A Spoonful of Sugar: Joyful Journal Jacket

Greetings, friends! Happy Monday! You’re in for a happy treat today—it’s the A Spoonful of Sugar Blog Tour on the Therm O Web blog.

🪄If you’ve ever believed that creativity is just a little more fun with a dash of imagination (and maybe a spoonful of sugar), then today’s project is sure to make you smile. I’m absolutely delighted to be part of the A Spoonful of Sugar Blog Tour, celebrating the brand‑new A Spoonful of Sugar fabric collection by Jennifer Long of Sew A Story for Riley Blake Designs—and yes, it’s inspired by the timeless magic of Mary Poppins.

🫖One of the things that makes this collection extra special is that it was designed by a fellow Therm O Web team member, Jennifer Long of Sew A Story for Riley Blake Designs. Jennifer truly has a gift for creating the sweetest, most imaginative fabric collections, and A Spoonful of Sugar is no exception. Her designs are filled with storybook charm and playful details, and if you have littles in the house—or grandchildren—you’ll absolutely love the creative ideas she shares. If you’re not already following her, you’ll want to fix that right away! You can find Jennifer on Instagram at @sewastory_jenniferlong and explore her wonderful world of storytelling through fabric at www.sewastory.com.

🌂This enchanting collection features beloved characters, storybook text, graceful florals, parasols, kites, and the sweetest teacups and teapots, all wrapped in a soft, cheerful palette of blue, gold, peach, white, green, and pink. It’s practically perfect for projects meant to hold memories, ideas, and creative dreams—which is exactly why I chose it for my Joyful Journal Jacket.

💮I’ve teamed up with Therm O Web to create a special tutorial showing how to use their products to achieve beautiful, polished results when making a journal cover sized for a standard composition notebook. The blog post featuring my Joyful Journal Jacket pattern (available in my Etsy shop)—including tips, techniques, and all the Mary Poppins charm—is live over on the Therm O Web blog, and you won’t want to miss it!

🪁 Hop on over to the Therm O Web blog to see all the tips and tricks here:

👉 https://www.thermoweb.com/blogs/blog/a-spoonful-of-sugar-blog-tour-joyful-journal-jacket

🥄For my Joyful Journal Jacket, I rely on a handful of trusted Therm O Web products to achieve a polished, professional finish. Each of these plays an important role in the construction of the jacket and is listed in the pattern for easy reference:

• HeatnBond® Fusible Fleece
• HeatnBond® Medium Weight Non‑Woven Fusible Interfacing
• SpraynBond® Basting Adhesive Spray
• Pressing Paper Fabric & Craft Sheets
• HeatnBond® Fabric Fuse® Peel ’n Stick Fabric Adhesive Tape (⅝″)

🕮You can find the Joyful Journal Jacket in digital and/or paper format in my Etsy shop:

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

✐Whether you use your journal for writing, sketching, planning, or creative play, this project is designed to protect your notebook while making it a joy to reach for every day. And if you’re following along with the A Spoonful of Sugar Blog Tour, be sure to visit the other stops for even more inspiring projects using this charming collection.

✨ Mark your calendars! Here are the upcoming dates to visit the Therm O Web blog and see even more projects featuring A Spoonful of Sugar:

• Belinda - Blue Ribbon Designs — February 23
• Julia - Inflorescence Designs — March 9
• Therm O Web — March 16
• Dori - The Red Feedsack — March 23
• Deb - Sprouting Jube Jube — March 30

☂️As always, if you make your own Joyful Journal Jacket, I’d love to see it! Tag me on social media when you share your project—I truly enjoy seeing how you make Blue Ribbon Designs your own. Until next time, may your stitches be neat, your ideas plentiful, and your creativity sprinkled with just a bit of everyday magic.

