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! 💥✨

Snuggle Up with Holiday Mug Rugs

Greetings, friends—and happy Thursday before Christmas! I hope this post finds you feeling joyful, surrounded by kindness, and ready to embrace the holiday spirit.

Today, I’m excited to share a pair of festive mug rugs I created for the Poppie Cotton Christmas Countdown. Each week, Poppie Cotton has been inspiring us with cozy, quilty ideas to make the season bright: starting with Festive Table Settings, then Deck the Halls décor, and now this week’s theme—Snuggle Up!

When the winter chill sets in, there’s nothing better than curling up in your favorite stitching spot with a warm drink, a sweet treat, and a cozy project. For the Poppie Cotton “Snuggle Up” Christmas Countdown, I created two adorable mug rugs that bring a touch of handmade charm to your holiday sipping and stitching!

These cheerful designs feature Poppie Cotton’s Rosy Cheeks collection (with a dash of Country Confetti and Jailhouse Stripes) and are perfect for adding festive flair to your fireside moments. Whether you’re enjoying hot cocoa topped with marshmallows or sharing a smile with a snowman, these mug rugs will make your holiday season extra warm and inviting.

Ready to see some details and make your own? Let’s dive in!

Materials:

• Fabrics: Rosy Cheeks collection by Lori Woods for Poppie Cotton, along with Country Confetti and Jailhouse Stripes 
• HeatnBond Lite, Fusible Fleece, and Medium Weight Non-Woven Fusible Interfacing from Therm O Web
• 1/4" Buttons
• Heart Button
• Graphite Sequins
• 5/8" Pink Rick Rack

Mug Rug #1: Cup of Hot Cocoa

• Adapted from my own pattern “Sweet Snacks Mug Rug” 
• Pattern available in my Etsy Shop:
  https://blueribbondesigns.etsy.com/listing/1656427148
• Added ¼" buttons for marshmallows.
• Patchwork and machine appliqué construction.
• Replaced the original heart appliqué with a small pine tree for a winter vibe.
  
  

Mug Rug #2: Snowman

• Adapted from my Winter Mug Rug Tutorial for Benzie Design 
• Pattern, templates, and tutorial available on the Benzie Design Blog: https://www.benziedesign.com/blogs/tutorials/winter-mug-rug
• Used all Poppie Cotton fabrics instead of wool felt.
• Added pink rick rack around the perimeter for extra charm.
• Embellished with ¼" buttons, one heart-shaped button, and small sequins for eyes.
• Hand-stitched the snowman’s mouth for a cozy, handmade finish.
  
  

These cheerful mug rugs were created especially for the Snuggle Up theme—ideal for holiday sipping and stitching! 

Now it’s your turn to snuggle up and stitch! These little mug rugs are quick, fun, and perfect for adding a handmade touch to your holiday season. Gather your favorite Poppie Cotton fabrics, a few cheerful embellishments, and create something cozy for your coffee, cocoa, or tea moments.

Whether you make one for yourself or whip up a few as gifts, these projects are sure to bring warmth and joy to your home. So pour a cup of something delicious, turn on your favorite holiday tunes, and let the stitching magic begin!

Wishing you a season filled with creativity, comfort, and festive cheer—may your days be merry, bright, and full of handmade happiness!

Winter Mug Rug

Greetings, friends!

It’s Benzie Design tutorial day, so get excited for a winter project that’s as cozy as it is creative! ❄️✨

Cool temperatures are here (at least they are in Kansas City!), and I’m so excited to share a project that brings warmth and cheer to your home—the Winter Mug Rug! Imagine a steaming mug of cocoa, a sweet treat, and a handmade piece that feels like a little slice of winter magic. This design is all about cozy vibes, shimmering accents, and a touch of holiday sparkle.

I created this tutorial exclusively for Benzie Design, and it’s perfect for a snow-day craft or a relaxing weekend make. Whether you’re stitching by hand or machine, this project is beginner-friendly and full of creative possibilities. Pair your finished snack mat with a cute mug and goodies for a heartfelt gift that will brighten someone’s snowy day!

