Le Petit Escargot Fabric Tour

Bonjour, friends! I’m so excited to welcome you to the Le Petit Escargot Fabric Tour—a delightful celebration of fabric, creativity, and the beauty of slowing down to savor each stitch. This charming collection is designed by Lori Woods for Poppie Cotton and is shipping to quilt shops this month, making it the perfect time to gather inspiration and start planning your next project.

Take a leisurely stroll through a dreamy garden with Le Petit Escargot, a soft and playful fabric collection filled with a charming mix of florals, patterns, and curious little snails. With its gentle color palette and storybook feel, this line captures the quiet magic of slow, simple moments. It’s perfectly suited for quilts, fun handmade projects, nursery décor, and anyone who appreciates a sweet, whimsical aesthetic. Le Petit Escargot is a lovely reminder to pause, create, and enjoy the process—one stitch at a time.

Today, I’m sharing three projects that highlight the versatility and charm of this beautiful fabric collection.

Project One: Daisy Zippered Pouch

For my first project, I created a Daisy Zippered Pouch, a cheerful patchwork zippered pouch that showcases most of the fabric prints from the Le Petit Escargot collection. This project was a true creative experiment—I didn’t use a pattern, instead designing it myself and letting the pouch come together organically as I worked.

The pouch features a boxed bottom, giving it a roomy interior that’s both practical and stylish. Finished, it measures 9.5″ W x 8.5″ H x 3″ D, making it perfect for holding sewing supplies, travel essentials, or everyday odds and ends.

To add a sweet handmade touch, I embellished the pouch with a wool felt daisy made using wool blend felt from Benzie Design, accented with pearl beads in the center for extra texture and charm. One of my favorite details is the zipper pull—I repurposed Poppie Cotton packaging ribbon, giving it new life and adding a subtle, thoughtful accent that ties the project back to the fabric collection.

✨ Why it works: Patchwork allowed me to play with the full range of Le Petit Escargot prints, while an intuitive, pattern‑free design and handcrafted embellishments make this pouch feel truly one of a kind.

Project Two: Flower Basket Journal Cover

For project two, I once again let creativity lead the way—no pattern involved, just inspiration and a love for playful details guiding the process. The Flower Basket Journal Cover began with a foundation‑pieced basket block, using Country Confetti as the background fabric to give the design a soft, whimsical base.

Once the basket block was complete, I appliquéd it to the front of the journal cover using HeatnBond Lite Iron-On Adhesive from Therm O Web, securing it with a decorative stitch that adds both texture and visual interest. To bring the basket to life, I filled it with a bouquet of wool felt flowers, created from wool blend felt from Benzie Design. Every leaf and flower was hand‑stitched in place, making this project especially relaxing and rewarding to work on. For the finishing touch, I added tiny buttons for the flower centers, giving the design a bit of charm and dimension. The journal cover fits a standard composition notebook, making it perfect for sketching, journaling, and everyday note‑taking. A vintage button and elastic closure keeps everything neatly wrapped up.

The finished journal cover measures approximately 7.5″ wide x 10″ high x 1″ deep, and it’s a lovely example of how Le Petit Escargot fabrics pair beautifully with wool felt and hand‑stitched details.

✨ Why it works: The soft, storybook feel of Le Petit Escargot blends effortlessly with hand appliqué and wool felt, creating a journal cover that feels both cozy and creative.

Project Three: Happy Day Quilt

My Happy Day Quilt was the very first project I created with Le Petit Escargot, and it became the heart of my stop on this fabric tour. Once again, there was no pattern and no plan—just time spent playing in my studio and letting creativity take the lead. In fact, the Daisy Zippered Pouch and Flower Basket Journal Cover were both inspired by this quilt’s design, pulling elements and motifs directly from it.

The quilt finishes at 24″ x 24″ and is made using 6″ blocks, each one a mix of foundation piecing and machine appliqué. To add depth, texture, and personality, I embellished the blocks with wool felt, buttons, beads, baker’s twine, and plenty of hand stitching. The backing and binding are both Country Confetti, tying the whole piece together with a soft, cheerful finish.

