Winter Mug Rug

Greetings, friends!

It’s Benzie Design tutorial day, so get excited for a winter project that’s as cozy as it is creative! ❄️✨

Cool temperatures are here (at least they are in Kansas City!), and I’m so excited to share a project that brings warmth and cheer to your home—the Winter Mug Rug! Imagine a steaming mug of cocoa, a sweet treat, and a handmade piece that feels like a little slice of winter magic. This design is all about cozy vibes, shimmering accents, and a touch of holiday sparkle.

I created this tutorial exclusively for Benzie Design, and it’s perfect for a snow-day craft or a relaxing weekend make. Whether you’re stitching by hand or machine, this project is beginner-friendly and full of creative possibilities. Pair your finished snack mat with a cute mug and goodies for a heartfelt gift that will brighten someone’s snowy day!

👉 Find the full tutorial on Benzie Design’s website: https://www.benziedesign.com/blogs/tutorials/winter-mug-rug

Supplies You’ll Need (contains affiliate links that help me keep this blog ad-free):

These can all be found found on the Benzie Design website:

• Iridescent Metallic Felt
• Bellwether Pure Wool Felt Sheets (Tellina, Cerulean, Ecru, Conifer, Black, Rhubarb, Amethyst, Hazelnut, Clementine)
• Peltex Single-Sided Fusible Interfacing 
• DMC Floss 310 
• Invisible Polyester Thread (Sulky) 
• Freezer Paper 
• Sequins (Iridescent Aquamarine, Metallic Graphite)
• Tacky Glue
• Glossy Accents (Sequin Glue)
• Embroidery Needles
• 5” Non-stick Titanium Scissors
• Scallop Shears (10mm)
• Coordinating Threads (for hand or machine)

Optional but handy: Oliso M3Pro Project Iron, sewing machine, tweezers, and a paintbrush.

This project is all about embracing the season—think frosty sparkle, cozy textures, and festive colors. So grab your favorite winter drink, gather your supplies, and let’s make something magical together!

Ready to start? Click here to get the full tutorial on the Benzie Design website:
https://www.benziedesign.com/blogs/tutorials/winter-mug-rug

No matter your skill level, this project is for you! Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned stitcher, the Winter Mug Rug is a wonderful way to play with color, texture, and sparkle. Don’t be afraid to experiment—mix and match felt shades, try new stitches, and add extra embellishments to make it uniquely yours. Every creative choice adds personality and charm, so have fun and let your imagination shine! ❄️✨

Farmhouse Fancy Fabric Tour

Hello, friends—happy Monday! (I am still traveling in Europe, but I made sure to schedule this post ahead of time.)

I’m so excited to welcome you to my stop on the Poppie Cotton Farmhouse Fancy Fabric Tour! Thank you so much for stopping by—I always enjoy visiting with you.

Today, I’m absolutely thrilled to share three special pieces I created with the brand-new Farmhouse Fancy Collection by Elea Lutz for Poppie Cotton. The moment I saw these charming prints, my imagination took off—I couldn’t wait to dive into designing and playing in my studio! Each fabric in this delightful farm-and-floral collection feels like country living come to life, exuding cozy charm and vibrant personality. These prints inspired me to create projects that are full of color, texture, and that warm, homegrown feeling we all love.

💮About the Collection

Shipping to quilt shops this month, the Farmhouse Fancy Collection has a vintage vibe and is brimming with delightful details. Picture chickens, strawberries, cherries, tea towels, quilt blocks, and cheerful florals—all wrapped in a warm, inviting palette of pinks, teals, reds, yellows, and whites. This collection is a celebration of country living with a fresh twist, perfect for creating projects that feel cozy, nostalgic, and full of personality.

💐Project 1: Mini Medi Tote Bag

This medium-sized tote bag was 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 vintage-look farmhouse 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 Cotton Candy Dark Pink for the bag/pocket linings and handles.

