Nutcracker Tree Skirt Blog Tour: Creative Spin

Greetings, friends! I’m so happy you have stopped by for a visit today. I am excited to share that I am over on the Therm O Web blog with a brand-new Christmas in July tutorial as part of the Nutcracker Tree Skirt Panel Blog Tour. This project features the beautiful Nutcracker Tradition fabric collection by Jennifer Long of Sew A Story for Riley Blake Designs, and I had so much fun giving this tree skirt panel a creative twist!

The Nutcracker Tradition collection is filled with the charm, color, and storybook magic we all love during the holiday season. From classic Christmas colors to whimsical characters and festive details, this collection brings the Nutcracker story to life in such a sweet and nostalgic way. It has that perfect mix of playful and traditional, making it ideal for handmade holiday décor, keepsakes, and gifts.

Nutcracker Traditions Fabric Collection 

Nutcracker Traditions Tree Skirt Panel

For my project, I started with the Nutcracker Tree Skirt Panel, but since I do not have a Christmas tree, I decided to think outside the box. Instead of creating a tree skirt, I transformed the panel into a festive table topper and a collection of coordinating ornaments. The panel artwork is so beautifully detailed that it does much of the design work for you, making these projects look much more involved than they actually are.

For supplies, I used the Nutcracker Tree Skirt Panel, HeatnBond Fusible Fleece and SpraynBond Basting Adhesive Spray from Therm O Web, wool blend felt, baker’s twine, and a few basic sewing tools. I also used scallop pinking shears to create a decorative edge that complements the scalloped details in the panel. These are simple, approachable supplies that come together beautifully for a polished handmade finish.

The HeatnBond Fusible Fleece stabilizes the fabric and keeps the cut edge from excessive fraying, while keeping the table topper padded and soft. The basting spray holds the layers in place for sewing without shifting or gumming up your needle.

The table topper is the star of the project and is a wonderful way to showcase the center portion of the panel. By adding fusible fleece and stitching the panel to wool blend felt with a blanket stitch, the topper has a soft, finished look with just the right amount of structure. The scalloped edge adds a decorative touch and gives the piece a charming vintage-inspired feel.

I love that this table topper can be used in so many ways throughout the holiday season. It would be beautiful on a dining table, entry table, coffee table, sideboard, or even as part of a Christmas dessert display. It is quick enough to finish in an afternoon, but the decorative panel makes it look like a project that took much longer to create.

To see my step-by-step tutorial with color photos, visit:
https://www.thermoweb.com/blogs/blog/nutcracker-tree-skirt-blog-tour-beyond-the-tree

Of course, I could not let all of those adorable Nutcracker character motifs go to waste! The remaining designs around the panel are perfect for ornaments. Each one is created with the same process as the table topper with fusible fleece and wool blend felt, stitched around the edge, and finished with a baker’s twine hanger. They are simple to make, but they have so much personality.

The ornaments are a great way to use every bit of the panel and add extra Nutcracker charm to your holiday decorating. Hang them on a tree, attach them to garlands, tie them onto packages, or display them in a bowl or basket for a festive handmade accent. They also make wonderful little gifts or keepsakes for friends and family.

Step-by-step instructions with color photos are available in the same post as the table topper:
https://www.thermoweb.com/blogs/blog/nutcracker-tree-skirt-blog-tour-beyond-the-tree

I hope this project inspires you to look at fabric panels in a fresh new way. Whether you make the table topper, the ornaments, or both, this tutorial is a fun and easy introduction to machine appliqué and a great way to create something special for the holidays without a long supply list or complicated piecing.

Be sure to visit the Therm O Web blog for the full step-by-step tutorial, supply list, and project photos. I will walk you through the entire process so you can create your own Nutcracker-inspired table topper and coordinating ornaments.

Thank you so much for stopping by today! I hope you enjoy this Christmas in July project and feel inspired to start stitching a little holiday magic of your own. Until next time, happy sewing!

Bluebells & Buttercups Fabric Tour: Sweet Stitches

Greetings, friends!

I’m so happy to be joining the Bluebells & Buttercups Fabric Tour featuring the newest collection from Elea Lutz for Poppie Cotton. If you've followed Elea's fabric lines over the years, you already know how beautifully she combines sweet vintage-inspired motifs with fresh, cheerful color palettes. This collection is no exception. Bluebells & Buttercups includes 18 coordinating prints filled with floral bouquets, ribbons, berries, cherries, charming little birds, and other whimsical details that feel as though they've stepped straight from a treasured storybook.

The collection offers a lovely range of coordinating colors and prints that make mixing and matching effortless. Whether you're creating quilts, bags, home décor, or small sewing accessories, the fabrics work together beautifully and provide endless opportunities for playful patchwork and creative embellishment. You can view the entire collection on the Poppie Cotton website here: https://poppiecotton.com/pages/bluebells-and-buttercups.