The wool appliqué blocks feature a collection of happy, playful motifs—including a strawberry, a rainbow, bunting, a teacup, a flower basket, and a daisy. Each block was designed to feel lighthearted and joyful, making the quilt a celebration of simple pleasures and creative freedom.

This quilt truly came together through exploration rather than expectation. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most meaningful projects are the ones created without rules—just fabric, time, and a willingness to see where the process leads.

✨ Why it works: Le Petit Escargot’s gentle colors and storybook charm make it ideal for playful appliqué, layered textures, and heartfelt embellishment—perfect for a quilt that’s meant to make you smile.

Le Petit Escargot by Lori Woods for Poppie Cotton is a collection that truly invites you to slow down and savor the creative process. With its soft florals, playful motifs, and gentle storybook charm, it’s a joy to stitch with—whether you’re quilting, crafting small projects, or creating something meaningful for your home. This collection is shipping to quilt shops this month, so be sure to keep an eye out for it at your favorite local shop.

I’d love to know—what would you make with Le Petit Escargot? A quilt, a journal cover, a sweet handmade gift? If this collection inspires you to create, I hope you’ll share your makes on social media and tag me so I can see what you’re stitching. There’s nothing I love more than seeing how the same fabrics spark different stories in each maker’s hands. Happy sewing—and don’t forget to slow down and enjoy every stitch 🐌✨

Springtime Organizing with Fabric Canisters

Greetings, friends—happy Therm O Web project tutorial day!  Today I’m sharing a beginner‑friendly fabric canister sewing project that’s perfect for organizing your home. Spring is finally in the air, and with it comes that familiar urge to refresh our homes, tidy our spaces, and bring a little order to the everyday. Spring organizing sewing projects are some of my favorites, especially when they’re both practical and fun to make—and today’s project fits that perfectly.

You asked for it—and I listened! My Fabric Canisters have been one of my most requested projects, and I’m so excited to finally share this sewing tutorial with you. These soft‑sided storage containers are beginner‑friendly, quick to sew, and incredibly versatile—making them ideal for springtime organizing in every room of your home.

Sew Simple: Fabric Canisters featuring VersaFoam

This fabric canister project is all about simple sewing with a big payoff. These canisters are sturdy enough to stand on their own, yet flexible enough to be easy to use and store. They’re perfect for organizing sewing supplies, craft tools, bathroom essentials, kitchen utensils, or even small toys. If you love handmade fabric storage solutions, this is a project you’ll come back to again and again.

One of the things that makes this project extra special is the stabilizer used in the tutorial. This design features HeatnBond VersaFoam Single‑Sided Fusible Foam Stabilizer, a brand‑new product from Therm O Web. VersaFoam adds the perfect balance of strength and stability while remaining soft and easy to sew—making it an excellent choice for beginner sewists who want professional‑looking results without complicated techniques.

For the model fabric, I chose Hey Love Bug by McKenzie Elston for Poppie Cotton. The playful prints and fresh colors make this project feel bright, cheerful, and just right for spring. Choosing a fabric you love is a simple way to turn functional storage into a decorative accent that works beautifully in your space.

The pattern included with the tutorial includes measurements for THREE sizes of canisters: small, medium, and large.

👉 You can find the full step‑by‑step Sew Simple: Fabric Canisters tutorial and pattern over on the Therm O Web blog, where I walk you through the entire process using VersaFoam Stabilizer.

https://www.thermoweb.com/blogs/blog/sew-simple-fabric-canisters-featuring-versafoam

Supplies Needed for This Fabric Canister Project

• HeatnBond VersaFoam Single-Sided Fusible Foam Stabilizer
• HeatnBond Medium Weight Non-Woven Fusible Interfacing
• Cotton Fabric 
• Outer Fabric (model uses Hey Love Bug by McKenzie Elston for Poppie Cotton)
• Lining Fabric (model uses Country Confetti from Poppie Cotton)
• Oliso Iron
• Olfa Cutting Tools (cutting mat, rotary cutter, small sharp scissors)
• Pencil
• Wonder Clips
• Optional: Plastic Deli Containers (round food take‑out containers)

Spring is the perfect time to tackle organizing projects that don’t feel overwhelming, and sewing your own fabric storage is a great way to do just that. Once you make one fabric canister, it’s easy to imagine a whole set—mixing sizes, fabrics, and colors to suit your needs. They also make thoughtful handmade gifts for teachers, crafters, and anyone who loves staying organized.

