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Mug rug set of 4 at Listia | Money talk

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As if I don’t already spend enough time on Pinterest, I’ve discovered a new browsing destination today. Must share. It’s a barter website called Listia. Here’s how it works – true story. My daughter’s bestie had a bottle of expensive perfume she had received as a gift but had never used or opened. She listed it on Listia (bidding starts at between 1 and 100) and her auction was successful – meaning she got lots of points, more than expected. She then bid and won a set of used cloth diapers paid for by those auction credits. She plans to refurbish them and give to a friend who wants to cloth diaper but simply cannot afford the start-up costs. She described the experience as a total score.

Just like cloth diapering, getting started in quilting can be expensive. I’m getting on my soapbox here, but if you want to quilt, don’t let a lack of money keep you timidly on the sidelines. I do not own a fancy machine. It’s a mechanical Bernina I bought from a local fabric shop who refurbished them. I paid $200. A new mechanical Bernina costs $800+. I love this machine and it works just fine for my purposes. If you decide to take up “slow” sewing (piecing and quilting by hand) you don’t even need a machine.

All that said, you still need some things – fabric, needles, thread, cutting mat, cutters, scissors, rulers, the list goes on. I had a thought (it happens). Listia might help wanna be quilters get started in this craft with a minimal outlay of cash. Veteran quilters who are thrifty-minded or going through hard economic times might benefit too.

So yes, I joined Listia today. I searched on the word “quilt” and it brought back 119 results. My favorite find tonight is this Mug Rug Set by SarahsQuiltsnCrafts, shown. Her auction ends tomorrow.

If you get a hankering to join follow this link to sign up.

Ed. note 1: In the interest of full disclosure, the Listia link I provided above is my referral link, so feel free not to use it, but if you do, win/win. Wink.

Ed. note 2: SarahsQuiltsnCrafts did not ask for a mention or compensate this post in any way.
Image credit: SarahsQuiltsnCrafts at Listia

Looking for more Mug Rug Patterns? Check out these Mug Rug Patterns on Etsy and These Mug Rug Quilting Books.

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Comments

  1. I would love to see how they are made… think they are nice… BUT really am tired of signing up and signing in for any and everything on the internet….

  2. I hear you Trayne. When Bed Bath and Beyond asks for my phone number I say, 999-999-9999. You don’t really miss anything by not signing up for Listia, the seller does not explain how she made it and from what I understand, when you follow the link in my post, you’ll see a photo of the item even if you are not a member. So it’s okay! Warmly, Scarlett

  3. I joined Listia in November and love it. I’ve “sold” so many things that I didn’t use and have won fabric and gift cards with the credits that I earned.

Have you read?

In the Garden Layer Cake – A Bloom-Filled Fabric Collection for Spring Sewing

Some fabric collections feel pretty, some feel useful, and then there are those rare ones that instantly spark a dozen ideas the moment you see them. The In the Garden Layer Cake from Fat Quarter Shop falls firmly into that last category. From the moment I opened the pack, it felt like stepping into a watercolor garden—soft, romantic, full of movement, and brimming with detail that invites you to slow down and really look.

This collection brings together an elegant mix of florals, garden motifs, and soothing color palettes that feel like they were created for spring quilting. Instead of loud novelty prints, the designer chose a gentle balance of botanical sketches, scattered blossoms, tiny seed patterns, and larger feature florals that work beautifully in both traditional and modern layouts.

What struck me most is how thoughtfully the color stories are arranged. Each print blends seamlessly into the next, giving you a spectrum that includes soft rose pinks, leafy greens, lavender tones, fresh sky blues, rich corals, and delicate neutrals. It’s the kind of palette that instantly feels “quilty” in the best way—inviting, calm, and incredibly easy to mix and match. You can tell the designer planned this for maximum versatility.

Layer cakes are one of the most beginner-friendly precuts, but this collection elevates them with a sense of sophistication. The prints are strong enough to shine in simple patterns, but subtle enough to support more complex designs. Whether you prefer classic half-square triangles, framed squares, modern grid quilts, or something scrappier, this fabric adapts beautifully. It’s also a wonderful choice for table runners, spring wall hangings, and even quilted bags or home décor projects.

One of the nicest surprises with this layer cake is how it manages to feel seasonal without becoming locked into one particular holiday or theme. While the palette is undeniably perfect for spring, the prints themselves are timeless enough to work year-round. A floral quilt made from this collection would look just as lovely on a summer sunroom sofa as it would draped over a guest bed in winter.

The fabric quality is exactly what you’d expect from Fat Quarter Shop—crisp, clean cuts, vibrant printing, and a smooth hand that makes piecing feel effortless. Nothing is too thin or too stiff, and the colors are even more beautiful in person than they appear online.

If you enjoy sewing projects that feel light, fresh, and inspired by nature, In the Garden is a collection worth adding to your stash. It has all the qualities quilters look for: balance, versatility, gentle movement, and that spark of creativity that makes you want to start a project immediately. Whether you’re planning a gift quilt, treating yourself to a new spring project, or simply building your fabric library with a set of prints that will play nicely with others, this layer cake is a thoughtful and inspiring choice.