Bigbrown...Thank you for joing the group. I will try to pull one of the names out of the hat for you. :thumbup: :D

I don't bother trying to FMQ on my machine. I SID on bigger things and on little ones I may do some decorative stitching here & there. I never have been hugely adventurous with finishing quilts, but have to say that I put more into it than most of the women in my family do, lol.

I just did some interesting border stitching on a mug rug that is going to one of my boyfriend's coworkers. Once I finish the last 3, I'll try to get some decent photos before they go out. I just kept these really simple because it was so last minute and the fabric is kind of busy already. I had 9 people to make for with all the other that's going on, then had another project sprung on me last minute that I have to get on tomorrow when I stitch up the last 3 of these mug rugs.

Mug rugs are a great way to practice on something small and easy. Nothing I make is perfect, but I have a blast making it so I don't care. Hope you join us.

Bigbrownowl, See this is just part of the fun. You make friends, you talk to folks all over the Big Blue Marble and in the end, we have something to brag about!

And Shadowirish, if we wanted perfect we could easily go to the department stores and pick up coasters! But we want something from a kind hearted person that put a lot of thought and work into her little creation. So, sign up and sew away! I'll be glad to swap with either one of you if Nelco wishes!! Good luck and most of all, have fun!! :D

Nothing I make is perfect either, even if I'm the only one who notices it. I outlined a guitar on one of the mug rugs I did a couple days ago and there's a spot on the headstock that is off, but the guy I'm giving it to is unlikely to notice. It's fun. That's all that matters. Besides, when you're not in a rush, you can try out things you've wanted to but don't dare venture into on a whole quilt.

Ok, I'm in. I do use mug rugs (they are fun to do, and use up scaps!) to practice and bindings have gotten better.....I know, practice,practice,practice.
Nelco, will PM tonight or tomorrow, off to work now.

Dusty,

I agree. As a beginner, I'm focusing more on making sure it's all secure, and not going to fall apart when they wash it than making it look pretty when they first get it. Details will come later. I want to get the solid construction down first, then I can learn to embellish it to my heart's content. :)

Whew, you can sure embellish to your heart's content too! I've seen people talking about spending months on a quilt square, using all kinds of detail work materials on it. You could do the same thing with a mug rug, so long as the end result was flat enough to let a glass/mug be stable on it. At some point, I want to do that on a mug rug. :)

WOW, this is gonna be awesome, just think of all the possiblities.

I am loving the chatter on here. It will be exciting to see what we all get. WOW-- One month and you will get your names. :thumbup: :) :D