Be sure to head over to the Therm O Web blog to check out the full tutorial and start making your own fabric canisters for spring organizing. If you give this project a try, I’d love to see what you create! Share your finished canisters on social media and tag me so I can cheer you on and share your work.

Happy sewing and happy organizing!

Matilda Fabric Tour – A Sweet Nod to Nostalgia

Greetings, friends! I’m so excited to be joining the Matilda Fabric Tour, featuring Matilda, a delightful new collection designed by Terri Henson for Poppie Cotton. This line instantly stole my heart with its bright and beautiful blend of nature-inspired prints and timeless charm.

Matilda is full of vintage florals, fluttering butterflies, tone-on-tone designs, and classic geometrics that evoke a lovely sense of nostalgia. The color palette is equally charming—pretty pinks and reds, cheerful yellows and whites, soft teals, and leafy greens—all coming together to create a fresh and playful collection that’s perfect for quilting, crafting, and sewing projects of all kinds.

For my stop on the tour, I created several projects using Matilda, all of which are original designs made specifically to showcase this beautiful fabric line.

Tulip Table Runner

The first project is my Tulip Table Runner, made from my own pattern, Tulip Table Runner & Alphabet House Mug Rugs. The finished size is 33.5” x 12.5”, making it a perfect accent piece for a table, sideboard, or dresser.

This runner combines fusible appliqué with traditional piecing, allowing the Matilda prints to really shine. The soft florals and gentle colors pair beautifully with the tulip shapes, giving the piece a sweet, spring-inspired feel. I used Country Confetti for the sashing, border, and binding, which adds just the right amount of contrast while still keeping everything cohesive.

If you love floral appliqué and enjoy projects that come together quickly but still make an impact, this runner is a joy to stitch.

Alphabet House Mug Rugs

Next up are two Alphabet House Mug Rugs, also from the Tulip Table Runner & Alphabet House Mug Rugs pattern. Each mug rug finishes at 9.5” x 6.5” and features fusible appliqué.

These little houses are full of charm and make such fun, functional décor. A tiny ¼” button is used for each doorknob, adding a touch of whimsy and dimension. I used Country Confetti for the background, which allows the Matilda prints to stand out while keeping the overall look soft and inviting.

These mug rugs are perfect for gifting, seasonal decorating, or adding a little handmade happiness to your afternoon snack.

Rosy Zippered Pouch

The final project is my Rosy Zippered Pouch, an original design created especially for this tour. This pouch measures 9.5” x 6.5” x 3.5”, making it a great size for storing sewing notions, cosmetics, or everyday essentials. There isn’t a pattern for this project—I simply made it up as I went along, letting the Matilda fabrics guide the design and details along the way.

One of my favorite details on this pouch is the hand-dyed lace from Lady Dot Creates featured between the patchwork and the focal fabric—it adds such a lovely vintage touch that pairs beautifully with the Matilda collection. I also created a 3-D wool felt rose embellishment (using Benzie Design Wool Blend Felt), finished with a ¼” button in the center, for a bit of extra texture and charm. A red tab zipper pull completes the look.

The back and lining are made with Country Confetti, tying everything together and giving the pouch a polished finish inside and out.

A Perfect Collection for Creative Sewing

Matilda is truly a joy to sew with. The prints mix effortlessly, the colors are uplifting, and the overall feel is both nostalgic and fresh. Whether you’re making home décor, small gifts, or quilts, this collection offers endless creative possibilities.

