Two Owls and Winter Early Bird Mug Rug Patterns

In January 2013 Michele at the Quilting Gallery organized the Quilting Gallery's Mug Rug Swap. Everybody who joined in made two mug rugs - the Two Owls and the Winter Bird.  So I thought I would share some hints and tips when making these fun mug rug patterns. 

Both mug rug patterns are quick and easy - both allow plenty of variation through the use of the fabrics that you choose.   Let us look at the Two Owls mug rug pattern first (this pattern is also included in my Animal & Pets pattern book).

Two Owls Mug Rug

I made this mug rug in both a night-time and a day-time colour scheme.  The night-time version is hand sewn whilst the day-time version is machine stitched.  Both use the quick-fuse appliqué method.  If you look at the owl wings on both versions you will see the difference between hand and machine applique.

 

The machine stitched pieces look sharper (above left) whilst the hand stitched pieces (above right) look bigger and softer.  Hand stitching tends to be more prominent whilst machine stitching can be less obtrusive.  I used a short zigzag machine stitch for the day-time version whilst the hand stitched mug rug was completed using two strands of embroidery cotton and a simple blanket stitch.   Both methods have their advantages but I would recommend that you use the method you are most comfortable with.

One feature I particularly like to use is to make the appliqué pieces stand slightly proud creating an almost 3D effect.  This is achieved by quilting very close around each appliqué piece.  It actually distorts the shape of the branch making it rounded and more like a branch.  It is very subtle and does not interfere with the use of the mug rug.  I like the look it creates and it is a process I use often. 

The day-time mug rug is not quilted at all to give it a smoother, sleeker look which just goes to show that you do not have to quilt to create a stunning mini quilt. 

The eyes and beak are made of felt which is really easy to work with and the black pupils on the eyes were created using a straight stitch which was overstitched in the same place a couple of times.  This worked a treat but for all those embroidery wizards amongst you a French knot would give a similar effect. 

Finally I bound the night-time version in the same fabric as the background to continue the night-time look whilst the day-time version was bound using a scrappy border.  Both were bordered using the mitred border method (see Mug Rug Basics above for details).

The Winter Bird design combines a simple patchwork block with quick-fuse appliqué to create a stunning little mug rug.   

The Patchsmith's Early Bird Mug Rug pattern in Christmas colours

The robin is constructed using a very simple method whereby the redbreast and body are stitched before cutting out the bird shape.  Details are provided in the pattern together with full colour diagrams.  Try it – you will be surprised at how easy it is.  

The Winter Bird mug rug was bound using a single fold binding (shown on left above) - details of which can be found in Mug Rug Basics.   This colourful mug rug isn’t just for winter though - the pattern includes two other version so you can create an all-year-round mug rug.  

If you are participating in a mug rug swap (or any swap for that matter) be sure to check out my guidelines on swap etiquette to make sure everything goes smoothly.

And don't forget to check out the many fun and functional mug rug patterns in my Etsy store.    You can also find many of my patterns in paperback book format on Amazon (see the sidebars for links and details).  Until next time.....