Monday, January 28, 2013

My Daring Dresden Diddie with a Cute Little Tute

First let me say a great huge THANKS to Christine of Quilt Monster In My Closet and Madame Samm of Sew We Quilt for this incredible hop they've put together. I'm so honored to be a part of it.
I want to give a big HUG to Christine, for letting me reschedule this post. Originally I was supposed to be hopping the very first day, but sometimes life just throws you a curve ball without any warning. If you've visited me recently, you know it's been a pretty sad week  and for those who left such heartfelt words of sympathy, encouragement and friendship (not to mention some pretty touching stories)...know that I've read every comment and feel so very blessed for the love and support I have really needed the last couple of days.

Now time for the show!

I adore Dresden blocks...yet I've only ever made one Dresden quilt. It was one of my first 'real' quilts back in the day when I played mostly at making dolls and bears. I planned to show you a pic but lo and behold - I can't find the quilt. Yikes! How does one lose a quilt?

When I first saw the chance to join the "Dare To Dresden" hop I immediately thought this would be the perfect time to finally do something with this English paper pieced Dresden I'd started a while ago.
This was supposed to be part of a sampler quilt I was designing for my Mom and Dad. Oh my *gasp*...dearest Dad has been gone for almost 4 years....eeks...do I really want to admit that I've had this for longer than that? And now that I've teased you...guess what...I decided to do something completely different! (But never fear, I AM turning THIS Dresden into a little wall hanging for Mom...I can't wait to finish and share it with you...just not today).

Today it's all about this cute little
 "Mock Dresden Mug Rug"
Isn't it just the cutest?
(am I humble or what! haha)
Now another confession...I took swiped borrowed this cup from my Mom. She got it for Christmas. What kind of a daughter TAKES her mom's Christmas gift? I couldn't help myself...it's so me...I LOVE Black and White anything. Don't worry, I WILL replace it with a cute PINK cup - something more to Mom's liking.

In one of my other groups a gal had posted before Christmas that she was making mug rugs to match mugs she had found...for gifties for friends...I really liked that idea. I can't wait to start hunting for more mugs (I pinky swear I won't take any more of Mom's)...I guess we know what my friends will be getting for Christmas this year.

I do have a 'give-away' and you don't have to do anything to win it. It is something every ONE of you can have...a cute little 'tute' to make your own. I hope you enjoy it. It's pretty picture heavy (my friend Doris said that's the ex-elementary teacher coming out in me...hmmm...I think she might be right). But before we start 'tute-ing' - I don't want to forget to give you the list of all the other awesome Daring Dresden Doings that are happening today! Be sure to check them out - just remember to come back for your lesson!

January 28th, 2013
Rosemary B @ “that Other Blog”


Mock Dresden mug rug - Tutorial
I foundation pieced this cute little diddie and you can too! First you'll need the paper pattern. Let's see, where did I put it? Ok...found it.
Click HERE for the pdf file to download and print. Remember...you will need TWO COPIES! I love my EQ for designing blocks! I use everyday copy paper. The BEST advice I ever got in a class was with Karen Stone...she is the QUEEN of foundation piecing and I will never forget her words of wisdom "save your $ for fabrics...use your computer paper...with the proper needle and very small stitches you will be ok" (or words to that effect..haha).

First you will need to mark your patterns with the fabrics (colors) you will be using

Note that one block STARTS with BLACK (#1) then RED, then Black...and sew on on sew forth. You will need to mark TWO of the paper blocks just like that (of course, using YOUR colors).
The other block STARTS with RED (#1), then Black, then red...etc. Again, mark TWO of your paper blocks that way.

My fabrics above. I worked with fat quarters because that's what I had. Below you will see I cut strips from each fabric about 2" wide
With only two fabrics, I needed TWO strips of each color (cut 2" x 22" approx - no reason to rotary cut them unless you want to).  I often work with 'strips' and scissor cut as I need them.
Remember that you are working from the PRINTED side of the paper - your fabric will be placed on the backside - #1 fabric is ALWAYS WRONG SIDE AGAINST THE PAPER...a light in the background helps to see the placement (see above) your fabric MUST COVER the space it's intended for AND GO BEYOND the seam lines - in case you are wondering, I am still working with a FULL strip - I don't trim the strips until I've 'pinned' or sewn them in place.

Next....
I usually rely on the 'light' for the first placement of fabric. After that, I'm all about the 'pinning'. I've added a pin thru the paper AND #1 fabric ON the seam line - also another pin on the seam line where the TOP of the blade will be.
With my scissors (above) I will trim my strip now so it's not flopping about. The pin guide let's me know where the seam will be and I trim a very healthy quarter inch past that.

