Wednesday, April 17, 2013

It's raining, it's pouring... no, actually it's not.

I'm excited today to talk about two things that I've never done before. Today, I'm participating in my very first blog hop and I'm hosting my first ever give away of some of my favorite fabric. 

Firstly, my April Showers Mug Rug:

Undercover mug rug


pretty and functional

This mug rug was made with Piper by Dear Stella. It's a gorgeous fabric line with great color. So modern and chic, it's just screaming for me to make it into a full-size quilt.

This was my first foray into flying geese blocks. I liked making them a lot, I'm just bummed that I clipped off the points with the rest of my sewing. The "flippy corners" method that I learned on Fons and Porter seemed to not leave enough fabric at the top. I will have to try again - I'm sure it's user error and not anything that Marianne Fons did. I did some hand embroidery of the umbrella handles - I've been enjoying doing the hand stitching embellishments since I made my hexie pillow.




I used mono filament thread for the quilting on the front. I think it shines enough to make the straight line quilting look like raindrops. I'm very happy with this mug rug and I plan to use it at work.

And now on to the giveaway...



Please leave me a comment at the end of this blog post to win a charm pack of Comma. Just leave any old comment, or you could tell me what you would like to make with this lovely pack of 5" squares.

 Also, don't forget to check out all of the other bloggers on the hop today to see what they are up to.

Wednesday, April 17
Jen @ Quilter in the Closet
Marjorie @ Marjorie's Busy Corner
Elita @ A Pieceful Perspective
Green @ So Sew Green
Mara @ Greco Mara
Wendy @ Why Knot Kwilt?
Gmama Jane @ GrandMama's Stories
Debby @ Debby Kratovil Quilts
Britt-Inger @ Hill Valley Quilter
Connie @ Freemotion by the River
Beth @ Words and Stitches
Kathy @ iHeartSquishy



Thanks for stopping by. Feel free to visit anytime.


I actually forgot to say that I will be choosing the winner of the charm pack on Monday, April 22 @ 3:00 PM so you have until then to leave me a contest to enter to win the lovely Comma charm squares. Good Luck!



110 comments:

  1. I love the Piper fabric too - am making a pillow cover with it. Gorgeous mug rug - great flying geese! Thanks for the lovely giveaway

    ReplyDelete
  2. I love your umbrellas. They are really effective, and, you know, for umbrellas those flying geese are better without their points- they look more like umbrellas. If you had not said I would not have looked again, and would never have thought about it!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I adore flying geese, I use the method and rulers from Eleanor Burns, her Quilt in A Day program was on TV in the UK a few years ago. Comma looks great I love charms they are so versatile.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love, love, love Eleanor Burns, too. I record her program on our PBS station every Saturday morning.

      Delete
  4. I love flying geese. They are so fun to make and there are indeed many method to make these cute darlings.
    Your mug rug is very beautiful. I love purple. I have mostly used charm pack to make table cloths or table runners.
    Thanks for a great give away.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Great mug rugs! Love the umbrellas! I have seen Comma used a lot and would love to have some to play with!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Great mug rug - I love the colours! I haven't seen this line before - is it new??
    I would love to win some Comma - I can see it made into HST's
    Thank you for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Lovely mug rug, and Mammafairy is right, this way the flying geese look more like umbrella's, I first thought you had them this way on purpose. Using the "flippy corners" method should have the second square overlapping the first at the top (flip and trim the first one BEFORE adding the second). Just in case you want to make flying geese with points next time ;-)

    Now hoping I can do those dreaded captcha's...

    ReplyDelete
  8. Congratulations on your first hop and give away - huge stepping stones in blogland and good for you in taking those steps. Love the idea of the 'flying geese' type units to make your umbrellas for a very cute mug rug. I haven't played with Comma yet - lovely line.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Love how you used flying geese for the umbrellas. So creative. Who cares if the points didn't come out the way they should have... SHHHH, it was on purpose. :P

    ReplyDelete
  10. Love your mug rug and the fabrics are fantastic. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Great idea on the mug rug. I might use the fabrics for some pot holders and or placemats. Love the colors.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Cute mug rug, thanks for sharing! I really like the Comma fabrics and would love to make a pieced tote from the charms. Thanks for the chance to win!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Very cute. I love your picture pinned to the bush. Lovely.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Great idea for flying geese. Thanks for sharing & thanks for the chance to win (I'd make a sewing machine cover).

