Snuggle Up with Holiday Mug Rugs

Greetings, friends—and happy Thursday before Christmas! I hope this post finds you feeling joyful, surrounded by kindness, and ready to embrace the holiday spirit.

Today, I’m excited to share a pair of festive mug rugs I created for the Poppie Cotton Christmas Countdown. Each week, Poppie Cotton has been inspiring us with cozy, quilty ideas to make the season bright: starting with Festive Table Settings, then Deck the Halls décor, and now this week’s theme—Snuggle Up!

When the winter chill sets in, there’s nothing better than curling up in your favorite stitching spot with a warm drink, a sweet treat, and a cozy project. For the Poppie Cotton “Snuggle Up” Christmas Countdown, I created two adorable mug rugs that bring a touch of handmade charm to your holiday sipping and stitching!

These cheerful designs feature Poppie Cotton’s Rosy Cheeks collection (with a dash of Country Confetti and Jailhouse Stripes) and are perfect for adding festive flair to your fireside moments. Whether you’re enjoying hot cocoa topped with marshmallows or sharing a smile with a snowman, these mug rugs will make your holiday season extra warm and inviting.

Ready to see some details and make your own? Let’s dive in!

Materials:

• Fabrics: Rosy Cheeks collection by Lori Woods for Poppie Cotton, along with Country Confetti and Jailhouse Stripes 
• HeatnBond Lite, Fusible Fleece, and Medium Weight Non-Woven Fusible Interfacing from Therm O Web
• 1/4" Buttons
• Heart Button
• Graphite Sequins
• 5/8" Pink Rick Rack

Mug Rug #1: Cup of Hot Cocoa

• Adapted from my own pattern “Sweet Snacks Mug Rug” 
• Pattern available in my Etsy Shop:
  https://blueribbondesigns.etsy.com/listing/1656427148
• Added ¼" buttons for marshmallows.
• Patchwork and machine appliqué construction.
• Replaced the original heart appliqué with a small pine tree for a winter vibe.
  
  

Mug Rug #2: Snowman

• Adapted from my Winter Mug Rug Tutorial for Benzie Design 
• Pattern, templates, and tutorial available on the Benzie Design Blog: https://www.benziedesign.com/blogs/tutorials/winter-mug-rug
• Used all Poppie Cotton fabrics instead of wool felt.
• Added pink rick rack around the perimeter for extra charm.
• Embellished with ¼" buttons, one heart-shaped button, and small sequins for eyes.
• Hand-stitched the snowman’s mouth for a cozy, handmade finish.
  
  

These cheerful mug rugs were created especially for the Snuggle Up theme—ideal for holiday sipping and stitching! 

Now it’s your turn to snuggle up and stitch! These little mug rugs are quick, fun, and perfect for adding a handmade touch to your holiday season. Gather your favorite Poppie Cotton fabrics, a few cheerful embellishments, and create something cozy for your coffee, cocoa, or tea moments.

Whether you make one for yourself or whip up a few as gifts, these projects are sure to bring warmth and joy to your home. So pour a cup of something delicious, turn on your favorite holiday tunes, and let the stitching magic begin!

Wishing you a season filled with creativity, comfort, and festive cheer—may your days be merry, bright, and full of handmade happiness!

Winter Mug Rug

Greetings, friends!

It’s Benzie Design tutorial day, so get excited for a winter project that’s as cozy as it is creative! ❄️✨

Cool temperatures are here (at least they are in Kansas City!), and I’m so excited to share a project that brings warmth and cheer to your home—the Winter Mug Rug! Imagine a steaming mug of cocoa, a sweet treat, and a handmade piece that feels like a little slice of winter magic. This design is all about cozy vibes, shimmering accents, and a touch of holiday sparkle.

I created this tutorial exclusively for Benzie Design, and it’s perfect for a snow-day craft or a relaxing weekend make. Whether you’re stitching by hand or machine, this project is beginner-friendly and full of creative possibilities. Pair your finished snack mat with a cute mug and goodies for a heartfelt gift that will brighten someone’s snowy day!

