Tuesday, May 26, 2026

Stars, Stripes, and Snacks with Therm O Web

Stars, Stripes, and Snacks Mug Rug ©Copyright 2026 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC https://blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com/
Greetings friends!

I’m so happy you’re here for my new Therm O Web tutorial today—it’s officially the season of sunshine, backyard gatherings, and all things red, white, and blue! With the 4th of July just around the corner (and such a special one this year as we celebrate America’s 250th!), I couldn’t resist creating something festive, fun, and functional to help make your celebrations even more memorable.

If you love quick projects with a big impact, you’re going to adore this Stars, Stripes, and Snacks Mug Rug. It’s the perfect little addition to your holiday table—great for holding a drink and a treat while adding a handmade patriotic touch. Even better, this project is a fantastic way to dig into your fabric scraps and turn those smaller pieces into something bright and beautiful. Whether you prefer uniform strips or a mix of varying widths, this design lets you play and personalize to your heart’s content.

I’ve shared the full step-by-step tutorial over on the Therm O Web blog, where you’ll also find the complete supply list and downloadable templates—including three different star sizes to customize your look. I walk you through the entire process so you can confidently create your own snack mat just in time for your July celebrations!

Stars, Stripes, and Snacks Mug Rug ©Copyright 2026 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC https://blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com/

A Look at the Supplies You 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. That support helps keep this blog running and ad-free for everyone—thank you for being here!

  • 1 Yard

  • Oliso Iron
  • Basic Tools (sewing machine, cutting mat, rotary cutter, small sharp scissors, pencil, needle and thread)
  • Wonder Clips
  • Seam Roller


Stars, Stripes, and Snacks Mug Rug ©Copyright 2026 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC https://blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com/

Stars, Stripes, and Snacks Mug Rug ©Copyright 2026 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC https://blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com/

This project gave me the chance to work with some amazing new Therm O Web products that truly make the process easier and more enjoyable. I used Bliss 100% Cotton Batting for a soft, high-quality finish, and HeatnBond VersaCraft Firm Non-Woven Single-Sided Fusible Interfacing to give the mat structure and stability. The PeelnStick Basting Tape Double-Sided Adhesive is a game-changer for holding the rick rack in place without pins, and HeatnBond Lite Quilter’s Edge Iron-On Adhesive Tape helps create crisp, clean edges with ease. These products work together beautifully to simplify construction and help you achieve professional-looking results.

I hope this project inspires you to start creating for the holiday early—there’s nothing better than celebrating with handmade pieces that add a personal touch to your gatherings. Plus, it’s such a joy to transform fabric scraps into something both useful and festive!

Be sure to head over to the Therm O Web blog for the full tutorial and templates so you can make your own Stars, Stripes, and Snacks Mug Rug. I can’t wait to see how you put your own spin on it! Wishing you a wonderful start to your summer and a joyful, creative lead-up to the 4th of July! 💥✨

Stars, Stripes, and Snacks Mug Rug ©Copyright 2026 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC https://blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, May 6, 2026

Not Scary Fabric Tour: Cheerful Halloween Sewing

Not Scary by Jill & Rani for Poppie Cotton ©Copyright 2026 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC https://blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com/
Greetings, friends!

Halloween sewing season is officially here (I know it's early, but October will be here before we know it!), and I’m so excited to share my projects for the Not Scary Fabric Tour! If you love Halloween décor and accessories that feel festive, fun, and not frightening, you’re going to love this collection as much as I do. Today I’m sharing three projects I designed using Not Scary by Jill & Rani for Poppie Cotton—each one made without the scary and with plenty of creativity and joy.

About the Fabric Collection

Not Scary is a playful and vibrant Halloween fabric collection that celebrates the lighter side of the spooky season. With a cheerful palette of pinks, oranges, greens, and grays, these prints feature friendly ghosts, sweet witches, festive florals, and charming critters that are perfect for all ages. This collection proves that Halloween doesn’t have to be dark or spooky to be festive—it can be bright, happy, and full of personality.

