Celebration Candles Quilt-As-You-Go (QAYG) Mug Rug

Sometimes it can seem that there isn’t enough time to make handmade gifts or to decorate your table with quilted mats.  But this is not the case. 

Inspired by Washi tape cards, the Celebration Candles mug rug uses a Quilt-As-You-Go method whereby you quilt the mug rug at the same time as stitching the candles together.  It is super-quick and super-easy.

It also means you can hide your ends before adding the backing (no sewing in of those dratted quilting threads).

The flames and wicks shine brightly whether hand or machine stitched.

And sometimes they shine brighter on a dark night-time background....

So, no matter how busy you might be, there is always time to add a touch of brightness to your table with the Celebration Candles Mug Rug pattern.

Patchwork Sew/Quilt Along - Block 1

I try and make a block every day which allows me to join in many of the sew-alongs happening in internet-land.  There are many reasons why you should join a sew-along but that is another blog for a different day.  For now I want to share with you one sew-along that I think is great for beginner and experienced quilters.

The Fat Quarter Shop's Patchwork quilt-along is free to join (although a small donation to their chosen charity is always welcome).  The blocks are scrap happy so you can use your stash and they are simple to piece.  A new pattern is released every month and you can find all the details, together with the pattern for Block 1 HERE.

Although I join in the sew-alongs, I seldom make full size quilts as I will not use all of them.  I tend to make smaller items and for the Patchwork sew-along I have decided to create an autumnal table runner and topper using two of each months' blocks.
  

Block 1 'Souvenir of Friendship' is quick to put together and very easy - especially if you press all seams towards the darker fabric so nesting seams is quick.

(Note:  I pressed the last long four seams open to help the block lay flat.)

So why not jump right in - as I say you do not have to make a full-size quilt - there are a lot of other options.  

Until next time ..........

The Patchsmith's Spinning Churn Dash Block

Are you ready for a little spinning?  
The 6" Spinning Churn Dash is one of 50 patterns from my Sampler Quilt Block pattern book available via Amazon.

The book is a mixture of patchwork and applique 6" blocks which come together beautifully to create a wonderful Sampler Quilt.

So what are you waiting for - grab the book, grab those fabric scraps and play.

2017 - The Year of the Rooster

2017 is the Chinese Year of the Rooster so it is only fitting that my first mug rug of the year should be in celebration of the cheerful rooster.

The Patchsmith Rooster mug rug blends simple patchwork with quick and easy appliqué and, like all Patchsmith patterns, it costs little more than a candy bar.   (The pattern is available from my Etsy shop.) 

So join with the Patchsmith and make 2017 a year to crow about.

HAPPY NEW YEAR