Thursday, April 18, 2013

Mug Rug Blog Hop and a Giveaway!

It's the last day of the April Showers Mug Rug Blog Hop, which means that it's my day to share. YEAH!!!!

I have so enjoyed seeing all the wonderful creations over the past two weeks and am in awe of the talent of so many people. Thanks to everyone who has participated.

I also want to send a great big thank you to our cheerleader
and
 
You two ROCK!!

Grab a cup of coffee or other drink of choice and check out my co-participants for today.

 
 
 
With "my day" being the last day of the hop, I was a bit intimidated as I saw the wonderful creations shown each day. I finally remembered that this isn't a competition, and that my creations are for me and my use. That's all that matters and once I remembered that, making the rugs was easy and fun. I hope you enjoy them.

So, here are my creations...
  
It's been kind of rainy here lately (imagine that - rainy in April) and the flowers are a bit slow in blooming. I decided to take matters into my own hands and make something that might coax more flowers to break the surface and let us enjoy their beauty. Either that or it would look like flowers growing.
 
 
Don't these flowers look great amongst the green blades of grass. They're even in baskets already. Each basket block measure 1.75" x 1.75" and were fun to make. I fussy cut some of the flowers (like the one below) and I like how they turned out. Just a reminder that if you're going to use monofilament thread to quilt, use smoke on darker fabrics. It won't shine like the clear does here. Of course I didn't have smoke when I made this and didn't think it would show too much. Guess I was wrong.
 

 
This mug rug is a bit on the large size (8.5" x 8.5" ), but it's perfect for those mornings when I need the LARGE cup of coffee.
 
 
I've really enjoyed seeing all the mug rugs that reflect April showers and May flowers, but when I think of April, rain and flowers are not the first things that pop into my mind.
 
I've made a mug rug to reflect MY April mind set. See if the following pictures help you figure out what I think of when I think of April. (Hint: think about the song you hear from one of the American truck manufacturers.)
 
 
 
 
OK, let's all sing along...
 
I've got baseball, hot dogs, apple pie and Chevrolet. Baseball, hot dogs, apple pie and Chevrolet. They all go together in the good old USA. Baseball, hot dogs, apple pie and Chevrolet!
 
 
It's a BASEBALL MUG RUG!
 
 
I love baseball! I grew up following the "Big Red Machine" in Cincinnati and then I moved up north and began following the Cleveland Indians. (That was a big change - going from the National League to the American League!) My husband was never a big sports fan, and he laughs at the fact that I start taking notice of baseball trades and transactions in February and March. I think it's quite normal. :-)
 
This mug rug is very versatile. It's great for a refreshing beverage during a ball game.
 
 
But I think it's best for that morning "cup of joe" when I'm reading the scores from the night before or thinking about the game that will be played later that day.
 
 

 I've made a couple of other baseball related projects over the years. Click here for a wall hanging made for a friend of my daughter. (Be prepared, it might be considered a bit racy.)
 
I mentioned a giveaway, didn't I? Since I like baseball so much, I thought a half yard of baseball fabric would be in order.
 
 
For your chance to win, just leave a comment below. You don't have to be a follower, but it would be great if are.
 
I'll pick the winner on Sunday afternoon (4/21/13).
 
Now, go play ball, I mean go check out the other blog hoppers from the list above. 

 

101 comments:

Cathi said...

Your flowers in the baskets are wonderful - definitely a great mug rug. But the baseball one totally stole my heart as April most definitely means baseball to me too!
Thanks for the chance at a great giveaway!

Judy B said...

Love both of your mug rugs! I will truly miss this hop, but know others will soon follow! Thank you for sharing.

Vroomans' Quilts said...

The pansy flowers in the baskets is way too cute! WOnderfully quilted, too. Ah, play ball - tis the season, yeah!

Amy said...

Your baskets are amazing! They look so tiny. Love the baseball too! Two great mug rugs!

Sunshine Girl said...

They are all lovely, I like the baseball one.

