Chinese New Year of the Rabbit

 

The Patchsmith's Black Water Rabbit Mug Rug

For many the New Year celebrations are behind us.  For others they are about to begin with the Chinese New Year of the rabbit – the black water rabbit to be precise.    And I have just the thing to help you celebrate:

a FREE ‘Chinese Good Fortune’ applique template

You can use this template alongside my Bunny Hop mug rug pattern.  Alternatively, you could create a coaster using just the Chinese Good Fortune templates.

The Patchsmith's Bunny Hop Mug Rug Pattern

If you wish to create your own Black Water Rabbit mug rug you will need my Bunny Hop mug rug pattern.  Follow the instructions in the pattern to applique one black rabbit, the circle and the ‘Good Fortune’ pieces from the FREE Chinese Good Fortune templates onto your mug rug background.

You could create a water background using strips of fabric

If however, you wish to create a smaller coaster using just the Good Fortune template, you can find instructions on quick-fuse applique HERE.

I added two waves from my Swimmer pattern to the background but much of it is covered by the applique.

I  recommend using felt for the calligraphy templates as they are small and a little fiddly. I would also recommend reading through my article on Quick Fuse Applique for hints and tips.  

Felt hides a multitude of sins

Use a small pair of sharp scissors for cutting out the shapes and, if your cutting isn’t very neat, consider securing the pieces using a blanket stitch, either by hand or machine.  This will hide many imperfections.  If your cutting is smooth however, you can use a simple straight stitch on top of the applique shapes to secure them to your mug rug/coaster.

This version is also included in my Bunny Hop Mug Rug Pattern

Which just leaves me to wish you all a 

VERY HAPPY 2023

FULL OF FUN, FABRIC AND GOOD FORTUNE

Whales and Flying Geese

Sometimes it just takes a little addition to turn a mug rug into a slightly bigger mini quilt.  Here I have  added a rainbow of flying geese to the Whales mug rug pattern from my Animal and Pets pattern book.

The Whales Mug Rug pattern is also available from Etsy.

But these aren't just any flying geese - these are 3D Flying Geese which are super easy and super quick to make.

A rainbow of flying geese.

The 3D flying geese block requires only one seam and because of this, it is really easy to match up the geese without sewing off the point.  There is a very good You Tube tutorial  showing how to make them but here is a basic run-through of the process for those who prefer a paper copy (click HERE for a PDF print out): 

3D FLYING GEESE BLOCK

(makes one goose measuring 2½” x 1½” raw/2” x 1” sewn in)

Cut one goose rectangle measuring 2½” x 1½”.

Cut two background squares measuring 1½”. 
 
Fold the goose rectangle in half with wrong sides together.  Finger press (do not press with an iron). 

You will now layer the goose between the two background squares as follows:

Lay one background square right side facing up.  Lay the folded goose rectangle on top with the raw edges lined up with the top of the background square as shown. 

Note the folded goose block is slightly shorter than the background square so you should have ¼” excess background square showing at the bottom. 

Next place the other background square on top of the goose, right side facing down so that it overlaps the bottom background square completely. 

In effect, you have a goose sandwich!

You stitch the unit together down one side of the sandwich as shown. 

Open up the sandwich so that the goose lies evenly on the front of the two background squares and press. 

Hey presto – one flying goose (measuring 2½” x 1½”). 

You can batch make a whole gaggle of flying geese using this method and when you come to stitch them together you will be able to see clearly where the tip of the goose is so there is no risk of losing your points!

So there you have it.  You can make the geese any size you like – fat, thin, long, short.  Play around and have fun.  But here are some measurements to get you started:

 
Finished
Goose            Cutting Sizes

2” x 1”             Cut one 2½” x 1½” goose and two 1½” background squares

4” x 2”             Cut one 4½” x 2½” goose and two 2½” background squares

5” x 2½”          Cut one 5½” x 3” goose and two 3” background squares 

6” x 3”             Cut one 6½” x 3½” goose and two 3½” background squares

 

Try it out and turn a little bit of fabric fun into a row of your own flying geese.  Or do as I have done and  add a row to any mug rug pattern of your choosing.  