These fabrics are especially wonderful for projects like home décor, accessories, quilts, and gifts, making them incredibly versatile for Halloween sewing. Whether you’re decorating your home or stitching something special just because, Not Scary brings a playful twist to holiday fun.

Project 1: Boxed Zipper Pouches

First up is a set of four boxed zipper pouches, each measuring approximately 7” W x 3” H x 2½” D. This project was all about studio play—no pattern, just experimenting and having fun with the fabric.

I used the new HeatnBond VersaFoam Foam Stabilizer from Therm O Web to give the pouches good structure, making them sturdy but still soft. Each pouch is lined with Country Confetti, which adds a touch of color inside, and finished with colorful zipper pulls for an extra pop of personality. These are perfect for organizing sewing supplies, stitching goodies, makeup, or even a little Halloween candy stash.

Boxed Zipper Pouches ©Copyright 2026 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC https://blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com/

Boxed Zipper Pouches ©Copyright 2026 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC https://blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com/

Boxed Zipper Pouches ©Copyright 2026 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC https://blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com/

Project 2: “BOO to YOU” Halloween Bunting

Next, I created a cheerful piece of Halloween décor: a “BOO to YOU” bunting. The flags spell out BOO to YOU and feature several friendly ghosts—two holding pumpkins and one holding the word “to.”

Each flag measures 4.5” x 6.5” and is backed with Country Confetti. I machine appliquéd wool felt ghosts and letters, adding texture and a handmade feel. The ghost holding “to” even has a tiny wool felt flower with a bitty button center, because we all know that I love little details! I also made my own banner line/tie using Country Confetti, tying the whole piece together. This bunting is perfect for a doorway, mantel, or sewing room.

Boo to You Halloween Bunting ©Copyright 2026 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC https://blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com/

Boo to You Halloween Bunting ©Copyright 2026 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC https://blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com/

Boo to You Halloween Bunting ©Copyright 2026 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC https://blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com/

Boo to You Halloween Bunting ©Copyright 2026 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC https://blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com/

Project 3: Halloween Star Quilt

My final project is my Halloween Star Quilt, made using my own original pattern. The finished size is 25.5” x 25.5”, making it ideal as a wall hanging or table topper for the season.

The stars are machine appliquéd, and I used Country Confetti for both the background and binding to keep the look bright and cohesive. This quilt is a great example of how Not Scary fabrics shine—they’re bold, cheerful, and instantly festive without being spooky.

⭐ The Halloween Star Quilt pattern is available in paper or digital format in my Etsy shop here:

👉 Digital pattern: https://blueribbondesigns.etsy.com/listing/1753961725
👉 Paper pattern: https://blueribbondesigns.etsy.com/listing/1753958787

Halloween Star Quilt ©Copyright 2026 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC https://blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com/

Halloween Star Quilt ©Copyright 2026 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC https://blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com/

Halloween Star Quilt ©Copyright 2026 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC https://blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com/

Halloween Star Quilt ©Copyright 2026 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC https://blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com/

Spooky Summary

Sewing with Not Scary by Jill & Rani for Poppie Cotton was such a treat. This collection is perfect if you love Halloween but prefer cute over creepy and bright over dark. From small accessories to décor and quilts, these fabrics invite creativity and encourage playful experimentation.

Not Scary is shipping to quilt shops this month, so be sure to visit your favorite LQS or online shop to find this spook-tacular fabric collection.

If you’re planning Halloween projects for the upcoming season, I hope these makes inspire you to stitch something fun and fearless! Let me know in the comments which project is your favorite—and if you create something with Not Scary, I’d love to see it (be sure to tag me!). Thank you so much for joining on this festive fabric tour! 🎃👻💗

Boxed Zipper Pouches ©Copyright 2026 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC https://blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com/

Boo to You Halloween Bunting ©Copyright 2026 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC https://blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com/

Boo to You Halloween Bunting ©Copyright 2026 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC https://blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com/

Halloween Star Quilt ©Copyright 2026 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC https://blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com/

Boxed Zipper Pouches ©Copyright 2026 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC https://blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com/

Boxed Zipper Pouches ©Copyright 2026 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC https://blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com/