Clamshell mug rug stitch along invitation

A cupful of clamshells

Clamshells, mug rugs and Christmas, yippee! 

Would you like to join me in a stitch-along to make a clamshell mug rug? The mini stitch-along will start one week from now here on the blog and here on my Instagram feed.

If you've always wanted to try clamshells, this small project gives you a chance to try them out and see if they are for you or not. 
Technically, clamshells are not pieced together, but rather each one is stitched on top of earlier clamshells.

There are lots of different techniques to achieve a pretty clamshell piece, and I've tried quite a few of them, but I've found this way suits me best. Why? Because it's very portable, faster to get started, uses less products and gives me a better finished product.

This is a great scrap project, but I give you permission to buy lots of new fabric if you want to. 😇
Post your fabric selections on #cuppmugrug on Instagram to inspire us mug rug makers.  

You will need to print out a copy of the templates below preferably onto a light cardboard. 

You will need the following general sewing supplies

:  scissors -  pointy ones are better, but normal fabric or embroidery scissors will also do the                          job. 
:  thread - finer thread e.g. 100wt will "hide" better. However, any matching sewing weight                            thread will do.
                        For the quilting I used DMC pearl 8 cotton in colour #938
:  needles -  I prefer a short, fine needle for the applique.
                        For the quilting, use a needle with an eye which will take the thread you choose                          to use. 
:  marker - My pink pen is a "Frixion" pen, erasable with a heated iron. 
                       *Some colours can leave behind a pale "ghost" line after heating. 
                        There are lots of dressmakers' pencils on the market.
                        The fine line left by a sharp pencil is usually okay as well. Test it somewhere                              inconspicuous first.
:  pins -  applique pins make a huge difference. Their short length and small head makes it                              less likely to catch your length of thread on them as you stitch.  
:  sewing machine, unless you'd like to assemble it by hand.                    

fabric supplies , a charm square pack would be perfect. 

:  top section of mug/ foundation    4 1/2" x  3 1/2"  

:  each clamshell    4" x 4"  

:  backing        5" x 5"

:  batting/ wadding and preferably quite thin     6" x 6"
         If you don't have scraps of batting, a piece of flannel will do the trick.

:  mug handle     4"  x 2"  

                       

See you back here next week and we'll get those clamshells started 🎄,
Kellie,
xo