Next comes #2 - Looking at the fabric side - I find the pin I've used for the 'seam guide' (below)...I will line up my second fabric close by (from now on it's ALL RIGHT SIDES DOWN sweeties)
Then I will move the fabric OVER AND PAST the pin marker - think 1/4" seam as you do this
and while holding both fabrics in place - Re-PIN through the paper, both fabrics...ON the seam line.
Clear as mud?
After the pin is in place - now is the time to TEST what you've done - open up the fabrics and make sure the 2nd one will cover everything it's supposed to cover with enough left over for the next seams. When you are sure it will all work....time to turn on your machine.
(If you 'opened' the fabrics...be sure to close them again - in other words...both will be touching, RIGHT SIDES TOGETHER.)

Set your STITCH LENGTH to TEENY (I use the 1.5 setting....which is something like 15-18 stitches per inch)...oh, and about your 'needle' - a size 90 is strongly suggested...larger shaft, larger holes...easier paper removal later....But...(yep...another true confession)...I use whatever size is on my machine...usually it's a 70. With small enough stitches....I have no problem.
With everything in place (above)...stitch those teeny stitches following the seam line between 1 and 2. Start a good 3/8" OUTSIDE (or before) the line....
ending with several stitches PAST the top of the blade....(ideally a good 3/8" further would be nice - obviously a case of "Do As I Say and Not As I Did" if you go by the picture - LOL)

Trim threads...trim the sewn seam to 1/4" ish - (I usually just scissor cut this) - fold back the fabrics...finger press (below)...
...add new 'pin guides' on the second fabric. See below to remind you where the new pin guides go.
Trim #2 Fabric strip for easier handling.
Pin #3 Fabric in place....stitch as before...then trim away the excess seam fabric
Continue on until all Five fabrics are sewn in place. Give it all a good pressing from the fabric side.
I machine 'basted' ( see above and below) outside of the stitching lines to hold my fabrics in place.
Complete all four quarter blocks - trim each one up on the outer most cutting line so all of your foundations are square and the same size - yes, you should only have the 1/4" seam allowances on the very edge of your papers (sorry - I forgot THAT picture..oops)
Matching two of the quarters (above)...sew together.
Again...no picture (I am such a lacky)...use a pin to match up your seam lines.
You are STILL using TEENY stitches!
Once sewn...you can remove the CENTER SEAM PAPER ONLY...and to make it easier later on - trim away some of the center paper (below).
Make two halves exactly the same and then sew together as shown below. Press the four joining seams open.
Rough cut to trim around the outer edge - you don't need those corner edges of paper anymore, but keep all other paper in place.
 Find some backing and batting and cut to the measurement shown below. 
With right sides together pin pieced foundation to backing/batting, your 'sandwich' will be
Pieced foundation (right side down)
Backing (right side up)
Batting
Stitch on the seam line all the way around - yes, you're still using the Teeny stitch.
Next, scissor trim around the outside edge. I left a scant 1/4" seam allowance (or maybe even a healthy 1/8" seam...what ever you are comfortable with. A smaller seam will allow the outside curve to shape up better).
After trimming, your piece should look like this.
Carefully remove the paper foundation.
Turn Rightside OUT - taking care not to pull apart the seams around the center hole. Don't stress if they come apart 'slightly' - the center circle you will add will cover that up.
Press flat.
I got very scientific deciding upon the size of the center circle I would use. I measured the bottom of my coffee cup and then I found something round that was larger, that I could use for tracing a circle....
....an empty yogurt container...hahaha. (approx size 3-3/4" across for those that need a number). Cut two squares larger than the circle (in my case, about 4-1/2")...I used the same fabric for both squares.
Trace around your circle "tool" with a pencil. Use Teeny stitches to sew on the traced line, overlapping beginning and ending stitches. (remember, smaller stitches...nicer circle)
Trim as shown above. Carefully cut a slit for turning through ONE LAYER of fabric. Turn circle Rightside OUT - press. Pin in place over opening. Machine or handstitch in place. I used a machine blanket stitch.
Quilt as desired.
Ta-Da! 
Don't forget...even a mug rug needs to be signed.
I hope you enjoyed this. Don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. If you make your own (and I so hope you will)...I'd love to see it! You can always post a picture in the Thimblemouse & Spouse Friends flickr group here. Feel free to link back to this blog if you'd like...that always makes me smile.