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. 🧵💖

Mushroom Blooms Fabric Tour

Happy Monday - welcome to my stop on the Mushroom Blooms 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 Mushroom Blooms fabric collection designed by Jill and Rani for Poppie Cotton. I enjoyed putting on my quilt designer hat and playing with these soft and cheerful prints. This brand new fabric collection (shipping to quilt shops this month) has a warm and calming feel to me. The entire collection is filled with tiny details and the sweetest little motifs. These nature-inspired prints feature mushrooms, florals, dots, and stitchy stripes....even sweet, little, whimsical mushrooms with faces and clothes. The colors include soft yellows, pale pinks, creamy off whites and toned corals...along with cool teals and mint green. The fun, detailed illustrations in this collection inspired me! 

Working through my projects, I started with my band new "Focal and Four Tote Bag." I used part of a fat quarter bundle of Mushroom Blooms to create the four-patch blocks, focal blocks and pockets...and I used Country Confetti in Strawberry Lemonade Light Pink for the handles, lining, and bag base.  This large tote measures 15" W x 15 H x 5" D and has a handle drop of approximately 8-inches. I used HeatnBond Fusible Fleece from Therm O Web to make the bag soft, yet have good structure.  It's the perfect size for a stack of cross stitch project bags, a daily tote, or a trip to the farmer's market or grocery store. The pattern contains comprehensive/detailed instructions with all sorts of color diagrams and a template for the pointed pocket. This 13-page pattern is designed to easily use your favorite fabric collection, is precut friendly, and is good for all skill levels. Visit my post from yesterday to read all about it. You can find this new design in my Etsy Shop, in both paper and digital format...

Digital Pattern: https://blueribbondesigns.etsy.com/listing/1762267234
Paper Pattern: https://blueribbondesigns.etsy.com/listing/1762265076

Of course, I had to create some accessories with Mushroom Blooms for my new tote! Next, I always like to have a notebook with me, especially when traveling or at classes and retreats...so I created one of my "Joyful Journal Jackets." This cover was designed to fit a standard Composition Notebook (9.75" x 7.5") which you can find at your favorite office supply store with narrow or wide lines, unlined (my favorite because I can sketch in it) or graph ruled (perfect for charting projects). I used the Tossed Floral Pink print for the bottom section of the cover and Polkie Dots Cream for the inside flaps - then, used all the different prints for  the patchwork top section of the cover...adding a coordinating rick rack between the two (Hand-Dyed Rick Rack from Lady Dot Creates). Again, I used a favorite focal print in the collection to make a Velcro tab closure. This quilting/stitching journal is the perfect complement to any retreat/class tote...or ideal to be placed at a bedside table for keeping a journal or diary. 

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

Finally, I created a patchwork pencil bag and large project bag. I thought a pencil bag to hold my colored pencils would work perfectly for taking along with my journal...and of course, I have to have a pretty, patchwork project bag to hold my latest cross stitch model. These delightful prints are perfect for fussy cutting and creating happy patchwork blocks. The pencil bag is 9.75" W x 4.5" H and holds all my pencils perfectly. The project bag measures 12" x 10", so I can hold a pattern, fabric, threads and tools.

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 Mushroom Blooms 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 - Mushroom Blooms is shipping this month.

I already have my projects completed for the next Poppie Cotton Fabric Tour, later this month - my day is August 28th. This tour will be showcasing the "Market Day" fabric 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 tomorrow (Tuesday, August 13th)…so, be sure to stop back here on Wednesday, August 14th, for more details...

Patterns for Dots and Posies Projects

Happy Saturday! It is a wintery, cold day here in Kansas and I am happy to be in my cozy office getting work done...the house is quiet for the first time in weeks and I am taking advantage. I had a productive week, writing three new quilt patterns, designing a new cross stitch piece and working on client finishing/sewing orders. After a rocky start to the new year, things are finally humming along in my happy place.

