Wednesday, October 18, 2017

"Winter Games" Blog Hop

I was super-excited to get to work with Amanda Murphy's fabric line "Meadow Dance" last month (heard in her newsletter today that it is sold out and being reprinted!) and then... to get to work with her next line, 'Winter Games' in my new favourite Christmas colours?  Over the moon!

Isn't that such a perfect winter print? There was no question that that was one I'd pick for using in my mug rug. Mittens with strings, how I always wanted a pair, thought it was so cool that you could just let them dangle, and even toques, which, as I said on Sew In Love With Fabric blog, rhymes with 'Luke' and is Canadian for a woolen hat just like those on the fabric.

Here is what I made:

The technique used will yield two mug rugs,  that you can whip up in a few hours. I like that!

First of all, I got the idea for the mug rug from the cover of Amanda's book, Modern Holiday. I've wanted to make that quilt for EVER. This book turned me onto fresh Christmas colours.

I've made free-form cut triangles before, along with several other shapes, thanks to Karla Alexander's Stack a New Deck book, so I figured I could do this without any paper-piecing or templates.
So let the games begin, shall we?

Leaning Tree Mug Rugs

Yield: 2 mug rugs 6.5" x 9.5"

Fabric Requirements
8 fat quarters in coordinating colours, or scraps, but note that the scraps need to be about 8.5" square for the large tree block.


Mini Trees
1. Cut four rectangles approximately 4.5" wide by 3.5" tall.
**Note that you will make four tree parts at once by stacking these four squares and making two slices with your rotary cutter. If that worries you, then you may do two trees at a time, but you will need to keep the partners together since this is freely cut without templates.

2. Place your ruler at a tree angle you like and slice through all four layers at once.
**Don't make these angles too sharp, or you will not have enough fabric to square to 3.5" in the end.

3. Now make a second slice to form the tree shape. Be sure to allow at least a 1/2" from the side edges.

4. Take the top tree and place it on the bottom of the tree stack. This shuffles the fabrics.

Piecing
1. First sew the left side of the tree to the background. Note that things won't line up perfectly; trim the extra bit of fabric as shown below, so you have a straight edge. Press to the background.

2. Now sew the background piece to the right side of the tree. Press to the background. Trim the bottom edge straight. Square this unit to approximately 3" tall by 3.5" wide.
**Tip: ensure you have 0.5" or more about the tree top. Make four.


3. Sew a 1" x 1.25" rectangle of tree trunk fabric between two 1.25" x 1.75" rectangles of background fabric. Press to the background fabric. Make four. You now have this:
Note that the tree section wasn't trimmed when I took this photo.
4. Sew the trunk unit to the tree unit. Press the seam open or to one side. Square the mini tree blocks to 3.5". Set aside.

Large trees
1. Cut a 7.5" x 6" rectangle of background fabric and the same of tree fabric. Place the tree fabric atop the background having the 7.5" width at the lower edge. Cut a tree triangle shape as you did for the mini trees.

2.  Stitch and press as you did for the mini trees. Trim the bottom edge straight. Square the large tree unit to approximately 5.5" tall by 6.5" wide. Make two.

3. Sew a 1.75" x 1.25" trunk piece between two 1.75" x 3.25" rectangles of background fabric. Make two of these units. This unit will measure 6.75" x 1.75"; you will trim it to fit the tree unit after joining.

4. Join the tree unit to the trunk unit. Trim so that it measures 6.5" square.

You now have the following:

Assembly
Arrange these so that you have one large tree with two mini trees on one side as in the first photo of this post. Sew the two mini trees together, one above the other. Then sew this unit to the side of the large tree block. Square to 6.5" x 9.5".

Layer with batting (great to use up scraps) and a backing piece cut approximately 7" x 10". Quilt. I had fun with my metallic threads, Holoshimmer by Sulky, and the most perfect variegated Sulky rayon. I also used Aurifil 2600 in the white/grey areas, and pieced everything on my 1947 Featherweight with pale blue Gütermann.

Both were quilted on my Bernina. I did swirls, echoes, pebbles, dot to dot, a loops and snowflakes meander, and flowing lines. Fun!


When done quilting, square it up and bind. I did a single-fold binding, cut at 1.25" wide, applied to the back, and then top-stitched down to the front.

Here's the back:
My impatiens are hanging onto summer as much as I am!
I used the mittens and toques fabric on one, and the pale green fabric I used for the tree trunks on the other.

I got my Angela Walters cup out (fitting because I pulled out her Shape By Shape 2 for inspiration) to see how it went with these:
I'd say pretty fine! Turquoise is such a beautiful colour.
How would you like to win a few fat quarters of these fabrics for yourself? Maybe make this mug rug or one of the others on the hop this week? If you'd like to see all the fabrics (there are 25!) in Amanda's collection, and read about her designs, click here.

