Bluebells & Buttercups Fabric Tour: Sweet Stitches

Greetings, friends!

I’m so happy to be joining the Bluebells & Buttercups Fabric Tour featuring the newest collection from Elea Lutz for Poppie Cotton. If you've followed Elea's fabric lines over the years, you already know how beautifully she combines sweet vintage-inspired motifs with fresh, cheerful color palettes. This collection is no exception. Bluebells & Buttercups includes 18 coordinating prints filled with floral bouquets, ribbons, berries, cherries, charming little birds, and other whimsical details that feel as though they've stepped straight from a treasured storybook.

The collection offers a lovely range of coordinating colors and prints that make mixing and matching effortless. Whether you're creating quilts, bags, home décor, or small sewing accessories, the fabrics work together beautifully and provide endless opportunities for playful patchwork and creative embellishment. You can view the entire collection on the Poppie Cotton website here: https://poppiecotton.com/pages/bluebells-and-buttercups.

For my stop on the tour, I couldn't resist making several smaller projects that highlight the sweetness and versatility of the collection.

🌸Mini Medi Tote Bag

My first project is a Mini Medi Tote Bag, one of my own designs available in my Etsy shop:

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

This pocketed patchwork tote measures approximately 12.5" wide x 12" high x 3" deep, with a 5.5" handle drop. I had so much fun combining ALL of the Bluebells & Buttercups prints to create the patchwork exterior. One of my favorite things about this tote is how an entire collection of fabrics can be showcased in a single project.  The smaller-scale prints really shine in the patchwork, while the coordinating Country Confetti fabric provides the perfect finishing touch for the lining and handles.

🍒Cherry Project Bag

Next up is a Cherry Project Bag, measuring approximately 12" wide x 10" high.

This little bag features patchwork piecing accented with miniature rick rack and a wool felt cherry embellishment. To add an extra handmade touch, I used pink baker's twine for the zipper pull. The bag is both lined and backed with Country Confetti, which complements the collection perfectly and provides a nice visual contrast to the feature fabrics.

The cherry-themed fabrics inspired this project from the start, and the wool felt embellishment was the perfect finishing detail. I didn't use a specific pattern for this bag, just creativity.

🍓Blissful Bloom Fabric Bowls

I also created two fabric bowls using my Blissful Bloom Fabric Bowl Tutorial, which is available free on the Therm O Web website:

https://www.thermoweb.com/blogs/blog/blissful-bloom-fabric-bowl-featuring-bliss-batting

For these versions, I decided to give the original design a Bluebells & Buttercups twist. Instead of the wool felt flowers featured in the tutorial, I created wool felt strawberries and cherries to coordinate with the fabrics (of course, as always, I used my favorite Wool Blend Felt from Benzie Design).

For the strawberry bowl, I embellished the flowers using ¼" buttons and a seed bead in the centers, adding even more texture and dimension. These little bowls are perfect for organizing sewing notions while also adding a cheerful decorative touch to the sewing room.

🍅Tomato Pincushions

No sewing-themed fabric collection would be complete without a few pincushions! 

I made several tomato pincushions, using my own method rather than a formal pattern. The hand stitching was completed with DMC pearl cotton, which adds beautiful texture and detail. The tomatoes are stuffed with fiberfill, while the attached berries are filled with emery sand to help keep pins sharp.

Wool felt was used for both the tomato leaves and berry caps, creating a classic look that pairs perfectly with the vintage charm of the collection.

These may be small projects, but they are such a delightful way to showcase favorite fabric prints.

🧵Covered Tape Measures

My final projects are several covered retractable tape measures.

I used standard round 60-inch retractable measuring tapes and covered them using fabrics from the collection. These quick projects are both practical and fun, making them perfect gifts for sewing friends or charming additions to a sewing basket.

The smaller prints in Bluebells & Buttercups work especially well for projects like these because every side reveals a tiny glimpse of the collection's sweet details.

Let me know in the comments if you would be interested in a tutorial on how to cover a round retractable measuring tape...

🌷Final Thoughts

Bluebells & Buttercups captures everything I love about an Elea Lutz collection—sweet motifs, beautiful coordinating prints, and plenty of opportunities for adding handmade details. From bags and bowls to pincushions and sewing accessories, every project was a joy to create.

