Saturday 21 March 2015

Easter Mug Rug

Easter is just around the corner and the Patchsmith is ready. 
Easter Mug Rug
This year I have added the new Easter Mug Rug design to my Craftsy pattern store.  It is the perfect resting place for an Easter egg and a coffee cup - or in my case both - at the same time!
Yellow Bow and Button
This seasonal design is shown with a button at the center of the bow and I thought I would just take the opportunity to chat about buttons and trim.
When adding ribbon, felt, rick-rack or any other trim to a mug rug it is important to make sure it can be laundered.  Mug rugs are notorious for catching spills and drops of tea and coffee so it is important they can be washed and dried. 
Primitive Pumpkin Mug Rug
And when it comes to buttons - never use a shank button – it will unsteady your cup.  It is essential that a cup can rest on a mug rug safely so try to use a flat button.  If your button isn’t very flat you can use a thicker batting to enable the button to sink into the quilting.   But, if in doubt, leave the button off.  Replace it with a circle of fabric or felt or add stitching detail instead.  
Easter Cross Mug Rug with Stitching Detail
This is especially true if making a mug rug for an elderly relative or young child – they need a steady place for their cup.
Easter Mug Rug
Of course, if you are making a mug rug as a little piece of fabric art to hang on the wall then it doesn't matter and you can take your pick from any or all of your buttons and trim!

11 comments:

  1. Hello Amanda! Love your Easter mug rugs and some very useful information about buttons! :) x

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  2. Thank you, Amanda, for the great information about the buttons, batting and ribbon! I always wondered about the wisdom of using a button on a mug rug as it would make the cup sit a bit wonky--great advice!
    Love the Easter mug rugs :)

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    1. I use fluffy batting if I add a button and it seems to work just fine. But if in doubt, leave the button off - a good pattern should still work well without buttons or trim.

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  3. What a very sweet mug rug pattern Amanda! I will keep all your great tips in mind when I sew mug rugs too!

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    1. Thank you Lara. And remember, you can email me if I can help further. One of the things I like most about the quilting community is the way we help one another and share our experiences.

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  4. Your Easter egg and bunny mug rug is so very sweet! (And, it makes me hungry for chocolate! )
    ~Susie

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    1. Thank you Susie. I love coffee and chocolate together!

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  5. Replies
    1. Thank you Melody - I just can't help myself!!

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