Tuesday: The Benartex Blog Design Team - they used the games fabric to create two mug rugs in motion!
Wednesday: me! at mmm! quilts
Thursday: Debby Kratovil Quilts

To keep costs down, Benartex is sending to US residents only please. Just answer this question: have you ever made a mug rug and do you use it? Followers, new ones welcome, can get a second entry if you tell me how you follow me. See the top of my sidebar for where to find me beneath my profile. Due to the large volume of comments during giveaways, I won't be responding to comments. Be sure to leave your address in your comment if you are a no-reply blogger, like this:  ephdra (at) gmail (dot) com.  Thank you for your understanding while I work my way through comments on the last two posts; things have been pretty hectic and stressful at my house this past 10 days. My previous post explains why.
Good luck!

The giveaway is open through Friday, Oct. 20 11:59 EDT. I'll announce the winner on my blog on Saturday. GIVEAWAY HAS NOW CLOSED.

Sunday! (just been rather preoccupied with a very ill doggie, sorry): The winner is #70, Abbigail, and she has been contacted. She uses mug rugs all the time. ☕

Thank you to all who entered, and commented, and welcome to new followers. I've been using one of my mug rugs all week! I find they are perfect for the morning coffee or afternoon tea when I am having something small to eat. If you make one of these, please send me a photo and with your permission, I'd love to post it on my blog.

Linking up in lots of places!
Free Motion By the River
Sew Fresh Quilts
Quilt Fabrication
My Quilt Infatuation

105 comments:

  1. So cute, Sandra! How fast can you say "Dreami project?!" I love mug rugs, make and use them all the time, plus I needed an idea for my quilt group's Christmas gift exchange! Perfect!

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  2. I've made a few mug rugs and use mine all the time. I do think I need a new one for Christmas--I want to try those trees! Beautiful quilting on yours!

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  3. these are so cute. thank you for the tutorial. I have made a lot of coasters but not a mug rug yet. I'd say its about time. Hope things settle down a bit at home.
    quilting (dash) lady (at) Comcast (dot) net

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  4. I follow you by email
    quilting (dash) lady (at) Comcast (dot) net

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  5. Those are so sweet, Sandra! Your quilting takes them over the top. :)

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  6. These are so cute! The fabric is cute too! I have never made a mug rug. I know I can hardly believe it myself. I've saved lots of patterns and would like to make some. Would I use one if I had one? I prefer a plate for food. I'd use one for my cup though. Thanks for sharing the pattern.
    kthurn(at)bektel(dot)com

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  7. I like getting the email notifications. I think I also follow by Bloglovin but don't always get to viewing thru that way. However, email is checked throughout the day. Thanks. kthurn(at)bektel(dot)com

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  8. Those are super cute! Thanks for the tutorial, can't wait to try it out! I've made lots of mug rugs but, oddly enough, none this year so far. This'll help fix that!

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  9. I just love your mug rugs - the leaning tree is so fun! I have not made a mug rug yet, but when I do I will certainly use it - I am a coffee & tea drinker- hot chocolate in winter for sure! Thank you, Susan

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  10. I follow you by email! Thank you, Susan

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  11. I haven't made a mug rug. I guess I felt I didn't need one. Actually, your pattern for the little trees would work on its own to use as coasters.

    anndunn24(at)gmail.com

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  12. Sandra, these are adorable. Could easily build on this idea for placemats or table runner too. Love this. Really sweet fabric as well.

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  13. As you are aware, I enjoy following you all over the place - Bloglovin and IG. :-)

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  14. I have never made a mug rug before, but have been thinking about it the last few days. I had been using a paper towel under my tea cup and thought a mug rug might be nice. Your's looks like a nice, easy pattern to try. Thank you for sharing.

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  15. Beautiful prints and colours in Amanda’s new collection!!! Love the idea of a mug rug as a gift.

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  16. Yes I have made them, used them and sent as gifts.
    I like the fabric here and with the patterns I see I will be making more. Thanks :)
    (robinsbusiness@hotmail.com)

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  17. I follow you through your blog.(robinsbusiness@hotmail.com)

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  18. I haven't made a mug rug (yet) though this one is so cute! I also see upsizing this to a placemat size for the holidays! Thank you for a great tutorial to make these. I also follow you via Bloglovin.