For my stop on the tour, I couldn't resist making several smaller projects that highlight the sweetness and versatility of the collection.

🌸Mini Medi Tote Bag

My first project is a Mini Medi Tote Bag, one of my own designs available in my Etsy shop:

Digital Pattern: https://blueribbondesigns.etsy.com/listing/1743028230
Paper Pattern: https://blueribbondesigns.etsy.com/listing/1743026780

This pocketed patchwork tote measures approximately 12.5" wide x 12" high x 3" deep, with a 5.5" handle drop. I had so much fun combining ALL of the Bluebells & Buttercups prints to create the patchwork exterior. One of my favorite things about this tote is how an entire collection of fabrics can be showcased in a single project.  The smaller-scale prints really shine in the patchwork, while the coordinating Country Confetti fabric provides the perfect finishing touch for the lining and handles.

🍒Cherry Project Bag

Next up is a Cherry Project Bag, measuring approximately 12" wide x 10" high.

This little bag features patchwork piecing accented with miniature rick rack and a wool felt cherry embellishment. To add an extra handmade touch, I used pink baker's twine for the zipper pull. The bag is both lined and backed with Country Confetti, which complements the collection perfectly and provides a nice visual contrast to the feature fabrics.

The cherry-themed fabrics inspired this project from the start, and the wool felt embellishment was the perfect finishing detail. I didn't use a specific pattern for this bag, just creativity.

🍓Blissful Bloom Fabric Bowls

I also created two fabric bowls using my Blissful Bloom Fabric Bowl Tutorial, which is available free on the Therm O Web website:

https://www.thermoweb.com/blogs/blog/blissful-bloom-fabric-bowl-featuring-bliss-batting

For these versions, I decided to give the original design a Bluebells & Buttercups twist. Instead of the wool felt flowers featured in the tutorial, I created wool felt strawberries and cherries to coordinate with the fabrics (of course, as always, I used my favorite Wool Blend Felt from Benzie Design).

For the strawberry bowl, I embellished the flowers using ¼" buttons and a seed bead in the centers, adding even more texture and dimension. These little bowls are perfect for organizing sewing notions while also adding a cheerful decorative touch to the sewing room.

🍅Tomato Pincushions

No sewing-themed fabric collection would be complete without a few pincushions! 

I made several tomato pincushions, using my own method rather than a formal pattern. The hand stitching was completed with DMC pearl cotton, which adds beautiful texture and detail. The tomatoes are stuffed with fiberfill, while the attached berries are filled with emery sand to help keep pins sharp.

Wool felt was used for both the tomato leaves and berry caps, creating a classic look that pairs perfectly with the vintage charm of the collection.

These may be small projects, but they are such a delightful way to showcase favorite fabric prints.

🧵Covered Tape Measures

My final projects are several covered retractable tape measures.

I used standard round 60-inch retractable measuring tapes and covered them using fabrics from the collection. These quick projects are both practical and fun, making them perfect gifts for sewing friends or charming additions to a sewing basket.

The smaller prints in Bluebells & Buttercups work especially well for projects like these because every side reveals a tiny glimpse of the collection's sweet details.

Let me know in the comments if you would be interested in a tutorial on how to cover a round retractable measuring tape...

🌷Final Thoughts

Bluebells & Buttercups captures everything I love about an Elea Lutz collection—sweet motifs, beautiful coordinating prints, and plenty of opportunities for adding handmade details. From bags and bowls to pincushions and sewing accessories, every project was a joy to create.

I especially enjoyed incorporating wool felt embellishments (my signature), trims, and hand stitching alongside these fabrics. The collection lends itself beautifully to projects that celebrate traditional sewing techniques and thoughtful handmade touches.

Thank you so much for visiting my stop on the Bluebells & Buttercups Fabric Tour. Be sure to visit the other talented makers participating in the tour for even more inspiration, and don't forget to take a look at the full collection from Poppie Cotton—it's shipping to quilt shops this month. I can't wait to see what everyone creates with these delightful fabrics!

Happy sewing! 🍓🌸🍒🧵

Blissful Bloom Fabric Bowl Tutorial

Greetings, friends!

I’m so happy you’re here to read all about my monthly Therm O Web tutorial project—I’m excited to share a fresh, flower-inspired summer design with you today! With the 4th of July just around the corner, I’ve been reaching for those classic red, white, blue, and green tones—such a timeless palette for celebrating the season while adding a soft, handmade touch to your home décor.

If you enjoy projects that are both beautiful and functional, you’re going to love sewing up my Blissful Bloom Fabric Bowl. This is a relaxed, beginner-friendly project that comes together with a wonderfully forgiving technique—so there’s no need to worry about perfection. Whether you’re just starting your sewing journey or looking for a fun, stress-free make, this is a project you can truly enjoy from start to finish.

