Showing posts with label blog tour. Show all posts
Showing posts with label blog tour. Show all posts

Tuesday, April 28, 2026

A Spoonful of Sugar: Portable Picasso Portfolio

Portable Picasso Portfolio ©Copyright 2026 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC https://blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com/
Greetings, friends—welcome! I’m delighted to share a brand-new project tutorial as part of the A Spoonful of Sugar Blog Tour. I’ve teamed up with Therm O Web to create something extra special—the Portable Picasso Portfolio—a charming, travel-friendly art wallet designed to keep young creatives happily occupied wherever their adventures take them.

This project was such a joy to design, blending functional sewing with playful details and just a touch of sparkle. The Portable Picasso Portfolio is sized perfectly to slip into a tote or purse and unfolds to reveal space for crayons and a small notepad—making it an ideal on-the-go activity for errands, travel days, or quiet moments away from home. I’m sharing the full step-by-step tutorial over on the Therm O Web blog, where you’ll find all the details to make one (or several!) of your own.

Portable Picasso Portfolio ©Copyright 2026 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC https://blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com/

The star of this project is the utterly enchanting A Spoonful of Sugar fabric collection by Jennifer Long of Sew A Story for Riley Blake Designs. Inspired by the whimsical world of Mary Poppins, this collection is bursting with storybook charm—featuring beloved characters, graceful florals, playful kites, and delightful teacups. The soft color palette and nostalgic illustrations feel as though they’ve stepped straight out of a classic tale, making them the perfect match for a project designed with childhood creativity in mind. I’ve paired these fabrics with the coordinating Sparkle Stencil and HeatnBond Sparkle Paste to add a glimmery accent, because every project deserves a little magic. Truly, it’s practically perfect in every way.

Portable Picasso Portfolio ©Copyright 2026 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC https://blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com/

Portable Picasso Portfolio ©Copyright 2026 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC https://blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com/

This project also pairs perfectly with my Joyful Journal Jacket pattern, making it easy to create a coordinated creative set for the whole family. While the Portable Picasso Portfolio was designed with kids in mind, the Joyful Journal Jacket is tailored for teens and adults, offering a stylish and functional cover for journals, planners, or notebooks. Sewn together in coordinating fabrics, these two projects make a thoughtful gift pairing or a fun way to encourage creativity at every age—proof that handmade artistry isn’t just for little ones. If you’re looking to extend the joy of making beyond this project, you’ll definitely want to check out the Joyful Journal Jacket tutorial as well.

Portable Picasso Portfolio ©Copyright 2026 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC https://blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com/

To create the Portable Picasso Portfolio, you’ll use a combination of coordinating fabrics and Therm O Web products to add structure, durability, and a bit of magical sparkle. Below is a list of supplies used for the project shown. You’ll find all the step-by-step instructions and helpful tips for using these products in the full tutorial on the Therm O Web blog:

These are the supplies I used, including the Sparkle Stencil and Sparkle Paste:
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!
Portable Picasso Portfolio ©Copyright 2026 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC https://blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com/

Portable Picasso Portfolio ©Copyright 2026 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC https://blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com/

Portable Picasso Portfolio ©Copyright 2026 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC https://blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com/

If you’re ready to stitch up your own Portable Picasso Portfolio, be sure to hop over to the Therm O Web blog, where you’ll find the complete step-by-step tutorial along with helpful tips for using their products to add structure and sparkle to your project. This is a quick, satisfying make that’s perfect for gifting or for keeping little hands happily creating while on the go—and it’s a wonderful way to showcase the charm of the A Spoonful of Sugar fabric collection.

I hope you’ll feel inspired to gather your supplies, click through to the tutorial, and start sewing along. When your project is finished, I’d love to see it! Be sure to share your Portable Picasso Portfolio on social media and tag me, so I can admire your creativity. There’s something truly special about handmade projects that encourage imagination—happy sewing, and enjoy creating a little magic of your own!