I especially enjoyed incorporating wool felt embellishments (my signature), trims, and hand stitching alongside these fabrics. The collection lends itself beautifully to projects that celebrate traditional sewing techniques and thoughtful handmade touches.

Thank you so much for visiting my stop on the Bluebells & Buttercups Fabric Tour. Be sure to visit the other talented makers participating in the tour for even more inspiration, and don't forget to take a look at the full collection from Poppie Cotton—it's shipping to quilt shops this month. I can't wait to see what everyone creates with these delightful fabrics!

Happy sewing! 🍓🌸🍒🧵

Smitten Chicken: Feathers, Florals & Fabric Fun

Greetings, friends! Welcome to my stop on the Smitten Chicken Fabric Tour!

The Smitten Chicken fabric collection by Lori Woods for Poppie Cotton has such a lighthearted, countryside feel—it’s the kind of collection that instantly makes you smile. With its playful mix of florals, ginghams, and the sweetest little chickens sprinkled throughout, it’s full of charm. The color palette of reds, pinks, aquas, and crisp whites feels fresh and inviting, and it was the perfect jumping-off point for my projects.

This collection truly sparks creativity, blending a classic look with a touch of whimsy. It made it easy to play and explore as I worked. Whether you’re drawn to the charming chicken prints or the pretty coordinating patterns, everything mixes together effortlessly. I found myself moving from one project to the next, letting ideas develop naturally (no patterns) while still keeping a cohesive look across each piece.

Working through a fabric collection like this is so satisfying, especially when creativity leads the way. Instead of following a set plan, I spent time in the studio pulling prints, mixing textures and embellishments, and letting each project evolve naturally. It’s one of my favorite ways to create, and this time it resulted in a sweet group of coordinating pieces, each with its own unique personality.

What ties them all together, of course, are those special details I love so much—hand-dyed rick rack, bits of wool felt, and a touch of hand stitching here and there. These small elements add texture and charm, and they’re what really make each piece feel finished, thoughtful, and personal.

A 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!

Posh Petal Pillows

These 12" square porch pillows were such a fun starting point. I created reimagined Dresden Plate quilt blocks—loosely inspired by the traditional block, but with a more relaxed, creative approach. Each center is accented with wool felt flowers, hand stitching, and coordinating buttons (Cute Little Buttons from Lori Holt) for a soft, dimensional look. I used HeatnBond Lite for the appliqué and HeatnBond Fusible Fleece to give my pillows structure—AND, I used PeelnStick Basting Tape a magical new product from Therm O Web to attach the rick rack on all of my projects.

Hand-dyed rick rack from Lady Dot Creates frames the perimeter, adding just the right amount of detail and movement, while the envelope backs are made with classic Jailhouse Stripes for a clean, tailored finish. These came together entirely without a pattern—just a bit of inspiration and a willingness to experiment.

Pretty Patchwork Pinboard

This project grew out of a simple need for a pretty and practical place to keep notes and inspiration. I had a vision in mind and decided to bring it to life, starting with a traditional corkboard and transforming it into a functional piece of patchwork art.

The front features diagonally pieced blocks using a variety of prints from the collection, creating a diamond-style layout that feels both dynamic and balanced. I padded the patchwork with HeatnBond Fusible Fleece and wrapped it over the existing board, keeping the original frame, and added hand-dyed rick rack over the seams for added texture and detail. Coordinating decorative thumb tacks are placed at each intersection, securing everything in place while allowing photos and notes to be tucked neatly underneath. Like the pillows, this piece came together organically—no pattern, just a creative solution to a need.

Berry Blossom Pincushion

This sweet pincushion might be small, but it’s full of charming details. One half features Smitten Chicken White fabric, while the other highlights a hand-stitched wool felt strawberry.

Hand-dyed rick rack trims both the center seam and the outer edge, tying it in with the other projects. The strawberry blossom is accented with a petite ¼" button, and a bow made from baker’s twine and cording adds a final touch of texture. I used HeatnBond Fusible Fleece and Poly-Fil Fiber Fill for construction. Of course, I couldn’t resist finishing it off with a few decorative pins from (my favorite) Puntini Puntini. It’s a simple project, but one that really celebrates the joy of slow, thoughtful making.