Have a super week! Now get stitchin'!
Lynn ~ The Thimblemouse >"<







70 comments:

  1. Black and white, with red are the perfect colour combination, making a fabulous mug rug!!! Thanks so much for sharing how you made your mug rug. I've attempted paper piecing twice, now and am on the lookout for patterns such as yours.

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  2. Sew cute! Thanks sew much for the pattern pdf and the detailed tutorial. I am so sorry to read about your loss of your beautiful Maggie ... my sympathy is with you ... Pat

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  3. Very cute! I am a lover of black and white also. Thanks for the tutorial.

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  4. Great mug rug - I love the mug too! Great tutorial too. Thanks for sharing.

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  5. Really cute! Thanks for sharing

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  6. I love your mug rug. So cute Thanks for sharing

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  7. I love your dresden mugrug!
    Thanks for sharing!

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  8. Sorry to hear about Maggie-she looked like a real sweetheart! We have 3 rescue kitties, the 2 boys sleep with me and of course they all "help" when sewing/quilting. Thanks for the PP dresden tutorial for the mug rug. I hope to get around to it soon. From CA, thanks for sharing.

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  9. Gorgeous work. Thank you for sharing such wonderful eye candy today.

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  10. Very cute tute. Now when you get your mom that pink replacement mug, you should make her one of these to match.

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  11. I so agree with Charlotte.. you definitely need to make your mom a mug rug to match her new pink mug. :)

    Charlotte's are very smart people.. I have an older sister named Charlotte and I learn a lot from her. lol

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  12. Love your little dresden rug and great tut! Quilting is so theraputic when we are grieving... I lost my dear cat in July and I know how it hurts to loose a family member. Blessings to you!

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  13. I love your tutorial. I can hardly wait to try this. Paper piecing is so accurate for us who tend to be perfectionist. Your directions are very, very clear. Thank you for taking time to participate at a difficult time. I also did not know there is an English paper piecing method. I haven't tried the English paper piecing yet, but this old dog might try it yet.

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  14. Such a cute mug rug! I love how it matches the mug. Great idea on the paper piecing, too. I'm still fighting with my dresden (made with the traditional approach).

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  15. Cute mug rug! Thanks for sharing the tutorial too!!!!

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  16. Your mug rug is very nice.Thanks for the pattern and sure I`ll try it!

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  17. Wow you make me think.. I CAN do this!!

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  18. wow I will mirror that sentiment... stunning..





    and my sympathies to you all...I bet you miss your family member terribly...

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  19. Your little mug rug is absolutely adorable! (I have to admit that mug is perfect for it!) Great job1!!

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  20. You Dresden reminds me of a Lady Bug *giggle*. Love that mug on it too! Great job and I am so happy we were able to see your take on the DARE. Hugs and Happy Hopping

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  21. Great mug rug...they go together perfectly....

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  22. Great idea to paper piece a dresden! Love the mug rug and mug! LOL

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  23. The dresden for your mom is beautiful. I like the scalloped edge. The little round mug rug is wonderful.

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  24. that is such a cool, funky, modern dresden, I love it!

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  25. Now that's a wild and wonderful dresden. Perfect with your mom's cup!

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  26. Loved it so much I had to follow your blog - and I'm follower #100! too cool :)
    At our last guild meeting we learned how to paper piece - and I'll admit, it still scares me a little bit - but you make it look so easy! I love your mug rug :)
    And your site is too funky! Love the hearts, pink and black!
    x
    Erin

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  27. Hi!! Wonderful!!!! I love the mug and rug duo gift idea!!! I had seen that somewhere too!!! Glad you reminded me!!! And thank you for giving me the great tute to use!!! Yaa!!! I am going to try it out!!! Thank You

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  28. THANK YOU! I love your mug rug. I am going to make myself one this week, such a great tutorial. Thanks again for sharing.

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  29. The Dresden makes a perfect mug rug! Very cute.

    I am so sorry to read about Maggie. I am sure your hearts are breaking still.

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  30. What a cute mug rug! Thanks for sharing!

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  31. Your Dresden is wonderful. Thanks for sharing and posting the tutorial!

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  32. I love your mug rug and the mug sitting on it. What a great idea! To make mug rugs and add a mug to match would make a wonderful Christmas present.This is so cool! Thanks for sharing.

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  33. Loved the paper pieced dresden mug rug.

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  34. What sweet mats you have here! Thank you for another way to tackle dresdens, yours may well be the easiest to achieve a quick result, it's brilliant!! :)

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  35. Karen Stone's wisdom was not lost on me. It is so much easier to repurpose other kinds of paper. Your Dresdens are wonderful and I love the idea of making the mug rug to match the cup. Maybe if I get started now I would have some fro Christmas. Judy C thanks you for this wonderful opportunity and still feels the pain of your loss.