Amy's Crafty Shenanigans said...

That is the coolest mug rug/beer coaster I've ever seen!! Awesome stop on the hop - thanks for sharing!!!

Lavonna ZWB said...

So very cute. Thank you for sharing with us!

AnitaS said...

Lovely flowers in the basket. Your baseball one made me laugh. It is very cute.

Gill said...

I love your mug rug - those teeny baskets are fabulous!
I'm in England so my sport of preference would be rugby - different shaped balls!!!
Thanks for sharing!

Britt-Inger said...

Your flower basket mug rug is beautiful but the baseball mug rug is sew cool. Thanks for sharing

charlotte said...

Love both of your mug rugs. Maybe I need to make a baseball one for my hubby. He is such a fan. Great job.

Nati said...

Love your little baskets, so much detail, thanks for sharing!

Betsy said...

I love the idea . Your mug rug is cool

Marla's Crafts said...

I have two four year old grand sons who love baseball. I could make them a mug rug out of that. Your's is so cute.

Frederika said...

Wow what a great job. They are beautiful.
Thanks for sharing
Frederika

Elizabeth Coughlin said...

Your basket mug rug is wonderful too, but I really love the baseball! Perfect for the theme of April.

Susan said...

I love the pansies in the baskets and that baseball mug rug may be the next thing I make for my family of Red Sox, Cardinal, Royals fans (sometimes we have to watch the games in separate rooms. Thank you for sharing.

Marjorie's Busy Corner said...

very lovely mug rugs....and I love your baseball fabric...thank you for the chance.

Judy Cooper Textile Artist said...

Both mug rugs are lovely! Thanks for the give away.

JoyceLM said...

Great mug rugs - thanks for sharing.

Linda C said...

I just got out a ruler just to verify how small those lovely blue baskets were! Wowie, that puts it all in perspective. Good way to put participation in perspective too---"not competing, I am doing this for me."

Love the baseball mat. I'm a die hard STL Cardinal fan displaced to Braves country so it is a bit more challenging to follow the games. Just part of spring to be rooting for your team!!

Tammy said...

Great job on the mug rugs. Thank youf ro shareing your projects with us. I am just amazed with thoe tiny lil baskets on teh first mug rug. I know tha thad to have been tedious. And thanks for the chanc eto enter your giveaway.

Sowing Stitches said...

Yes! I'm so glad to see someone else thinks of baseball in the spring! :)

Cliodana said...

wow you rock! beautiful those mug rug. the baseball fabric is very nice! thank's for the chance to win and have fun with your baseball games

Sparky said...

Who said it was not a competition...lol of course it is...you compete with yourself..you raise the bar time and time again...and we are here to cheer you on....I adore your mug rugs...stunning and inspiring...so welllllll done!

Vickie said...

I enjoyed reading your post, they are very cute. Really good job on the basket of flowers BTW !

nissaMade said...

Great work on both!

Martina said...

Your mug rugs are great! I love the blue in the green and the baseball is just to cute!

Jeanie said...

Such tiny little baskets....just darling! Also love the baseball... what a great use of one of the decorative stitches...might have to borrow this idea! Thanks for sharing!

Dee said...

Baseball and spring - perfection.

lauraluvsloons said...

Very cute Mug rug. Love the miniature baskets with the fussy cut flowers. I am also a huge baseball fan (go Red Sox, Boston Strong 617)

apple blossom said...

nice mug rug

Joyce Carter said...

Love your mug rugs, especially the baseball. (I am a huge fan of The Atlanta Braves.)I am really impressed with the basket of flowers-so tiny.Great job! Thank you for sharing.

Patty said...

OH I love baseball, and don't care who is playing. Love your baseball rug. No strike out for you, its a home run!

Kathy @ Kwilty Pleasures said...

Take me out to the ball game.....love the rugs!

Kay said...

I love your little basket mug rug, the pieces are tiny and cute. Thank you for sharing your work.
ks(dot)eyles(at)yahoo(dot)co(dot)uk

Kathy H said...