Chicken Charm Zippered Pouch

Last, but definitely not least, is this zippered pouch with a boxed bottom—perfect for holding sewing supplies or everyday essentials. Measuring 11" x 5½" x 3", it’s just the right size for tossing into a larger bag or keeping close at hand in the studio.

The front combines Petits Fours Red and Check-a-Roo Pink prints, separated with hand-dyed rick rack for a bit of texture and dimension. I added a petite wool felt Dresden plate appliqué, with a carefully fussy-cut chicken from the Smitten Chicken White print at its center—such a fun little focal point. The back is Ric Rac White fabric, and a bright red zipper with a coordinating zipper pull finishes it off. As always, I used HeatnBond Lite for the appliqué and HeatnBond Fusible Fleece during construction. Like everything else in this collection, it was created without a pattern—just an idea that evolved as I worked.

Smitten Chicken Summary

Creating this group of projects was such a good reminder that not everything needs to start with a plan. Sometimes the best ideas come from simply spending time in your space, working with materials you love, and letting things take shape naturally.

I love how these pieces coordinate without being overly matched—they feel connected through color, texture, and detail, but each one stands on its own. It’s a collection that feels both cohesive and creative, and that’s always the goal.

Smitten Chicken is shipping to quilt shops this month, so be sure to visit your favorite LQS or online shop to find this flirty, farm-style fabric collection.

Thanks so much for spending a little time with me—I hope this inspires you to pull out your favorite fabrics and make something just for the joy of it.

Stars, Stripes, and Snacks with Therm O Web

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!

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!

• Bliss 100% Cotton Batting
• 1 — 11” W x 7 ½” H
• HeatnBond VersaCraft Firm Non-Woven Fusible Interfacing
• 1 — 10 ½” W x 7” H
• PeelnStick Basting Tape Double-Sided Adhesive 1/8 in
• HeatnBond Lite Quilter's Edge Iron-On Adhesive Tape, 1/4 in
• HeatnBond Lite EZ-Print Iron-On Adhesive Sheet or HeatnBond Lite Iron-On Adhesive 
• Cotton Fabric — Scraps/Various Strips of Red, White and B
  (Model uses Branded by Sweetwater for Moda)
• 8 — 7” x 2” Strips (or a Variety of Strip Sizes to cover Batting)
• 1 —  10 ½” W x 7” H (Backing)
• Various scraps 3” to 5” Squares for Star Appliqués
• ½” Rick Rack in a Coordinating Color (Model uses ½" Hand-Dyed Rick Rack from Lady Dot Creates)

• 1 Yard

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

To find the free tutorial, visit:

https://www.thermoweb.com/blogs/blog/stars-stripes-and-snacks-new-heatnbond-products

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! 💥✨

Le Petit Escargot Fabric Tour

Bonjour, friends! I’m so excited to welcome you to the Le Petit Escargot Fabric Tour—a delightful celebration of fabric, creativity, and the beauty of slowing down to savor each stitch. This charming collection is designed by Lori Woods for Poppie Cotton and is shipping to quilt shops this month, making it the perfect time to gather inspiration and start planning your next project.

Take a leisurely stroll through a dreamy garden with Le Petit Escargot, a soft and playful fabric collection filled with a charming mix of florals, patterns, and curious little snails. With its gentle color palette and storybook feel, this line captures the quiet magic of slow, simple moments. It’s perfectly suited for quilts, fun handmade projects, nursery décor, and anyone who appreciates a sweet, whimsical aesthetic. Le Petit Escargot is a lovely reminder to pause, create, and enjoy the process—one stitch at a time.

Today, I’m sharing three projects that highlight the versatility and charm of this beautiful fabric collection.

Project One: Daisy Zippered Pouch

For my first project, I created a Daisy Zippered Pouch, a cheerful patchwork zippered pouch that showcases most of the fabric prints from the Le Petit Escargot collection. This project was a true creative experiment—I didn’t use a pattern, instead designing it myself and letting the pouch come together organically as I worked.