Until next time .....

Patchsmith Animal and Pet and other mug rugs books on Etsy and Amazon

Animal and Pet Mug Rugs (PDF) via ETSY

One of my aims when I started as The Patchsmith ten years ago was to price my patterns to be affordable to all.  And my pattern books do just that.   I currently have seven mug rug pattern books which are available in PDF format from my ETSY store for immediate download and they are also available in paperback format via Amazon. 

Each mug rug pattern book contains ten stand-alone patterns which you can use to create fun and functional mini quilts to gift or to keep.

 

All 10 patterns are included in the Animal and Pet pattern book

But, if you only want one or two patterns from one of my pattern books it is worth checking in my ETSY store to see if I have them listed individually - there are always a few patterns that I sell individually especially for those who only want one or two.

Every book includes details of binding, fabric choice and applique methods so that you have all the information you need in one handy book.

Available in PDF form via ETSY

Also available in paperback format from AMAZON

I am currently working on my eighth mug rug pattern book which I hope to publish in a month or two.  But until then I thought I would show you the contents of some of the books over the next few weeks so you can see exactly what fun you can have with any one of these collections.

So until then ......

Ten Years as The Patchsmith

Early Bird Mug Rug 

It is ten years since I first became the Patchsmith.  Ten years since I first encountered a mug rug.   Up until that point I wasn’t really sure what a mug rug was – they are still relatively unknown here in England where we tend to use coasters.  I loved the fact that mug rugs are bigger than a coaster and therefore, they have enough room for both a cuppa and a piece of cake – afternoon tea should always include cake! 

Enough room for Tea and Cake

Since those early days, my love of mug rugs has never waned.  I love designing them, making them, the versatility and frugality of them.  I just love everything about them.

So many mug rugs - so much fun.

To celebrate The Patchsmith’s 10 year anniversary I have designed a new pattern, the Early Bird Mug Rug, which is based on my very first mug rug sketch from my 2012 journal.  

A sweet little Early Bird.

It is a great little pattern that allows you to use up those small scraps of fabric to create a functional and fun mug rug to gift or to keep.  

You can add hand-stitching if you wish .....

Early Bird Stitching Detail (optional)

or one or two (very) little baby birds 

An Early Bluebird version

or you can make it up in your favourite holiday fabrics

A Christmas Early Bird 

Whatever fabrics you choose, this pattern is sure to be one that you will return to time and time again. 

As an extra special bonus this pattern will be set at a reduced price for the rest of this month.

*** EARLY BIRD MUG RUG PATTERN ***  

Until next time .......

The Patchsmith's Scottie Dog Mug Rug

Now available as a single pattern

Many of my patterns are sold in book collections in PDF format via Etsy or in paperback format via Amazon.  

Ten fun animal patterns in one handy book

However, I also sell many patterns singularly, including one or two that are included in a book.  With this in mind I have re-released an old favourite today as a single PDF pattern – The Patchsmith’s Scottie Dog Mug Rug.

Original Scottie Dog Mug Rug created in 2013 

This is a great pattern for beginning mug rug makers.  It won’t matter if your patchwork seams don’t meet – it will still look good. 

Felt is a great fabric choice for new mug rug makers

You can also use felt for the Scottie dogs making it super easy to sew by hand or machine (although you can use fabric if your prefer).

And a mug rug is an excellent project for the beginner and experienced quilt maker alike, as you can use whatever fabrics you have to hand.  Try new combinations to see if they work before embarking on a larger pattern.  Or make a mug rug to co-ordinate with your room.

Try new fabric combos whilst creating a functional mug rug

So join with me to create a world that is full of fabric, fun and friends.

Until next time …..

