I couldn’t resist turning the little Seven Sisters block into a very tiny mug rug. Three quick lines of machine quilting and it was done. This is the same Seven Sisters block that is equal in size to a 2.5″ hexagon.
The challenge for me was how to finish it. I decided against adding a binding so instead folded the backing over and tacked it down on the front. While I wouldn’t want to do that too often as I think it took longer than a regular binding would have, it was the right solution for this little mug rug.
I used the coffee/tea cup fabric for the backing.
Two finishes in less than a week? That’s definitely not my normal pace at all. It’s fun to finish something like this off so quickly. Tiny scraps of fabric are perfect for miniatures. A batt goes a long, long, long way. A fat quarter could be the backing for many small pieces and, best of all, I can play with design ideas and colour combinations to my heart’s content. I wonder what my next miniature might be!
We have a pair of cardinals out on the roof garden this year. Yesterday as I was working at the computer, I noticed a flash of red. When I looked, there were a pair of cardinals sitting on the branch that’s mere inches from our window. Of course I didn’t have a camera nearby, but it seems that they may have taken up residence here so I’m hoping I’ll get a chance to get a photo of them soon.
“We Saw a Cardinal Outside our Window Today.”
The one time he wasn’t in his kitty tree yesterday was when the cardinals were sitting right outside the window. But he was there most of the rest of the day and evening. When I took this shot, he was half awake.
Quilt Obsession 
What a very pretty mug rug!~ Love the backing fabric also.
I just adore watching birds. So calming to me. I know Baxter is enjoying his perch and the view.
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So very cute! I wish I had more time or handwork. I am plugging along with my poinsettia hexi tablecloth but I only have a few ours a week to do it. I had 2 cardinals on the railing of my deck last night as well, but no camera handy. We have seen them off and on for a few weeks, but this was the first time they were together. The little female is so delicate looking!
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that is too pretty to put a mug on. We have a pair of Cardinals around here as well coming to the feeders.
Gill
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How lucky you are to have the cardinals, they are so pretty – especially against a snowy background, which is how we saw some! Your little mug rug is just about cardinal red in colour too.
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Nice mug rug!
Is that Toon Baxter licking his chops while looking at the cardinal?
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Dear Cathi, I always read your blog and love it. Thank you for faithfully sharing your charming quilts and Baxter. I am very fond of miniature quilts and you are so right, they can be finished quickly, giving more time for the next inspiration. The backing is so fun. What batting did you use this time and normally use on miniatures?
Cyndie
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I hope the cardinals stay there for you. I have a pair that visits my backyard and love to see the red.
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Darling mug mat!!! So happy that spring and cardinals have arrived…fun!!!
Hope the roof garden bursts into a delightful spring landscape…and the winter
is past! Hugs!
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Years ago, there were 7 women in my first quilting group, and we called ourselves the Seven Sisters. I have always loved that block. One beloved member passed away, others moved away…but I will always be fond of them and of this block! We also have many cardinals in our backyard lately…your SS mug rug in red is wonderful! 🙂
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So sweet! Love the mug rug! Cardinals are one of my absolute favorite birds- they’re always a reminder to me that “God’s in his Heaven, and all’s well with the world.” Can’t wait to see your next mini!!
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That is such a pretty mug rug. Poor Baxter, bird watching is very tiring work LOL.
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A most delightful pattern you’ve created, and I love the hexagonal form. I really chuckled to myself re: your Maine Coon kitty, missing a grand opportunity to do some “cardinal spectating”. I have a boy cat named Ivan (he’s a Siberian, the Russian-like version of a Maine Coon) and he frequently loses the same chances to see the male-and-female cardinal pair that often come to our kitchen window! Enjoying reading your blog very much!
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Such a pretty little mug rug! And I love cardinals too – we have several in our backyard! Bright and beautiful!
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Loving your mini finishes. I think you are addicted to small projects. Great cartoons and pics of Baxter. He has such a great personality. Hugs.
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Have the Cardinals been drawn by all your red lately 🙂
Another lovely piece. Looking forward to seeing what you pick next too.
Baxter is a cutie. He def looks half asleep here
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