👉 Find the full tutorial on Benzie Design’s website: https://www.benziedesign.com/blogs/tutorials/winter-mug-rug

Supplies You’ll Need (contains affiliate links that help me keep this blog ad-free):

These can all be found found on the Benzie Design website:

• Iridescent Metallic Felt
• Bellwether Pure Wool Felt Sheets (Tellina, Cerulean, Ecru, Conifer, Black, Rhubarb, Amethyst, Hazelnut, Clementine)
• Peltex Single-Sided Fusible Interfacing 
• DMC Floss 310 
• Invisible Polyester Thread (Sulky) 
• Freezer Paper 
• Sequins (Iridescent Aquamarine, Metallic Graphite)
• Tacky Glue
• Glossy Accents (Sequin Glue)
• Embroidery Needles
• 5” Non-stick Titanium Scissors
• Scallop Shears (10mm)
• Coordinating Threads (for hand or machine)

Optional but handy: Oliso M3Pro Project Iron, sewing machine, tweezers, and a paintbrush.

This project is all about embracing the season—think frosty sparkle, cozy textures, and festive colors. So grab your favorite winter drink, gather your supplies, and let’s make something magical together!

Ready to start? Click here to get the full tutorial on the Benzie Design website:
https://www.benziedesign.com/blogs/tutorials/winter-mug-rug

No matter your skill level, this project is for you! Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned stitcher, the Winter Mug Rug is a wonderful way to play with color, texture, and sparkle. Don’t be afraid to experiment—mix and match felt shades, try new stitches, and add extra embellishments to make it uniquely yours. Every creative choice adds personality and charm, so have fun and let your imagination shine! ❄️✨

Snow Place Like Home Cocoa Jar Wrap

Greetings friends - thank you for visiting with me today! If you are a regular reader or social media follower, then you know I am a Fabric Education Designer for ThermOWeb  (they are the makers of all those wonderful HeatnBond products - adhesives, interfacings - all sorts of "must have" products for fabric crafts, paper crafts, and sewing). I create projects and tutorials for their very popular blog and give you my tips and tricks for using their products. It is Winter Vacation Week over on the ThermOWeb Blog and I created a new project that was posted yesterday - it is a complete tutorial for my "Snow Place Like Home Cocoa Jar Wrap." This tutorial contains a complete supply list, printable pattern with applique templates, a layout diagram, my recipe for homemade hot cocoa mix, and step-by-step directions with color photos...and the post includes the childhood story that inspired the design. This jar wrap fits a Half Gallon (64oz) Ball Mason Jar - have you seen these LARGE jars?? - they are perfect for all sorts of things...in fact, if this project is popular, I have plans for several more - including a couple with cross stitch designs! I hope you will stop by the ThermOWeb blog and check out my project and tutorial...and if you like it, leave a comment and let ThermOWeb (and me!) know.😊

This is a small appliqué project that is perfect for snippets and scraps. I used cotton quilting fabric, but you can use what you have on hand. I also used a couple hair elastics and a couple shank buttons, along with HeatnBond products (Lite EZ-Print Iron-On Adhesive, Fusible Fleece, Heavy Weight Non-Woven Fusible Interfacing, Pressing Sheets, and Liquid Vinyl Gel Coating). 

Are you familiar with the NEW HeatnBond Liquid Vinyl Gel Coating? With this unique liquid product, you can make any fabric stain-resistant, water-resistant and even waterproof....simply paint on a light, even coat - let it dry - and then iron to create a smooth finish. One coat makes the fabric water and stain-resistant...two coats makes the fabric waterproof and stain-resistant...and three coats makes the fabric waterproof and stain-resistant with a semi-gloss oilcloth finish. With my latest project being used in the kitchen, I put on two coats...and it worked perfectly! I like how the project is now easily wiped clean and stain-resistant.

If you have questions on any ThermOWeb HeatnBond products or would like to see a specific type of product in one of my projects, drop me a comment or email.

It really is easy to make this jar wrap project your own - you can make it as simple or as challenging as you would like! "Snow Place Like Home" is a great afternoon project that will definitely brighten up your kitchen and add a touch of whimsy to a wintry afternoon.

