Patio Placemats

Greetings friends! It is new project tutorial day - time to share my July project created for Therm O Web with you! 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. Each month, I share a new project and you give you my tips and tricks for using their adhesives and interfacings. For the month of July, the blog is focused on projects for summer celebrations, county fairs, farmers markets, and gardening. I created a brand new project that was posted yesterday - it is a complete project tutorial for my "Patio Placemats" featuring HeatnBond Iron-On Vinyl. My comprehensive tutorial contains a detailed supply list and step-by-step directions with color photos (and you can find a short tutorial video on my YouTube channel and Instagram page). This is a versatile, beginner friendly, summertime project. I hope you will stop by the Therm O Web Blog and check out my fun, useful design...

This is an afternoon project that can definitely be a scrap buster and works great with fat quarters! You can use your favorite fabrics to create your own vinyl placemats. These placemats are water-resistant, durable, and have a pocket to hold those paper products that easily get blown away with a breeze. Plus, you can use your favorite fabrics to brighten up any outdoor dining space (how about your favorite team fabric to watch a big game outside or novelty fabrics for an outdoor movie night? – there are so many fun possibilities!). The added bonus – they wipe clean with a damp cloth!. For this post, I used HeatnBond Iron-On Vinyl (Matte), Fusible Fleece, Medium Weight Interfacing, and HeatnBond Fabric Fuse PeelnStick Fabric Adhesive Tape...plus, I give you some pro-tips in my post. Visit the tutorial post for a complete and detailed supply list.

To find the seam roller and wonder clips used in my post, along with other supplies/tools listed, visit my Patio Placemats 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!)

Are you familiar with Heatnbond  Iron-On Vinyl? Heatnbond  Iron-On Vinyl is a flexible, water resistant coating that you iron onto the top of your fabrics to laminate them. It comes in a gloss or matte finish, is permanent, and is sewable with a regular or non-stick foot. It is a UV resistant, water repellent material that can be used with fabric or paper. Iron-on vinyl allows you to laminate your favorite fabrics - perfect for make-up bags, placemats, tote bags, chair seat covers, aprons, art smocks, etc...

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/patio-placemats-featuring-heatnbond-iron-on-vinyl

I hope this project gets you excited to create something special and unique...

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 on August 13th...and I am working on another fun project for summer...

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...

Projects Aplenty

Happy Thursday friends! It is another early morning (4:01 AM) and I thought I would quickly stop by for another visit. Today, I thought I would share with you a plethora of recent sewing projects for clients - project bags, zippered pouches and a large quilted retreat mat. It is always enjoyable to work with the fabulous fabrics my clients supply for their custom orders. I have been busy getting client orders complete, so I can focus on new design work...and sewing for my Etsy shop. I will have some new patterns and designs coming out over the next couple months and I need to make time to sit down at my desk and work on layouts and instructions....plus, I want to do some extensive design work for a few ideas floating around my sketchbooks. I have multiple upcoming fabric collections to work/design with for Poppie Cotton (collections for remainder of 2024 and into 2025!) and several Therm O Web Blog projects for the upcoming months. AND...a very dear friend recently sent/gifted me yardage (like ten plus yards!!) of Blackbird Designs sampler fabric (yes, I truly have incredible friends in my small circle!), which I am itching to create with for my shop...but some other things on my plate are taking priority for the next week or two. I am hoping to cut into it this coming weekend (if I am lucky!). Alright, I will stop babbling and get to the photos, so I can get back to my sewing studio...

While I am here, I just have to share this zipper photo I took - I order zippers by the hundreds (like 500 at a time!) several times a year - and here is a colorful photo I took of some of the latest order (the other bunches were of single colors, so not as exciting). I had to stock up, so I could work on more project bags and items for my Etsy shop...

Finally - here is another colorful photo I took of some hot air balloons flying over our small, rural neighborhood this past weekend. We have lots of large fields and open areas around us and hot air balloons can be seen often on postcard days. When I posted this photo on my Instagram story, one of my close friends said that the patterns on the balloons looked like quilt designs...I think so too! 💕

Pretty Posies Pouch - Cottage Charm Pattern

I thought I would stop back today and talk a bit about my other new quilt pattern...which is actually a revisited quilt pattern - my "Pretty Posies Pouch." This adorable patchwork pouch is a versatile addition to any tote bag. It can hold quilting and/or stitching tools or a small project...or can be used for health and beauty items...really any small items you need to travel or transport. The small patchwork (mini charm) squares show off the variety of prints...and you can always fussy cut the squares to feature your favorite motifs. I added a removable wrist strap (using a Swivel Clip with D-Ring) and a coordinating zipper pull for added embellishment. This mighty little bag measures 9" W x 8" H x 2" D, making it a perfect accessory for any tote bag. I used a fun focal fabric for the back side of my bag (cute little cottages), using the patchwork only on the front...this gave me the "best of both worlds" with a variety of small quilted squares on the front and lovely favorite print on the back! You can find this new design in my Etsy Shop, in both paper and digital format...