One of my favorite things about my Blissful Bloom Fabric Bowl is how easy it is to personalize. Simply change up your fabric choices to create a completely different look. Go with a patriotic theme for the holiday, soft florals for summer, or pull from your stash to design something uniquely yours. These medium-sized bowls are also incredibly versatile—perfect for holding yarn or sewing supplies, organizing lotions or makeup, displaying guest towels, or even serving up a few snacks for a festive gathering.

You can find the full step-by-step tutorial (plus printable templates) over on the Therm O Web blog:

https://www.thermoweb.com/blogs/blog/blissful-bloom-fabric-bowl-featuring-bliss-batting

✂️ Supplies You’ll Need

A quick note: some of the links you’ll find here are affiliate links. If you choose to buy through them, I may earn a small commission (at no cost to you). That support helps keep this blog running and ad-free for everyone—thank you for being here!

To make your own Blissful Bloom Fabric Bowl, gather the following:

• Bliss for Jelly Rolls 100% Cotton Batting (NEW from Therm O Web!)
• 6 jelly roll strips (or 2.5" x width of fabric strips)
• SpraynBond Basting Adhesive Spray
• SpraynBond Pattern & Stencil Spray
• HeatnBond Fabric Fuse Liquid Adhesive
• Wool felt for the flower and optional leaves
• A button for the flower center
• A Clover Fabric Tube Maker is extremely helpful, but not required
• Basic sewing tools (machine, thread, Wonder Clips, scissors, etc.)

🌼 Featuring a New Favorite from Therm O Web

This project was such a joy to create, especially because I got to work with some fantastic Therm O Web products—most notably the NEW Bliss 100% Cotton Batting for Jelly Rolls. It pairs perfectly with pre-cut strips, making the prep process simple and enjoyable (no need to cut batting!), and it gives the finished bowl a soft yet structured feel that holds its shape beautifully. The NEW Bliss for Jelly Rolls comes in both 2.25" and 2.5"—and it comes in 25 yard or 50 yard rolls.

Combined with SpraynBond adhesives and HeatnBond Fabric Fuse, these products make each step smoother—from holding layers in place while sewing to easily attaching the sweet flower embellishment. I always love when the right products and tools take the guesswork out of the process and let the creativity shine!

I hope this Blissful Bloom Fabric Bowl tutorial inspires you to carve out a little creative time for yourself this summer. Whether you’re decorating for the 4th of July, organizing your space, or simply enjoying a relaxing sewing session, this project is a lovely way to celebrate the season with something handmade.

Be sure to head over to the Therm O Web blog for the complete tutorial, and if you make one, I would absolutely love to see it! Feel free to share your version and tag me so I can admire your beautiful work.

Wishing you a joyful, creative summer—and a happy 4th of July filled with sunshine, stitching, and a little bit of Bliss! 

Threadworxs Fair: Classes, Community, and Connection

Greetings, friends! I’ve just returned home from teaching at the Threadworxs Fair, and I have so much to share!

We (my husband a I) arrived in New Harmony, Indiana a couple of days before the Threadworxs Fair began, giving us time to explore this historic town at a slower pace. From the moment we arrived, it was clear that New Harmony was more than just a host location—it was an experience all its own. With its quiet charm, walkable streets, and beautifully preserved history, it set the tone for what would become a truly memorable weekend.

There’s something uniquely calming about New Harmony. The peaceful surroundings and welcoming atmosphere made it easy to settle in, unwind, and fully enjoy both the town and the event. It felt like the perfect backdrop for a gathering centered on creativity, craftsmanship, and community.

Just a note: with the number of photos in this post, they may appear smaller to conserve space—click on any image for a larger view.

The Classes

The classes offered throughout Threadworxs Fair were a highlight of the weekend. Each session provided an opportunity to learn directly from incredibly talented instructors, with a diverse range of topics that appealed to both beginners and more experienced makers. The intimate setting allowed for meaningful interaction, thoughtful instruction, and plenty of time to ask questions.

Here is a list of the talented instructors with classes at the Threadworxs Fair:

• Belinda Karls-Nace (that's me!)
• Robin Laukhuf
• Gretchen Kraut
• Sylvia Stecker
• Shellie Fry
• Barbara Dyar
• Carol McGrew
• Lori Wilson
• Peggy Taylor
• Colleen Moody

I taught two different needlework finishing classes that were designed around New Harmony and this special event. Students in both classes received the cross stitch pattern ahead of time for pre-stitching, then fully finished their pieces during the class. My Homestead and Harmony class guided students through finishing my signature Rick Rack Rounds, while my Perched with a Pennant class focused on completing a pair of vintage zinc lid pincushions.