I’d love to see what you create! If you stitch with Matilda, please share your projects in the comments or tag me on social media so I can cheer you on. And be sure to visit the Poppie Cotton blog for even more inspiration from the rest of the Matilda Fabric Tour—there are so many beautiful projects to see.

If Matilda has captured your heart, be sure to stop by your local quilt shop or your favorite online quilt store and ask for it—it’s shipping to shops this month. While you’re shopping, take a look at Country Confetti, which makes a perfect choice for linings and backgrounds.

Thank you for visiting my stop on the Matilda Fabric Tour! I hope these projects have inspired you to pull out your sewing machine and stitch something that brings a little happiness to your day.

Happy sewing and creating!

Welcome Spring with Cottontail Cottage

Greetings, friends, and a heartfelt welcome to new visitors! You’ve arrived on the very best kind of day—new complimentary cross stitch pattern day. Spring is in the air, creativity is blooming, and I’m so delighted to share a brand new design that celebrates the gentle charm of the season. Settle in, grab your favorite stitching spot, and let’s welcome spring together with needle and thread.

Spring is beginning to whisper its way in here in the Kansas City area, and there’s nothing I love more than welcoming a new season with a fresh pattern and hoop in hand. Whether you’re stitching beside a sunny window or sneaking in a few quiet moments in the evening, springtime designs always seem to bring a sense of renewal and gentle joy. I’m so happy you’re here today, sharing in that creative spirit with me.

I’m especially excited to introduce a brand new complimentary cross stitch chart that feels perfectly at home this time of year. Cottontail Cottage is a sweet, seasonal design that captures the charm of spring with rich colors, bunny motifs, and fun finishing possibilities. If you’re looking for an easy, colorful stitch to add to your spring lineup, this project may be just what you’re looking for. Keep reading to find out how to get this new, free design!

About Cottontail Cottage

Cottontail Cottage is a complimentary cross stitch pattern created to celebrate the beauty of spring stitching. The design features a cozy cottage nestled among flower‑filled garden motifs that feel fresh, peaceful, and inviting. I teamed up with Valdani for this special project, pairing their beautifully hand‑dyed floss and Stitcher's Cloth with my original design that highlights soft color transitions and timeless spring charm.

Design details include:

• Stitch Count: 88 stitches high × 98 stitches wide
• Finished Size: Approximately 4⅞” × 5½” when stitched on 36‑count fabric
• Techniques Used: Cross Stitch (over two linen threads), Partial Cross Stitch, Back Stitch, and one French Knot

This size makes Cottontail Cottage a wonderfully manageable project—perfect for seasonal stitching that feels satisfying and relaxing without ever feeling overwhelming.

Model Floss: Valdani 6-ply Floss

This design is stitched entirely with Valdani Embroidery Cotton 6‑Ply Floss, a favorite among stitchers who appreciate rich, nuanced color. Valdani 6-ply Floss is known for its hand‑dyed appearance, subtle shading, and vibrant hues that add depth without overpowering the design. These soft, smooth, and colorfast cotton threads are available in an expansive palette of more than 330 hand‑dyed variegated and solid colors, making them a joy to stitch with and a perfect choice for Cottontail Cottage.

For my model, I used two strands of floss for full coverage and added texture on 36‑count fabric (a personal preference). If you prefer the look of stitching with one strand, that works beautifully too!

If you are new to Valdani Embroidery Cotton 6-Ply Floss, this is the perfect project to give it a try and see why it is a favorite in my stitching nest. The Cottontail Cottage chart uses a thoughtfully curated palette that feels both earthy and elegant:

Floss colors used:

• H202 – Withered Green
• H204 – Nostalgic Rose
• H209 – Khaki Black
• H210 – Melancholic Purple
• H211 – Blue Black
• M49 – Subtle Elegance
• O78 – Aged Wine
• O86 – Ripened Plum
• O154 – Antique Gold
• O196 – Muddy Bark
• O505 – Toffee
• O510 – Terracotta Twist
• O537 – Sea Deep
• O575 – Crispy Leaf 

Together, these colors create a beautifully cohesive spring palette with just the right balance of warmth, contrast, and softness.

