One Block Mug Rugs

There’s a new book in town that will turn ANY 6” patchwork, embroidery or applique block into a fun and functional mug rug – it is the One Block Mug Rugs pattern book. 

If you can afford just one mug rug pattern book then this is the book to buy.  It contains ten sidebar designs that will go with any 6” block of your choosing.

And, to get you started it also comes with easy instructions for the seven 6” blocks featured in the book.

But you don’t have to stop there – how about turning The Splendid Sampler bonus blocks (free for a limited time) into mug rug gifts .....

The Column Sidebar added to The Splendid Sampler Flip Flop Block

Scallop Sidebars added to The Splendid Sampler Matthews Block

The Splendid Sampler Derby Day Hat gets a Heart filled Sidebar.

or you could turn any one of the thousands of free patterns available on the web into a useful mug rug mini quilt.

This bee block looks perfect buzzing between the Bee Hive Sidebars

The options are endless with this versatile pattern book.  Especially as the One Block Mug Rugs book is only $9.99 and available for immediate download from my Etsy Store .

It is also available in paperback format via Amazon.  

So join with me and find out just how much fun mug rug making can be.  

The Splendid Sampler blocks 45, 46 and 47

The Splendid Sampler Block 47 Cheat!

Lets get bang up-to-date with my Splendid Sampler blocks:

Block 45 – ‘Sewing Nut’ by Frances Newcombe.  

This 6” block contains a lot of little applique pieces but it is doable - just take your time.  I placed the printed pattern under my background fabric.  I also patched the forest floor using four 2” scrap squares.

The Splendid Sampler Block 45 - Sewing Nuts

Block 46 – ‘Twirl Time’.  I love when a patchwork block comes along in The Splendid Sampler – it is refreshing to have a quick block.  So it was with this lovely block by Sarah J.  Sarah made her block from 20 different fabrics whereas I chose three and a background.

The Splendid Sampler Block 46 - Twirl Time

Block 47 – ‘Circle of Love’ by Geta Grama.  I cheated with this block by using page 3 of the pattern and cutting the template as one piece (see photo at top of this blog).  This does not change the look of the pattern – it just makes it easier to position.   Alyssa Thomas has a very good Block 47 Youtube video showing exactly how to do this.  I also added a 3” circle behind the center flower to add an extra pop of colour.  It shows through very slightly but this won’t show once it is quilted.

The Splendid Sampler Block 47 - Circle of Love

So there we have it.  Tomorrow there will be a new block but I am working on a few special projects using the bonus blocks so be sure to come back soon to see how that turns out.  If you want to see all The Splendid Sampler blocks I have made to date you can find them on my Pinterest Splendid Sampler (Patchsmith Style) board or click on any of the photos.

Until next time ......... 

The Splendid Sampler Blocks 39 to 44

Two weeks have passed since I last posted and The Splendid Sampler blocks are appearing thick and fast.  So let us catch up on another six blocks:

Block 39 – ‘Balls in the Air’ by Aylin Ozturk.  This paper-pieced pattern is pretty to look at but it is not a block I would want to remake.  I think it would be much easier as a quick-fuse applique block.

The Splendid Sampler Block 39 - Balls in the Air

Block 40 – ‘Flights of Friendship’ by Me and My Sister. Sometimes I just crave a little patchwork and it felt time on The Splendid Sampler journey for a patchwork block.

The Splendid Sampler Block 40 - Flights of Friendship

Block 41 – ‘Sew South’ by Jennifer Mathis.  An old fashioned EPP Granny Flower but this one is top-stitched in place – so much easier. 

The Splendid Sampler Block 41 - Sew South

Block 42 – ‘Pencils’  by Jane Davidson.   I part patched and part paper-pieced this beautiful block.

The Splendid Sampler Block 42 - Pencils

  

Block 43 – ‘Pincushion Love’  by Pat Sloan.   I thi nk my strawberry pin-cushion looks more like a  big fat tomato but this was a quick and easy applique block.  (Those two little buttons were kindly given to me a long time ago in a needlecase swap.) 

The Splendid Sampler Block 43 - Pincushion Love

Block 44 – ‘Stitch in the Garden’ by Gail Pan.   Who doesn't love to stitch in the garden? And who doesn't love Gail Pan's beautiful stitchery patterns.  I am less stitchery and more applique so I added some fabric touches.

The Splendid Sampler Block 44 - Stitch in the Garden

I am really loving The Splendid Sampler journey.   It makes a nice respite from pattern designing.  Be sure to come back soon for the most recent blocks and keep an eye out for some bonus blocks too.

Until then ......... 

The Splendid Sampler Blocks 35, 36, 37 and 38

I have decided to make three bed-runners from the Splendid Sampler blocks rather than one large quilt - one to keep and two to gift.  The following four blocks will sparkle on the bottom of my bed.

Block 35 – ‘The Wishful Garden’ by Kristyne Czepuryk.  I chose a pretty floral fabric in keeping with this block's name.  The pattern used hand embroidery on the cross sections but I decided gingham ribbon was much more me, not to mention much simpler.  

The Splendid Sampler block no. 35 - The Wishful Garden

Block 36 – ‘Inchy Hexagon Club’ by Jane Davidson.  This block is actually made up of 3/8” hexagons which made is hard on the hands and the eyes.  This was the first English Paper-Pieced block of this sew-along so I was a little disappointed to find it made up of such small pieces.  According to the chat in the Facebook group and on-line – the size of the hexies put many people off attempting this block.  I have a little experience of paper-piecing so was happy to give it a go but it is not a block I will make again.

The Splendid Sampler block no. 36 - Inchy Hexagon Club

Block 37 – ‘Dashing for Chocolate’ by Laura Flynn.  Hooray – a good old-fashioned Churn Dash block.  Just what was needed after block 36. 

The Splendid Sampler block no. 37 - Dashing by Chocolate

Block 38 – ‘Vintage Flower Basket’ by Pam Kitty Morning.    I love applique so I really enjoyed making this block - I even added centers to the flowers.

The Splendid Sampler block no. 38 - Vintage Flower Basket

I have another three blocks to show you but more about those next time........