When I started working with the Cottage Charm fabric collection by Kenzie Elston for Poppie Cotton months ago - I thought the prints were perfect for this pattern. I had so much fun fussy cutting some of the cottages and motifs to showcase for this design. I actually worked up this and my other projects in this new collection for Poppie Cotton to take to Quilt Market. The results looked so cute, I decided to put out a new version of my Pretty Posies Pouch pattern featuring this fabric and some new notes/instructions. Don't worry, if you were one of the few that purchased the original pattern, no need to replace it - it is almost identical, minus the photos and some better wording. I just thought I would brighten it up with these gorgeous fabrics, especially for those who aren't fans of the collection I used for the original....or missed this versatile pattern altogether.

This zippered pouch was created by cutting mini charm squares. It features a removable wrist strap - that is easier to add to a bag than one might think! It can be made with one mini charm pack and a couple fat quarters of any fabric you choose, but I thought it was wonderful in these charming cottage prints. The directions and diagrams in this pattern are quite thorough, so this is great project for all skill levels. I used Poppie Cotton Country Confetti Waffle Cone Yellow for the lining and wrist strap (to match the Mini-Medi Tote Bag I showed off yesterday).

Paper Pattern: https://blueribbondesigns.etsy.com/listing/1743029512

Digital Pattern: https://blueribbondesigns.etsy.com/listing/1757224909

The previous cover model was created with the Dots and Posies fabric collection from Poppie Cotton.

I really wanted to showcase how easy it is to create this pattern in any fabric collection (or scraps!) and how versatile it really is! You can still find the original version with the Dots and Posies fabric in my Etsy Shop in both paper and digital format.

Thank you so much for visiting with me today and checking out one of my new/revisited quilt patterns. Next month I will have a brand new lap/throw quilt pattern, created with the sweetest upcoming collection from Poppie Cotton (Market Day). ...and just wait until you see the amazing quilting - my dear friend Leslie (Quilting by Leslie) did the quilting on her longarm for me and it makes it even more special. Stop back in August to see this new pattern I am calling "Bunting and Berries!"

Mini-Medi Tote Bag - Cottage Charm Pattern

I thought I would stop back today and talk a bit about a new quilt pattern...which is actually a revisited quilt pattern. This is my “Mini-Medi Tote Bag" - a medium-sized tote bag made from mini charm squares. This versatile tote has two rounded pockets on the outside (one on each side) and two large pockets inside. It measures 12.5" W x 12 H x 3" D and has a handle drop of 5.5"....the perfect size for a couple cross stitch projects, or as a daily tote, or a trip to the farmer's market. The pattern contains comprehensive/detailed instructions with all sorts of diagrams and a template for the rounded pocket. This 11-page pattern is designed to easily use your favorite fabric collection, is precut friendly, and is good for all skill levels. You can find this new design in my Etsy Shop, in both paper and digital format...

When I started working with the Cottage Charm fabric collection by Kenzie Elston for Poppie Cotton months ago - I thought the prints were perfect for this pattern. I had so much fun fussy cutting some of the cottages and motifs to showcase for this design. I actually worked up this and my other projects in this new collection for Poppie Cotton to take to Quilt Market. The results looked so cute, I decided to put out a new version of my Mini-Medi Tote Bag pattern featuring this fabric and some new notes/instructions. Don't worry, if you were one of the very few that purchased the original pattern, no need to replace it - it is almost identical, minus the photos and some better wording. I just thought I would brighten it up with these gorgeous fabrics, especially for those who aren't fans of Halloween or the collection I used for the original.

This medium-sized tote bag was also created by cutting mini charm squares - hence the name. It features two pockets on the outside with round bottoms and two large pockets inside, that can be created with feature fabrics or patchwork or charm square 5" precuts. It can be made with one charm pack and one yard of any fabric you choose, but I thought it was wonderful in these charming cottage prints. The directions and diagrams in this pattern are quite thorough, so this is great project for all skill levels. I used Poppie Cotton Country Confetti Waffle Cone Yellow for the bag/pocket linings and handles.

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

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

The previous cover model was created with the Kitty Loves Candy fabric collection from Poppie Cotton and 1-yard Country Confetti Licorice Black from Poppie Cotton (for linings and handles) - I also did a test bag using the Renew fabric collection by Sweetwater for Moda.

I really wanted to showcase how easy it is to create this pattern in any fabric collection (or scraps!) and how versatile it really is! You can still find the original version with the Halloween fabrics in my Etsy Shop in both paper and digital format.

Thank you so much for visiting with me today and checking out one of my new/revisited quilt patterns. I will be back tomorrow to share my other newly released design - a revisited version of my "Pretty Posies Pouch." For now, I am back to the studio...I am working on my new Therm O Web project tutorial - think summer and outdoors - it is a fun one! Until we visit again, happy creating!