You will have to visit the ThermOWeb blog for my tutorial and pattern, but I am posting a few photos here...

https://blog.thermoweb.com/snow-place-like-home-cocoa-jar-wrap-with-heatnbond/

I hope this project gets you excited to create something!

I will be doing monthly projects for the ThermOWeb blog and will be sure to post here, when I do. 

Thank you for stopping by for a visit today - I always enjoy sharing with you. Enjoy the rest of your week and make time to work on something creative...

Snow Much Fun

A couple months ago, I was busy working on today's feature project...yep, when we were all preparing for summer, I was hard at work on a snowman project (such is the life of a designer - always working months in advance)! I designed this "Snow Much Fun" wall hanging pattern especially for AccuQuilt...and now that they have released the pattern on their website, I am finally able to share it with you.

If you are a regular reader of my blog, then you know I like to use my AccuQuilt cutting die shapes in unique and creative ways...like how I designed a plethora of animals using only the GO! Owl cutting die in my GO! Talk To The Animals quilt. For the GO! Snow Much Fun Wall Hanging, I had the challenge of designing a quilt that made a fun selection of snowmen using only the GO! Holiday Accessories die and the the GO! Circle-2", 3", 5" die....add in the GO! Square-8 1/2" (8" Finished) for the applique background blocks and the GO! Strip Cutter-2 1/2" (2" Finished) for binding and you can EASILY cut this out this intricate wall hanging in an afternoon.

Since this project pattern was created for a July release, I wanted to use a bright assortment of colors...and Robert Kaufman Kona Cotton Solids seemed the perfect choice!...and although you can't see them in these images, I used some actual buttons for embellishing (instead of appliquéing some of the very small circles). I also had fun naming each of the blocks for the pattern instructions (like "Snowman Stargazer", "Snowman Snow Globe", "Snowman Love").

If you want to try one or more of these blocks, but the wall hanging seems a little daunting, here are some other suggestions...make one block and use as a mug rug...use your favorite blocks to make a table runner...one block would make a cute winter potholder or trivet...or use four blocks and make a mini quilt. Any of these options would make a heartfelt holiday gift!

So, go visit the patterns section of the AccuQuilt website and download this wintry wall hanging pattern...which for a limited time is FREE - yes, I said FREE!
http://www.accuquilt.com/shop/go-snow-much-fun-wall-hanging-pattern.html

(and during the month of July, the GO! Holiday Accessories die and the GO! Circle-2", 3", 5" die are on sale)

....and if you want to see more on how to make this cheerful project, AccuQuilt has posted a video with more details and tips for cutting all the shapes...

I hope you will make a Snow Much Fun project...and if you do, please be sure to share a photo with me - I would love to see your interpretation of my design!

Snowman Saturday...

The start of this new year has been a bit of a whirlwind - I am knee deep in a several large projects with fast approaching deadlines (some things I can't wait to share with you!) and I have barely come up for air...but I realized I have a handful of blog posts to do, so I thought I would take a quick break and share some creativity with you!

Like many of you, here in Iowa, we are experiencing below zero temperatures, terrible winds, and lots of snow...and it doesn't seem to improving any time soon....which is fine when I can stay inside and stitch or sew, but not so much fun when walking the dogs each day. I was just thinking it would be fun to go out and play in the snow and  make snow angels or build a snowman, but it is just too darn cold and windy...so here is the next best thing, some snowmen I can share from my warm and cozy studio. These snowmen were all gifts from my very dear friend Terri, who sent me a wonderful themed Christmas package...and I just had to share them with you! She sent a wool snowman pincushion (upper right) that uses the cutest single mini bundt mold for a base (see photo inset)...I just think this is ADORABLE! I just had to find more to give as gifts.

She also sent this very fun snowman cookie platter...well actually, most of you would call it a plate...but I envision it covered with tasty treats from the kitchen...in fact, I think I need to make time for some baking!

And, if all that wasn't enough, how about these fabulous machine embroidered kitchen towels?? - I think I need to make some of these with my machine for gifts next year...they definitely brighten up my kitchen!!

So how's that for a snow day??...and I didn't even have to brave the winter cold!