Portable Picasso Portfolio ©Copyright 2026 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC https://blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com/

Portable Picasso Portfolio ©Copyright 2026 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC https://blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com/

Portable Picasso Portfolio ©Copyright 2026 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC https://blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com/

Monday, February 23, 2026

A Spoonful of Sugar: Joyful Journal Jacket

A Spoonful of Sugar Blog Tour ©Copyright 2026 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC https://blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com/
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.

Joyful Journal Jacket ©Copyright 2026 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC https://blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com/

💮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!

Joyful Journal Jacket ©Copyright 2026 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC https://blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com/

🪁 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:

Joyful Journal Jacket ©Copyright 2026 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC https://blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com/

🕮You can find the Joyful Journal Jacket in digital and/or paper format in my Etsy shop:
Joyful Journal Jacket ©Copyright 2026 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC https://blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com/

✐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.

Joyful Journal Jacket ©Copyright 2026 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC https://blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com/

Joyful Journal Jacket ©Copyright 2026 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC https://blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com/

✨ 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.

Joyful Journal Jacket ©Copyright 2026 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC https://blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com/

Joyful Journal Jacket ©Copyright 2026 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC https://blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com/

Friday, March 12, 2021

Goose Creek Gardens Fabric Tour
"Good for the Goose" Lap Quilt

Good for the Goose ©Copyright 2021 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC http://www.blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com
Happy Friday - welcome to the Poppie Cotton Goose Creek Gardens Fabric Tour! I am thrilled to be one of the stops on this inspiring "designer hop." Today, I am sharing a new lap quilt design that I created with this gorgeous fabric collection. When I first had a look at these prints (months ago), I instantly knew I would be creating a new quilt...and this is one I am actually keeping for myself. It was quite enjoyable to put on my quilt designing hat again and work with Goose Creek Gardens by Michal Marko. This new collection has a such a calming color pallet and (as always) exquisite, tiny details. I truly "found my joy" while working on this project! Let's take a look at what I am calling "Good for the Goose"... 

My quilt design was created using EQ8 Software...I spent an afternoon playing around in the software with the fabric swatches...and this was the result. I used a traditional quilt block and enlarged it to a hefty 20" square (the pattern uses only squares and half square triangles) and added borders to my quilt top. I titled my quilt "Good for the Goose"...which seemed to fit perfectly. I tried to fussy cut the Goose Creek print to show off those geese...and I worked hard to piece them all in the same direction. The result is a nice sized lap quilt measuring 66" x  66" square...perfect for snuggling under on a cool day or taking on a picnic in the summertime sunshine! I have always quilted my own quilts on my domestic machine...but this one, I actually took to my local quilt shop (The Quilted Sunflower) and Leslie did a fantastic job quilting it on the longarm for me - I am beyond pleased. We actually found an all-over quilt pattern that is geese and hearts swirled together...and it is super cute...I couldn't be happier. I created a scrappy binding featuring as many of the dark red prints as possible...I wanted it to bring out the center of my quilt. The entire project just makes me happy!

Good for the Goose ©Copyright 2021 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC http://www.blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com

Good for the Goose ©Copyright 2021 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC http://www.blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com
Close up of the wonderful quilting...

Good for the Goose ©Copyright 2021 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC http://www.blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com

Good for the Goose ©Copyright 2021 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC http://www.blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com

I have finished up the quilt pattern and it is available in my Etsy Shop, should you want to make a lap quilt of your very own. The pattern features the Goose Creek Gardens Collection, but is written in a way that you could use your favorite fat quarter stack. Goose Creek Gardens is available now, so be sure to check your favorite local shop or online shop to find these fabulous prints. I used a Goose Creek Gardens fat quarter stack along with yardage from the Poppie Cotton Country Confetti Collection for my background, borders and backing.