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  19. I have made a dozen or so, 3 are in my house, others were gifts. One is used as a SPOT for Moms medications. lutzcats (at) yahoo (dot) com

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  20. I'm a follower on Bloglovin. lutzcats (at) yahoo (dot) com

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  21. So. Stinkin'. Cute! I've never made a mug rug, but I made four coasters once. It was very early in my quilting career and they were...strange. I think I gave them to Goodwill and they were never used. Time to try again, I think :)

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  22. I follow you via email, and Instagram.

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  23. I haven't made anything I call a mug rug, but I do make what I call tiny quilts which are similar. I make mine 5" square. Personally I hang them on the wall (lots of them!) in my sewing room but I also give them to people to use as coasters. They fit nicely inside a greeting card. Your projects and the fabrics are lovely!

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  24. I follow your blog on my blogger dashboard/GFC.

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  25. I have made a lot of mug rugs throughout my quilting years. They are so fun to make and are great gifts! Thank you for sharing your great tutorial!

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  26. I've made a lot of mug rugs, and currently have two in process. But they've all been for gifts or to sell. Have yet to make one for myself. Need to change that...lol.

    Thanks to you and Benartex for the giveaway!

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  27. I've made a lot of mug rugs, but only as gifts. Thanks for the great tutorial!

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  29. NEAT NEAT PROJECTS!THANKS FOR SHARING!
    msstitcher1214(at)gmail(dot)com

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  30. Lovely mug rugs! I love mug rugs only I hang them by my office desk instead of putting an actual coffee mug on them!! (horrors....) too pretty to use!!! mumbird3(at)gmail(dot)com

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  31. I've never made a mug rug. Love these fabrics. Such bright and cheerful colors.

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  32. I follow your blog by e-mail. Thanks for the chance to win these fabrics!

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  33. I've made mug rugs, but for presents, not for me. They are on the list to make though!! LOL!

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  34. I follow you via email and IG!

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  35. I haven't made any, but I was given one and I keep it by my sewing machine to hold my scissors and seam ripper. That way they stay put! I may have to make a few like yours for my granddaughters for Christmas though.
    cecilialyoung (at) gmail (dot) com

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  36. Awesome trees! I love her fabrics. I have made a mug rug, but I gave it away. I use a darling heart one in my sewing room. ;)

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  37. You know I LOVE these colors! I had to set here for a minute and think, but you know what? I've never made a mug rug...gasp! Well, I made a small American Flag that is mug rug size...but I'd feel weird using it as a mug rug.

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  38. Do I follow you? I'm that bump in the night, your shadow on the ground :P Okay that was a little creepy, but I follow you everywhere I can...Instagram and Bloglovin are my favorites.

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  39. I am hoping things at home are on the mend, love your mug rugs, and I can see place mats made like that pattern too, Yes, I have made mug rugs, and given a lot away, they are wonderful to have on hand for that sudden " I need a gift to give" occasion. Not an entry as I am down under the equator!!!

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  40. I have made mug rugs as gifts, but I have never kept one so I have never used one! They make nice teacher presents.

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  41. Hi Sandra, thank you for sharing the tree tute/mug rug tute. Love your tree's and so easy to cut and quilt. Yes I've made quite a few, mostly one for each season and a special occasion like Mothers Day. I use em indeed, as do my recipients.
    Your Angela Walter's cup fits right in ! Nice addition.

    schimmel(dot)db(at)Gmail(dot)com

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  43. I love your idea for the trees. I am in the process of making some postcards for our guild to sell for the holidays and I think your mug rugs will translate well into postcards. Yes, I have made lots of mug rugs and yes I use them and also as gifts. I think they look great instead of plain coasters.

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  44. Sandra,
    I'm a new follower via Pinterest. Thank you.

    schimmel(dot)db(at)gmail(dot)com

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  45. I have not made a mug rug, but maybe it's abut time!
    barbkaup(at)(yahoo)(dot)(com)

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  46. I signed up to follow you by e-mail.
    barbkaup(at)(yahoo)(dot)(com)

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  47. I've made mug rugs and want to make more!

    tickleddpink (at) gmail (dot) com

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  48. Following you on Pinterest!

    tickleddpink (at) gmail (dot) com

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  49. I've never made a mug rug, but am ready to start. Great use of the fabric and the leaningvtrees are perfect.

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  50. Cute as they can be! Yes, I have made a mug rug, but no, I don't use them. They are great for little gifts or swaps.

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  51. I love the freedom of improvisational cutting and the mug rugs look great. Loved the back view. I've made them as gifts but failed to keep one for myself. People say they are too nice to use! They are only scraps but they make me happy when I make them.

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  52. So cute! I’ve never made a mug rug but every time I see one I think to myself that I need to make one.

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  53. I have made several mug rugs and do use them. I love your cute trees. Thanks for sharing the tutorial.

