Calico Cowgirls Fabric Tour

Happy Monday - welcome to my stop on the Calico Cowgirls Fabric Tour - thank you so much for stopping by for a visit. I am thrilled to be sharing these bright and vivid fabrics from Poppie Cotton. I have a couple very special projects lined up, created with the new Calico Cowgirls fabric collection designed by Lori Woods for Poppie Cotton. I enjoyed putting on my quilt designer hat and playing with these colorful prints. This brand new fabric collection (shipping to quilt shops this month) has a happy and vibrant feel to me. As with all Poppie Cotton fabric lines, the entire collection is filled with tiny details and the sweetest little motifs. There are lovely florals, succulent strawberries, a whimsical paisley, and unique vintage wallpaper prints. The color palette is bursting with bright reds, pinks, corals, fuchsia, yellows, teals and purples - perfect for brightening up your project pile!

First, I created a fun and funky "Cheerful Chicken" mini quilt. Normally, a chicken quilt would be out of my comfort zone (and not really my style), but I challenged myself  and I couldn't be happier with the results. This project doesn't have a pattern - it was just me playing around in my studio. My happy chicken mini measures 12" x 12" and has rick rack around the perimeter. It is traditional piecing and machine appliqué. I used HeatnBond Lite Iron-On Adhesive to adhere my chicken shapes and used a machine blanket stitch to appliqué them in place. I adhered HeatnBond Fusible Fleece to the back of my mini quilt top, then quilted it before adding rick rack and backing fabric. I thought this tiny quilt turned out super cute!

Next, I thought this fabric collection would work perfectly with my Big Blooms Table Runner pattern. This patchwork and machine appliqué runner measures 24" x 64" and does a great job of showing off the 32 colorful prints in this fabric collection. It is fat quarter and 5" precut (charm square) friendly - perfect for this large assortment of fun prints. I used Country Confetti (also from Poppie Cotton) for the background and binding. This bold runner fits my large farmhouse table - it would also be a lovely bed runner or wall hanging. The pattern contains basic machine appliqué instructions, appliqué templates, and comprehensive/detailed instructions with all sorts of color diagrams. 

I created this runner with a fat quarter stack of Calico Cowgirls - plus, ¾ yard Country Confetti (Marshmallow New White) for the background and ⅓ yard Country Confetti (Sea Glass Mint) for the binding. I used HeatnBond Lite Iron-On Adhesive, backing fabric and batting. The pattern gives a nice breakdown of materials, should you want to use a charm pack or precuts...or change fabric collections.

Paper Pattern: https://blueribbondesigns.etsy.com/listing/1611372045
Digital Pattern: https://blueribbondesigns.etsy.com/listing/1597211682

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 Calico Cowgirls fabric collection, visit the Poppie Cotton Blog. If you love this fabric collection, be sure to check out your favorite quilt shop and request it - Calico Cowgirls is shipping this month.

I already have my projects in progress for the next Poppie Cotton Fabric Tour in November - my day is November 12th. That tour will be showcasing the fabulous, upcoming "Home Sweet Home" fabric collection by Elea Lutz (click to see a preview). Plus, I will have a new project tutorial posted on the Therm O Web Blog on October 28th…so, be sure to stop back soon for more creative inspiration...

Harvest Squirrel Pillow

Greetings friends! It is new project tutorial day - time to share my September project created for Therm O Web with you! This is a very special month, because it is collaboration with Benzie Design. I always enjoy putting on my Fabric Education Designer hat and creating new projects/tutorials to share with you on the Therm O Web Blog...and to collaborate with my favorite stitchery and wool shop is the icing on the cake. Each month, I share a new project and you give you my tips and tricks for using the extensive catalog of Therm O Web products. For the month of September, the blog is focused on projects for fall sports, cozy things, autumn color, and harvest. The theme for the collaboration with Benzie Design is handmade holidays with an emphasis on Halloween/fall/autumn. I created a brand new project that was posted yesterday - it is a complete project tutorial for my "Harvest Squirrel Pillow" featuring HeatnBond and Benzie Design Wool Blend Felt. My comprehensive tutorial contains a detailed supply list and step-by-step directions with color photos and a pattern with applique templates (and you can find a short tutorial video on my YouTube channel and Instagram page). This is a versatile, beginner friendly, appliqué project that can be done by hand or machine. I hope you will stop by the Therm O Web Blog and check out this fun design...

This is an afternoon project that can definitely be a scrap buster! You can use your favorite wools and/or fabrics to create your own autumn pillow. If you are new to appliqué, this project is a fun place to start - these simple appliqué shapes are great practice for a beginner. I used a linen fabric base for the appliqué background, with a Harvest Moon Palette of Benzie Designs Wool Blend Felt. I added texture and dimension by needle felting Corriedale Wool Roving to the squirrel tail and ears (I used my Huskystar by Husqvarna Viking ER10 Felting & Embellishment Machine, but you could use your favorite needle felting tools)...and added a little gold Glitter Dust Spray to the moon and stars for shimmer.