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

🐔Project 2: Small Boxed Bottom Zipper Pouch

This small zippered pouch measures 8" x 7" x 2.5" and features one of my favorite fabric prints in this collection : Farm Quilts Red. I used Country Confetti for the lining and added a Poppie Cotton Zipper Charm—the cutest little chicken you’ve ever seen! I didn’t follow a pattern for this project; instead, I let creativity lead the way and had fun experimenting in my studio.

🍓Project 3: Large Patchwork Boxed Bottom Zipper Pouch

For this larger pouch, I went all out with patchwork, incorporating every print from the Farmhouse Fancy Collection for a vibrant, scrappy look. It measures 11.5" x 8.25" x 3" and, like the smaller version, it is lined with Country Confetti for a cheerful interior. To top it off, I added a Poppie Cotton Zipper Charm—this time an adorable strawberry! No pattern here either—I simply let creativity guide me and had an enjoyable afternoon piecing it together in my studio.

💭 Which project is your favorite? I’d love to hear what inspires you most—whether it’s the cheerful prints, the creative details, or simply the joy of stitching something handmade!

I hope my stop on the Farmhouse Fancy Fabric Tour has sparked your creativity. Be sure to visit the Poppie Cotton Blog and follow them on social media for even more inspiration using this gorgeous collection.

Bringing the Farmhouse Fancy fabrics to life through these coordinating designs has been an absolute delight. From the Mini-Medi Tote Bag to the coordinating zippered pouches, each project highlights the warm palette and vintage-inspired motifs of this collection. I love how these three projects came together, and I hope they inspire you to make something handmade of your own.

Keep an eye out for Farmhouse Fancy arriving soon in your favorite quilt shops, and find the featured pattern (and many more) in my Etsy shop.

Thank you so much for visiting today—I truly appreciate your support and enthusiasm. I can’t wait to share what’s next. Until then, happy sewing & stitching, friends! 🧵💖

Overseas Adventure

I  am headed off to Europe (Rome and Barcelona and a bunch of stops in-between), for a little adventure and rest/relaxation. I'll be off the grid until Tuesday, November 18th, enjoying new sights, cultures, and quality time with my parents...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 Tuesday, November 18th. All digital items will continue to be available. I will respond to all messages, comments and emails in the order received on Wednesday, November 19th. 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 will have a bunch of photos and experiences to share with you... 

For now, I'm off to enjoy the journey!

Fall Napkin Rings

Greetings, friends! Things have been insanely busy in the BRD studio. My desk looks like a creative cyclone blew through—piled high with sketches, fabrics, photos, and plenty of notes for what’s ahead. In just a few short weeks, I’ll be traveling out of the country, and let me tell you—the lists are LONG!

I’ve been working on a plethora of exciting projects (so many I could really use an assistant!), and while it feels overwhelming at times, I remind myself that busy is a blessing. There’s so much goodness coming your way soon!

In the meantime, it is new project tutorial day and I’m thrilled to share my October project created exclusively for the Therm O Web Blog! I absolutely love putting on my Fabric Education Designer hat and diving into tutorials that showcase Therm O Web’s incredible products.

✨Introducing my brand-new tutorial: “Fall Napkin Rings!”✨

Fall is in the air, and Thanksgiving is just around the corner (eek!). If you’re looking for a quick, creative way to dress up your dining table, I have the perfect project for you. These DIY Fall Napkin Rings are simple, festive, and a great way to use up fabric scraps. Plus, they’re beginner-friendly—whether you sew by hand or machine!

I’ve created four templates (oak leaf, maple leaf, acorn, and pumpkin) so you can mix and match or stick with your favorite. Want to add a little sparkle? I even show you how to use Sparkle Paste for a shimmering finish that will WOW your guests.

Ready to make your own? Head over to my full tutorial on the Therm O Web Blog for step-by-step instructions, supply list, and downloadable templates:

👉 Click here: Fall Napkin Rings Tutorial

🌟 What makes it shine?

For this project, I used a lovely selection of autumn fabrics, along with Benzie Design wool-blend felt and some of my favorite HeatnBond products!