Model Fabric: Valdani Stitcher’s Cloth

The model for Cottontail Cottage is stitched on 36‑count Valdani Stitcher’s Cloth in Natural, a fabric that complements the design beautifully. Stitcher’s Cloth offers a clean, classic foundation for needlework and is made from a premium blend of linen and cotton, combining the smooth softness of cotton with the strength and lovely texture of linen. The result is a fabric that feels wonderful in hand, is durable, wrinkle‑resistant, and a pleasure to stitch on.

The Natural colorway has a warm, neutral tone that is soft and subtle, allowing the floss colors to shine without competing for attention. Using a higher‑count fabric also helps keep the finished piece delicate and refined—making it an ideal choice for decorative finishing such as hoop displays, small seasonal bowl fillers, or spring accents.

Stitching the Design

Cottontail Cottage is stitched over two linen threads using two strands of floss, creating lovely full coverage without feeling heavy. Backstitching adds definition to select areas, and a single French knot is used for the cottage doorknob—a tiny detail that adds just the right touch of character and charm. These classic stitches are simple yet effective, making this project relaxing and enjoyable from start to finish.

Pair your stitching with my very favorite bunny wooden thread bobbins—they match this design perfectly! My Bunny Thread Bobbins are from The Bitsy Brocante Shop and come as a charming set complete with a wooden storage box and a chalkboard marker. The backs of the bobbins are finished with chalkboard paint, allowing you to write the floss number directly on them, then wipe clean and reuse again and again. If you prefer a smaller option, they’re also available as a petite set on a floss ring.

Finishing in a Hoop

When working on the design, I knew right away that I wanted to finish Cottontail Cottage in a wooden hoop, leaving a touch of open space at the top for the sky. This was simply a personal preference—please feel free to use your favorite finishing technique. A hoop finish highlights the natural texture of the fabric and gives the piece a casual, cozy feel that’s perfect for spring decorating.

I stitched the majority of the design in a 7″ hoop and then finished it in a 6″ hoop, allowing the stitching to gently flow over the edge of the hoop. To finish the back, I gathered and laced the linen, then hand‑stitched a 6″ circle of wool felt over the back for a neat, polished finish.

Displayed on a shelf, tucked into a seasonal vignette, or hung on the wall, a hoop‑finished Cottontail Cottage brings a warm, handmade touch to your spring décor.

For display, I paired my hoop with my very favorite Embroidery Hoop Stand from Modern Hoopla. It’s a wonderful way to turn any hoop‑finished design into a shelf or tabletop display. The instructions suggest placing the hoop screw at the bottom so it fits directly into the stand, but I chose to leave mine at the top—I thought I might want the option to hang the piece at a later date.

Download the Chart

You can find the printable PDF chart for Cottontail Cottage here:

👉 https://blueribbondesigns.com/free-charts/

Please do not post the actual chart online or on Pinterest. Instead, feel free to share a credited photo of your finished piece and/or link back to this post or my website—thank you so much for helping protect my work.

My hope is that this complimentary design inspires you to pay it forward—perhaps by gifting your stitched piece to someone who could use a little springtime cheer. If you’d like to support my artistry and help make it possible for me to continue offering complimentary designs—and keep this blog ad‑free—I invite you to visit my website or Etsy shop. You can also choose to “buy me a coffee” as a small gesture of encouragement. It’s never required, but always deeply appreciated, and it truly helps support the time, creativity, and care that go into each design.

Thank you for being part of my stitching journey and for valuing my art. Your encouragement and kind support of my small business truly mean the world to me. 💕

If you stitch Cottontail Cottage, I’d love to see it! Please share your progress or finish on social media and tag me—I always enjoy seeing your beautiful creations. 📷

A Sweet Addition to Your Spring Stitching

I hope Cottontail Cottage inspires you to slow down, enjoy your stitching time, and welcome spring with a project that feels both comforting and fresh. It’s a design that celebrates simple beauty, quality materials, and the joy of creating something by hand.