From Therm O Web, I used HeatnBond Lite EZ-Print Iron-On Adhesive Sheets, Fusible Fleece, Heavy Weight Interfacing, a Pressing Paper Fabric and Craft Sheet, and Glitter Dust Ultra Fine Glitter Spray (Gold)...plus, I tell you how to apply each product. Visit the tutorial post for a complete and detailed supply list.

To find the pillow form and my favorite small, sharp scissors used in my post (along with other supplies/tools listed), visit my Harvest Squirrel Pillow 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 of the 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/harvest-squirrel-pillow/

I hope this project gets you excited to create something special and unique. AND, if you haven't visited the Benzie Design website before, do yourself a favor and stop by - it is a happy and colorful shop, with high quality products! The color palettes of  wool blend felt are a great way to try different colors and build a collection. They ship lightning fast and wrap packages so sweetly. I have no affiliation with them, I just adore their products and cheerful vibe!

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 will be available in October...

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...

Painted Blossoms Fabric Tour

Happy Monday - welcome to my stop on the Painted Blossoms Fabric Tour - thank you so much for dropping by for a visit. I am thrilled to be sharing these fabulous floral fabrics from Poppie Cotton! I have some very special projects lined up, created with the new Painted Blossoms fabric collection designed by Amanda Cocoran for Poppie Cotton. I enjoyed putting on my quilt designer hat and playing with these nature-filled prints. This brand new fabric collection (shipping to quilt shops this month) has a soothing feel to me. As with all Poppie Cotton fabric lines, the entire collection is filled with tiny details and the sweetest little motifs. These nature-inspired prints feature flower blossoms, butterflies and stripes. The colors include soft yellows, pale pinks, teals and blues...a calming and happy color palette. 

Working through my projects, I started with my Floral Charm Table Runner. This patchwork runner measures 52" x 16" and can easily be adapted to a size that works best for your table. It is 5" Precut (Charm Square) friendly and is a perfect beginner project with traditional piecing. I used Country Confetti in Strawberry Lemonade Light Pink for the binding....and put some of the fun stripe print at either end. This runner fits my farmhouse table perfectly!

Digital Pattern: https://blueribbondesigns.etsy.com/listing/1202693766

Paper Pattern: https://blueribbondesigns.etsy.com/listing/1246312527

Next up, I created a couple zippered patchwork pouches. I didn't use a pattern, I just started cutting and sewing. I made one tall pouch for yarns and one short pouch for a small project or stitching/crafting tools. Both pouches have boxed bottoms and feature my favorite floral print on the lower section of the bag.

Lastly, I created a pretty little pincushion. This is a traditional log cabin quilt block that I foundation pieced. This pincushion measures 6" x 6" and has pink rick rack around the perimeter (Hand-Dyed Rick Rack from Lady Dot Creates). I found some super cute decorative pins in my collection to embellish it.

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 Painted Blossoms fabric collection, visit the Poppie Cotton Blog. If you love this fabric collection, be sure to check out your favorite quilt shop and request it - Painted Blossoms is shipping this month.

I already have my projects in progress for the next Poppie Cotton Fabric Tour in October - my day is October 7th. That tour will be showcasing the "Calico Cowgirls" fabric collection (click to see a preview). Plus, I have a new project tutorial posted on the Therm O Web Blog today (Monday, September 23th)…so, be sure to stop back here tomorrow to read all about it...

Overseas Adventure

I  am headed off to Paris and then to London, for a little adventure and rest/relaxation. I'll be off the grid until Monday, September 30th, enjoying new sights and quality family time...so, this is my short public service/housekeeping announcement....

While I am out of my office/studio, I will have very limited access to correspondence (I will be out of the country), so please be patient if you send me a message, comment or inquiry that requires a response. All shippable items will be deactivated in my Etsy Shop. Shippable items (paper patterns/charts, project bags, Stitch Starter Rulers, etc.) will return on Monday, September 30th. All digital items will continue to be available. I will respond to all messages, comments and emails in the order received on September 30th. Thank you for your patience!

Please note - I have scheduled quite a bit of content during my absence, so you will see a couple blog posts and social media updates with a plethora of creative things (I have been SUPER busy in the studio).

I'll be back to visit with you again soon, when (I'm guessing) I will have TONS of photos and experiences to share with you...

Pink Pumpkin Quilt SAL

Greetings friends! Have you been sewing along with Poppie Cotton this week? They have been hosting a Pink Pumpkin Quilt Sew-Along...and while I didn't have room in my jam-packed schedule for a full-size quilt, I did manage to sew along. I made four pumpkin quilt blocks and added sashing and borders to create a floating pumpkin pillow. I used fun fabrics from the Kitty Loves Candy Collection by Lori Woods for my pumpkins and Country Confetti in Waffle Cone Yellow for my background. Poppie Cotton has the Pink Pumpkin Quilt Pattern, designed by Lori Woods, available on their website for FREE (visit their website and click on the free tab). I used the pumpkin quilt block from the pattern and then designed my own pillow. I think it turned out super cute and it will be a fun addition to my Halloween/fall decorating...