    ReplyDelete
  15. Beautiful! Love the fabrics too!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Cute little umbrellas....they look great just the way they came out! Thanks for the giveway....I'd maybe make a tote....love that fabric line!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Very nice mug rug. Thanks for sharing

    ReplyDelete
  18. I love what you did with those little traingles....too cute!!!

    ReplyDelete
  19. What a great idea to use flying geese for your umbrellas! And just keep trying--you'll eventually be able to conquer keeping the points. Your mug rug looks cute regardless!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Wow, very clever and wonderfully executed!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Love the mug rugs and I LOVE COMMA fabrics. I would make a charm purse.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Neat idea to use flying geese to make umbrellas! Love it! Comma is so funky modern that I would make a pillow cover for the family room!! Thanks for sharing in the hop!

    ReplyDelete
  23. What a nice mugrug.
    Thanks for sharing
    Frederika

    ReplyDelete
  24. Clever to use flying geese for an umbrella. Pretty nug rug.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Love the mug rugs, and love Comma. I have a pinwheel tablerunner in mind for the comma:)

    ReplyDelete
  26. I love flying geese and you did great job with that little triangle.Your mug rug is super nice!!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Your mug rug is so pretty! Great job!

    ReplyDelete
  28. What a great idea to use the flying geese to make umbrellas! Very cute--I could use an umbrella in Illinois--it has been raining all week!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My mother in law is from Joliet - she is not happen about the rain either. It is April... Hang in there.

      Delete
  29. Love the fabric you used and I think your idea to make umbrellas out of flying geese a great one!

    ReplyDelete
  30. What a sweet mug rug! I love the flying geese umbrellas. Thanks for the chance to win too, the fabric is beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  31. I'd like to combine them with a pack I have in the same summery colors and make a quilt of it! thank you so much for sharing. Love the flying geese umbrellas.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Your mug rug turned out wonderful. Thank you for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Super sweet umbrella's on your mug rug! It's great! Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  34. Love your umbrellas, I want to see your hexie pillow, I tried to look for it, can you tell me where it is? I love hexies.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This comment has been removed by the author.

      Delete
    2. There is a good photo of my hexie pillow on my flickr page. Click on the social media link on the top left hand side of the screen. Thanks! I loved making hexies, too.

      Delete
  35. Congratulations on a well done job on both of your firsts. The fabric is beautiful and the umbrella design is perfect for the April Showers.

    I would make a sewing machine cover with that Comma charm pack.

    ReplyDelete
  36. I love the idea of using flying geese for the umbrellas. Thank you for sharing this inspiration!

    ReplyDelete
  37. Great job on your mug rug...your quilting looks great! I would probably make a bag with the comma charm pack!
    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  38. Your mug rug is "sew" cute that if you take it to work everyone will want one ! I love the idea of shiny thread for raindrops ! Off the subject.....How did you get your comments numbered like that ? I've tried, but failed.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I used this great tutorial: http://mummyquilts.blogspot.com/2013/01/tips-tricks-tuesdays-rachel-sew-happily.html

      I hope it works for you.

      Delete
  39. Great mug rug. it looks super. I am always looking for new ideas to make. Thanks for sharing and for the opportunity in the draw.
    bonnielarson58@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  40. I think your flying geese idea is very clever. Great job. If I won the give away squares, of course I'm make more mug rugs!!

    ReplyDelete
  41. Very nice! Congrats on your first blog hop entry---you did well. It is fun to stretch yourself creatively and try new things.

    Okay if I were to be lucky enough to win your Comma charm pack---not sure but that looks like it would go with some gray/black/limey green/yellow greens that I have been collecting to maybe make a Trip Around the World. Not etched in stone but I have not wanted to cut into the fabric grouping yet. Not adverse to adding to it till I decide, LOL. THX for the opportunity! Have a great day

    ReplyDelete
  42. I'm in for trying to make a mug rug. thanks for the giveaway and great job on your mug rug

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mug rugs are so fun to make - quick projects that you can use to help you conquer a technique that you've wanted to try. Good luck!

