Welcome back to my little corner of the stitching and sewing world. Today I'm delighted to share projects created with the lovely Homegrown Preserves collection designed by Sheri McCulley for Poppie Cotton.
From the moment I unfolded these fabrics, I found myself thinking of country kitchens, baskets of freshly picked fruit, shelves lined with jars of homemade goodness, and the simple pleasures of preserving the harvest. The collection is filled with beautiful florals, fruit-filled prints, charming labels, and coordinating basics that work together effortlessly.
As many of you know, I rarely use patterns and prefer to create organically. Rather than starting with a detailed plan, I let the fabrics guide my creativity and allow each print to suggest its own possibilities. For this collection, the fabrics led me in several different directions, resulting in three unique projects inspired by the sweet harvest theme woven throughout the collection. No patterns were used for any of these projects, just a little playtime in my studio and a willingness to see where the fabrics would take me.
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🍓Jar Covers and Gift Bag
My first project was a coordinating gift set featuring a pair of ruffled jar covers and a fabric gift tote.
When I spotted the labels in the Farmer's Market Blue print, I immediately envisioned jars of homemade jam being tucked into a handmade gift bag for a friend or neighbor. The gift bag measures 6" wide by 6.75" high by 3" deep and was designed specifically to complement the jar covers.
I fussy cut the Homemade Preserves label from the Farmer's Market Blue print and machine appliquéd it to the front of the bag using HeatnBond Lite from Therm O Web. Cotton webbing handles provide durability while keeping the design simple and functional. The coordinating wide-mouth Ball canning jar covers (I had so much fun making a pattern and creating these) complete the set and add a charming handmade touch to any gift of homemade preserves.
Did you notice the wool felt fruit shapes that fill my jars? these are fun Wool Felt Shapes from Benzie Design! I used strawberries, berries, plums, clementines, peaches, and apples. Aren't they perfect?!
🍐Sweet Preserves Mini Quilt
My second project became my favorite piece from the collection, a mini quilt that I call Sweet Preserves.
Measuring 15" wide by 24" high, this quilt combines foundation-pieced Eight-Pointed Star blocks with appliqué jar blocks. The stars add a traditional touch while the jars bring the playful harvest theme to life.
For the appliqué blocks, I used Bellwether 100% Wool Felt and Wool Blend Felt (both from Benzie Design) to create the fruit and jar lids. To give the jars a realistic appearance, I incorporated clear vinyl, creating the illusion of glass jars filled with colorful preserves. This added dimension makes the jars especially fun and interactive.
The background and binding fabrics come from the Country Confetti collection, which provided the perfect complement to the more detailed prints in Homegrown Preserves. Twill tape tabs were added along the top edge so the quilt can easily be displayed.
Like all of my projects, this quilt was not created from a pattern. It evolved one block at a time as I explored ideas inspired by the fabrics themselves.
🍒Zippered Pouches
My final projects were a pair of quilted zippered pouches.
These pouches combine several prints from the Homegrown Preserves collection with Essex Linen (from Benzie Design), creating a wonderful blend of color, texture, and practicality. Each pouch features a fussy-cut label from the Farmer's Market Blue print that has been appliquéd into the design (again, using HeatnBond Lite).
Both pouches were constructed using the new VersaFoam from Therm O Web, which gives them a soft but sturdy structure. The foam also helps accentuate the quilting, creating beautiful texture throughout each piece.
To finish them off, I used colorful baker's twine as zipper pulls, a small detail that perfectly complements the farm-to-table feeling of the collection. These pouches are ideal for sewing notions, embroidery supplies, cosmetics, or any of the little treasures that seem to need a home.
🫐Freshly Picked Inspiration
Homegrown Preserves was such a delightful collection to create with. The variety of prints offered endless opportunities for fussy cutting, appliqué, and combining colors and motifs in creative ways. I especially enjoyed incorporating the market labels throughout my projects, as they helped tie the entire group together.
Whether you're planning quilts, bags, home décor projects, or seasonal accessories, I think you'll find plenty of inspiration in this collection. The fabrics beautifully capture the warmth and comfort of harvest season while providing versatility for a wide range of sewing projects.
Thank you for stopping by today and joining me for another Poppie Cotton Fabric Tour. Homegrown Preserves is shipping to quilt shops this month, so be sure to watch for this delightful collection at your favorite quilt shop!
Until next time, happy creating...🍓🍐🍒🍑💗