• HeatnBond Lite EZ-Print Iron-On Adhesive Sheets
• SpraynBond Basting Adhesive Fabric Spray by HeatnBond
• HeatnBond Pressing Paper Fabric and Craft Sheets
• HeatnBond Sparkle Paste by Jennifer Long Sew A Story
• Fabric: I used a selection from the Autumn Leaves Fat Quarter Sampler from Connecting Threads
• Wool Blend Felt from Benzie Design
• Goody Hair Elastics, XL 10907 (I use these for the "ring" that holds the napkin!)
  
  

🎥 Coming Soon

Watch for a video walkthrough on my YouTube Channel + Instagram Feed in the next couple of days—it’s almost ready!

📌 Grab the full tutorial + pattern on the Therm O Web Blog: https://blog.thermoweb.com/fall-napkin-rings

🛍️ Want the exact tools + supplies I used? You’ll find them all in my curated Amazon list: https://www.amazon.com/shop/brdgirl

(Full disclosure: as an Amazon Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases—thank you for supporting my work! 💖)

💬 Questions about Therm O Web, HeatnBond, or SpraynBond products? Or a type of product you’d love to see featured in a future project? Drop me a comment or send me an email—I’d love to hear from you!

I hope this autumn project brings a touch of handmade charm to your fall celebrations! It’s quick, fun, and a great way to use up scraps while creating something truly special for your table. Head over to the full tutorial to grab the templates and step-by-step instructions—I can’t wait to see what you create! Be sure to tag me on Instagram or Facebook so we can celebrate your creativity together. Let’s keep the inspiration flowing! 🍂✨

Thank you so much for visiting today. 💕 Wishing you a creative week ahead—make something beautiful! 🌸

Unicorn Dreams Fabric Tour

Hello, friends—happy Monday!

I’m so excited to welcome you to my stop on the Poppie Cotton Unicorn Dreams Fabric Tour! Thank you so much for stopping by—it’s always delightful to visit with you.

Today, I’m absolutely thrilled to share three special pieces I created with the brand-new Unicorn Dreams Collection by Ginger Deverell for Poppie Cotton. The moment I saw these whimsical prints, my imagination took off — I couldn’t wait to start designing and playing in my studio. Each fabric in this enchanting collection feels like a storybook come to life, and it inspired me to create projects full of color, texture, and a little bit of magic.

🦄 About the Collection

Shipping to quilt shops this month, the Unicorn Dreams Collection is an enchanting line brimming with charm. Think unicorns, butterflies, bunnies, birds, bugs, and gorgeous florals—all wrapped in a gentle palette of soft greens, pale peaches, and buttery yellows.

It’s the perfect blend of magical and mystical — a true daydream in fabric form — and I had so much fun bringing these prints to life in my studio!

🦄 Project 1: Sweet Sewing Book

First up is my Sweet Sewing Book, one of my original designs — the pattern is available in both paper and digital format in my Etsy shop.

This charming Sewing Portfolio/Needlebook/Stitching Organizer is as practical as it is pretty! The cover is foundation pieced, giving it structure and personality and it measures 8.5" W x 6.5" H when closed (17" W x 6.5" H when open). A button and elastic closure keeps everything neatly contained, while multiple pockets, a twill tape tie for scissors, and wool felt needlebook pages — featuring fussy-cut fabric motifs — make it the perfect companion for hand sewing or travel stitching. I finished it off with binding cut from Country Confetti (a Poppie Cotton Basic), which frames the design and adds a polished touch.

Paper Pattern: https://blueribbondesigns.etsy.com/listing/4303974342
Digital Pattern: https://blueribbondesigns.etsy.com/listing/4303984363

🦄 Project 2: Joyful Journal Jacket

Next is my Joyful Journal Jacket, another of my original designs — the pattern is available in both paper and digital format in my Etsy shop.

This quilted journal cover is designed to fit a standard composition notebook (9 ¾" x 7 ½"), making it perfect for jotting down project notes, sketches, or creative ideas. The Velcro closure keeps your notebook secure, and I embellished it with flowers and leaves cut from 100% wool felt (Bellwether Felt from Benzie Design) and accented with a button center. I added coordinating ½” hand-dyed rick rack from Lady Dot Creates between the patchwork and focal fabric for an extra pop of texture and charm. This cheerful cover turns an ordinary notebook into something truly special — a joy to make and to use!

