Mug rugs

They can pack so much punch! They can be framed, or hung on the wall.  They can fill up a sad looking spot in the house with colors and texture.

I made one on Tuesday for an exchange at Philadelphia Modern Quilt Guild's meeting. 

 I would rather call them mini art quilts. 

Fruit Rug?

Little bits and pieces of scraps-confetti found its way into a square. Three design elements - colors, textures and contrast - randomly chosen but mindfully put together.

Machine quilting gave it extra texture and pattern and artsy appearance.  I don't usually participate in exchanges because the deadlines drive me crazy. In spite of having an entire month to work on, I ended up making this one on the day of the meeting. Just goes to show you how unorganized I can be.

I had fun taking pictures though...

A quilt has to have a mug on it to call it a mug rug. Notice those imperfect diamonds on the mug? Do you know I have this thing about imperfections?

 and recycled art..

It was a swap and I could be happier that it has found a new home.

I came home and decided I needed to make more.

So I made two more. For whatever reason I am never running out of scraps and the tiniest ones find their way into something useful. And like that little back and white piece in the bottom right corner, they play the most important role in the piece. Got to love all the unexpected that happens in design.

They are looking pretty happy hanging together reminding me of this salad I had made a while back.

 I wonder if the colors we live with also stay in our heads and factor in when we design a quilt.

What do you think?

Do you find your life spilling into your quilts?

Do you look at your quilts and wonder about all the whys? 

Have a great weekend!
Sujata

This and That

A small wall hanging done with minimalistic approach..

Mix of old and new..

I had some fun with sunlight and shadows...

A birthday gift of a mug rug from Kelly... I turned 51 this month...another year older and wiser!

Although the fun I had with this mug rug suggests something other than old.

I found a place for the mug-rug somewhere other than under a mug.

Bull!

This was the scene above my fire place.

He is all decked up! Kelly, it looks just beautiful! Thank you!

I felt sorry for the little calf...

So I made one for him too!

  And now they look just right!

A pin cushion from Christine could not have come at a better time..I needed one that would sit steadily on the table. Thank you, Christine!

It was my turn to host my quilting group. It was a great day spent with friends talking about quilts and life over chocolate cake and raspberry sauce. Even I had a piece of cake.. Very unusual of me to eat chocolate cake or any for that matter. My friend Terry is going on another hike tomorrow.. This time in Maine climbing Mt.Katahdin. She loves anything chocolate.. I had to bake her a cake! She is so brave and amazingly talented! I am always inspired by her adventures.

Go Terry! I will be thinking of you!

Mug Rugs

Have you noticed after a long break it takes even longer to get back into sewing?

I am going through a bit of that right now. Having too much fun with friends and family has left me a quiet sewing room.

I keep going in there with hopes of starting a new project but it is still rather messy after my last project. And until I clean all that mess up, nothing is going to happen.. I know it.. That's how I work.
I do need to clean up between couple of projects because the mess is distracting. I go with a project in mind and start seeing million other combination of colors and textures since nothing is put away. My brain starts designing quilts but practically nothing happens. So this week, I am going to spend some time and clean up that mess. Hopefully starting with clean design wall and a floor to walk on will help.

But that doesn't mean I have been sitting around and dreaming away.

Pebbles

I made these mug rugs "Pebbles" for our guild auction. My bee group decided to make a basket full of contemporary quilty stuff. They do look better in person but you just have to take my word for it.

Confetti

  I thought they were not bright and happy enough, so I made these out of confetti of scraps.

And, I had to test with my camera and see how they looked under the cup of coffee mug.

What do you all think?

These have made me want to start sewing again. I can see more of these popping out of my sewing room in near future!

'Peppermint' mug rugs

My boys are coming home soon! 

They love making their own peppermint mocha when they are together and,

this season will be no different!

I am ready for them to use these 'Peppermint Mug Rugs' 

Stitched with love and in lots of anticipation.

 I couldn't make just two or three...

They were so much fun to make.. 

 I made a whole bunch! 

They also made good tree ornaments. Don't know why this picture would not post itself straight.

But if you don't mind turning your head sideways,

here it is!

Have a wonderful weekend!