Good for the Goose ©Copyright 2021 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC http://www.blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com
Pattern available here:
 https://www.etsy.com/listing/965365800/good-for-the-goose-lap-quilt-pattern

I hope you have enjoyed this stop on the fabric tour - thank you for visiting. Could you hear the joy in my post?! I am already working on projects for the next Poppie Cotton Fabric Tour in April...they are for the upcoming Kaisley Rose Collection...and I can't wait to share them with you...

For more features on the Poppie Cotton Goose Creek Gardens Fabric Tour, visit the Poppie Cotton Blog: https://poppiecotton.com/poppie-cotton-blog/, where each tour project is showcased (and there are some amazing pieces!).

Good for the Goose ©Copyright 2021 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC http://www.blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com

Good for the Goose ©Copyright 2021 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC http://www.blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com

If you make a project from the Goose Creek Gardens Collection featured in this post, I would love to hear from you...happy sewing and quilting!

Stop back soon...I will be posting a look inside my local quilt shop in the next few days...you won't want to miss all the eye candy and inspiration...and see the marvelous shop behind the quilting on "Good for the Goose"...

Monday, January 11, 2021

Dots and Posies Fabric Tour
Forty-Five Tote and Accessories

Dots and Posies fabric Tour Projects ©Copyright 2021 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC http://www.blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com
Happy Monday and happy new year - welcome to the Poppie Cotton Dots and Posies Fabric Tour! I am super excited to be the first stop on the tour...and I have a new tote bag design and several accessories to share...all created with the new Dots and Posies fabric collection. It was quite fulfilling to put on my quilt designing hat and work on several projects that were swimming around in my head. When Jina first reached out to me about this collection (months ago), I instantly knew I would be making a large quilted tote bag and accessories. This new collection has a lovely vintage look with soft colors and exquisite tiny details...I truly enjoyed working on these cheerful projects. Let's take a look at what I created...

Forty-Five Tote
The first piece I designed was 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...that's right, 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. I love how this tote highlights all the prints in the Dots and Posies Collection...and you can use your favorite print for linings, handles and outer pockets. The inside pockets are each made with four 5" squares, so the inside of the bag is pretty too! I used Poppie Cotton Country Confetti ("Strawberry Lemonade") for lining the bag and pockets, the bag handles and the bag base...and I used my favorite Dots and Posies print ("Birds & Hexies") for the outer pockets. I found the mix of large scale and small scale prints eye-pleasing and the retro look full of cheer!
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 

Dots and Posies fabric Tour Projects ©Copyright 2021 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC http://www.blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com

Dots and Posies fabric Tour Projects ©Copyright 2021 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC http://www.blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com

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. The comforting colors of Dots and Posies worked perfectly for this design...
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

Dots and Posies fabric Tour Projects ©Copyright 2021 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC http://www.blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com

Dots and Posies fabric Tour Projects ©Copyright 2021 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC http://www.blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com

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 in this lovely fabric collection...and you can always fussy cut the squares to feature your favorite motifs. I added a removeable wrist strap 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 ("Prize Roses"), 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 rose print on the back! This small soft-colored pouch brings me joy every time I look at it...
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

Dots and Posies fabric Tour Projects ©Copyright 2021 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC http://www.blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com

Dots and Posies fabric Tour Projects ©Copyright 2021 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC http://www.blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com

Pretty Posies Project Bag
Finally - if you follow my blog and social media, then you know how much I love to make project bags! I just had to make a special project bag for this tote bag set...I decided to make my large signature project bag with a twist. I strip pieced several fabrics, then fussy cut a large beautiful rose ("Prize Roses Blue") in a hexagon shape to appliqué to the top right-hand corner. I used the "Stripe Green" print for a narrow strip between my top strip set and the bottom focal fabric strip of "Birds & Hexies", which I thought made a nice divider. I created the front and the back of the bag the same, matching the seams on the sides and added a coordinating zipper pull. I think I need to make a couple more of these...because who only has one project in their retreat/class tote??...and because it is just so C.U.T.E.!

