Mug Rugs - fails and successes

Let's start with the Mug Rug I tried to make for Rob. Obviously, it needed to be 'manly', so I tried one in black, grey and blues. Massive. Ugly. Fail.


Black and Grey are not my friends in the sewing world. I'll leave those to my work wardrobe. Aside from the random design it as you go method I used, the colours are gross!
Here it is:

Needless to say, it's been relegated to 'pot holder' status, and the sooner it gets burnt to pieces, the better!


Here is my second attempt, which I made in brick colours, which hopefully are still considered 'manly' enough to be used. It is now sitting on the armrest of Rob's side of the couch.

Footnote: I did get this pattern from someone else's blog, but didn't save the link, so can't acknowledge you here - sorry!