The pouch features a boxed bottom, giving it a roomy interior that’s both practical and stylish. Finished, it measures 9.5″ W x 8.5″ H x 3″ D, making it perfect for holding sewing supplies, travel essentials, or everyday odds and ends.

To add a sweet handmade touch, I embellished the pouch with a wool felt daisy made using wool blend felt from Benzie Design, accented with pearl beads in the center for extra texture and charm. One of my favorite details is the zipper pull—I repurposed Poppie Cotton packaging ribbon, giving it new life and adding a subtle, thoughtful accent that ties the project back to the fabric collection.

✨ Why it works: Patchwork allowed me to play with the full range of Le Petit Escargot prints, while an intuitive, pattern‑free design and handcrafted embellishments make this pouch feel truly one of a kind.

Project Two: Flower Basket Journal Cover

For project two, I once again let creativity lead the way—no pattern involved, just inspiration and a love for playful details guiding the process. The Flower Basket Journal Cover began with a foundation‑pieced basket block, using Country Confetti as the background fabric to give the design a soft, whimsical base.

Once the basket block was complete, I appliquéd it to the front of the journal cover using HeatnBond Lite Iron-On Adhesive from Therm O Web, securing it with a decorative stitch that adds both texture and visual interest. To bring the basket to life, I filled it with a bouquet of wool felt flowers, created from wool blend felt from Benzie Design. Every leaf and flower was hand‑stitched in place, making this project especially relaxing and rewarding to work on. For the finishing touch, I added tiny buttons for the flower centers, giving the design a bit of charm and dimension. The journal cover fits a standard composition notebook, making it perfect for sketching, journaling, and everyday note‑taking. A vintage button and elastic closure keeps everything neatly wrapped up.

The finished journal cover measures approximately 7.5″ wide x 10″ high x 1″ deep, and it’s a lovely example of how Le Petit Escargot fabrics pair beautifully with wool felt and hand‑stitched details.

✨ Why it works: The soft, storybook feel of Le Petit Escargot blends effortlessly with hand appliqué and wool felt, creating a journal cover that feels both cozy and creative.

Project Three: Happy Day Quilt

My Happy Day Quilt was the very first project I created with Le Petit Escargot, and it became the heart of my stop on this fabric tour. Once again, there was no pattern and no plan—just time spent playing in my studio and letting creativity take the lead. In fact, the Daisy Zippered Pouch and Flower Basket Journal Cover were both inspired by this quilt’s design, pulling elements and motifs directly from it.

The quilt finishes at 24″ x 24″ and is made using 6″ blocks, each one a mix of foundation piecing and machine appliqué. To add depth, texture, and personality, I embellished the blocks with wool felt, buttons, beads, baker’s twine, and plenty of hand stitching. The backing and binding are both Country Confetti, tying the whole piece together with a soft, cheerful finish.

The wool appliqué blocks feature a collection of happy, playful motifs—including a strawberry, a rainbow, bunting, a teacup, a flower basket, and a daisy. Each block was designed to feel lighthearted and joyful, making the quilt a celebration of simple pleasures and creative freedom.

This quilt truly came together through exploration rather than expectation. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most meaningful projects are the ones created without rules—just fabric, time, and a willingness to see where the process leads.

✨ Why it works: Le Petit Escargot’s gentle colors and storybook charm make it ideal for playful appliqué, layered textures, and heartfelt embellishment—perfect for a quilt that’s meant to make you smile.

Le Petit Escargot by Lori Woods for Poppie Cotton is a collection that truly invites you to slow down and savor the creative process. With its soft florals, playful motifs, and gentle storybook charm, it’s a joy to stitch with—whether you’re quilting, crafting small projects, or creating something meaningful for your home. This collection is shipping to quilt shops this month, so be sure to keep an eye out for it at your favorite local shop.

I’d love to know—what would you make with Le Petit Escargot? A quilt, a journal cover, a sweet handmade gift? If this collection inspires you to create, I hope you’ll share your makes on social media and tag me so I can see what you’re stitching. There’s nothing I love more than seeing how the same fabrics spark different stories in each maker’s hands. Happy sewing—and don’t forget to slow down and enjoy every stitch 🐌✨