, any day) project, that comes together quickly. It is perfect for using scraps and small pieces of fabric. I used colorful 5" x 7" card blanks with envelopes and my tutorial gives some great ideas for personalizing your own unique card(s). For this post, I used HeatnBond Sparkle Paste, HeatnBond Pressing Paper, HeatnBond Iron-On Vinyl (Gloss Finish), SpraynBond Basting Adhesive Fabric Spray, SpraynBond Pattern & Stencil Spray, and HeatnBond Fabric Fuse Liquid Adhesive. Visit the tutorial post for a complete and detailed supply list.

To find the exact card blanks I used, along with other supplies listed, visit my Jar of Hearts Stitched Valentine Card Supply List on Amazon (full disclosure: as an Amazon Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases - I only share products I actually use - and I truly appreciate you shopping from my links, thank you!). 

If you have questions on any Therm O Web or HeatnBond/SpraynBond products or would like to see a specific type of product in one of my projects, drop me a comment or email.

You will have to visit the ThermOWeb blog for my complete tutorial and pattern, but I am posting a few photos here...

Here is a direct link to the project tutorial:
https://blog.thermoweb.com/jar-of-hearts-stitched-valentine-card/

I hope this project gets you excited to create some special and unique valentines or stitched cards...

I am creating monthly projects for the Therm O Web Blog and I will be sure to post here when I have a new tutorial available. My next project is scheduled to be on the Therm O Web blog on February 17th. Plus, I am working on a special valentine project for Poppie Cotton that will be shared in February, as well.

Thank you for stopping by for a visit today - I always enjoy sharing with you. Have a great week and make time to work on something creative...

Serenity Blooms Fabric Tour

Happy Wednesday - welcome to the Poppie Cotton Serenity Blooms Fabric Tour. I am thrilled to be today's stop on the tour - thank you so much for stopping by for a visit. I have a very special sewing machine dust cover to share (and a little pincushion too), created with the new Serenity Blooms Fabric Collection designed by Ginger Deverell for Poppie Cotton. I was super excited to put on my quilt designer hat and work with these cheerful, yet elegant prints. This brand new collection (shipping to quilt shops this month) has lovely bird motifs, gorgeous florals, fabulous blender fabrics, and fancy parakeets...all done in a cool and colorful palette...and you all know I LOVE a good nature-filled collection! Let's take a close-up look at my projects...

I used my very own "Bluebird in My Heart" Sewing Machine Dust Cover & Sewing Machine Mat pattern to create a brand new sewing machine cover - it just seemed to be the perfect project for this lovely fabric collection. You can find the pattern in my Etsy Shop in both paper and digital format:

Digital Pattern: https://blueribbondesigns.etsy.com/listing/1393176766
Paper Pattern: https://blueribbondesigns.etsy.com/listing/1407404069

I used a Serenity Blooms Fat Quarter Bundle and yardage of Country Confetti in Marshmallow New White (background/lining/backing/binding) to create my cover/mat. The bird blocks are foundation paper-pieced, the heart is machine appliqué, and everything else is traditional piecing. Together, the bird blocks create one large pocket on the front of the cover - perfect for the machine pedal, power cord, quilt patterns, and/or the machine manual. The smaller pockets on the reverse side are made for sewing/stitching tools - such as a seam ripper, scissors, rulers, marking utensils, tweezers - you know, all those tools you need close at hand. I wanted to make the cover useable at all times, so when it is not acting as a dust cover, it can be placed under the sewing machine as a mat/pad and the pockets hang down with all my tools handy. I used StitchnSew EZ Print Quilt Block Sheets for the foundation of my bird blocks and HeatnBond Lite Iron-On Adhesive for my heart appliqué...along with HeatnBond Fusible Fleece to give my cover good padding and stability. For the side ties, I used cute, coordinating gingham ribbon. I can't believe how much joy this new dust cover/mat brings to my sewing studio...it makes me happy the second I walk in the room! This cover fits both of my sewing machines and will fit any machine up to 18" wide (and can easily be adjusted).

After finishing up my sewing machine cover, I was compelled to work with some of my leftover fabric pieces and made the sweetest little pincushion, embellished with a matching gingham tie for my scissors. The top is a variation of a Pineapple Quilt Block (I designed) that I foundation pieced. I wanted to make sure some of those wonderful birds fit in the center. I added 1/2-inch hand-dyed rick rack around the perimeter (from my favorite Lady Dot Creates). There isn't a pattern - this was just me having fun in my sewing room...

