Friday, 18 April 2014

Mug Rug Starter Fabric

Before I show the Wishes block for April I just wanted to share this wonderful layer cake that arrived from the Fat Quarter shop recently.

http://www.fatquartershop.com/butter-pecan-10-squares
Butter Pecan 10" layer cake
It is called Butter Pecan by Whistler Studios for Windham Fabrics.  As soon as I saw it I knew it was the perfect starter pack for new mug rug makers.  Every single block is 10” which is ideal for a mug rug with some left over for scraps and applique.  The colours vary from pale lemon through to darker taupe but each and every fabric will work well as background fabric for any mug rug.

I also ordered some charm packs at the same time - these are a great way of increasing your fabric stash without spending too much money.  Some of the most versatile are the Kona ‘cotton solids’ from Moda.  I particularly like the Sunrise selection for spring:

http://www.fatquartershop.com/sunrise-kona-cotton-solids-charm-pack
Kona Solids 'Sunrise' Charm Pack
Whilst the Neutrals pack comes in handy for owls, goats and hedgehogs:

http://www.fatquartershop.com/new-neutral-kona-cotton-solids-charm-pack
Kona 'Neutrals' Charm Pack

But enough of fabric (can you ever have enough of fabric?) and onto block four of the Wishes Quilt Along.  This block is called “Broken Dishes” and it was a lovely easy make.  I cut my squares 4½” to make the half-square triangles (slightly larger than the pattern stated) and then trimmed them to size.  I used a scant ¼” seam and the finished block is a generous 14½”.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/79143602@N04/13922870644/
Wishes 'Broken Dishes' Block
I am loving this sew-along – it is so quick and easy.  And the blocks are huge.  One block a month is the perfect timescale for me – relaxed enough to be enjoyable yet productive enough that I will have enough for a quilt in a year.

Oooh-er ..... I am beginning to sound like an advert for the Fat Quarter shop as the Wishes sew-along is also organised by them.  But rest assured - I am not affiliated to them in any way - I just love their products.

Sew until Monday when I hope to have the next two blocks completed for the Patchiqué quilt ......

5 comments:

  1. This Broken Dishes block is SEW PRETTY!! I love these colors and the fabrics you are using!! And just look at those perfect points!! This is going to be a beautiful quilt.
    I like what you have shared with us for "basics" in the stash! Sometimes I pick too many fabrics within a line, and don't have some universal basics to use for small projects, like a mug rug!
    I also have to say that the Fat Quarter Shop is pretty awesome with their selections and service!

    Susie

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  2. Now why didn't I ever think of that...what a brilliant idea for backgrounds! I love the way many of your patterns could use either a pieced background or a single piece, if you're in a hurry. Can't wait to see your finished Wishes quilt, too...it is really taking form and looks lovely.

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  3. Butter Pecan is BEAUTIFUL! Love your Broken Dishes - now I need to make some!!

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  4. Thanks for the tip on the usefulness of such a bundle for mug rugs! I would never have thought of it, but when you point it out, it seems so obvious! Thank you!

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  5. I must tell you that I have enjoyed very much to make the mug rug with the fox. My two pieces turned out so cute. You could find my posting about it here
    http://hillvalleyquilter.blogspot.se/2014/04/lite-ravaktigt-fran-mig-foxy-things.html. I must make some coasters too. Thank you for the great pattern

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