Felt Mug Cozy

My Grandma Anne informed me that I "drink coffee like a mother".  Translation: I pour myself a cup of coffee first thing in the morning, take a few sips, set it down, pick it up an hour later, sip, set it down...and on and on until I am still sipping at cold coffee after dinner.  Any one else drink coffee that way?  And, although I don't mind drinking cold coffee (gotten pretty used to it!), here is a little project I recently finished that just might help to keep my coffee warmer a little longer.

As usual I made this with felt.  It's simple, easy and cute.  I embellished mine with a bird motif.  Here's how it came together:

Supplies:

• Felt
• Embroidery Thread and Needle
• Scissors

Step 1: Cut out two pieces of felt that will wrap around the base of a mug.  It is important you are creating this with a mug in mind, and it is easier if the mug is "square", meaning it doesn't get narrower at the base.  Trim the felt strips to allow it to fit around the handle.  Also, don't get too close to the top of the mug with the felt, as this will get dirty when used.

Step 2: Add a branch to the top felt piece.  I used a back stitch.

Step 3: Cut out birds.  I like how it looks with separate pieces for the wings.

Step 4: Applique on the birds.  I did this using a small running stitch in matching thread so that the stitches were nearly "invisible".

Step 5: Once birds are in place, blanket stitch the lining to the front piece.  The blanket stitch goes all the way around.

Step 6: Add a button.  Stitch on a button to the top untrimmed corner.  Then cut a hole in the opposite top corner.  No need to stitch around the button hole--because your working with felt!

And finally, bring on the cold water and snuggle up with your new mug cozy!

I hope your Tuesdays have gotten off to a wonderful start!

Nancy

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