You can read more about the Pink Pumpkin Quilt Sew-Along on the Poppie Cotton Blog.

Happy creating!

Market Day Fabric Tour

Happy Wednesday - welcome to my stop on the Market Day Fabric Tour - thank you so much for dropping by for a visit. I am thrilled to be sharing these darling fabrics from Poppie Cotton! I have a very special project lined up, created with the new Market Day fabric collection designed by Amy J. Delightful for Poppie Cotton. I enjoyed putting on my quilt designer hat and playing with these soft and charming prints. This brand new fabric collection (shipping to quilt shops this month) has a warm and vintage feel to me. The entire collection is filled with tiny details and the sweetest little motifs. These soft-palette prints feature matryoshka (nesting) dolls, buntings, mini strawberries, doilies, flowery trellises and fabulous floral motifs. The colors are lovely shades of pink, blue, mint, red and white. I enjoyed doing some fussy cutting of these charming prints.

For this fabric tour, I focused on designing a new quilt pattern, which I call "Bunting and Berries." This quilt measures 50" x 50" and is a great throw or lap quilt size. It's the perfect size to snuggle up with in a recliner or on a sofa...or to take on a picnic...or to curl up with on a cool, outdoor evening. I wanted to create a fat quarter stack friendly pattern...and I wanted focus on the delicate prints in the collection. I enjoyed fussy cutting the centers of each star with a wonderful focal fabric (Nesting Dolls) and I cut the Bunting Prints to point towards the center of the quilt. It truly was a joy to create and put together. It is traditional piecing with Rising Star Quilt Blocks and Sashed 8-Patch Quilt Blocks (a simple quilt block I created for this specific project). One of the things I love about this quilt is, it can be as planned as you want (like I did the model with fussy cutting) or as scrappy as you want. You can find this new pattern in my Etsy Shop in both paper and digital format. See my blog post from yesterday for more details.

Paper Pattern: https://blueribbondesigns.etsy.com/listing/1770515606
Digital Pattern: https://blueribbondesigns.etsy.com/listing/1770518918

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 Market Day fabric collection, visit the Poppie Cotton Blog. If you love this fabric collection, be sure to check out your favorite quilt shop and request it - Market Day is shipping this month.

I already have my projects underway for the next Poppie Cotton Fabric Tour - my day is September 23rd. The next tour will be showcasing the "Painted Blossoms" fabric collection (click to see a preview). Plus, I am working on my next tutorial for Therm O Web (a collaboration project with Benzie Design!). I also have a few other projects up my sleeve to finish up before I travel out of the country in September...so stop back soon to see my latest creations...

Bunting and Berries - NEW Quilt Pattern

Yes, you read that title correctly - I have yet another new quilt pattern! This is my “Bunting and Berries" - a wonderfully sized lap or throw quilt. This quilt measures a manageable 50" W x 50" H. It's the perfect size to snuggle up with in a recliner or on a sofa...or to take on a picnic...or to curl up with on a cool, outdoor evening. The pattern contains comprehensive/detailed instructions with all sorts of color diagrams...and it includes coloring sheets for each block to easily adapt to your favorite fabrics, along with detailed instructions for Four-At-A-Time Flying Geese units. This 21-page pattern is designed to easily use your favorite fabric collection, is fat quarter 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/1770515606
Digital Pattern: https://blueribbondesigns.etsy.com/listing/1770518918

I designed this quilt at the beginning of the year for Poppie Cotton using a fabric collection that is shipping to shops this month called Market Day. I wanted to create a fat quarter stack friendly pattern...and I wanted focus on the delicate prints in the collection. I enjoyed fussy cutting the centers of each star with a wonderful focal fabric (Nesting Dolls) and I cut the Bunting Prints to point towards the center of the quilt. It was a joy to create and put together. It is traditional piecing with Rising Star Quilt Blocks and Sashed 8-Patch Quilt Blocks (a simple quilt block I created for this specific project). One of the things I love about this quilt is, it can be as planned as you want (like I did the model with fussy cutting) or as scrappy as you want (using up what you have on hand!).

My model was beautifully longarm quilted by:
Quilting by Leslie
19800 W 207th St, Spring Hill, KS 66083
816-509-5610
quiltingbyleslie@gmail.com
Leslie does an incredible job on my model quilts!

Thank you so much for visiting with me today and checking out my latest quilt pattern. I will be back tomorrow for my turn on the Market Day Fabric Tour, where I will show more images of this special quilt.

For now, I am back to the studio...I am scrambling a bit right now to get things done before I leave for a trip to Paris and London in September. I have a lot to do in a very short amount of time...