As a lead up to our October meeting, we’re doing a little project: we’ll each make an autumnal mug rug for exchanging. The theme is loose: choose a design that is autumnal or Halloweeny. One cool angle one of our members suggested was to take a traditional quilt block and modernize it for this project. It’s entirely up to you, but make sure it’s something you’re happy to hand off to someone at our October meeting.
What Is a Mug Rug?
I’m so glad you asked! A mug rug is a small quilt that serves as a coaster of sorts: big enough to easily fit a mug of coffee or tea and a treat as well. One of our members suggested 5×7″. Another member countered that she needed more room for extra snacks. Follow your heart and your appetite. You’ll find a few links below with tutorials and ideas. I’ve also created a HRMQG Pinterest Board that I’ll link below.
Okay, but… Traditional Blocks?
This is an option you can explore. As modern quilters, one of the exciting things we can do is take existing designs, ideas, and approaches, and tinker with them. Deconstruct them. Turn them upside down and shake them around a bit. This is entirely optional–you can do a whole-cloth or go in a different direction entirely. Just stick to our autumnal/Halloweeny theme.
Tutorials and Inspiration
Check out the following links for tutorials and inspiration. And as you work, if you’re inclined to share your progress on Instagram, make sure you tag us @hamptonroadsmqg.
Quilter’s Candy Scrappy Mug Rug Tutorial