I will be quilting up a storm this afternoon...and I will be nice and toasty warm. I hope you can find some time to be creative this weekend - and for those of you experiencing the same weather, stay safe and be sure to bundle up if you head outside...have a happy weekend!

"Flurry Friends"

Several months ago, I designed a pair of winter season kitchen towels for Cross-Stitch & Needlework magazine. The editor asked me to design for two 15" x 25" White Showcase Huck towels (made by Charles Craft) - each with a
4 1/8" x 5 1/2" 14-count insert panel for cross stitching...they wanted a winter design for the January 2103 issue. I had fun designing these two kitchen towel inserts with a country winter scene...and I just had to add a snowman on each (hence the title "Flurry Friends"). I got my first look at this brand new issue this evening - my designs appear on pages 10 - 11...and the magazine re-titled them "Country Winter" without my knowledge...not really a typical Blue Ribbon title, but I guess I have to roll with it. Of course each design would look GREAT framed on their own - the stitch count for each is 58W x 78H - in fact, they would look fabulous on hand-dyed linen (maybe in a wintery blue or gray) and would be perfect for a weekend stitching project! The models are stitched with DMC 6-strand cotton embroidery floss - but they could be easily converted to your favorite hand-dyed floss. I could see them matted together (sided by side) and placed in the same frame...hmm...if there were more hours in the day, I would have to stitch them again. This issue is hitting mailboxes, needlework shops, and newsstands now...so be sure to add it to your collection...

My "Flurry Friends" designs (aka "Country Winter")
Photo credit: Cross-Stitch & Needlework Magazine (January 2013)

Snowman Love!

The weather here in Iowa has been mild this winter (knock on wood) - temperatures have been cold, but not bitter...and there is not a drop of snow or ice on the ground (totally unbelievable)...in fact, I have still been walking Simba over 2 miles a day - I just bundle up. So, today when this snowman pincushion/scissor holder arrived in my mailbox, it gave me a nice touch of winter! Isn't he adorable??! He was sent to me by my dear friend Terri in IL - Terri and I met over our love of stitching, when she emailed me years ago about a design idea - we quickly found out that I have relatives that live in her hometown (small world) - and we met face to face shortly after...now we are the best of friends and keep in touch weekly....and whenever I visit my relatives, we make plans for a day. Our friendship now goes beyond our love of needlework and I can't imagine my life without her! This week she sent me the most adorable holiday package with a snowman theme - the pincushion/scissor holder, a pair of scissors, a snowman hat pin, a snowman needle nanny, and a snowman trivet...and each item was wrapped and placed in a wonderful Christmas box....very fun! The snowman pincushion was made by Kathleen at Fat Cat Crafts - I was not familiar, so a quick Google search led me to her Etsy Shop and blog. Her pincushions are super adorable...and Terri asked her to add a scissor sheath to the back of my snowman, which is perfect! How is that for a wonderful Christmas surprise??

Also arriving in my mailbox today was a wonderful book that I must share with you. It was sent to me from my dear friend Sue in NY - Sue and I met at a Stitcher's Hideaway Retreat in 2010 and then again at the New England Stitcher's Retreat this past October. Sue's smile is contagious and her loving personality make her a true joy to be around - I love her dearly....in fact, I can't wait to see her again next October! This book was a complete surprise - I had no idea it was on the way...and it is absolutely perfect for me. This book is from The Workbasket magazine and is called "Sewing Workbook"....it is full of handy hints, helpful guides, and place to log all about your sewing projects - kind of like a diary for a seamstress. This workbook provides places to sketch, plan projects, log inspiration, file away fabrics, and keep track of all the projects you make...and it is filled with vintage illustrations and suggestions from vintage Workbasket articles. It is a nice size at 6"W x 8.5" H - perfect for carrying along on a shop hop or quilting trip. I plan to make great use of this handy little book!

So there you have it, several more wonderful gift ideas, brought to you by two more members of my close circle of friends - I hope they spark an interest and inspire you!

I will be getting together with my two BFFs, Merry and Kimber, on Wednesday for our annual holiday get together. I can't wait to share with you the projects I made for them this year and tell you all about our luncheon...