Beautiful baskets of flowers and they are so tiny and cute! I love the baseball one too. Great for any baseball fan or just for summer. I didn't know about the smoke monofilament. I have some but have never used it. I will try it on the next darker project.

Linda said...

Both of your mug rugs are great!!! My granddaughter plays softball and that little baseball would be great for her!
I'm a follower already!

krislovesfabric said...

Love your little baskets but I am especially loving that baseball...great job!

Gwen said...

I LOVE your little baskets with the flowers--they're SO cute! And the blue fabric in the border is absolutely luscious! You did a great job on your baseball one too. It looks just like an actual ball!

pinsandneedles said...

The baskets of flowers are so pretty but when I scrolled down to see the baseball mug rug...perfection! I am a baseball fan also...the sports fan in our house!

Pauline said...

Violets in the baskets, wonderful idea! Great mug rug.
The baseball one is also cute, ( I like the quilt you made for a friend of your daughter - hylarious!) I wish you a very good baseball season!

Needled Mom said...

Oh...those baskets are just darling and soooo tiny!!

I love the baseball one too. Very cute and so clever.

Jan Baker said...

The baseball mug rug is too cute and the fabric is perfect for my nephew who is a little obsessed with the game. 3bakergirlsgo@gmail.com

Kathy L said...

Your ideas for the mug rugs are so original. Thanks for the chance to win.

Daryl @ Patchouli Moon Studio said...

Your mug rugs are great. The baseball one is clever.

Bonnie58 said...

Love the baseball mugrug. It is so unique. Thanks for sharing.
bonnielarson58@gmail.com

Lou said...

Cute mug rugs! Love the little itty bitty baskets:)

dolls5000a said...

Love the baseball mug rug, but being a Canadian its Hockey all the way

Catskill Quilter said...

Your little baskets are adorable!

BizyStitches said...

I enjoy baseball as well, but my number one sport to watch is the NBA basketball. Love your mug rugs and thanks for being in this fun hop.

Anonymous said...

What cute mug rugs and that fabric is so cute also. Thank you.
smjohns63 at yahoo dot com

Julie said...

so cute and I love your theme! The baseball one is my favorite.

Newbie Jen said...

I love your tiny little baskets. They look wonderful.

Pam said...

Lovin those mug rugs but what really caught my eye was the worh Spalding printed on the glove. Spalding in Lincolnshire is my market town.

eleni_s said...

this is one of the most funny posts ever!!! thanks for sharing your thoughts and your mug rugs, really wonderful ones, i dont know what you would change now that you have finished them (that's when we usually notice that something is not as we expect them to be) but for me, they are just perfect!so, well done lady!! you made me smile!!!

Lisa said...

That's some fun fabric! Love it, got some Berenstain Bears that would do great with that!

OhioLori said...

Love your Baskets Mug rug!!! Awesome job!! the Baseball is cool tho....have a son that is a definite Celveland Indians fan! & know he'd love the Baseball! :)

Vicki H said...

Love both your rugs, the fussy cut flowers in the baskets are wonderful. My grandson will be playing t-ball for the first time this spring, he may need a baseball mug rug.

KT said...

Nice mug rugs! If I win I may have to copy ypu and make one too!

gtcoursey said...

Cute Baseball mug rug. Would look great at a sports party. Or maybe even in my grandsons room.

Gina Loomis said...

Beautiful! I love the blues! You did an awesome job! The baseball mug rug is a lot of fun too! Thanks for participating and inpiring us! I'm a follower and always enjoy your blog post! Thanks for the giveaway offer!

Quilter Kathy said...

SO nice to see a paper pieced rug mug...love both of your rugs!

Janarama said...

Loving both of your mug rugs, but I have to say my favorite is the baseball. Very creative.

nicolesender said...

Your flower baskets are lovely. I love pansies.
nicolesender(at)yahoo(dot)com

barbara woods said...

that would work great in some grandsons quilt's i am making thanks for the chance

Rhonda D. said...