👉 Find the full tutorial on Benzie Design’s website: https://www.benziedesign.com/blogs/tutorials/winter-mug-rug

Supplies You’ll Need (contains affiliate links that help me keep this blog ad-free):

These can all be found found on the Benzie Design website:

• Iridescent Metallic Felt
• Bellwether Pure Wool Felt Sheets (Tellina, Cerulean, Ecru, Conifer, Black, Rhubarb, Amethyst, Hazelnut, Clementine)
• Peltex Single-Sided Fusible Interfacing 
• DMC Floss 310 
• Invisible Polyester Thread (Sulky) 
• Freezer Paper 
• Sequins (Iridescent Aquamarine, Metallic Graphite)
• Tacky Glue
• Glossy Accents (Sequin Glue)
• Embroidery Needles
• 5” Non-stick Titanium Scissors
• Scallop Shears (10mm)
• Coordinating Threads (for hand or machine)

Optional but handy: Oliso M3Pro Project Iron, sewing machine, tweezers, and a paintbrush.

This project is all about embracing the season—think frosty sparkle, cozy textures, and festive colors. So grab your favorite winter drink, gather your supplies, and let’s make something magical together!

Ready to start? Click here to get the full tutorial on the Benzie Design website:
https://www.benziedesign.com/blogs/tutorials/winter-mug-rug

No matter your skill level, this project is for you! Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned stitcher, the Winter Mug Rug is a wonderful way to play with color, texture, and sparkle. Don’t be afraid to experiment—mix and match felt shades, try new stitches, and add extra embellishments to make it uniquely yours. Every creative choice adds personality and charm, so have fun and let your imagination shine! ❄️✨

Halloween Sweet Snacks Mug Rug

Greetings friends! I wanted to stop by today with a little Halloween fun. It has been a bit hectic here since I returned from traveling abroad, but I will be back to share about my trip very soon (it was an amazing journey). I have been playing catch-up since arriving home, but managed to make a little time for Halloween sewing. I needed a little "play time" in my sewing studio, so I took my "Sweet Snacks Mug Rug" pattern and adapted it for Halloween, using scraps of fabric from Sweet Tooth by Elea Lutz for Poppie Cotton. 

I followed the pattern, but decided to remove the heart and steam stitches and add a ghost as the "steam." The ghost was free-form cut without a template and is not a part of the pattern. I applied HeatnBond Fusible Interfacing to the back of a piece of white fabric (this helps to keep the background fabric from showing through - I wanted it to look like steam, so a little background showing through is good, but I wanted my ghost nice and white). Next, I fused HeatnBond Lite Adhesive to the back (I used a piece leftover from the sheet I printed the teacup templates on). I then used a pencil to draw a free-form ghost and cut it out. After machine appliquéing the pieces in place, I hand stitched the ghost eyes and mouth, using French knots for the eyes and straight stitches for the mouth. I was super happy with the results! 

My Sweet Snacks Mug Rug pattern is perfect for seasonal sewing and gifts...is beginner friendly...and is great for using up scraps. I can't wait to make some in holiday prints - I am thinking of adding a gingerbread cookie!

Digital Pattern: https://blueribbondesigns.etsy.com/listing/1656427148

Paper Pattern: https://blueribbondesigns.etsy.com/listing/1656421646

You can find a video tutorial reel on my Instagram page, with a longer version on my YouTube channel. You can also find a list of the project products I used in in my Amazon Shop: https://amzn.to/4f7Vycx (note: as an Amazon Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases - thank you for visiting!).

For all sorts of creative Halloween finishes, visit my Instagram page (https://www.instagram.com/brdgirl/), where I have been sharing images and videos all month long!

Sweet Sips Mug Rug - A Complimentary Pattern

Greetings creative friends - thank you for joining me during the 12 Days of Valentines with Poppie Cotton. Poppie Cotton and friends are celebrating Valentine's Day with 12 free projects to create, use, and love. Today, I am sharing my brand new complimentary design, titled "Sweet Sips Mug Rug." This snack mat is the perfect afternoon project and can be used all year long...and bonus, it also makes the sweetest heartfelt gift.

