A mug rug is a small quilt that is just the right size for your favorite drink and a treat.
It is larger than a coaster and smaller than a placemat and is sometimes called a mug mat or snack mat.

This swap is for makers with intermediate to advanced sewing skills and a modern aesthetic.
You should be comfortable with:

• Precise piecing
• Neat machine binding or invisible hand binding
• Advanced techniques like EPP or paper piecing

If you just learned how to thread your machine, we love that for you, but this swap will feel stressful.
There will be other chances once you have more experience.

The swap is open to international participants.

Yes. This is an Instagram based swap and you must be able to participate there.

• You must have a public Instagram account that clearly shows you are a maker
  (quilts, sewing projects, etc).
• If your main account is private and you do not want to change that, you will need to create
  a second public maker account and load at least 5 to 10 photos
  of your makes.
• We use your public account to match you with a partner accurately and for you to interact
  with the group during the swap.

If you cannot provide a public Instagram account that shows you are a maker,
then you are not eligible to participate in this swap.

We promise this is not us being extra.
It just makes matching and community interaction work smoothly for everyone.

To participate, fill out the registration form below.

• Sign ups close on December 29 at 10am MST.
• Late sign ups are not accepted, even if you ask very nicely in our inbox.

Partner assignments and swap guardians will go out by January 5 at 9pm MST.
Add [email protected] to your contacts so the email does not vanish into spam.

Once you receive your partner email:

• You must send a confirmation reply within 24 hours.
  No reply means removal from the swap and your partner will be reassigned.
• After you are confirmed, create a mosaic or inspiration post on Instagram that shows your style,
  colors, and the types of prints you enjoy. If you need a quick how-to please use this link.
• If you are not on Instagram, you will not be able to participate in this swap.
  Instagram is required so everyone can share and interact in one place.

We enforce the confirmation rule with the energy of a very serious hall monitor.

Yes, this is a blind swap.

• The partner you are making for is not the person who is making for you.
• You may reveal yourself to your partner once they have received their package,
  either in your thank you post or a direct message.

This is a modern aesthetic swap. Think bright, fresh, graphic, and current.
Some modern fabric designers and styles we love include:

• Alison Glass
• Carolyn Friedlander
• Libs Elliott
• Ruby Star Society
• Heather Ross
• Annabel Wrigley
• Japanese fabrics from brands like Kokka, Cosmo, Echino that are not traditional
• Anna Maria Horner
• Tula Pink
• Guicy Guice
• Tilda
• Leah Duncan
• Modern solids and wovens

This swap mostly uses your personal stash, but it is very normal to grab a small amount of new fabric
to better match your partners preferences.

If you are unsure if something reads as modern, please contact
[email protected] and ask before you cut.

Unless your partner specifically asks for them, please avoid:

• Batiks
• Novelty prints
• Religious theming
• Clowns
• Reproduction prints
• Joann Fabrics (rip)
• Walmart fabric

When in doubt, email your swap guardian rather than guessing and hoping for the best.

Each swap package must include:

• One mug rug that is a mini quilt between 4 x 7 inches and 12 x 8 inches,
  in a rectangle or square shape.
• Some sweet treats such as chocolate or candy.
• A postcard or Valentine from your city or region that includes your name
  so your partner knows who it is from.

Optional extras are welcome but not required:

• Sewing notions
• Fabric
• A mug
• Other small surprises that fit your partners style

We want this swap to be fun and low stress for everyone, which means communication matters.

• A progress check in post on Instagram is due by February 5.
  Share a work in progress shot using the swap hashtag.
• When you receive your package, you must post a thank you on Instagram
  or send a thank you card to your partner.

Please be active on the swap hashtag. Comment, like, and cheer each other on.
This is Galentines after all.

The mailing day is February 10.

• You must mail on February 10 and send your tracking number to your swap guardian.
• Please do not mail earlier than February 10.
  We want everyone to enjoy the surprise around the same time,
  so hold on to your package until the mailing day.

We do not accept mystery updates like I think it went out last week with no proof.
Tracking keeps everyone calm and happy.