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!

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! 🍓🌸🍒🧵

Blissful Bloom Fabric Bowl Tutorial

Greetings, friends!

I’m so happy you’re here to read all about my monthly Therm O Web tutorial project—I’m excited to share a fresh, flower-inspired summer design with you today! With the 4th of July just around the corner, I’ve been reaching for those classic red, white, blue, and green tones—such a timeless palette for celebrating the season while adding a soft, handmade touch to your home décor.

If you enjoy projects that are both beautiful and functional, you’re going to love sewing up my Blissful Bloom Fabric Bowl. This is a relaxed, beginner-friendly project that comes together with a wonderfully forgiving technique—so there’s no need to worry about perfection. Whether you’re just starting your sewing journey or looking for a fun, stress-free make, this is a project you can truly enjoy from start to finish.

One of my favorite things about my Blissful Bloom Fabric Bowl is how easy it is to personalize. Simply change up your fabric choices to create a completely different look. Go with a patriotic theme for the holiday, soft florals for summer, or pull from your stash to design something uniquely yours. These medium-sized bowls are also incredibly versatile—perfect for holding yarn or sewing supplies, organizing lotions or makeup, displaying guest towels, or even serving up a few snacks for a festive gathering.

You can find the full step-by-step tutorial (plus printable templates) over on the Therm O Web blog:

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

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

To make your own Blissful Bloom Fabric Bowl, gather the following:

• Bliss for Jelly Rolls 100% Cotton Batting (NEW from Therm O Web!)
• 6 jelly roll strips (or 2.5" x width of fabric strips)
• SpraynBond Basting Adhesive Spray
• SpraynBond Pattern & Stencil Spray
• HeatnBond Fabric Fuse Liquid Adhesive
• Wool felt for the flower and optional leaves
• A button for the flower center
• A Clover Fabric Tube Maker is extremely helpful, but not required
• Basic sewing tools (machine, thread, Wonder Clips, scissors, etc.)

🌼 Featuring a New Favorite from Therm O Web

This project was such a joy to create, especially because I got to work with some fantastic Therm O Web products—most notably the NEW Bliss 100% Cotton Batting for Jelly Rolls. It pairs perfectly with pre-cut strips, making the prep process simple and enjoyable (no need to cut batting!), and it gives the finished bowl a soft yet structured feel that holds its shape beautifully. The NEW Bliss for Jelly Rolls comes in both 2.25" and 2.5"—and it comes in 25 yard or 50 yard rolls.

Combined with SpraynBond adhesives and HeatnBond Fabric Fuse, these products make each step smoother—from holding layers in place while sewing to easily attaching the sweet flower embellishment. I always love when the right products and tools take the guesswork out of the process and let the creativity shine!

I hope this Blissful Bloom Fabric Bowl tutorial inspires you to carve out a little creative time for yourself this summer. Whether you’re decorating for the 4th of July, organizing your space, or simply enjoying a relaxing sewing session, this project is a lovely way to celebrate the season with something handmade.

Be sure to head over to the Therm O Web blog for the complete tutorial, and if you make one, I would absolutely love to see it! Feel free to share your version and tag me so I can admire your beautiful work.

Wishing you a joyful, creative summer—and a happy 4th of July filled with sunshine, stitching, and a little bit of Bliss! 

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.