Penny Rug Coasters by Mary Lachman - Quilting Arts Holiday

Run to your favorite book retailer to find the new issue of  Quilting Arts Holiday 

On page 35 you will find my pattern for Penny Rug Coasters. I developed this idea when I was asked to teach a workshop at a local art center. I wanted participants to use recycled/upcycled wool to create a make-and-take in the afternoon workshop.

These coasters are a simple design that you can stitch up easily in a spare hour. Just gather some cast off wool (I used clothing scraps that had been felted/shrunken using hot water in the washing machine), scissors and embroidery floss and get started. Use my pattern as is, or use it as a reference and create your own design.

You can order a copy online through Quilting Arts at the Interweave Store or at your favorite book retailer.

Summer Inspirations

Summer is a wonderful time of year to get away for the routine. This summer I had a chance to vacation on Lake Erie twice, and for me this is a huge plus. We return to a place I have gone to every summer for more than 50 years. And as usual, I pack more playthings (fabric, paint and wool) than clothing. (Who needs more than shorts and a swimsuit on vacation anyway?)

Besides making art I spend a lot of time outdoors biking, hiking, kayaking and bird watching. Here are a few outdoor photos.

Queen Anne's Lace

A view off the bow

Seagull taking flight

Horseshoe Lake - Kelleys

Deer on Harbor Lane