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

🦄 Project 3: Patchwork Pencil Bag

To complete the set, I created a Patchwork Pencil Bag — a coordinating companion piece to my Joyful Journal Jacket. There’s no pattern for this one; I simply wanted a pencil pouch to match! It features rounded corners for a soft, finished look and a coordinated zipper pull for a touch of extra detail. The bag measures 10" W x 4" H, making it just the right size for storing pens, pencils, small tools, or sewing notions.

💭 Which project is your favorite? I’d love to hear what inspires you most—whether it’s the whimsical prints, the creative details, or the joy of stitching something handmade!

I hope my stop on the Unicorn Dreams Fabric Tour has sparked your creativity. Be sure to visit the Poppie Cotton Blog and follow them on social media for even more inspiration using this gorgeous collection.

Bringing the Unicorn Dreams fabrics to life through these coordinating designs has been an absolute delight. From the Sweet Sewing Book to the Joyful Journal Jacket and Patchwork Pencil Bag, each project highlights the gentle palette and charming motifs of this collection. I love how these three coordinating projects came together, and I hope they inspire you to make something magical of your own. Keep an eye out for Unicorn Dreams arriving soon in your favorite quilt shops, and find the featured patterns (and many more) in my Etsy shop.

Thank you so much for visiting today—I truly appreciate your support and enthusiasm. I can’t wait to share what’s next. Until then, happy sewing & stitching, friends. 🧵💖

Unwinding in Wine Country

Greetings, friends!

This post will be a short one, as we’ve just returned from a wonderful weekend in Hermann, Missouri—and now we’re gearing up for a house full of guests to celebrate my husband’s 50th birthday! The to-do list is long, and I’m not quite sure what to tackle first, but I wanted to take a moment to share a few highlights from our trip.

If you’ve been visiting me for a while, you know that our annual getaway to Missouri wine country is a cherished tradition. But this year was extra special—it was our first time experiencing Oktoberfest in Hermann!

We stayed in our favorite downtown cottage, which is within walking distance of just about everything. As always, we hopped on the Hermann Trolley to visit our favorite wineries and cocktail spots, but this time we also dove into the Oktoberfest festivities.

On Friday evening, we attended the Tapping of the Keg at Tin Mill Brewery, the official kickoff to Oktoberfest. We grabbed a seat at a large table near the stage to enjoy the live music—and somehow ended up at the celebrity table! We were joined by the Loehnig German Band, the Rhineland Wurstjaegers, and even the Mayor of Hermann. We made fast friends with the entertainers and had front-row seats for the keg tapping, enjoying a couple of the first glasses poured.

The next day, Pat and Mel—two of the dancers—invited us to the Historic Festhalle at the Inn at Hermannhof to dance. I even danced a polka and a waltz (with a little help from Mel, who was a great sport and guided me through it). We also got to see Mel play the alphorn with the band, which was such a treat!

It was a joy to meet this incredibly talented group of musicians and dancers who are keeping German traditions alive in Missouri. In between the festivities, we visited all our favorite wineries, enjoyed delicious food, and took a long walk along the riverfront and across the Hermann Bridge over the Missouri River.

As always, we met some wonderful new friends and I got a much-needed break from work and looming deadlines. It was a weekend full of laughter, music, dancing, and great wine—just what the soul needed.

Here are a few of my favorite photos from our long weekend…

As we settle back into the rhythm of everyday life and prepare to celebrate a milestone birthday at home, I’m holding onto the joy and connection we found in Hermann. There’s something magical about stepping into tradition, sharing laughter with strangers who quickly become friends, and dancing to the music of a culture that continues to thrive in the heart of Missouri. I’m grateful for the memories we made and the moments that reminded me to slow down and savor life. Stay tuned—next time, I’ll be back to sharing my creative content!