Doing a private swap is a wonderful way to start getting to know a quilting friend better. I really enjoyed going through more of Ruth's blog than I had seen previously. (I was on the hunt for photos of her two favorite pals - Charly and Wilbur.) Ruth is such a warm and friendly person, a lot of fun, and a very talented quilter and if you don't know her yet, hop over and pay a visit!
Today I'm sharing the two wonderful mug rugs that Ruth made for me. Yes, she went all out and sent two, along with a whole bunch of other goodies. Ruth does not do swaps half way, so be prepared for that if you are ever her swap partner!
This first mug rug is so touching to me. Ruth got her inspiration from an email conversation we had about how nice it would be to be able to sit and have a cup of tea and sew together. She did hand sewn blanket stitching around her appliques, embroidered the words, and finished it with playful, swirly quilting.
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| Tea Break Mug Rug - by Ruth Bourke |
Did you see that she even quilted a little bee on there? Here's the back view. Love Ruth's Wilbur-the-Basset-Hound labels!
Here is Ruth's second mug rug... which is ever so pretty! She did a wee Ohio Star. Is it called a Limerick Star when you make it Ruth? Actually... if there isn't already, there should be a quilt block named a Limerick Star. Don't you all think that would be a great name? The quilting and patchwork Ruth did is ever so tiny and sweet! I love it!
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| Star Mug Rug - by Ruth Bourke |
And last of all, look at what else was in Ruth's package: Quilt Now Magazine, a pin tin, fat quarters, and Cadbury Chocolate! Like I said, Ruth is not a halfway sort of swap partner, LOL. Thank you for my beautiful mug rugs and for such a fun time Ruth!
Next time, I'll share pictures of what I sent to Ruth. :)
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Oh my, what amazing mug rugs. Love the quilted bee! Ruth included some super gifts as well.
ReplyDeleteSuch awesome mug rugs. Ruth does beautiful work.
ReplyDeleteThat's lovely!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great swap! They are both pretty and I love that quilted bee :)
ReplyDeleteI just love that she stitched in the bee for you! And what a wonderful email conversation to base a quilt around. Sharing time together over a pot of tea sounds so delightful.
ReplyDeleteWhat a treat to open that parcel! The mug rugs are so perfectly charming - I'm very glad you put them where you can see them every day. I would have done the same thing!
ReplyDeleteRuth's mug rugs are very pretty, and I love her Wilbur labels, very Ruth. I agree totally about the idea of a Limerick Star - you should design one!
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful mug rugs, Lara (and Ruth!) they deserve their hanging place! And everywhere should have a star really, don't you think?
ReplyDeleteThat Ruth is a super-talented mug rug maker. Lucky you. xxx
ReplyDeleteI love how Ruth quilted in the bee. Both are lovely and I wouldn't use them either.
ReplyDeleteThese mug rugs are just so cute! I just love the applique on the first one and the quilting on the second one.
ReplyDeleteLara, they are just lovely and so perfect!! I'd be hanging them too :) How fun it must have been opening that package!
ReplyDeleteWhat fun!!! Love both the rugs Ruth made and her tag. Definite happy mail for sure!
ReplyDeleteThat'll be the real deal, that Cadbury bar, nothing like North American chocolate...the real deal is Ruth too. Love her blog and have chatted a bit back and forth too; a real sweetie, like someone else I might be thinking of. She made some very meaningful mug rugs for you and what lovely extras she tossed in with them! :-)
ReplyDeleteHow sweet! What a fun exchange of mug rugs and way to bond with a new pal.
ReplyDeleteLucky you! Awesome mug rugs! and all the extra goodies...what a fun swap.
ReplyDeleteThese mug rugs are tiny works of art :) Sounds like you had a lot of fun with this swap!
ReplyDelete~Wendy
I love private swaps, so much more personal. I already saw the amazing mugrug you made on Ruth's blog. Ruth never disappoints, those are beautiful mug rugs that she made for you. Such wonderful details. Yes, there should be a Limerick star. Enjoy!!
ReplyDelete-Soma
Thank you Lara for the lovely write up and a brilliant swap! I couldn't love the mug rug you made for me more and can't wait to read your post about it!
ReplyDeleteGreat mug rugs! I wouldn't use them as mug rugs, either, Lara. I love the tea pot, since I, too, am a tea drinker.
ReplyDeleteSuch beautiful gifts ... sew personal and sweet! Isn't it fun to see all of the extra special touches that Ruth has included in her mug rugs!
ReplyDeleteSusie
Almost too pretty to use. What a fun swap, Lara.
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
Neat! Enjoy!
ReplyDelete