The Nutcracker Book Blog Tour:Snowflake Table Runner

Greetings, friends—I'm so happy you stopped by for a visit. As the holiday season approaches, I find myself reaching for festive fabrics, seasonal projects, and all things merry and bright. There's something magical about combining favorite holiday traditions with quilting and sewing, creating projects that bring warmth and joy to our homes year after year. Today, I'm excited to share a special project inspired by The Nutcracker Book by Jennifer Long of Sew A Story, published by David & Charles, and invite you over to the Therm O Web Blog for all the details. 

One of my favorite holiday stories has always been The Nutcracker, making Jennifer's new book especially fun to explore. Filled with beautiful projects, detailed patterns, helpful tips, and inspiration throughout, the book offers something for quilters and sewists of all skill levels. Inspired by the beloved Christmas tale, each project captures the wonder and charm of the season while encouraging makers to add their own creative touch.

I was delighted to be invited to participate in the Nutcracker Book Blog Tour. As part of the tour, participants were given the opportunity to preview The Nutcracker Book and create either a project from the book or a creative adaptation inspired by one of Jennifer's designs. Since I love putting my own twist on projects and exploring new possibilities, this tour was a perfect fit for me!

Just a note: I received a complimentary copy of The Nutcracker Book for this blog tour and the fabric was generously provided to me by Sew A Story & Riley Blake Designs.

As I turned the pages, the Waltz of the Snowflakes Quilt immediately caught my eye. Rather than creating the full quilt, I decided to take Jennifer's beautiful design and reimagine it as a festive table runner. The result is a project that showcases the stunning snowflake blocks while creating a centerpiece perfect for holiday gatherings, seasonal decorating, and winter entertaining.

For my project, I chose to work with Nutcracker Tradition by Jennifer Long of Sew a Story for Riley Blake Designs. While we were free to select any fabric collection, obviously, this collection was the perfect fit. I was immediately drawn to the collection because it is filled with delightful details inspired by the classic story, from graceful dancers and snowflakes to festive florals and holiday motifs that capture the spirit of the season. The rich reds, festive greens, beautiful blues, and playful pinks work beautifully together, creating a color palette that truly shines in holiday projects. From a distance, the collection feels wonderfully coordinated, but up close you'll discover charming details that make each fabric special. The combination of color, pattern, and storytelling made it easy to envision how the finished project would come together and helped inspire my design process.

For my version of the Waltz of the Snowflakes Quilt, I created three large snowflake blocks in red, green, and blue, adding sashing between the blocks and finishing the design with a border showcasing fabrics from throughout the collection. I also incorporated a few NEW Therm O Web products, including Bliss Batting and HeatnBond Lite Quilter's Edge, to help achieve beautiful results and a professional finish.

To see process photos and take a look at how I used Therm O Web products to bring this project to life, be sure to visit the Therm O Web blog:
https://www.thermoweb.com/blogs/blog/the-nutcracker-book-blog-tour-snowflake-magic

Another quick note: some of the links you’ll find in this post are affiliate links. If you choose to buy through them, I may earn a small commission (at no cost to you). That support helps keep this blog running and ad-free for everyone—thank you for being here!

Supply Information

• The Nutcracker Book by Jennifer Long
• A Selection of Fabrics from Nutcracker Tradition by Jennifer Long of Sew a Story for Riley Blake Designs
• Bliss 100% Cotton Batting, Crib Size
• HeatnBond Lite Quilter's Edge Iron-On Adhesive Tape, ¼”
• SpraynBond Basting Adhesive Spray
• Pressing Paper Fabric and Craft Sheets
• Optional Supplies for Adding Sparkle
• HeatnBond Sew A Story Sparkle Paste by Jennifer Long: Nutcracker Tradition
• HeatnBond Sew A Story Sparkle Stencil by Jennifer Long: Nutcracker Tradition
• SpraynBond Pattern & Stencil Spray
• Paint Brush or Palette Knife
• iCraft Removable Pixie Tape (I use this magical tape all the time!)
• Basic Tools (sewing machine, coordinating sewing thread, iron, wonder clips or pins, cutting tools and rulers, etc.)
• Oliso M3Pro Project Iron

You'll find the complete project story, additional photos, and all the details about my holiday-inspired table runner now on the Therm O Web Blog. Be sure to click over and see how this project came together, along with a closer look at the fabrics, book, and Therm O Web products I used throughout the process.

https://www.thermoweb.com/blogs/blog/the-nutcracker-book-blog-tour-snowflake-magic

The holidays are such a wonderful time to create handmade pieces that become part of family traditions and seasonal celebrations. Whether you're decorating your table, stitching gifts for loved ones, or simply taking some time to enjoy creating, projects inspired by The Nutcracker Book are a wonderful way to celebrate the season.

