We (Heart) Batik Valentine’s Mugrugs!

If you LOVE mugrugs AND batiks like we do, then you’re sure to also LOVE our easy Valentine’s Day Mugrug design!  Not only can you make these by the dozen for all the loves of your life – you can also enter each and every one of them in our new Mugrug Challenge, for a chance to win one of our weekly prizes!  Check out the Challenge details, then read the how-to below make this design… it’s the perfect complement for a cup of tea made from fresh sage leaves and a couple of tea biscuits, as shown

HeartmugugFinished

First, I cut out a paper heart shape pattern to the desired size, plus about 1/4″ seam allowance all around.  (If you’d rather not hand-cut your pattern, you’ll find about a zillion of them online, print out your favorite ; ).

HeartMugrug

Using three tonal RADIANT REFLECTIONS batiks, I started stitching up a crazy quilt block directly onto the batting (I used Fairfield Soft & Toasty cotton batting), for an easy quilt-as-you-go construction method. I added fabrics randomly until the block was just larger than the heart pattern.  I cut both the pieced block and a backing fabric from the heart pattern, and stitched them right sides together all around with a 1/4″ seam, leaving an opening to turn. Next, just turn and press, closing the opening with hand stitches or a narrow strip of fusible tape.  Add a coordinating mug or teacup, a packet of cappuccino mix or some gourmet teabags, and a love note.  Maybe a matching batik napkin for extra credit?

Now, just take a picture, enter the Challenge on Instagram with #MarcusMugshot, and your Valentine is now ready to give!          —   lisa

“Show Us YOUR Mugshots!”

ShowMugShotGRAFHey Quilting Friends!  Ready for a FUN and EASY quilt challenge?  Well, whether you’re already a fan of the Mugrug, or aren’t even sure what one is, you’ll want to enter the Marcus Makers MUGRUG CHALLENGE!  Help us to achieve our lofty goal of “A Marcus Rug for Every Mug,”  now thru April 30, 2017 — here’s how…

Follow the various inspirations we’ve gathered from our own Marcus Makers (instructions for these mugrugs are available online!), or create your own look using at least ONE fabric print from Marcus or Studio 37, and feel free to add any solids of your choice.  In fact, it’s a great opportunity to go thru your Marcus stash for a few great coordinates to get started, then visit your local quilt shops for the newest collections, and more great mugrug ideas, patterns, tips and related activities…

DesignerMugrugsGROUP

Then, post your entry on Instagram using #MarcusMugshot, and remember to tag @marcusfabrics and/or @studio37fabrics for greater exposure! 

If you’re new to mugrugs, be warned:  mugrug making can be addictive, which is really not a problem, because they make great gifts, AND you can enter as many times as you like (one mugrug per photo, please).  Each Tuesday during the Challenge, we’ll choose random winners from the hashtagged entries to receive exciting fabric prizes and more — Join us!!

#MarcusAtMarket Wrap-Up

Another Spring Quilt Market concludes!  Thank you to our customers, friends, associates and designers for another successful event.  From long before booth set-up to breakdown, it takes lots of hands to make it all happen…

#marcusatmarket recap

There’s so much happening at Marcus, and Booth 1901 reflects it all beautifully:

1 – At left is the new Amish with a Twist III BOM by Nancy Rink, surrounded by a variety of garments and crafts in wool & cotton.

2 – l. to r.: Quilts in PAISLEY PERSUASION, PAST ENDEARMENTS and HISTORICAL STRIPES

3 – Customer service pros Indra (seated) and Regina discuss our latest with shop owners.

4 – Table tops are adorned with fusible applique – a great idea for special event decorating.  Later, you can cut away the appliqued square to repurpose as a pillow front of quilt block!

5 – ALWAYS THE SEASON quilt and holiday crafts!

6 & 7 – Two of our designers set up their booths just across from us – Pam Buda of Heartspun Quilts (you can tell her booth by the red  ; ) and Paula Barnes of Red Crinoline Quilts.

Thanks for the photos, Faye Burgos!

#MarcusAtMarcus – Schoolhouse Highlights II

Thanks also to Sarah J Maxwell for sharing her expertise in building successful BOMs and special programs in our second Schoolhouse session.

Retailers: If you missed this informative Schoolhouse session, log into your Marcus account to download the accompanying handout (available June 1, 2015)

#marcusatmarket

 

#quiltmarket #quiltmarket2015 #marcusatmarket #marcusfabrics #homesteadhearth #designsbysarahj