This 10.5" x 7" mug rug has a simple foundation pieced heart, combined with traditional patchwork. It is a great project for beginners and those wanting to try out a simple foundation-pieced project (basic foundation piecing knowledge is required). I used scraps/small pieces of fabric (the largest piece is the 11" x 7.5" backing) and lovely hand-dyed rick rack from Lady Dot Creates to embellish this small quilting project. The fabric snippets I used are from the Promise Me fabric collection by Michal Marko for Poppie Cotton (and a wee bit of Country Confetti for the heart background), but this love-filled design would work well with just about any fabric you have on hand! I used a StitchnSew EZ Print Quilt Block Sheet (my favorite foundation "paper" for piecing) and HeatnBond Fusible Fleece.

You can find the free printable PDF pattern here:

https://blueribbondesigns.com/free-charts/

I kindly ask you do not post the actual pattern on the Internet/social media or on Pinterest - instead, post a photo of the finished piece and/or direct users to this post or my website.

I hope this free pattern will entice you to take a look at my design catalog and my Etsy shop and check out my sewing and quilting patterns. This complimentary design complements my latest quilt pattern release titled "Sweet Snacks Mug Rug"...don't they look great together?! If you would like to create the appliqué tea cup snack mat, the pattern for my "Sweet Snacks Mug Rug" is available in my Etsy shop.

I hope my Sweet Sips Mug Rug pattern will inspire you to create for Valentine's Day and/or the loved ones in your life. To gather all the patterns from the 12 Days of Valentines with Poppie Cotton, visit the Poppie Cotton blog daily through February 14th. A new post with details will be uploaded daily.

If you create a Sweet Sips Mug Rug, be sure to post a photo and tag me on social media - I would love to see your version! 💗

Sweet Snacks Mug Rug - NEW Pattern

Greetings friends - happy Friday! I am back today with a brand new quilt pattern release. Truth be told, I had a completely different plan for this pattern, but sometimes things don't work out as envisioned. So, in true Belinda fashion, I quickly changed course and decided to finish this pattern and make it available in my Etsy shop.

“Sweet Snacks Mug Rug" is machine appliqué, along with traditional piecing and assembly. It measures 10" x 7" and works perfectly for a snack mat. The pattern contains basic machine appliqué instructions, appliqué templates, and comprehensive/detailed instructions with color diagrams... and is super quick and easy to create. This 8-page pattern is designed to use scraps and small pieces of fabric...or would work great with your favorite fabric collection. The largest piece of fabric needed is for the backing (10.5" x 7.5"). This project is great for beginners or those wanting to dabble in appliqué....and is perfect for seasonal sewing and gift giving!

The cover model was created with scraps from the Prairie Sisters Homestead collection by Lori Woods for Poppie Cotton along with a small piece of Country Confetti (also from Poppie Cotton) for the appliqué background. It uses HeatnBond Lite Iron-On Adhesive (paper backed fusible web) and HeatnBond Fusible Fleece (you could use batting, but fusible fleece makes it easier). I have also created one in winter/Christmas fabrics - this one has "cocoa" in the teacup with 1/4" buttons representing marshmallows.😊

Paper Pattern: https://blueribbondesigns.etsy.com/listing/1656421646

Digital Pattern: https://blueribbondesigns.etsy.com/listing/1656427148

This mug rug brings a smile to my face, as I have it on my desk daily (the winter one is on a side table in my sewing room)...and I can envision it created with several other seasonal fabrics (I better get busy!). I hope you will spend a little time in your sewing space making a "Sweet Snacks" mug mat that fits your personality and decor.

For now, I am back to my design table and sewing studio...plus I have a new cross stitch model in the works in my stitching nest. Be sure to stop back on February 4th, for a very special Valentine treat!! 💖

In The Zone

It is another late night post for me...I had the most productive day!  Those finishing orders I was telling you about yesterday are well underway...and oh my goodness, there are some GORGEOUS photos coming in the next few days! I have some very talented clientele and I am honored that they trust me to finish their work. I started with a couple of the most challenging pieces this morning and it took me some time to decide my plan of attack, but once I got started, I was on a roll and the day flew by...and now, it is almost midnight here...

As I mentioned in my previous post, I managed to accomplish quite a bit in my sewing studio over the last few weeks...lots of custom sewing, model stitching, gifts, and new Etsy items...and quite a bit of design work. Here are just a few of my recent sewing/quilting finishes...and I have more creative things in store to show you soon (there are six large projects I can't show you just yet)...

So, there is just a touch of what has been happening in the studio...I'll have a bunch of additional creative inspiration for you soon!