Mug Rug Addict

It all started approximately six weeks ago with the Zakka Style sew along mug rug.  Up until this point I hadn't come across a mug rug - I asked around at work and people thought it was just another name for a coaster.  In fact they are larger than a coaster and people swap mug rugs across the seas!  Well the Zakka Style sew along mug rug turned out lovely and I really enjoyed making it. 

Then, when I posted about it on my blog I was invited to swap with a lovely lady, eamylove in the United States of America.   Of course I jumped at the chance and received not one, but two mug rugs in the post. 

I made my second mug rug and sent it across the Atlantic to Amy. 

At this stage I am totally unaware of the addiction which is coursing through my veins.  The addiction was about to take a stronger hold as I started a sew-along at work and suggested we make a mug rug each whilst deciding which book we should follow.  I explained to the group what a mug rug was (there is a need for a mug rug awareness group here in England) and I took in the two beauties Amy sent me and my Zakka project. 

Then, this Monday whilst at my sister's house, I designed and made my third mug rug for the swap at work.  It was loosely based on Patchwork Pottery's tea cup purse and gave me a chance to practise my free-style quilting (still needs a bit of work). 

Well, my sister, being my sister and wanting everything I make (but she can't have EVERYTHING!!) wanted one exactly the same for herself.  So I made her one - it isn't exactly the same (obviously) - the fabrics are different.

My sister was thrilled and thought she would attempt to design a mug rug of her own which is a bit like trying to run before you can even sit up, let alone crawl, seeing she didn't know what a mug rug was two hours earlier!  Needless to say, she fell at the first hurdle and got disheartened.  So I looked on-line for an easy tutorial that would turn out good every time.  I found a Dresden mug rug tutorial by Ryan Walsh and, aside from the border measurements being incorrect, my sister completed a vibrant mug rug of her own.

What a success.  Of course, I made a mug rug alongside her to assist and help her.  (Note here that I'm not denying my addiction as there is nothing to deny - I am NOT addicted!)

My sister then embarked on another - can you see the frenzied look in her face - no that isn't concentration - it is compulsive madness with no withdrawal patch in sight. 

Of course, I had to make another to help her along and to make sure she was not getting ahead of me herself.

My fifth mug rug is partially bordered because the girls at work want to see how to mitre their binding (see the Mug Rug Basics tab above for a tutorial on how to do this).    Maybe I should make another using strip binding - mmmmmm - now that is a jolly good idea me thinks.

But before I do, there is just enough time for me to stand up and say "my name is Amanda and I am a mug rug addict - I have only been an addict for under a month but I cannot stop.  Worse than all of this though, I have peddled my addiction onto my sister!"