Fun Fact: I made blue ribbons for each of my students using stiffened felt and laminated photos of the class projects (see below). Each ribbon was finished with a locking pin back so it could be attached to a tote bag or shirt. When students completed their pieces in class, they were awarded a blue ribbon!

Classes took place in the historic Community House No. 2, a quaint and charming venue with smaller classrooms and a few logistical challenges—but its character and atmosphere more than made up for it. As with any first-time event, there were a few classroom hurdles, but I was able to quickly shift gears and make the best of it. I definitely had some star students, and it was truly a joy to meet new faces and share my passion for needlework finishing.

What stood out most was the sense of shared enthusiasm in each class—participants weren’t just learning new skills, they were connecting over a shared appreciation for fiber arts. It created an environment that was both inspiring and encouraging, making each class feel like a truly meaningful part of the event experience.

The Vendors

The vendor marketplace took place at the Rapp-Owen Granary (a stunning/perfect historic venue!) and was equally impressive, featuring a carefully curated selection of fiber artists, dyers, and makers. Each booth offered something unique, from beautifully hand-dyed yarns to thoughtfully crafted baskets, pottery, primitive dolls, hand-dyed wools, and accessories—along with vintage finds, historic needlework samplers, and all sorts of cross stitch goodies.

Here is a list of the incredible vendors that attended:

• Teresa Kogut Creative Whims
• Colleen Moody Doll Atelier
• 1803 Ohio Farm Baskets
• Loom Hall
• House of Stitches
• Barbara Dyar Scherenschnitte
• Needles Work Antiques
• Deja Faye
• Cranberry Bog Cottage
• Village Wool
• Bee Tree Pottery

It wasn’t just about shopping—it was about meeting the people behind the work. Conversations with vendors added depth to each purchase, offering insight into their processes, inspirations, and artistry. The quality and diversity of offerings made it easy to find pieces that felt both special and meaningful.

The Exhibit

The exhibit, also held at the Granary, showcased an incredible range of talent and creativity from the stitching community. Each piece reflected a high level of skill and artistry, while also offering a glimpse into the individuality of each maker. There were 95 pieces on display, from needlework smalls to large samplers and everything in-between. 

Walking through the exhibit was both inspiring and humbling. It served as a reminder of the creativity that continues to push this craft forward. 

The two-day exhibit was judged by a three member panel of experts in cross stitch and creative arts and ribbons and prizes were awarded.

Historic Garden Tour

Another memorable experience from the weekend was attending the Mrs. Lenz’ Garden of Peace and Plenty; an Evening Tour. This special garden tour was guided by dyer and weaver Peggy Taylor (Loom Hall Textiles), along with Kent Schuette, the David Lenz House Garden Manager (and architect).

The evening offered a relaxed walk through the unique garden at the historic David Lenz House, just a short distance from the Granary and Community House in New Harmony. As we wandered through the space, we learned about kitchen gardens from the Harmonist era of the early 1800s and the intentional way plants were grown for culinary, medicinal, and textile purposes.

The garden itself was both beautiful and orderly, filled with blooming flowers and varied fragrances. The vegetable beds included onions, cabbage, asparagus, cucumbers, beans, and a wide array of culinary herbs (such as lovage, comfrey, borage, tansy, costmary, and sage). Particularly fascinating was the dye garden, where plants like flax, Japanese indigo, madder, woad, sunflowers, marigolds, and coreopsis were cultivated—just as they were by the Harmonists in their self-sufficient utopian community along the Wabash River.

I was especially impressed with the traditional stick cages Kent builds to corral and support the plants—both practical and visually beautiful, they added to the historic authenticity of the garden.

It was a truly interesting and immersive experience—one that even my husband enjoyed!

The Quaint Town of New Harmony

Spending time in New Harmony added an entirely different layer to the weekend. We took a private tram tour of the town, and while I had already learned quite a bit of its history through research for my class projects, the guided experience brought those stories to life in a new way.

We also rented a golf cart and explored along the Wabash River trails, taking in the natural beauty of the area while visiting many of the historic sites throughout town. Meals at several local establishments gave us a taste of the community, and our stay in a quaint guest house within walking distance of the historic district made everything feel both accessible and immersive.

New Harmony’s sense of peace and timelessness enhanced every part of the trip—it truly felt like the perfect setting for an event like the Threadworxs Fair.

Threadworxs Fair was an incredible first-time event, made even more special by its setting. The combination of thoughtful planning, talented artists, and a supportive community created an experience that felt both meaningful and memorable.

Leaving New Harmony, I found myself carrying not just new inspiration, but also a deep appreciation for the place itself. It’s a town that invites you to slow down, take it all in, and fully experience the moment—something that made this weekend one I won’t soon forget.