Cottage Charm Fabric Tour

Happy Friday - welcome to my stop on the Cottage Charm Fabric Tour - thank you so much for dropping by for a visit. I am thrilled to be sharing these charming fabrics from Poppie Cotton! I have some very special projects lined up, created with the new Cottage Charm fabric collection designed by Kenzie Elston for Poppie Cotton. I enjoyed putting on my quilt designer hat and playing with these warm, whimsical prints. This brand new fabric collection (shipping to quilt shops this month) has a truly wonderful country cottage feel. The entire collection is filled with perfect details and the sweetest little motifs! These charming prints feature cottage and garden scenes…there are adorable little bungalows, florals, butterflies, leaves and stripes…all done in a warm, welcoming color palette. The tiny, detailed illustrations in this collection truly inspired me! 

Working through my projects, I started with my "Pretty Posies Pouch" - I created a super cute mini charm zippered pouch with a boxed bottom and a wrist strap. With all the wonderful little details in each print, it was fun to use mini charm squares to focus on the special motifs in each fabric. I even rewrote my original pattern using these prints and added a few new details!

Paper Pattern: https://blueribbondesigns.etsy.com/listing/1743029512

Digital Pattern: https://blueribbondesigns.etsy.com/listing/1757224909

Next is my "Mini-Medi Tote Bag". This another classic pattern that I have rewritten for this collection! This medium-sized tote bag was also created with mini charm squares - hence the name. It features two pockets on the outside with round bottoms and two large pockets inside. It can be made with one charm pack and one yard of any fabric you choose, but I thought it was wonderful in these charming cottage prints. The directions and diagrams in this new pattern are quite thorough, so this is great project for all skill levels. I used Poppie Cotton Country Confetti Waffle Cone Yellow for the bag/pocket linings and handles.

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

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

Finally, created a special mini cottage quilt. I don't have a pattern for this design - it was just me playing around in my studio. I used some wool felt for leaves, buttons for flower centers and the doorknob...along with lace and mini rick rack. I even fussy cut some of the butterflies to add to the design. It was quite fun to embellish this small quilt and play with appliqué!

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 Cottage Charm 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 - Cottage Charm is shipping this month.

I already have my projects completed for the next Poppie Cotton Fabric Tour in August - it is using the fabric collection "Market Day" (this is a wonderful collection - click to see a preview)....I will be releasing a brand new quilt pattern for this collection. Plus, I will have a new project tutorial posted on the Therm O Web Blog on July 17th…so, be sure to stop back here on July 18th for more details...

Halloween Star - NEW Quilt Pattern

Greetings friends - happy Friday. This VERY early morning, I am back with another brand new quilt pattern release. Those of you who follow my blog and my Poppie Cotton Fabric Tour posts will recognize this quilt. I had a lot of messages asking for a pattern for this design...so without further ado, here is "Halloween Star!"

“Halloween Star" is machine appliqué, along with traditional piecing and assembly...and the pattern is available in both digital and paper format. It measures 25.5" x 25.5" and works perfectly for a wall hanging or table topper. The pattern contains basic machine appliqué instructions, appliqué template, and comprehensive/detailed instructions with color diagrams...AND is super quick and easy to create. This 9-page pattern is designed to use pre-cuts or scraps and small pieces of fabric...or would work great with your favorite fabric collection. This project is suitable for beginners or those wanting to dabble in appliqué....and is perfect for seasonal sewing and gift giving! It is easily adaptable to a larger size by adding borders or additional fabric squares.

The fun advantage to this quilt is you can use different fabrics for different effects - here are a few suggestions:

• Christmas fabrics for a holiday quilt
• Red, white and blue fabrics for a patriotic quilt
• Traditional fabrics for a primitive quilt
• Modern fabrics for a more abstract quilt
• Juvenile fabrics for a baby quilt

I hope to make several samples of this adaptable quilt to show off some of the options!

The cover model was created with Sweet Tooth by Amanda Cocoron for Poppie Cotton (which is new in quilt shops!) along with Jailhouse Stripes in Blondee Yellow (also from Poppie Cotton) for the binding. It uses HeatnBond Lite Iron-On Adhesive (paper backed fusible web) and HeatnBond Fusible Fleece (you could use batting, but fusible fleece makes it easier). I also added a couple hanging tabs, so I could use a wrought iron quilt hanger for display. 

Paper Pattern: https://blueribbondesigns.etsy.com/listing/1753958787

Digital Pattern: https://blueribbondesigns.etsy.com/listing/1753961725

I hope you will spend a little time in your sewing space making a "Halloween Star" quilt that fits your personality and decor...just think, if you start now, it will be ready before Halloween (or Christmas, if you make a "holiday star" quilt)! I do have a very sweet "mom-to-be" in my life, so I may need to make one with juvenile fabrics for a baby quilt...

For now, I am back to my design table and sewing studio - I am finishing up two more quilt patterns for the upcoming Cottage Charm Fabric Tour (stop back on Friday, July 5th)...plus I have a new cross stitch model in the works in my stitching nest...and I am in the process of sewing some patchwork project bags for my Etsy shop. So many projects and deadlines and so little time...❌❌❌