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  36. what a cute mug rug and thank you for the tutorial!!

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  37. thanks for the mug rug dresden.

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  38. Very cute - and a great tutorial! blessins, marlene

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  39. Beautiful design and great idea! Thanks for sharing the tute!

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  40. I appreciate the tutorial. These will make awesome Xmas gifts for my quilting group. Matching cup idea - even better. Thanks for sharing your expertise.

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  41. Rosemary B here: thank you for the tutorial. I will try to make this!
    I think your mugrug is really pretty.
    I can't steal stuff from my mom, she follows me around the house. But.... she gives me all of her broken stuff lol
    thank you for sharing

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  42. Thank you for the tute, it's cute !

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  43. Your tute is great. Your mug rug a wonderful idea. I can't wait to make some for Valentine's Day and give friends a treat-stuffed mug on a rug.

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  44. This looks like an interesting and easy way to do a Dresden. I might try a very tiny one this way. By the way, I've done lots of paper foundation piecing over the years and have always used regular computer paper.

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  45. Good tutorial and a wonderful mug rug. THX

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  46. Great Dresden and great tutorial -- maybe someday I'll work up the nerve to Dare!

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  47. Love this idea- have not tried paper piecing but will now thanks to our great tutorial!

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  48. This is just great, love what you have done with the Dresden and thank your for the tute.

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  49. Very cute little mug rug and tutorial is great...love the colors! I just went and read about your sweet pup. I'm so sorry for your loss. Our animals are such a part of our family and are greatly missed when they pass.

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  50. Thank you for sharing your Tute....and stories... Love the Mug Rug...and the MUG...know your Momma doesn't mind! lol

    I have never done paper piecing...but you have made it look easy & fun...think I am brave enough to try! (thanks!)

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  51. Love your mug rug. Great idea for Christmas.
    Sorry to hear of Maggies passing.

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  52. Thank you so much for tute-ing us. That mug just goes perfectly with your mug-rug - now, does that mean you made the rug to match the mug or did you abscond with the mug because it went with the rug??!! lol Most rugs are square or rectangular so I love that yours is round. Lovely.

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  53. What a GREAT Tute! I am definitely going to make some of these. Easy, peasy....that's the way you made it to me!

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  54. Cute mug rug. Perfectly fits a nice cupawhatever :) My favorite mug rug is black and red ... maybe its time for an updated version.

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  55. What a great idea to paper piece your Dresden! Such a cute mug rug :) Thanks for sharing :)

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  56. I love red/black/white and the mug rug is just awesome. Thanks for the tut.

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  57. I think mom need a mug rug as well as a mug! Thanks for the tutorial.

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  58. Beautiful... like lefuntz said, you may have to include a mug rug with your Mom's, he he! Thank you so much for the awesome tut! what a great idea to paper piece the Dresden!!! I will give it a try and make a °round° mug rug... since a have a few mugs waiting for rugs! Ü

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  59. Great tut. Thanks so much for sharing.

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  60. I am sorry to hear of your loss. Your dresden's are beautiful! Thanks so much for the tutorial. I know it takes time to put one together! Thanks for participating and inspiring us!

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  61. The mug is perfect for the mug rug, love the fabrics. Thanks for the great tutorial and for sharing in the blog hop. Happy stitching, Pauline

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  62. Thanks for linking up your tutorial today with Tips and Tricks Tuesdays! Loved it!

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  63. I had to laugh about the coffee mug, especially with the fact your blog background is pink. LOL

    Great tutorial and super cute Dresden. I love the colors in the one at the very top of your post.

    Thank you

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  64. I love your mug rug...how adorable! Sad for your loss of Sweet Maggie.

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  65. Definitely have to try this!!!! Thank you for the great instructions!!!! I'm a beginner so I definitely need them.

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  66. Ich bin noch Näh-Anfängerin, aber mit dieser tollen Anleitung versuche ich es einfach mal...

    Vielen, vielen Dank

    Liebe Grüße aus Deutschland von
    Marion

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  67. The Mug Rug is ready...please Show at my blog ;-)

    Thank you for the tutorial

    Greetings
    Marion

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I just love to hear from you and I truly do read every comment. Sometimes life gets a wee bit crazy and I'm not always able to reply to them all...but I'll keep trying! If you are Anonymous or a no-reply blogger, leave your email with your comment, otherwise there's no way I can reply to you - and maybe you're okay with that - but if there's a give-away and you win...you'll never know!

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