      Delete
  43. You did a wonderful job on your mug rug. I love the colors and the stitching is awesome. Love it. Thank you for sharing and for the great giveaway.

    ReplyDelete
  44. Oooh, I don't think I would make anything from the charm pack right away--I would have to pet it for a while--cute fabrics!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LOL! I almost didn't give it away - I just love to look at charm packs. All the pretty fabrics so straight and symmetrical. LOVE IT!

      Delete
  45. I really love your mug rug. Very pretty. Right now I am super busy sewing, so if I won it would wait for a bit.

    ReplyDelete
  46. How clever to make flying geese units into umbrellas!! Love it!
    I would put those yellow fabric right into the remaining Swoon blocks I'd like to sew. I have 2 done in black, white and yellow, so these fabrics would be perfect!

    ReplyDelete
  47. Cute mug rug - I didn't even think of your umbrellas as being flying geese unit - I think the blunt points work better as an umbrella. I like the way your floral fabric works to create the 'scene'. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  48. Great mug rugs. Love your fabrics you used. Congratualtions on your first hop & giveaway. Momentous occasions for both. Thank you for the chance to enter your giveaway. I know exactly what I would make with the Comma fabrics some would go into what I am getting together for a dreseden plate project.and the others into a pillow to coordinate.

    ReplyDelete
  49. That is a darling mug rug with the umbrellas.

    ReplyDelete
  50. I like your mug rug. Very pretty. I don't know what I would make with the charm pack, maybe a baby blanket, since I am going to get a grandbaby in August.

    ReplyDelete
  51. Very cute idea to turn flying geese into umbrellas and I think they look great!

    ReplyDelete
  52. Fun mug rugs. I didn't even think that the flying geese would make good umbrellas. Very clever. I have seen that comma fabric made into some mug rugs and totes already. It is a great fabric line.

    ReplyDelete
  53. Love your umbrella mug rug! The Coma fabric is beautiful and I would use it in a jacket. Thank you for joining the hop and for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  54. How charming! I love your umbrella's!

    ReplyDelete
  55. love your mug rug! I hate making flying geeses, I cut heads off make wings lager thatn others, but I keep trying

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LOL! Practice does make... well, something. Your geese are just more creative than others. :)

      Delete
  56. Your mug rug is darling....and the quilting looks like rain....the cookie looks really good also.....what a nice giveaway....thanks

    ReplyDelete
  57. Haven't made a yo-yo yet. Hmmmm....

    ReplyDelete
  58. I am about to participate in a pillow swap and I think this would be great for that!

    ReplyDelete
  59. Your mug rug is just beautiful...love the colors! I'm so glad you hopped with us and hope to see you again. Comma fabric is just amazing and I've been using it in several things, including my mug rug. :O)

    ReplyDelete
  60. I think the flying geese made great umbrellas. I would use the charms for mug rugs for my daughters.

    ReplyDelete
  61. Beautiful mug rug - the colors you used are perfect! Thank you so much for participating in the hop with us!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for cheering us on! I had a great time and can't wait to do more blog hops. I'm loving all the comments and I know, now, that I need to do more giveaways. ;)

      Delete
  62. Lovely mug rug, umbrellas are so fitting for the hop despite what your (or my) weather might actually be, right?

    ReplyDelete
  63. I have been admiring comma from afar, I hope I win!!!! I love this blog hop. FInding so many good blogs to follow. :)

    ReplyDelete
  64. I'm having 'sew' much fun with this blog hop. I even made a mug rug to give away as a drawing for my friends on facebook. I'm getting a lot of ideas. Love your mug rug.

    ReplyDelete
  65. That is a really cute mug rug. Thanks for the giveaway. vickise at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  66. I love flying geese, now i just have to get my nerve up to try them babscorbitt@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  67. Oh my goodness! I never would have thought to use flying geese as umbrellas but my oh my they WORK Beautifully! :) Thanks for sharing!!! Beulah

    ReplyDelete
  68. Very pretty mug rug! thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  69. What a great idea using flying geese as umbrellas! It's a wonderful mug rug!

