Call Out for "Pay It Forward Participants"

Mug rugs awaiting homes.... Each rug has a unique touch, all using the same fabrics with slight variances. The base fabric of green with gradations of blue dots is from a past Jane Sassaman line. I have to say I miss that line of fabric. It came in several colorways and I am lucky enough to have partial bolts of yellow, blue, green and the pink. You are likely to find a bit of one in many of the projects I have completed. The front of each rug (measuring approx 6" X 10 ") has two sections, one for the cuppa and the other for the treat.

The sides are separated by a small strip (like the one in the photo on the right). One side for your cuppa' and the other for a treat.....Machine sewn blanket stitching using variegated threads can be found accenting some of the strips. Quilting follows the tiny blocks or creates diagonal interest. Some of the quilting follows through onto the reverse side. Great way to experiment with your machines stitches, fabric combinations and as always new quilt patterns and techniques..
I am thinking that I may continue with some of the strip quilting, but use the base fabric in other quilt blocks...Any suggestions for patterns that would lend themselves to this style???
Please leave me a post.....


Oh, almost forgot. Some of these mug rugs have a bit of a surprise. Several sport pockets,  one has a diagonal pocket sewn into the binding and creating just a hint of a change in fabric gradation. One has a embellished pocket sporting a floral yo-yo with a double button center. Each mug rug having  a tiny bit o' its own personality.... Great fun to create....

The Finish Line....Mug Rugs Complete...

One of my fabric scrap "clean ups" is to use the strip quilting technique. A basket full of scraps, my rotary cutter, a bit of muslin as a stabilizer and I am off to the sewing machine to create a piece of fabric. I joined a Pay It Forward Swap and decided to use up a bunch of scraps to create something unique to send to three individuals who dared to take a chance on my sewing skills...Alas, I think my blog had a few glitches and people were not able to join up... I think I have fixed the problem....Please sign up to receive one of this little pretties....MUG RUGS....my new found canvas!!! Check out the Pay It Forward post below and be one of the first three to post your own challenge on your blog, make sure I have your address and check out the mail for a "scrappy mug rug"( complete with a mystery package) from the coast of Maine.

The journey to the completed project:

The Scrap Bin

Cutting Strips 1/2", 1", 1 1/4"

Off to the Sewing Machine

Another Cut...Another Seam

Sneak peak.... Binding to go...Click for a great tutorial at VeryKerryBerry

The Infamous binding....

Mitre a Corner! How many pins?
The finished product????

A Bit of Inspiration and a Challenge is what I needed.......

In my blog search for a bit of inspiration to rid me of this lull I am in  I found Clover and Violet. They presented an interesting challenge, a challenge to  join a Pay it Forward group. This  sparked my interest and moved those creative thoughts off the couch and into my stash. I have been wanting to "try out" new quilting patterns, design techniques and embellishment strategies. What better way then the cute little mug rugs or the doll quilts. Jennie offered me the canvas and the purpose. Hopefully I will be among her first three and will receive, what I am sure will be an amazing gift when I need it the most  and least expect it...

Kelly from ,A Plain Path, was the hook Jennie must have needed to accept the challenge. Thanks Kelly and Jennie for getting me off the couch and back to the studio.

Here are the details(These details are taken straight from Jennnie's blog!!):

1. I will make a little something for the first 3 people who comment on this post. It will be a surprise and it will arrive when you least expect it.
2. I will have 365 days to do it in. What's the catch? To get a handmade present from me, you have to play too! This means YOU pledge to send a little handmade something for 3 readers of your blog. It doesn't have to be quilty - just handmade.
3. You must have a blog.
4. Once you comment here, you must post about your Pay It Forward on your blog to keep the fun going - with the Pay It Forward badge.  Also, feel free to join the Flickr group to see what else is being sent!

I will be making something with a bit of whimsy for each of the first three people to comment on this post and agree to play along {but I must get your e-mail address so I can reach you}. So, join in and help to keep "me" off the couch and creating....

PS: Please make sure you add you email address to your post so that I can contact you!! Thanks!!!