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  54. I follow you through your blog.(robinsbusiness@hotmail.com)

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  55. I have made mug rugs and yes they are used. I love the whimsical touch you did on yours. Thank you for the tutorial.

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  56. I've made several mug rugs, but I gave them away as gifts. I know that at least one of them is used regularly. Not sure about the others!

    Sandy A

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  57. I only made one mug rug and need to make a new one as the old one is starting to look a little shabby. Your mug rugs are adorable and how cute is that fabric?

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  58. Yes, I love making mug rugs and I use them all the time! These are beautiful!

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  59. Thank you for the tutorial for your sweet mug rugs! I have made a few before and use them - they are great for gifts especially co workers! thank you!

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  60. I am a follower with bloglovn

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  61. I love those! Totally adorable! I haven’t made mug rugs but have made coasters and the mini trees would make awesome coasters. Thank you for such a great project. I follow you via email and Instagram!

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  62. Love the mug rugs - I've never made one but the winter games fabric will make a great mug rug !!

    ercurrier(at)aol(dot)com

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  63. Following you with
    FeedBurner.
    Carla from Utah

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  64. These darling Christmas
    tree mug rugs are so
    festive! I don't drink
    hot drinks so don't use
    a mug rug, but they are
    so cute.
    Carla from Utah

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  65. Your trees are wonderful. Yes I have made a few for presents. Jmikebalou (at) aol (dot) com

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  66. Cute. I love using my mug rugs. It's so much more fun than a small coaster.

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  67. I've made a couple of mug rugs and love to use them, and made more as gifts, which I love even more.

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  68. Your mug rugs are quite festive! I haven't made any yet. Look like great Christmas gifts.
    nikilsend(at)outlook(dot)com

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  69. Follow you on Instagram: @minibea123.
    nikilsend(at)outlook(dot)com

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  70. I've never made a mug rug but I have made the trees but only two at a time. I have some nice Benartex fabric in my stash so I'm going to use that for your mug rug design!

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  71. I love making mug rugs and use them all the time. I have a collection of different holidays and I use and I also make them for extra gifts for friends.

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  72. I love your mug rugs, thanks for sharing your pattern. I've made quite a few, especially with leftover blocks and give them as gifts. Hope your Naala is back up on her feet and feeling better soon. grinnie1961 at gmail dot com

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  73. I follow on Instagram grinnie1961 at gmail dot com

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  74. Your leaning trees are so sweet! Yes, I have made many, many mug rugs. I usually use my embroidery machine to make in-the-hoop mug rugs to personalize with names or initials. My home has several sets to match the seasons. They are always used!

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  75. Sandra, I am a stalker of yours...follow on both IG and Bloglovin'!

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  76. I make mug rugs to give as gifts. I have not yet made one for myself to use. Hmmm maybe this is the one for me. I follow you via feedburner google email. (suzbdooze451@gmail.com)

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  77. I have made many mug rugs, and I use them all the time.

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  78. I follow on blog and Instagram.

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  79. I have made many mug rugs, mostly to use up leftover fabrics and batting but each one is unique. Your tutorial is perfect and simple. I did some trees this way once but had forgotten the basics.

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  80. Very cute! Thanks for sharing and the giveaway! I have not made a mug rug yet.
    cork@pa.rr.com

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  81. I have made many mug rugs. One year for our family reunion I made mug rugs with the "thank you" fabric for every military person in our family and honored them during a tribute. It was great to see their faces.

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  82. I follow with email, instagram, pinterest and bloglovin.

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  83. Yes and yes. Mug rugs are a fun way to try out new designs and fabrics. They also make practical gifts.

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  84. Have I made a mug rug??? Oh my goodness, I have made (and gifted) several mug rugs. Most of my co-workers got one at Christmas two years ago. I have one at work. Paul has two -one at home, one at work. I wrote a tutorial on making mug rugs. If the scraps are not going into scrap vortex or a zippered pouch they will end up in a mug rug.

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  85. I follow you on IG and on my Blogger Reading List.

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  86. So very cute - love your fabric choices!

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  87. Yes, I've made mug rugs. Mostly, I've given them away but have also used them.

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  88. I love the fabric you used. I follow you through bloglovin'.

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  89. Great fabric and mug rugs. I've made them but have never used them.

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  91. LOL. I really thought these are quilts that are related to the Winter Olympics happening in South Korea. Nevertheless, I love your work! I remember my mom and grandma sew quilts when I was a kid. I think I’ll try to do these and surprise my mom! For now, I’m still looking for blogs and commentaries about the Winter Olympics. Watching it online through an Express vpn subscription. So excited!

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