Christmas Mug Rugs 2012

Three Kings Mug Rug

Well it is here - Christmas is upon us with all the joy, wrapping, baking, sharing, laughing and fun that it brings.

I have just had one unexpected gift so far this year but I was ready as I always keep a few Mistletoe mug rugs wrapped up underneath the tree so I was able to reciprocate immediately (from my Christmas Mug Rug pattern book).  

Even a small coaster using part of a pattern makes a lovely gift.
(Here I have used the Mistletoe mug rug pattern.))

Normally I would be rushing around (well if the traffic would let me rush) frantically thinking, spending, queuing for a reciprocating gift - but not this year.   This year I am economizing using whatever fabric I have to hand to make personal gifts for friends and family.

I tailor the gift to the recipient.
Here I have made the Music mug rug from my Hobby and

I tailor the mug rug or gift to the recipient - it makes the hand-made token even more special and is always greatly appreciated.  The Music mug rug above is for a friend who is a keen piano player. (You can find this pattern in my Hobby & Fun mug rug book - also available from Amazon.)

Snowman mug rug.

So, if you still need a couple of last minute gifts, pop over to my Etsy shop, download a pattern and create something seasonal using whatever scraps you have to hand  They are quick and easy to put together and what is more, you might find yourself unwinding from the hustle-and-bustle of the season with the whir of the sewing machine and the rhythm of the stitches.

HAVE A

VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS

and

A HAPPY, FUN-AND-FABRIC FILLED

NEW YEAR

xxxxxxx

Two wise birds

Summer Bird House Mug Rug Pattern

I am often asked how I find the ideas for my mug rugs.  Some just come to me and I make them straight away (Summer Birdhouse Mug Rug is one such pattern).  

Others take hold a little more slowly and that is exactly what happened with my Two Owls Mug Rug from my Animal and Pets Mug Rug pattern book (also available in paperback via Amazon).

Two Owls Mug Rug

 

I was driving home from work through a beautiful little village, called Southwick (pronounced Suth-ick), one dusk at the beginning of summer when a large bird flew across my car and up into the bough of a tree a short way ahead. 

(picture courtesy of the Barn Owl Trust)

It was my first encounter that year with an owl and it made quite an impression.  So much so that I search the boughs at the edge of the village when I drive through though I never have not seen the bird again. 
 
The next encounter came whilst I was in the Lake District this summer.   It was here that I picked up a packet of paper handkerchiefs which were adorned with owls. 

I didn’t think much of it until four months later when I was strolling down the greetings card aisle looking for a Thanksgiving Card (not a hope in England!).  A card caught my eye – two owls perched on a branch looking at one another. And then further along I spotted a little handbag diary decorated with owls. 

It was then that I remembered the owl tissue and then the bird on the bough of the tree.  Too many hints to ignore so I got to work to create a whimsical mug rug that is suitable for grown-ups and children alike.   I hope you like the end result as much as I do.

 

Across The Pond Sew Along - Week 2

I should entitle this post, week 2, 3 and 4 'coz I've finished the Anita Vacation bag.  I didn't mean to - it was just so easy.  The pattern looked quite long upon first glance but I soon realised that was due to the awesome tutorial style which in turn makes it a breeze to put together.  I sat down on Friday morning intending to cut out, do the base of the bag and the handles only.  Well, the cutting out took no time at all due to the clear instructions and the outside of the tote went together in minutes - including the pleat. 

I just kept on going and by lunch-time I was the proud owner of this beautiful tote bag - complete with inside zip pocket and inner divided pocket to take mobile phone, notepad and pens. 

I knew I was onto a winner with the handles - they were so easy to do yet look so professional.  Amy recommended a 'jeans' needle but I used an ordinary no. 12 machine needle - the one that was in my machine (I'm a lazy so-and-so).  It worked a treat.  Amy also recommended another two lines of stitching on the handles but I stuck with just three - the handles looked so good I was worried I might ruin them - can you believe that - me ruin something - NEVER (ahem!!).

This is only my third bag I've ever made and I think it is fair to say it is the only tote I will ever make again.  The simplicity of doing the bottom corners, the handles and the zip pocket made it so quick.  Even the side pleats matched up and I wasn't concentrating on those.  I took my bag out on Sunday, for coffee and cake, to celebrate and I received two comments on it in the coffee shop. 

So what can I say?  Across The Pond sew-along for the month of November - completed - in a morning.  I would like to say it was down to my incredible sewing skills ..... but I'd be lying.

I am devising the next pattern - a lovely placemat and napkin set.  The pattern will be ready for the 1st of December so you can make them in time for Christmas.  I am hoping it won't take anymore time to complete than Amy's wonderful pattern - but I can't guarantee it - I haven't made it yet.  This is just a little taster - it may end up in the placemat - it may not ..... as I say, I haven't made the pattern yet!

Sew can't stop and chat - got work to do.