SMALL PROJECTS FOR NEW TECHNIQUES

Making small projects like Mug Rugs gives you the opportunity to try various methods of appliqué, piecing, stitching, free motion quilting, etc.  Sometimes, the thought of tackling a large quilt and at the same time doing something new, say a new technique, is overwhelming.  During the past holidays, I became addicted to making Mug Rugs.  I found that they are the perfect project for trying something new and at the same time practice perfecting my binding.  It takes no time to make a small rug, bind it, and sit back and admire your work.  A small project like this is not likely to end up in the UFO pile, and even if it does, you haven’t invested a lot of time, effort or money.  I made the above mug rug by using the fusing technique.  Normally I shy away from that, as I don’t like the raw edge look; but after seeing what others have done, I decided to give it a try. 

Here I used my all time favorite, freezer paper appliqué to make this mug rug.  Do you see the difference? Each technique gives you an entirely different look.  I suppose if I had used the same design, the looks would have been similar, but I don’t think I would have liked it as well.  Nor would I have had so much fun.  Trying something new gives me an energy boost.

Then I wondered how a mug rug would look in all red and used redwork for this design. This is also a great way to try a new quilting design.  Notice the different quilting on these samples.   

Ever wonder what to do with those “ugly” fabrics.  I made this one out of what I consider “ugly” fabrics that I would never use again.  I kind of like how it turned out.

I bet you all have leftover blocks. Here I took ½ of a leftover block and used it to make this mug rug. I used the other half on a placemat, which I will show you soon.

There are a zillion ideas out there for designs, techniques, fabric use, etc.  I saw today on someone's blog where she was using these small projects as wall hangings.  They really looked cute!

Why not join the Mug Rug Club at the Attic Window Quilt Shop and have fun trying out something new while you make a mug rug, a gift for yourself or someone else. This class starts in March (both day and evening). Check the calendar or the newsletter for dates and times.

Sew Happy Me has a Love Cushion tutorial. Really cute.
♥
Stay Positive!
Caroll