A First Crush Mug Rug - From A Free Craftsy Pattern

I like to play matchmaker for patterns and fabrics...

I think this time I got it right.

I used a few pieces from my First Crush layer cake

and a free pattern on Craftsy called "That Red Cup."

If you have a few paper-pieced blocks

under your belt, this is a fun project.
I must admit that I had to restitch or two,

until I remembered how it goes.

When I saw that LID, though...

I knew it was worth the small struggles.

I fussy cut the band for the cup.

{What IS that paper thing called, that protects your hands???}

I used some wavy quilting, similar to the stitching

shown on the pattern, but mine is more random.

I think it looks like steam.

I.Love.That.

How was I going to finish this one off?
Ric rac? Machine binding?

Nope.

I used kind of a faux binding.

I made the outer border very narrow, almost like a binding.

I just added the backing and left an opening,

then turned it right-side-out and topstitched.

On the back, I made a little "tag" from one of the prints.

This was a Valentine present for my son's girlfriend,

and she loved it.

I bet you'll love it, too, if you try this pattern.

They're popping up on Instagram and Pinterest.

I first noticed this mug rug design

when Kelly of Pinkadot Quilts 

made up a bunch of them last Christmas.

I haven't seen one yet that I didn't love.

Head on over to Craftsy and see what else you can find!

Whipping Up A Pretty Pouch

Hello, Friends!

Have you tried the ever-popular free tutorial

for Noodlehead's Open Wide Pouches yet?

This is a favorite go-to pattern of mine,

because these pouches make awesome little presents.

I didn't know whether to be insulted or flattered,

when my son said, 

"Mom, can you whip up one of those pouches that you always make?"

{I decided to be flattered...apparently, I make it look easy.}

It was a Valentine's Day present, 

so I chose some pretty pinks and a gray zipper.

I used the small sized dimensions from the tutorial.

There was still plenty of room for a big Hershey bar.

Once the chocolate is gone,

she can keep some makeup in there,

or whatever else strikes her fancy.

The bottom is boxed,

which gives the pouch great structure.

I was in a big hurry to take some photos,

before the present was given away.

A funny thing happened...

I think this could be my all-time favorite photograph

of something I've made.

{It kind of took my breath away. Do you like it, too?}

Fabrics are from V and Co's Simply Colorful II.

Using a layer cake, you can easily make

a very sweet Open Wide Pouch with only 3 squares

and a bit of fusible interfacing, plus a pretty zipper.

I highly recommend this wonderful Open Wide Pouch tutorial,

and you can see a few more examples of mine here.

Come back soon,

and see what else I "whipped up" for my other son.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day!

What a great day for a cuppa

and a little sweet treat!

For today's Be My Valentine Heart Mug Rug,

I used pink and gray prints

from Simply Colorful - the original line.

The wavy quilting was really easy and fun

to do, using my walking foot!

I was inspired by the gray ric rac...

so I chose a gray gingham backing,

using April Showers by Bonnie and Camille.

No matter where in the world you are,

 I hope you'll take time to celebrate

and tell your favorite person how much you love them.

And don't forget...

every day is a great day to say "I Love You!"

Sew Mama Sew! A Guest Post and a Giveaway! {Giveaway is now CLOSED.}

Hello, Friends!

How's your week? Busy???

Mine, too...as always.

That's why I want you to hop on over to the

Sew Mama Sew blog,

where I've got an article just for you!

"Top 5 Time-savers for Busy Sewists and Quilters"

I've put together some simple suggestions

for making the most of your creative time.

You'll find inspiration and links to some great tutorials!

To celebrate,

I'm hosting a little February giveaway,

and you're all invited to play along.

The prize:

One winner will receive 3 patterns of their choice,

from my pattern store on Craftsy, eamylove.

One comment per person...

please leave a comment about your favorite time-saver,

whether it's from my post or not.

The giveaway will be open until midnight on

Friday, February 19.
This giveaway has now ended.
Winner: Marie Evans - comment #28

I'll draw the name of one lucky winner, who will be notified via email.

Please make sure you provide your email in your comment,

if you are a no-reply blogger.

Good luck...I've gotta run now!

Busy, busy, busy...
going to read my article at Sew Mama Sew!

First Crush Coffee Cups - Mini Quilt

Do you know my sister Susie,

who blogs over at Susie's Sunroom?

She has a February birthday,

so I made a little mini quilt for her present!

I decided to make a mini quilt

that she could display in her kitchen,

on this sweet little quilt stand.

Susie likes coffee,

so I decided to make up 4 coffee mugs

using the Mug block from Quilty Fun,

by Lori Holt.

{Lori Holt calls them Cocoa Cups, and they're just super cute, no matter what is in them.}

Fabric selection for Susie's gift was really easy...

I chose First Crush by Sweetwater for Moda.

I have lots of fabric left from my layer cake

that I've been using for other projects,

like my Hugs and Kisses pillows.

I made up four mug blocks in no time...

which one is your favorite?

The first one is bold and dark, like a good cup of coffee!

Next we have a text print...

so cute to remind someone how special they are.

I think this one is my favorite...

it showed that this gift was made with lots of love.

A mug with hearts can't be beat for Valentine's Day,

or any other day of the year.

Our family name is Love, so red hearts are a "yes, please!"

for the Love girls!

 You can see from the photos that I got a lot of practice 

with free motion stippling.

The print designs are very forgiving.

The stitching shows up very clearly, though,

on the solid gray background and backing.

No pressure...

I used my own free tutorial for Machine Binding.

I must say it was a quick, neat finish.

My present was made in record time!

I nearly gave Susie a "heart" attack,

when my package arrived the day before her birthday!

Next time you need a gift for someone special,

think about a mini quilt!

Doxie Love - A New Mug Rug

Hello, Friends!

Are there any dog lovers out there?

Do you especially love dachshunds???
I've got something sweet to share with you!

    

I happen to know of a special long haired doxie named Oscar,

whose mommy had a birthday.

I thought I'd stitch up this little mug rug, just for her, 

using my Be My Valentine Heart Mug Rug pattern!

I've had this fabric in my stash for a few years.

It came from JoAnn and I found it irresistible.

We had a miniature dachshund in my family,

when I was growing up.

I put the novelty fabric together with a few squares of brown polka dots.

If Oscar got a big haircut and dressed himself up

 in a striped sweater,

he would look just like this!

I love that this mug rug is reversible.

I'm so crazy about polka dots and ric rac.

This mug rug will be ready for a cup of coffee any time.

Add a little treat, and it's a happy day.

WAIT a minute!!!

Those are not the treats I meant!!!

{Ginger must have been "helping" me to photograph today.}

Here we go...this is much better.

You can find the PDF pattern in my Craftsy store.

It's perfect for Valentine's Day

or any other day of the year.