Turning fabric scraps into a mug coaster!

If you're like me, you probably have a stash of fabric scraps that you just can't bear to throw away.

Recently I had a bunch of scraps from a bag project which I couldn't throw away! The best thing was that the scraps were already double sided so I knew I had to do something with them. What a better way than to make a mug coaster! Not only is it a useful item, but it also adds a pop of colour to your sewing space!

Here's how to make one:

1. Sort through your scraps. As you can see these scraps are double sided. In my bag project I had used a mixture of fabric selvedges and Ruby Star Society fabric on one side and Ruby Star Society Speckled Confetti as the lining. I used Bosal In R Form double sided fusible in the middle and then cross hatch quilted. This meant I was left with double sided scraps!

2. Trim your scraps down. I ended up with a good selection of pieces all varying in width and length. 

3. Choose your layout for your mug coaster, I kept all the Speckled Confetti as the bottom of the coaster and then rearranged the strips until I had a design I liked. 

4. Choose the size of your coaster and trim. I went with 5 x 5 inches. And yes, I did keep some of the small scraps I trimmed off!!  

5. Next join the strips together. I butted each strip up next to each other and then used a zig zag stitch to join them together. 

6. Keeping with the theme of scraps, I had some leftover pieces of binding, which worked perfectly. I treated the coaster as a mini quilt and stitched the binding onto the right side of the coaster and then hand stitched it down on the back. It is probably quicker and easier to machine stitch the binding completely but I never seem to get a good finish and love hand binding so it didn't bother me doing it this way!

7. And that's it! You now have a cute and functional mug coaster made from fabric scraps. 

Happy Stitching! Xx

Sew Hot Brand Rep make!

My first Sew Hot Brand Rep week over on IG has come to an end and what a great week it was! 

So, what did I end up making .....

The Patchwork Duffle by Knot and Thread Design!

I recently discovered Knot and Thread Design and love the style of patterns written by Kaitlyn. I'm so happy with how the bag turned out and it's extra roomy size. Choosing the patchwork version worked really well with the fabric and I'm glad I made the additional carrying strap. Now I just need somewhere to go!

So here are all the details (and photos!) in case you fancy making one yourself:

Pattern - Patchwork Duffle by Knot and Thread Design

Fabric - Lucky Rabbit by Heather Ross for Windham Fabrics. I used this fabric for the main outer and lining of the bag with a couple of solid fabrics from my stash for the binding of the end pockets, inner bias binding and main bag handles. 

I used my good old favourite Bosal In R Form single sided fusible in place of batting which gives it great structure!

It was my first time making fabric covered handles, as I usually use a cotton coloured webbing, but I'm a convert!! I used polypropylene webbing white covered with a solid fabric. 

The zipper is a By Annie handbag zipper and I love the pop of colour!

The instructions for making the additional carrying strap are not in the pattern but there is a fantastic Youtube video by Knot and Thread Design taking you through each step of making. I went with a scrappy patchwork version using up what fabric I had left and am really happy with how it turned out. I haven't really used a lot of hardware in my bag making before, not sure why, but I love the professional finish you get. I used Serial Bag Makers strap adjusters and swivel snap hooks in gunmetal and Emmaline Bags triangle rings in gunmetal. 

The bag was all made on my Bernina Artista 170, sewn with various colours of Aurifil 50 wt thread. 

For a finishing touch I added a little "one of a kind" Dritz leather label 💖 

(Ad - Lucky Rabbit fabric provided by Sew Hot UK as part of my Sew Hot Brand Rep week in return for my posts on IG)

If you've made or a making a Patchwork Duffle let me know as I love seeing all the different versions. 

Until next time - Happy Stitching Xx

Any guesses what I'm making?!

I've been giving away a few teasers on Instagram as to what I've made for my first Sew Hot Brand rep project - any guesses?!

I had lots of ideas but there was one make on my very long "To make" list which I thought would be fun using the Lucky Rabbit fabric. 

The final reveal will be this Sunday (16th April '23) over on IG.

I decided on a simple cross hatch quilting pattern using my walking foot. 

I used Bosal In R Form instead of batting to give structure and gorgeous texture! 

I quilted with Aurifil 50wt on my Bernina Artista 170.

Getting closer to the finish!!

Fabric is "Lucky Rabbit" by Heather Ross for Windham Fabrics. 

Happy Stitching Xx

(Ad - Fabric provided by Sew Hot UK as part of my Sew Hot Brand Rep week in return for my posts on IG) 

Sew Hot Brand rep week!

How is it suddenly April!?

My intention for 2023 was to get back to regular posting on the blog and re start my Etsy shop (along with lots of other ideas rolling around my head), and now suddenly we are a third of the way through 2023! 

Anyways one little step at a time!

At the end of last year I was very happy to be selected as one of eight Sew Hot Brand Reps for 2023. This week is my first brand rep week over on Instagram and I can't wait to share with everyone what I have been making. 

Several weeks ago I received a gorgeous bundle of fabric in the post. The fabric is "Lucky Rabbit" by Heather Ross for Windham Fabrics. The collection is a mix of prints and blenders of 100% quilting cotton with ditsy florals, stars and plaids. 

I'll be sharing at the end of the week my final make but for now here are a few progress shots!

"Lucky Rabbit" fabric by Heather Ross for Windham Fabrics.

When fabric is just too gorgeous to cut into to but you just need to use the good stuff!

So many cute designs which are great for fussy cutting. 

Patchwork preparation

Hands up if you love chain piecing!!

Work in progress!

Remember to stop by my IG to see extra videos too!

Happy Stitching Xx

(Ad - fabric provided by Sew Hot UK as part of my SewHot Brand Rep week in return for my posts on IG)