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Brightly colored fabrics, whirring sewing machines and smiling faces were the order of the day as Blanco County 4-H members learned the art of making Mug Rugs. Nancy Jordan, 4-H Project Leader, led five members in their selection of fabrics, pressing techniques, and sewing. Each 4-H member made two Mug Rugs to take home. Mug Rugs serve as a decorative coaster for iced tea and water goblets.

The workshop was held on May 26 in Johnson City. Participants included Amy Holley, Avery Klepac, Harleigh Klepac, Tatum Klepac and Mycala Jordan. Adult Leaders on hand to assist were Karla Holley, April Klepac and Gretchen Sanders, County Extension Agent, Family and Consumer Sciences.

Fourth Tuesday Fun is sponsored by Texas AgriLife Extension Service in support of the 4-H Clothing & Textiles project. The next Fourth Tuesday project will be held July 28. April will lead the group in a scrapbook lesson. Previous workshops have included cross-stitching and sewing.

Mug Rugs Instructions, courtesy of Nancy Jordan:

-Cut 5-4 1/2" squares: 1 for the back and 4 for the front. These 4 pieces can be 4 different fabrics, or use 2 different fabrics.

-Fold the four front fabrics in half with raw edges even to make a triangle.

-Pin the triangles over the right side of the back square, alternating colors, having folded edges towards the center.

-For the last triangle, one end will slip under the first triangle and the other end will be over the third triangle.

-Stitch around the entire square, with a 1/4" seam allowance. Trim corners.

-Turn right side out, pushing out each corner with the point of a pair of blunt scissors and press.