Before we get started today...
A fun new note: I am now a verified Amazon Influencer and have built a Blue Ribbon Designs Amazon Store Front for all the products I recommend and showcase in my blog posts/social media. I am always getting questions about products I share or have in my images, along with the products/materials I use in my studio - and I usually send whoever is asking a link to the product. Now all those products will be in one place for easy shopping...and if you happen to purchase an item from one of my links, I get a little commission. I have always said I will not put advertising on my blog or website...this just makes it easier to find the products I tell you about and will be done in linking format, not big ads across posts. I will continue to add items as I post about them...and these are only products that I personally recommend and use, I am not affiliated with any of these companies. I hope these links will make it easier to find the products and materials I showcase. For example - you will see some of the products I write about today that were used in my latest quilting projects are highlighted/underlined with a link - clicking on them will open a new window showing the products in more detail with ordering options. This will be a work in progress...and I thank you in advance for shopping in my Amazon Store Front. Now on to the exciting news...THREE new quilt patterns!!

Thank you all for the wonderful response to my latest quilt designs using the Dots and Posies Collection by Poppie Cotton - I received wonderful feedback on all four pieces...which is so encouraging! I have written comprehensive patterns for three of the designs: the Forty-Five Tote Bag, the Joyful Journal Jacket and the Pretty Posies Pouch. Each of these patterns can be found in my Etsy Shop as digital download PDF patterns. The patterns are written to easily use your favorite fabric collection and precuts...and are sold separately.

Forty-Five Tote

My Forty-Five Tote is an over-sized tote bag, perfect for carrying everything you need to a retreat or class...or as an overnight bag. I've named it the Forty-Five Tote, because it is made with 40 - 5" squares...yep, this tote bag is 5" Precut or Charm Pack friendly! It is a hefty size at 14" W x 18" H x 4" D (plus handles) - it has two pockets outside (sized to fit a large smartphone) and two extra-large pockets inside to organize the contents. The inside pockets are each made with four 5" squares, so the inside of the bag is pretty too! This bag uses Pellon Fusible Fleece for all the bag panels (outer and lining) and in the handles and pockets to make it extra sturdy and hold it's form well (I like a STURDY tote!).

To purchase a digital download PDF Pattern for the Forty-Five Tote, visit my Etsy Shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BlueRibbonDesigns OR 
https://www.etsy.com/listing/941372669/forty-five-tote-bag-quilt-pattern 

Joyful Journal Jacket

I always like to have a notebook with me, especially at classes and retreats...so I designed this swoon-worthy journal cover. It can be used to keep a list of current projects or to take notes - you can use it to journal, sketch or jot down design ideas. This cover was designed to fit a standard Composition Notebook (9.75" x 7.5") which you can find at your favorite office supply store with narrow or wide lines, unlined (my favorite because I can sketch in it) or graph ruled (perfect for charting projects). I used a large focal print for the bottom section of the cover and inside flaps - then, pieced smaller squares for the top section of the cover...adding a coordinating rick rack between the two. Again, I used my favorite print in the collection to make a Velcro tab closure. This rosy quilting/stitching journal is the perfect complement to any retreat/class tote...or ideal to be placed at a bedside table for keeping a journal or diary. 
To purchase a digital download PDF pattern for my Joyful Journal Jacket, visit my Etsy Shop:
https://etsy.com/shop/BlueRibbonDesigns OR
https://www.etsy.com/listing/928107884/joyful-journal-jacket-quilt-pattern

Pretty Posies Pouch

This adorable patchwork pouch is a versatile addition to any tote bag. It can hold quilting/stitching tools or a small project...or can be used for health and beauty items, if using the tote for an overnight bag. Small patchwork squares show off the variety of prints...and you can always fussy cut the squares to feature your favorite motifs. I added a removeable 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 a tote bag. I used a large print focal fabric for the back side of my bag, 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 large print on the back!
To purchase a digital download PDF pattern for my Pretty Posies Pouch, visit my Etsy Shop:https://etsy.com/shop/BlueRibbonDesigns OR
https://www.etsy.com/listing/943706179/pretty-posies-pouch-quilt-pattern

There you have it - information on my latest quilt pattern designs - I enjoyed designing and creating each of them and look forward to my next pattern ideas "coming to life". I am actually working on several new cross stitch charts for future release, as well. For now, I am ready to do a little relaxing this weekend...we have plans tonight with friends visiting from Iowa and I look forward to taking a little break from work projects. Thanks for stopping by for a visit - I hope we can "chat" again soon....