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.
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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.
