Mug Rugs

 

Mug Rugs.

Fill your cup or at least have something to put it on!

I want to invite you to take a deep breath with me.

Right here, right now. Let your shoulders drop. Let the world slow down, just a little.

Because today, I want to talk about something we often forget to give ourselves — self-care. Not the kind we give to others — we’re wonderful at that. Quilters are natural givers. We wrap babies in love, send comfort through stitches to grieving families, and create heirlooms that whisper, “You are cherished.”

But what about you?

What about the woman or man behind the needle?

That’s where the mug rug comes in.

Yes — the humble mug rug. Small. Quiet. Often made from scraps. Just big enough for a warm cup and a cookie. Not flashy. Not fussy. But full of heart.

To me, a mug rug is a little quilt with a big message — and that message is:

You matter, too.

A Moment to Pause

In a world that moves fast, where schedules overflow and perfection is praised, self-care can feel indulgent — even selfish. But let’s be clear:

Self-care isn’t selfish. It’s sacred.

Self-care is choosing to stop — even for five minutes — and sip your tea slowly. It’s noticing how soft the fabric feels beneath your fingers. It’s letting your hands create something beautiful, not because you have to, but because you want to.

And sometimes, it’s just sitting in silence with a mug rug under your favorite cup and letting yourself be.

Quilting as a Love Language

You see, quilting and self-care aren't separate ideas. They’re woven together, just like the threads in our work. Quilting teaches us patience, forgiveness (hello, seam ripper), and the value of progress over perfection.

Even when life feels messy, when the seams don’t line up, or when the colors don’t match the plan — we keep stitching. That’s resilience. That’s healing. That’s hope.

And isn’t that what self-care is?
Showing up for yourself with grace, not guilt.

So, here’s my invitation to you today:

Let’s make a mug rug just for you.

Not for a gift. Not for a sale. But for you.

Let it live on your table, or beside your sewing machine. Let it remind you every day that you deserve warmth, softness, and joy — just as much as anyone else.

Let it be a symbol of balance.
A boundary in fabric form that says,
"This space, this cup of tea, this moment — is mine."

In the end, a mug rug won’t fix everything. But it can be a tiny reminder that we are more than what we do for others — we are worthy of the same love we so freely give.

So let’s care for ourselves, one small square at a time.

Let’s quilt our way home — to ourselves.