Jennifer has done a beautiful job bringing the magic and traditions of this beloved story into a collection of inspiring projects. Paired with the charming Nutcracker Tradition fabric collection, the possibilities for holiday sewing are endless. I know I'll be revisiting this book often as I plan future seasonal projects.

Additional Inspiration

To see more projects I created with the Nutcracker Tradition fabric collection, visit the following blog posts:

Nutcracker Magic: Focal and Four Tote Bag

Nutcracker Tree Skirt Blog Tour: Creative Spin

Thank you for stopping by today! I hope you'll hop over to the Therm O Web Blog to see my finished table runner and learn more about this wonderful project. If you create something inspired by The Nutcracker Book, I'd love to see it. Be sure to share your creations and tag me on social media.

Until next time, wishing you plenty of inspiration, festive fabrics, and many happy hours of holiday sewing!

Nutcracker Magic: Focal and Four Tote Bag

Greetings, friends! 

I’m so happy you’re here for a visit— it's Therm O Web Blog project day! Today is my stop on the Nutcracker Tradition Blog Tour!

Christmas may still be a few months away, but it's never too early to start planning holiday sewing projects! Today I'm excited to share a festive new post that's now live on the Therm O Web Blog as part of the Nutcracker Tradition Blog Tour. This project combines my Focal and Four Tote Bag pattern, innovative products from Therm O Web, and the enchanting Nutcracker Tradition Collection by Jennifer Long of Sew A Story for Riley Blake Designs to create a bag that's filled with holiday charm and a touch of sparkle.

Sewing Up Some Nutcracker Magic

The Nutcracker Tradition collection captures all the magic of the beloved Christmas story with elegant nutcrackers, graceful ballerinas, adorable Christmas mice, beautifully wrapped packages, ornaments, stars, and coordinating seasonal prints. Rich holiday colors and storybook-inspired illustrations make every fabric in the collection a delight to sew with. Whether you're a longtime fan of The Nutcracker or simply love festive fabrics, this collection offers endless inspiration for holiday projects.

The beautiful focal prints in the collection were a perfect match for my Focal and Four Tote Bag pattern. Designed to showcase larger-scale prints while combining coordinating fabrics in a fresh and eye-catching way, the tote highlights all the wonderful details Jennifer included throughout the collection. The finished bag is both practical and beautiful, making it ideal for holiday shopping, carrying sewing projects, gift giving, or simply adding a little Christmas cheer to your everyday routine.

A Little Holiday Sparkle

Of course, no Nutcracker-inspired project would be complete without a touch of magic! For this tote, I added glittery accents to the outside pockets using the Nutcracker Tradition Sparkle Stencil and Sparkle Paste by Jennifer Long for Therm O Web. The sparkling details add just the right amount of glimmer and beautifully complement the festive fabrics. It's a simple technique that creates a big impact and makes the tote feel extra special.

To help make construction easier, I also incorporated several of my favorite Therm O Web products throughout the project. From accurate cutting with SpraynBond Pattern & Stencil Spray to adding structure and professional finishing touches, these products help create a polished tote that you'll enjoy using for years to come.

Supplies to Make Your Tote Bag Sparkle

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 (at no cost to you). That support helps keep this blog running and ad-free for everyone—thank you for being here!