Quick Fuse Applique

Night Owls Mug Rug

This week I thought I might cover some hints and tips for quick fuse applique.
(Note:  To see the stitching close up on any of the mug rugs pictured just click on the mug rug - this will take you through to my Etsy shop where you can scroll over the picture to bring it more into focus.)

What is quick fuse applique?   It is a method of fusing fabric to fabric using a fusible webbing.  You may know fusible webbing as ‘bondaweb’, ‘wonder under’, ‘steam-a-seam’, ‘Vilene Vleisofix’ - it is all generally the same format - paper with double sided fusible webbing attached.  It allows you to fix shapes of fabric onto a background as shown in the Bunny Hop mug rug below.

Bunny Hop Mug Rug

How is it used?  One side of the fusible webbing is paper and the other side is an adhesive webbing.  You trace a design onto the paper side, cut it out roughly then fuse it onto the WRONG SIDE of your chosen fabric according to the manufacturer’s instructions (normally with a warm iron).  This will fuse the webbing to the fabric.  You then cut out the shape accurately, peel off the tracing paper and position the shape onto the RIGHT SIDE of your mug rug before fusing it in place.  Details of how to applique via this method are included with every Patchsmith pattern.

Storage of fusible webbing.   Some people like to cut sheets of fusible webbing (10"-12” square is a good size) and store the fusible webbing flat, in a bag.  Others like to store it on a roll which is how I store mine.  Whatever you do you should try not to fold it as this may make the webbing separate from the paper.  Whichever method you use it is also a good idea to pop a little silicone sachet (the type that come in handbags or shoes) into the drawer or bag in which it is stored because any moisture in the air can make the webbing separate.

Positioning applique shapes.  Take your time when positioning your applique shapes onto your mug rug prior to fusing.  I always have the applique sheet on the ironing board as I fuse the pieces onto the mug rug - this is how I constructed the Hive on the Side mug rug.

Fun Mug Rug Patterns

If you do make a mistake it is sometimes possible to gently pull the webbing shape off and reapply it but this will depend very much of the fabric used.  You will only be able to do this once though as the webbing will lose its adhesiveness.  Also when laying your shapes out on the mug rug remember to take into account the ¼” border and ensure all shapes are at least ¼” from all edges of the mug rug (unless the pattern states otherwise).    For example, with the Early Bird mug rug below - if you apply the little birds (optional) you will want to position them closer to the tree to allow for the ¼” border on the right-hand side.  

Early Bird Mug Rug pattern

Stitching the applique shapes in place.   With quick fuse applique the fabric is fused in place so the purpose of your stitching should be to secure the fabric to enable it to be laundered without separating.  You can stitch by hand or machine – both give differing looks to the shapes as mentioned previously HERE.   The choice is totally up to you.  I use both methods – sometimes in the same mug rug as in Moonlit Cat mug rug shown below (the fish bones were hand stitched whilst the cat and moon were machine stitched).  I find machine stitching subtle but I also like the rustic look of hand stitching. 

Moonlit Cat Mug Rug

When hand stitching the most common stitch used is the blanket stitch but you could also use a straight stitch, cross stitch or a simple running stitch.  The main thing is that you stitch close to the edge to stop the fabric fraying and to hold it in place.  You should be aware however, of the impact the stitching will have on your mug rug.

Tip:  When stitching small pieces or felt pieces use only one strand of cotton rather than the usual two strands.  This will minimise the impact of the stitching.  In Black and White Cats I did not want the stitching on the mouse or the fish to stand out too much so only one strand was used. 

The size of stitch you use will also impact the overall look.  A small stitch appears neat and modern whilst a larger stitch can appear rustic and country.  In all honesty you most probably have a natural stitch length which will become evident once you start appliqueing. 