I hope you have enjoyed this stop on the fabric tour and are feeling inspired - thank you for visiting with me today. For more creative projects using the Serenity Blooms fabric collection, visit the Poppie Cotton Blog or their social media. If you love this fabric collection, be sure to check out your favorite quilt shop and request it - Serenity Blooms is shipping now.

I already have my projects in progress for the next Poppie Cotton Fabric Tour in March - my day is March 21st. That tour will be showcasing the fabulous, upcoming "Wildwood Dwellings" fabric collection by Sheri McCulley (click to see a preview). I am also working on a Valentine project for a Poppie Cotton feature in February. Plus, I will have a new project tutorial posted on the Therm O Web Blog next week on Monday, January 20th…so, be sure to stop back soon for more creative inspiration...

Our Christmas Eve Tradition

Greetings friends! One last 2024 Christmas post, as we prepare for the new year. Today (tonight), I am sharing photos from our annual Christmas Eve tradition. 

This yearly outing on Christmas Eve started when we moved to Kansas City in 2019, making this was our sixth year. Many of you know, my husband is in management for UPS and always works on Christmas Eve and usually on Christmas - this makes it impossible for us to travel during the holidays and nearly impossible to make any special plans. The first year in Kansas City, we decided when he got off work on Christmas Eve that we would drive downtown to the Plaza to see the holiday lights. It was nearing 10:00 PM when we arrived in the Plaza, and we were both hungry (we left right when he arrived home and neither of us had dinner). We started looking for an open restaurant and everything was closed...then we spotted the Cheesecake Factory with lights on and decided to take a chance. Turns out, they were open until 10:00 PM. We stopped in, hoping we could maybe get some food to go, but they actually had a table for us and told us they were closing very soon. Now every Christmas Eve, we make a reservation for as late as possible at the Cheesecake Factory and have appetizers and a cocktail…then walk around the Plaza and look at the holiday lights. Afterwards, my husband humors me and we drive around to see some of the best local lights. So, that is how we have decided to spend each Christmas Eve, if he can be home in time – if not the contingency plan is to have appetizers and a cocktail at home and watch a Christmas movie. It is always challenge to be apart from our families for the holidays, but after 26 years, we have gotten used to it and started our own tradition (which is incredibly special to us!).

After appetizers (Tex Mex Egg Rolls and Factory Nachos with Spicy Chicken) and a cocktail (a Pineapple Moscow Mule for me and a Stella Artois Beer for Travis), we walked the Plaza and enjoyed the lights. When we first got down there it was packed with people, but by the time we left the restaurant, the streets had cleared and it was quiet. We drove downtown to Crown Center to see the the giant Mayor’s Christmas Tree and the Hallmark Christmas Experience. Next, we drove through beautiful Brookside to Armour Hills (a KCMO neighborhood off of Ward Parkway) with some of the best lights in the city...and it did not disappoint. Before heading home, my husband suggested a place in Olathe that he sees lit up every day on his drive to work - it is at the Olathe Community Center and Stagecoach Park...it is called Glolathe. This year it had over 100,000 bulbs on over six miles of light strings. We visited at the perfect time; at 11:00 PM on Christmas Eve, it was quiet and we walked the sidewalks lined with luminaries almost completely alone. We chuckled when we got to the pond, as it was surrounded by geese and some were brave enough to be in the frigid cold water! It was the perfect place to wrap up our Christmas Eve tradition...

Union Station lit up for the Chiefs game on Christmas Day.

Thank you so much for spending your holidays with me! Planning a special event each Saturday in December and creating some fun designs/patterns to share made my holiday extremely special. Usually, December finds me a bit sad and alienated, but this year I focused on the true meaning of Christmas; it has been a true joy sharing it with you.

Now, we prepare for the new year ahead. We will be having a casual New Year's Eve gathering at our house - we have invited the neighbors on our street and our good friends in the area. I always create a large charcuterie board and a three-tier tray of treats...many attendees bring a dish to share...and everyone brings their own beverage. We set-up our garage for playing games and darts and everyone just mingles and enjoys the evening. We have found this is a great way to start the new year!

Thanks for visiting with me...I can't wait to catch up with you again soon...