• HeatnBond Fusible Fleece
• SpraynBond Pattern & Stencil Spray
• HeatnBond Sparkle Stencil–Nutcracker Tradition by Jennifer Long of Sew A Story
• Nutcracker Tradition Sparkle Paste Bundle by Jennifer Long of Sew A Story (or your favorite coordinating color)
• Pressing Paper Fabric and Craft Sheets
• A Selection of Fabrics from Nutcracker Tradition by Jennifer Long of Sew a Story for Riley Blake Designs (model used fat quarters, but the pattern is 10” precut friendly)
• Coordinating fabric yardage for linings, handles, and outside bag base (model used Dapple Dot from Riley Blake Designs C640-SUGARPINK)
• Focal and Four Tote Bag Pattern by Blue Ribbon Designs (available in my Etsy Shop) Digital or Paper Pattern
• Palette Knife or Craft Brush
• Basic Tools (sewing machine, coordinating sewing thread, iron, wonder clips or pins, cutting tools and rulers, etc.)
  
  

Focal and Four Tote Bag Pattern
Paper Pattern — Digital Patten

See the Blog Post

If you'd like to make your own Nutcracker-inspired tote utilizing dependable products from Therm O Web, be sure to visit the Therm O Web Blog for my helpful hints, supply list, and plenty of project photos. You'll find all the details needed to create your own version, along with tips for adding sparkle and showcasing your favorite prints from the collection.

https://www.thermoweb.com/blogs/blog/nutcracker-tradition-blog-tour-focal-and-four-tote

I had so much fun combining these beautiful fabrics with a little Sugar Plum Fairy-inspired shimmer, and I hope this project inspires some holiday sewing of your own. After all, the best time to start Christmas stitching is before the holiday rush begins!

Thank you for stopping by today! If you make your own Focal and Four Tote Bag, I'd love to see it. Until next time, wishing you inspiration, creativity, and plenty of happy sewing!

Nutcracker Tree Skirt Blog Tour: Creative Spin

Greetings, friends! I’m so happy you have stopped by for a visit today. I am excited to share that I am over on the Therm O Web blog with a brand-new Christmas in July tutorial as part of the Nutcracker Tree Skirt Panel Blog Tour. This project features the beautiful Nutcracker Tradition fabric collection by Jennifer Long of Sew A Story for Riley Blake Designs, and I had so much fun giving this tree skirt panel a creative twist!

The Nutcracker Tradition collection is filled with the charm, color, and storybook magic we all love during the holiday season. From classic Christmas colors to whimsical characters and festive details, this collection brings the Nutcracker story to life in such a sweet and nostalgic way. It has that perfect mix of playful and traditional, making it ideal for handmade holiday décor, keepsakes, and gifts.

Nutcracker Traditions Fabric Collection 

Nutcracker Traditions Tree Skirt Panel

For my project, I started with the Nutcracker Tree Skirt Panel, but since I do not have a Christmas tree, I decided to think outside the box. Instead of creating a tree skirt, I transformed the panel into a festive table topper and a collection of coordinating ornaments. The panel artwork is so beautifully detailed that it does much of the design work for you, making these projects look much more involved than they actually are.

For supplies, I used the Nutcracker Tree Skirt Panel, HeatnBond Fusible Fleece and SpraynBond Basting Adhesive Spray from Therm O Web, wool blend felt, baker’s twine, and a few basic sewing tools. I also used scallop pinking shears to create a decorative edge that complements the scalloped details in the panel. These are simple, approachable supplies that come together beautifully for a polished handmade finish.

The HeatnBond Fusible Fleece stabilizes the fabric and keeps the cut edge from excessive fraying, while keeping the table topper padded and soft. The basting spray holds the layers in place for sewing without shifting or gumming up your needle.

The table topper is the star of the project and is a wonderful way to showcase the center portion of the panel. By adding fusible fleece and stitching the panel to wool blend felt with a blanket stitch, the topper has a soft, finished look with just the right amount of structure. The scalloped edge adds a decorative touch and gives the piece a charming vintage-inspired feel.

I love that this table topper can be used in so many ways throughout the holiday season. It would be beautiful on a dining table, entry table, coffee table, sideboard, or even as part of a Christmas dessert display. It is quick enough to finish in an afternoon, but the decorative panel makes it look like a project that took much longer to create.