Dots and Posies fabric Tour Projects ©Copyright 2021 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC http://www.blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com

Dots and Posies fabric Tour Projects ©Copyright 2021 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC http://www.blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com

There you have it - my tote bag and accessories using the Dots and Posies collection from Poppie Cotton. This fabric line is shipping and in shops now, so be sure to check your favorite local shop or online shop to find these gorgeous prints. 

I hope you have enjoyed this stop on the fabric tour - thank you for visiting. Could you feel the sheer happiness I put into each piece?! I am already working on quilt ideas for the next Poppie Cotton fabric tour in March...it is for the upcoming Goose Creek Gardens collection...and it is GORGEOUS. If you make a project from the Dots and Posies collection featured in this post, I would love to hear from you...happy sewing and quilting!

I hope you have enjoyed this stop on the fabric tour - thank you for visiting. Could you feel the sheer happiness I put into each piece?! I am already working on quilt ideas for the next Poppie Cotton fabric tour in March...it is for the upcoming Goose Creek Gardens collection...and it is GORGEOUS. If you make a project from the Dots and Posies collection featured in this post, I would love to hear from you...happy sewing and quilting!

I hope you have enjoyed this stop on the fabric tour - thank you for visiting. Could you feel the sheer happiness I put into each piece?! I am already working on quilt ideas for the next Poppie Cotton fabric tour in March...it is for the upcoming Goose Creek Gardens collection...and it is GORGEOUS. 

If you make a project from the Dots and Posies collection featured in this post, I would love to hear from you...happy sewing and quilting!

Wednesday, October 28, 2020

Woodland Songbirds Fabric Tour:
Singing Under The Stars

©Copyright 2020 Belinda Karls-Nace/Blue Ribbon Designs, LLC http://www.blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com
Happy Wednesday...and welcome to the Poppie Cotton Woodland Songbirds Fabric Tour! I am super excited to share the quilt I created with the new Woodland Songbirds fabric collection. I always enjoy putting on my quilt designing hat and working on a project with my own vision and ideas. I knew months ago when I first saw this gorgeous collection with tiny exquisite details that I would be making a quilt featuring singing birds. If you are a regular visitor to my blog, then you know how much I love to combine piecing and appliqué (and adding additional embellishments). Designing and creating this special quilt brought me an immense amount of joy - it is such a happy fabric collection! 



"Singing Under the Stars"

My quilt design was created using EQ8 Software...I spent an afternoon playing around in the software and in my studio...and this was the result. I used two traditional quilt blocks - the Ohio Star and the Nine Patch...along with appliquéd top and bottom borders. I titled my quilt "Singing Under the Stars"...which just seemed to fit. I fussy cut the centers of the Ohio Star Blocks to feature some of the beautiful details in this fabric collection (the little birdies on the toadstools are EVERYTHING!). Most of the appliqué shapes were cut using a die cutting system…I used the fusible appliqué method and stitched them down with a Blanket Stitch. I utilized pearl cotton to hand stitch French Knots for the bird eyes…and attached a handful of coordinating buttons from my stash as flower centers. The results is a nice sized quilt measuring 45" x 60"...perfect for snuggling under on a dreary day!










There you have it - my quilt design using the Woodland Songbirds Collection by Poppie Cotton. This fabric line is in shops now, so be sure to check your favorite local shop or online shop to find these gorgeous prints. I used a Woodland Songbirds fat quarter stack along with yardage from the Poppie Cotton Country Confetti Collection for my background, backing and binding.

I hope you have enjoyed this stop on the fabric tour - thank you for visiting. Could you hear my heart singing as I worked on this piece?! I am already working on a project for the next Poppie Cotton Fabric Tour in January...it is for the upcoming Dots & Posies Collection...and I can't wait to share it with you...

For more projects from the Poppie Cotton Woodland Songbirds Fabric Tour, visit the Poppie Cotton Blog: https://poppiecotton.com/poppie-cotton-blog/, where each tour stop and project is featured (and there are some INCREDIBLE pieces!).

If you make a project from the Woodland Songbirds Collection featured in this post, I would love to hear from you...happy sewing and quilting!