Mug Rug Exchange - Do it yourself style!

[Norma H.]

Thank you ops: ops: ops:

[Jane R.]

Goodness, I've not been here for a few days and look at the gorgeous mug rugs--stunning is all I can say about the work and lucky recipients!

[Geneva C.]

Look what came in my mailbox! A beautiful mug rug from Norma! And some treats.

The mug rug is a beautiful bumble bee. The fabric is so soft, the quilting perfect. I especially like the binding stitching. It gives the edge a lacy look. And Norma sent a wonderful "little birdie". It's exquisite. I love the ribbons! Thanks Norma!



Here's the back:



And all the goodies:





Geneva

[Norma H.]

Bumble bee? I never thought of that. It has transformed while flying your way. Glad you like it.

[E.M. T.]

Norma...knowing you hand dye your fabric....I am very curious about that grey fabric. Are these appliqued
dots/circles?? or was that some special method that produced the pattern. ??

[Norma H.]

Marilyn, I had the fabric in a bath from cleansing some brushes. That gave the subtle grey color. After drying I stamped the circles on, probably with a circular sponge stamp. The paint is fabric paint that needs ironing afterwards.
I have a very hard time remembering how I did things but I'm pretty sure this is how I got it done. The fabric is an old worn out sheet, in fact my favorite, because it was very soft and almost silk like. I recycled the good parts of it.

I wonder if others have the same experience. When I'm done with making fabrics I cannot remember what I did. It's like being in another sort of consciousness while working. In one of my test muggies I used a fabric that I really like, but I can't for the life of me remember how to create that effect again. Don't tell me to make notes while I work. That's not an option because then I get out of the flow.
I would like to hear how others experience their creative process.

[Andree B.]

Norma, If you can't write during that creative process - I know the feeling -, maybe film yourself?

Andrée

[Maureen A.]

Another terrific mug rug Norma. Love the fabric. Geneva must be so delighted to receive it.

[Rita C.]

Norma I am exactly like you. I always forget to take notes and then can't remember what I did. It's fatal to part stitch some applique and then go back to it after some time because then I can't remember what thread I used. :roll: But as for remembering what I did when dyeing fabric, I wish I had taken notes too because I made a lovely green fabric once and just can't remember the proportion of blue and green - or even which blue and green I used. Oh well, experiment, experiment. :lol:

[Norma H.]

I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one. The suggestion on filming could be an option. I will think about that.
When I'm dying new colors I'm working very planned. I write my recipe before I start, I know how much fabric I will dye in the specific color and I have a journal where I put a piece of the finished fabric. It's just when I create with stamps, brushes and those sort of things, that I cannot recreate it. (or when things go wrong in all the planned details. That happens also)
Rita, the good news when you have a color you love and don't know how to make, is that you will be getting very good at guessing what to do :lol: )

[E.M. T.]

Norma...you sure answered my question...and for sure add me to that same mode of working !! I think
the writing would some how alter the creativity. The all-cotton sheets are more common here than a
few years ago. They would be good for some things..if not too high a thread count...that makes them
hard to quilt in my experience. I'm anxious for good weather so I can make some more pretty stuff !!

[Susan B.]

I'm anxious for good weather

What's that?

[Lorna B.]

It's what we had here today in East Anglia, England! I took a long walk this morning and even sat outside a bit this afternoon. Don't worry, it will be coming your way soon enough.

[Catherine S.]

We had a beautiful day yesterday. 70 degrees F. Had a birthday party here for 2 of my DGSs. Was glad of warm weather so the 16 kiddos could play outside. Some of them even went to the pond to fish. Wonderful day.
Today of course is different. 29 degrees. ICE, snow, cold, windy!!! :x :x :x I am so ready for spring.

[Geneva C.]

Norma's mug rug fabric is so soft. I noticed it right away. And now I know why! Great idea Norma. And beautiful work.

Also, Norma, the little birdie is so nice. Thanks for the extra prize!

It's been in the 70's here, sunny and perfect weather. Just no rain, so still a drought.

Norma and Nancy, I've been in a whirlwind of packing and sorting and haven't been able to get to your mug rugs. Tomorrow we head out in a big U-Haul truck for a day and half drive to Washington. (I'm the trucker babe!) So, never fear, I haven't forgotten about you and getting your mug rugs to you. I apologize for being so slow. Been in a slump lately....

Did everyone see Keith Dommer's quilt on the cover of QNM? Yay!

Have a good week everyone....

Geneva