April Showers Mug Rug Hop

You are in for a real treat as Erin and Madame Samm have set up this hop for us - Thank you both so much for the time and energy you put into making this great!

Although the theme of this hop is April Showers, I extended it out to brings May flowers! One other change, this is a mug rug blog hop, but I feel like mine should be a plate hop, as it turned out much larger than I was anticipating, which means this project can be utilized for many different purposes. I can surely use it for a cookie and a cup of tea, a placemat, and under the centerpiece of tulips! This project was inspired by a block that Christine requested in one of my bees.  She wasn't even in my hive but I loved it so much that I made her one just because it was so fresh and fun!

Supplies needed:
Assorted scraps in the color scheme of your choice (20)  (I used green, yellow and orange)
Assorted scraps in the background of your choice ( I used Kona white)
1 package of bias tape - double fold (purchased from JoAnn's)
Dresden Ruler or a template (you can make this from a cereal box or plastic)
Standard sewing supplies (rotary mat and ruler, pins, sewing machine, scissors, iron)

First of all, cut your colored scraps at least 3 inches wide.  Cut out your background strips as you need them. Next sew your background to both sides of your colored fabrics, making sure to create a strip tall enough to cut one dresden blade from.  Press all seams open.  After this step they should look like this:

Line up the top edge to whatever mark you think is best, and trim.  I used 6" for this project. Cut out 20 blades.

Once your blades are cut arrange them to your liking and then snap a quick photo with your phone (that way no matter what order you sew or press them in, you can put them back in the arrangement you like best).

Sew all blades together and press well.

For the center, match a fabric in one of your blades and cut a circle big enough to cover the hole.  My circle is the largest size on the Accu-quilt cutter, which measures 5" in diameter.  Attach to your outer circle in any manner you prefer.  I used a few small drops of Elmer's washable glue. (This is the first time I have tried this method, the iron set it well and I would try it again on future projects .

Attach this to batting and backing and quilt as desired.

I chose to quilt 1/4" on the inside of each blade and did not quilt the middle (as my original intent is to use this underneath my spring flower vases). Once I was done quilting, I did go around the outside with a scissors and trim away some of the outside edge.

Next up is to attach the bias binding.  Never have I attached/sewed or even cut bias binding, but I know bias is better when you have a circular shaped project and the $2 or so it cost to buy it already cut was well worth it to me.  Pin the binding, sew 1/4" in with matching thread and you're done!

This was a picture heavy post so thanks for sticking with me and if you have any questions or suggestions  please comment below.  

Also, please show your support for so many of the other fabulous bloggers who have more projects for you to look at today too!

Erin @ Sew at Home Mummy

Patty @ A Stitch in Time

Jenny @ Squawk That

Stacey @ The Tilted Quilt

Daryl @ Patchouli Moon Studio

Lisa @ The Boon Docks

Beluah @ Sowing Stitches

Karen @ Bungalow Bay Quilts

DeAnna @ Georgia Girl Quilter