    ReplyDelete
  70. Congrats on your first log hop, great mug rug and I would love to use Comma in mug rugs and a lap quilt, thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  71. Cute mug rug!!!!
    I finally made one last week and of course gave it away:)

    ReplyDelete
  72. Wonderful and I love your idea of the flying geese for the umbrellas. I do think a touch of embroidery really makes a piece extra special. Congrats on a super first hop!!

    ReplyDelete
  73. I like how you used the flying geese for umbrellas too. Those are great colors for a rainy April day.
    I did my first hop last month and really loved it. Feels like a lovefest when you read all the nice comments.

    ReplyDelete
  74. Love your sweet little umbrellas! Very cute! I love Comma, I just finished a pillow using it. Such great colors!

    ReplyDelete
  75. I love your colors, it reminds me of pansies.
    quilting.wordpress.com

    ReplyDelete
  76. Love your mug rug. The colors are nice. Would like to make one. Thanks Diane @rdcjim@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  77. Your mug rugs are so sweet! I could make a whole bunch of mug rugs with the Comma charms, or a tablerunner, or a few placemats or tote bags....Thanks for the opportunity!

    ReplyDelete
  78. Your mug rug is cute! This has been an inspiring blog hop!

    ReplyDelete
  79. I love the umbrellas! We are still dealing with snow here in Wisconsin, but I'd sure trade it for rain! If I had the comma charm pack I think I'd try a "modern" lapquilt - lots of solids and these great prints. I've seen so many modern quilts on the internet lately and the trend is starting to grow on me! Thanks so much for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  80. Lovely mug rugs. Still snow on the ground in Minnesota. Finally getting some rain now that will help melt that snow. I like to use charm squares for making scrappy table runners.

    ReplyDelete
  81. Lovely rug. That charm pack needs a good home *wink* and I know just the place *wink wink*. =) The charm pack will make a nice quilt or a tote bag.

    ReplyDelete
  82. Congratulations on your first hop! Hope you had fun doing it and will join others. I am now following because I found you through the hop. Your mug rug is really cute and I love how you used flying geese for the umbrellas. I'm like you when it comes to charm packs, I just love looking at them for awhile before using them.

    ReplyDelete
  83. With all the inspiration...I might be tempted to make mug rugs!

    ReplyDelete
  84. So many cute mug rugs and they just keep getting better.

    ReplyDelete
  85. This is adorable! Thanks for sharing your creativity with us today. I love the Comma fabrics!

    ReplyDelete
  86. Nice job with your mug rug! Very contemporary. I am thinking about making a new bag and the comma fabrics would be perfect. they are also a great non-gender friendly design that would work up into a nice lap quilt for someone. Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  87. Your umbrella mug rug is adorable. Comma is one of my favorite collections. I have a bedroom with grey walls and would like to use the colors of Comma to decorate it.....a pillow made with Comma would be great. Thank you!
    anglanouette(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  88. Great mug rug. The flying geese umbrella's are great. Thanks for sharing! Thanks for the giveaway chance too!

    ReplyDelete
  89. What an awesome idea to make umbrella's out of flying geese! Your quilting looks awesome and I love those colors, purples and lavendar! Congrats on participating on your first blog hop and also thanks for offering the giveaway! I'm following!

    ReplyDelete
  90. Your mug rug is absolutely wonderful! No matter about the points. You did a great job!

    ReplyDelete
  91. Love your mug rug! Thanks for sharing with us! Thanks for the chance to win!

    wigglypup2(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  92. Your mug rug is cute! I like the way you used your wonder clips. :-). Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  93. Very nice mug rug. I like the umbrellas! I am not sure what I would make with the charm pack. The colors are different from my normal style, but I still like it.

    ReplyDelete
  94. Your mug rug looks very pretty! I like the quilting of the rain. Thanks for the chance to win a charm pack of Comma. I would make some fabric shelf baskets for my hubby's home office.

    ReplyDelete
  95. -your mugrug is so cute, very creative!
    Thanks for sharing and the nice giveaway ☺

    ReplyDelete
  96. Very cute mug rug. I have really enjoyed seeing everyone's creative talent.

    ReplyDelete
  97. What a cute mug rug and perfect for April Showers!

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for your lovely comments. I really appreciate that you took the time out of your busy schedule to write me a little note. I will do my best to respond to each and every comment that you leave me. Thanks again, and have a wonderful-stupendous-really excellent day!

LinkWithin

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...