Mug Rug Madness

Done it. Finished the two mug rugs for Cindy's Mug Rug and Goodies Swap. Never made a mug rug before this week. Now I have made two. Kind of a satisfying process. Tiny quilt, done in a day - for the most part. I like that instant gratification thing. It appeals to my childish nature.

I posted about the first mug rug a couple of days ago. I put the binding on but it still needed that white space on the right hand side added to. Well, I think it did. Just a little too bare, don't you think so too?

I hate how wonky it looks in this photograph
because it doesn't seem that wonky up close and personal.

 I added a little bit of stitchery to it today, taking my cue from my You Spin Me Round quilt. Talk about a lack of imagination! Do a pin wheel quilt once and use the same idea whenever you see a pin wheel again. I will have to think of something else next time!

Yesterday I also pieced the top for the second mug rug. I have struggled to come up with an idea for this partner because she is one of the 'silent swappers'. Sorry if it is you, but when you sign up for a swap jump in and enjoy yourself. When everyone else posts an inspiration mosaic, do one too. They are easy to do, there are plenty of tutorials out there if you need help (or ask the swap mama - here Cindy shows hers), and it lets your partner know what kind of things you like. Hint - put photos of quilts, handmade things, colour inspiration, etc. - not your cat! Have lots of 'favourites' in your Flickr profile. Keep your blog up to date so fellow swappers can drop by and get to know you better.

I am not trying to sound like an old hand here, because I have only done a couple of swaps. The first one was very intimidating - not only were many of the other participants incredible quilters with gifted imaginations, but lots of them already seemed to know each other. Well, there is only one way to get to know people and that is to talk to them. Start leaving comments. Post photos of your swap work in progress and let them comment on what you have done. I have yet to see someone be nasty about someone else's work. I am sure it can happen but swappers tend to be very nice people.

Best of all, if you are stuck mid-project put the problem out there. You will receive all sorts of helpful advice that you won't find in any books. The advice is given with generosity and good will. Silly to pass that sort of expertise up.

So, if you are new to swapping, like I was a few short months ago, find out what the best thing about swaps is. Not what you receive, but the people you meet. If you are not interested in meeting the other people participating, can't be arsed to leave any comments ever and making a mosaic is just too much trouble - why are you in the swap? Be brave, put yourself out there. Who knows what new friends you may make?!

O-kay, enough of that. Back to the mug rug for which I received no inspiration. By failing to have anything for me to go by my partner will have to take pot luck here. Sorry!

I apologise if you found what I said a little harsh. The people who go to the trouble to set up swaps put a lot of time and energy into it - more than I think a lot of people realise - and wouldn't it be nice for them if all the participants who signed up actually got the best experience out of it and participated?

Susan