To see my step-by-step tutorial with color photos, visit:
https://www.thermoweb.com/blogs/blog/nutcracker-tree-skirt-blog-tour-beyond-the-tree

Of course, I could not let all of those adorable Nutcracker character motifs go to waste! The remaining designs around the panel are perfect for ornaments. Each one is created with the same process as the table topper with fusible fleece and wool blend felt, stitched around the edge, and finished with a baker’s twine hanger. They are simple to make, but they have so much personality.

The ornaments are a great way to use every bit of the panel and add extra Nutcracker charm to your holiday decorating. Hang them on a tree, attach them to garlands, tie them onto packages, or display them in a bowl or basket for a festive handmade accent. They also make wonderful little gifts or keepsakes for friends and family.

Step-by-step instructions with color photos are available in the same post as the table topper:
https://www.thermoweb.com/blogs/blog/nutcracker-tree-skirt-blog-tour-beyond-the-tree

I hope this project inspires you to look at fabric panels in a fresh new way. Whether you make the table topper, the ornaments, or both, this tutorial is a fun and easy introduction to machine appliqué and a great way to create something special for the holidays without a long supply list or complicated piecing.

Be sure to visit the Therm O Web blog for the full step-by-step tutorial, supply list, and project photos. I will walk you through the entire process so you can create your own Nutcracker-inspired table topper and coordinating ornaments.

Thank you so much for stopping by today! I hope you enjoy this Christmas in July project and feel inspired to start stitching a little holiday magic of your own. Until next time, happy sewing!

Just For Fun...

Can you believe it is already the last day of May?! - how are the months disappearing so quickly? I hope you enjoyed a nice holiday weekend and (if you are in the US) spent a moment reflecting and remembering those who have died in service to our country.

After being on a business trip for two weeks, my husband (thankfully) returned last Friday and we were able to get the boat out on the water on Saturday. It was a lovely afternoon to be outside...and while my husband managed to catch some fish, I didn't catch any (boo hoo). I am quickly learning that fishing may not be "my thing"...I am not good at relaxing or sitting still (I know, shocker!), so casting a line and just waiting for a fish to bite is almost pure torture for me - I honestly don't know how my husband and his buddies can go on week long fishing trips - a couple hours without seeing a fish and am ready to head home. Now, don't get me wrong, I love being out on the water and taking in nature...I just think I need to bring a good book or some stitching along with me (especially when the fist aren't biting). In any case, it was good to be out of my studio/office and just breathe....

Before I forget, I just have to share this photo I captured of Schatzi curled up on the corner of the sofa - she usually doesn't sit still for long...and if she sees a camera, forget about it...but I came home from the gym while she was sound asleep and I managed to get a photo of the moment...

Let's see - what else has been happening...oh...we purchased a new dining room table and chairs - the first set we have ever picked out (and we have been together almost 20 years) - the others have all been secondhand. This set is counter height (which I love) and the table has two leafs that I removed for our every day living...and one side has a bench instead of two chairs. I was second guessing my choice (mainly the color) when we returned home...but when it was delivered I was thrilled - it worked out perfectly. Here is a photo of the new set-up...followed by a lunch photo (yep, I have been enjoying the table daily!)...

I have been sewing, sewing, sewing, and stitching daily...not much I can show you right now, but some fun things are on the way! Here is an image of what is currently on my table...

I also have to share, that one of my quilt block designs in AccuQuilt's Quilt Block Contest received an honorable mention as one on the top ten blocks this year - WOO HOO! I just found out it was my "Ninja Star" design...which totally surprised me (I had a different block that received quite a few votes and just assumed it was that one). I will be receiving a very fun (and useful!) prize package which includes $50 to spend at AccuQuilt, a free Craftsy class, a plethora of fabric bundles (YAY!!), and a package of batting. My prize hasn't arrived yet, but I'll be sure to post a photo when it gets here. I don't think this particular block got many (if any) consumer votes, but if you did vote for it - THANK YOU! 

Another thing to share - a couple weeks ago, I finally jumped on board with Snapchat...which I really enjoy (almost as much as Instagram) - I think it is because I LOVE taking photos. Anyway, now that I understand how it works, I really need some friends to share with...so, if you are on Snapchat, you will find me as brd_girl (Belinda K N). I share things of more of a personal nature on there (like a fishing video or a picture at the gym or my new haircut or Schatzi running through the hose in the backyard), as well as images in my studio and things I am working on...