I love your mug rugs! Thanks for sharing with us!

wigglypup2(at)yahoo(dot)com

vicki said...

Your mug rugs are so cute! Thanks for sharing them and for the giveaway. vickise at gmail dot com

Cecilia said...

Cute rugs, especially the baseball. Thanks for sharing.

Catherine said...

I love blue! And that baseball rug is very much an April thing. I love` em!

Just Quilt It said...

Lovely baskets of flowers, and who wouldn't like a baseball mug rug?

Deb@asimplelifequilts said...

Wonderful mug rugs!

Anonymous said...

The baseball rug would be perfect for my husband. I prefer the pretty blue with flowers myself.

Thanks for sharing and the chance to win. Susan

senstrings at yahoo dot com

DeAnna said...

Really cute mug rugs! The baseball is great and a perfect coaster size. Thanks for sharing and for the giveaway chance.

Anonymous said...

I love your mug rugs but I have to say I am a baseball fan as well Go Jays Go ! We watch every game, but when they head to Cleveland i oftn wonder how anyone can think with the sound of those drums! LOL. I would love to win that fabric. Good luck this season, but not too much! LOL

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Simone said...

I love how you were inspired in the designs of your mug rugs. Very creative and lovely. Thanks so much for sharing your designs.

Michele T said...

Great mug rugs!! Your baseball mug rug is an awesome idea too! Thanks for sharing in the hop!

Barb66 said...

I absolutely love your baseball rug! I grew up a Dodger fan way back in Brooklyn, now a Mets fan. Need to make two rugs, one for me and one for my son. Thank you for a chance to win.

Rosa said...

Gorgeous mug rugs!

Bonnie Pfrimmer said...

What a cute idea!! Thank you for sharing..

Unknown said...

Absolutely love the baseball....

Stitches said...

I have two baseball playing grandsons that would love a baseball mug rug, guess I best get busy! Great job..

Susan said...

Love your baseball mug rug and your flowers in the baskets are so inspiring. When I grow up I hope to piece like that! Thanks for sharing.

LJ said...

Wow! look at the tiny paper piecing!! The baskets are just so lovely and the pansies are perfect for April. Love that baseball rug and your interesting commentary on why it fits into April. Thanks.

Emily C said...

Lovely rug. Unique shape and deisgn. very original.

Karen O said...

Both of your mug rugs are wonderful. And the shiny thread is fine! I like the way you have the flowers fussy cut in the baskets.

Mystica said...

Those pansies are beautiful. I like that baseball fabric. (I've never seen a game of baseball other than on TV)

Rebeckah Austin said...

Love the baseball!

Mara said...

Oh my goodnesss your little baskets of fussy cut flowers are too cute.

Teri said...

Wonderful mug rugs....what a great giveaway....love the baseball fabric

Unknown said...

So fun! I love, love, love your baseball rug! pbstrand@msn.com

Mrs.Pickles said...

Great work thanks for sharing!

3DOGBONES said...

I pinned you! :)

✄ Erin @ Sew at Home Mummy ✄ said...

Gorgeous! I love your flower baskets, but the baseball is ingenious! Thank you so much for sharing and for hopping with us, I hope you had fun!

Judy K said...

Love themn both!

Connie Kresin Campbell said...

What great mug rugs! Love the little teeny tiny flower baskets! Thanks for sharing!

Nancy: rangerer@sbcglobal.net said...

I love both your mug rugs! The basket rug is so sweet and the baseball rug is so much fun. Great designs!

JustPam said...

Oh my goodness your tiny baskets are lovely. I like the baseball too. Great mug rugs.

newsurfiegirl said...

What beautiful floral fabric! Gorgeous for your mug rug. Love the base ball! Thanks for sharing.

HeatherK @ A Reformed Heath'n said...

I really like your blue basket mug rug--that is so lovely with those fussy-cut pansies. I'm with you on the baseball front :) I love taking my kids to the minor league games since we don't live anywhere close to any MLB teams. Great job!