Valentine hearts mug rug pattern

Finally the colour of the thread you use can be influential.  Nowhere is this more evident than in Valentine Hearts where the gingham heart has contrasting stitching whilst the stitching blends in perfectly on the solid red heart.  Many embroidery cottons come in a matt or sheen look and you will have to decide if you want your stitching to co-ordinate and blend or contrast and become a stitching feature.  Both have their appeal.   On the Christmas Delivery mug rug below I have co-ordinated the thread with the robin redbreast but contrasted the thread on the envelope.  This has given definition to the envelope whilst the robin needs no such enhancement.

Christmas Delivery Mug Rug

Tip:  If you do not have access to embroidery cotton you can get away with using two strands of sewing cotton.  This will secure the applique in place and in many cases you will not be able to tell the difference.

This all sounds like a lot of decision making but once you start stitching you will find you make these choices naturally and you will discover your quick fuse applique style.  Remember that sewing, quilting and embroidery should be fun, productive and satisfying so do not worry if your stitching isn’t always even or the cotton doesn't blend perfectly.  Do the best you can, learn along the way and have as much fun as possible. 

That's it for this week’s hints and tips.  Next week I will cover the etiquette of participating in a mug rug swap. 

Sew until next time ...... 

Paws for Thought

Country Cat Mug Rug Pattern

Have you ever wondered where ideas come from? We are all made up of the same molecules and atoms yet we regard our thoughts as uniquely ours.  However, how often have you thought of something only to find that somebody else has thought of it too almost at the same time?  Yes – me also. 

Patchwork Cow Mug Rug (includes block patterns)

For instance, when I made my Pumpkin Patch mug rug I thought it would be a good pattern to redesign slightly to make into an apples patchwork square ..... and low-and-behold Bee-in-my-Bonnet came up with a row of apples in her recent sew-a-row-quilt (and she did it so much better than I could’ve done with apple cores included).  

Sew-a-Row Apples courtesy of Bee In my Bonnet

It is often through several of us having similar ideas that a trend starts.  And it is one of the things I love about the quilting community - we share ideas, knowledge, hints and tips.  It has always been that way with stitchers and quilters - it is woven into the heritage of quilting.  One of the lovely things about the Across the Pond Sew-Along is the way we are sharing sources of free patterns and making them up together.  It is the modern version of the traditional quilting bee.  Why not jump aboard - there is no commitment.  Check out the latest project made by the members at the Flickr group here - you will also find a chat thread for this month's project.

 

Talking of ideas, sometimes I find they just present themselves to me as I am going about my daily routine, as in the Cats mug rug ...........

City version of my Cats mug rug from 
The Patchsmith's Animal & Pets mug rug pattern book.

There are two black-and-white cats in my neighbourhood – one old and cunning (he lives next door) and the other young and speedy (he lives over the back fence).   A couple of weeks ago as I approached the river on my daily walk, I saw the older cat had caught a mouse which was lying motionless on the grassy bank beside the cat.   The younger cat had obviously spied this and thought now would be a good time to challenge the older cat, especially with such a tasty reward if he pulled it off.   Backs arched, hissing and wailing ensued and the old cat fluffed up his body making him appear twice his normal size.  It was a dreadful din - enough to rouse the little field mouse who must have just been stunned, for he too scurried away into the undergrowth.   I have to say, the older cat didn’t seem very bothered at losing his treat – either that or he was just too old and tired to chase after it, for he lay down on the grass in the winter sun as I walked on by. 

Some cats like mice and some like fish!

And from all this commotion the cat design for my Animal & Pets mug rug pattern book was born.  It comes with two options - you can choose cats who like mice or cats who like fish.   Of course you could include a river with fish and then put mice on either side of the river and then the two cats – but then we are talking more a storyboard than a mug rug!  But hey, if that idea grabs you – then go for it.  (The pattern book is also available in paperback from Amazon.)

Until next time - and, in the meantime, if somebody creates something that you had an idea to do why not let them know what a great idea it was and how well it turned out - after all, if you shared the thought then why not share the praise.