Finally, here is an image I took early this morning in my flower garden...it is an evening primrose...which many may consider to be a weed, but the brilliant yellow flowers are quite spectacular...life is truly beauty full!

Let's Talk Turkey

Lately I have been crushing on Dresden Plate quilt blocks and projects...both pointed and rounded versions...there is something so vintage about them, yet they can be made to look completely modern, simply by changing the fabric and the layout. I love seeing plate designs worked in bright, cheerful, modern prints...however, today I am sharing a unique twist with you using lovely autumn batiks! This is one of my newest design creations for AccuQuilt - a set of GO! Let's Talk Turkey Placemats...don't they just make you smile?? These placemats are designed around using half of a Dresden Plate block for the fan of the turkey...and I had so much fun creating them!

All of the pieces/shapes were cut with my AccuQuilt GO! Big Fabric Cutter using the following six dies:

• GO! Dresden Plates (55071)
• GO! Holiday Accessories (55321)
• GO! Big Square-10" (9-1/2" Finished) (55451)
• GO! Strip Cutter-1-1/2" (1" Finished (55024 or 55164)
• GO! Strip Cutter-2-1/2" (2" Finished) (55017 or 55014) (binding)
• GO! Strip Cutter-4-1/2" (4" Finished) (55053)

...and I used gorgeous fabrics from Island Batik - don't they work perfectly for these Thanksgiving placemats?!

The fan, body, and neck/head of the turkey are all cut from the GO! Dresden Plates (55071) die...and I used the GO! Holiday Accessories (55321) die to cut the feet and beak. I cut teeny tiny fabric circles for the eyes, but you could hand stitch French Knots...or use tiny buttons...or use a specialty machine stitch - I think tiny buttons would be extra cute (but may not work well if you use them for placemats - your plate may tilt a bit). I used a blanket stitch with transparent thread to machine appliqué all the shapes in place.

I thought using these turkeys on a table runner would be fabulous, as well...maybe one turkey on each end with simple patchwork in between...hmmm - another idea for my "spare time"...

If you would like to try making a set of GO! Let's Talk Turkey Placemats, you can find the pattern FREE for a limited time on the AccuQuilt website...simply visit:
http://www.accuquilt.com/shop/go-let-s-talk-turkey-placemats-pattern.html

If you are new to Dresden Plate designs, this is a great way to get started! I hope you will try this pattern out...and if you do, please be sure to share your turkey project photos with me...

Check back soon for more seasonal ideas...I have more fun things to share...

Halloween Hang-ups

I promised I would be back with photos of my freestanding lace Halloween ornaments...and here they are...aren't they fabulous?!! I have been having so much fun working on these machine embroidered ornaments - and this is just a small selection...there are 20 different ornaments in this digitized Halloween Lace collection by Anita Goodesign (this is an older and harder to find collection from 2007) and I have been working on them in an assortment of colors. If you read my blog yesterday, then you know these are done on an embroidery machine...using digitized designs, the machine embroiders the ornaments on water-soluble stabilizer - once the design is completely stitched, you put it in water and the stabilizer dissolves, leaving you with a beautiful piece of lace made completely of embroidery thread. These spooktacular ornaments are larger in size most measuring over 4" x 4" and would be perfect for decorating a Halloween tree, wreath, or garland...and they look fabulous hanging in a window with light shining through them! If you happen to have an embroidery machine, I hope you will try making some of these detailed decorations yourself...but for those of you who would like purchase some that are ready to hang, I have a good assortment listed in my Etsy shop...

These ornaments stay looking great for years and can be pressed with a hot iron and/or starched at any time to keep them sturdy and flat.

I can't wait to start decorating our home for Halloween/autumn - I need to get my seasonal cross stitch designs exchanged...and some of these spooky ornaments will definitely make my ornament tree stand out! Do you decorate you home for the seasons?? - I would love to hear some of your fall/autumn decorating ideas...

Oh...one more thing...for my dear friends and students who know the "bat story", yes, there is a bat ornament! :-)