Hop on over to my website to download this complimentary pattern and get started right away. I can’t wait to see how you stitch and finish your own version of Cottontail Cottage. Thank you so much for stopping by today, and happy stitching as we welcome the season ahead!

A Spoonful of Sugar: Joyful Journal Jacket

Greetings, friends! Happy Monday! You’re in for a happy treat today—it’s the A Spoonful of Sugar Blog Tour on the Therm O Web blog.

🪄If you’ve ever believed that creativity is just a little more fun with a dash of imagination (and maybe a spoonful of sugar), then today’s project is sure to make you smile. I’m absolutely delighted to be part of the A Spoonful of Sugar Blog Tour, celebrating the brand‑new A Spoonful of Sugar fabric collection by Jennifer Long of Sew A Story for Riley Blake Designs—and yes, it’s inspired by the timeless magic of Mary Poppins.

🫖One of the things that makes this collection extra special is that it was designed by a fellow Therm O Web team member, Jennifer Long of Sew A Story for Riley Blake Designs. Jennifer truly has a gift for creating the sweetest, most imaginative fabric collections, and A Spoonful of Sugar is no exception. Her designs are filled with storybook charm and playful details, and if you have littles in the house—or grandchildren—you’ll absolutely love the creative ideas she shares. If you’re not already following her, you’ll want to fix that right away! You can find Jennifer on Instagram at @sewastory_jenniferlong and explore her wonderful world of storytelling through fabric at www.sewastory.com.

🌂This enchanting collection features beloved characters, storybook text, graceful florals, parasols, kites, and the sweetest teacups and teapots, all wrapped in a soft, cheerful palette of blue, gold, peach, white, green, and pink. It’s practically perfect for projects meant to hold memories, ideas, and creative dreams—which is exactly why I chose it for my Joyful Journal Jacket.

💮I’ve teamed up with Therm O Web to create a special tutorial showing how to use their products to achieve beautiful, polished results when making a journal cover sized for a standard composition notebook. The blog post featuring my Joyful Journal Jacket pattern (available in my Etsy shop)—including tips, techniques, and all the Mary Poppins charm—is live over on the Therm O Web blog, and you won’t want to miss it!

🪁 Hop on over to the Therm O Web blog to see all the tips and tricks here:

👉 https://www.thermoweb.com/blogs/blog/a-spoonful-of-sugar-blog-tour-joyful-journal-jacket

🥄For my Joyful Journal Jacket, I rely on a handful of trusted Therm O Web products to achieve a polished, professional finish. Each of these plays an important role in the construction of the jacket and is listed in the pattern for easy reference:

• HeatnBond® Fusible Fleece
• HeatnBond® Medium Weight Non‑Woven Fusible Interfacing
• SpraynBond® Basting Adhesive Spray
• Pressing Paper Fabric & Craft Sheets
• HeatnBond® Fabric Fuse® Peel ’n Stick Fabric Adhesive Tape (⅝″)

🕮You can find the Joyful Journal Jacket in digital and/or paper format in my Etsy shop:

• Digital: https://blueribbondesigns.etsy.com/listing/928107884
• Paper: https://blueribbondesigns.etsy.com/listing/1232489096

✐Whether you use your journal for writing, sketching, planning, or creative play, this project is designed to protect your notebook while making it a joy to reach for every day. And if you’re following along with the A Spoonful of Sugar Blog Tour, be sure to visit the other stops for even more inspiring projects using this charming collection.

✨ Mark your calendars! Here are the upcoming dates to visit the Therm O Web blog and see even more projects featuring A Spoonful of Sugar:

• Belinda - Blue Ribbon Designs — February 23
• Julia - Inflorescence Designs — March 9
• Therm O Web — March 16
• Dori - The Red Feedsack — March 23
• Deb - Sprouting Jube Jube — March 30

☂️As always, if you make your own Joyful Journal Jacket, I’d love to see it! Tag me on social media when you share your project—I truly enjoy seeing how you make Blue Ribbon Designs your own. Until next time, may your stitches be neat, your ideas plentiful, and your creativity sprinkled with just a bit of everyday magic.