Rough and Tumble Coaster Set

I'm not exactly sure where the idea for this one came from, except that I needed coasters...my nice, glass set had so many chips around the edges that our fingers were in danger every time we used them, and I wanted to make them sturdy and able to be used outside for picnics/bbq or just having some coffee on the patio. 

So I sent my husband to the store with a request that he bring back a "big ol ball" of sisal garden twine, followed by an assurance that there was such a thing, and yes, it would be easy to find. 

Eureka. 

With a ball of sisal garden twine and a size K crochet hook.

dc- double crochet

ch-chain

ss- slip stitch

sc-single crochet

12 dc in a magic ring ss together

ch 3 (doesn't count as dc) 2dc in each dc around (24 dc) ss tog.

ch 2 *sc in next dc then 2sc in next dc* around. ss together 

cut sisal finish off and weave in end.

With scissors, trip all the long stings that stick out (give them a quick shave) for tidiness.

The sisal can be rough on your hands. You have to really work it but it can take a beating. After four, my  hands were getting sore, but it wasn't too bad. The coasters will curl up a little at the edge which works great with small galsses and coffee cups. If you are a giant mug drinker (like me) they are perfect sized and the mug of coffee will quickly flatten them out. They're flexible and easy to mold/manipulate because of the sisal. 

Personalized Tunisian Mug Wrap

I wanted to make a Tunisian simple stitch mug wrap so that I could cross-stitch or embroider monograms or symbols onto them easily. The instructions below produce a wrap that will fit a standard, straight sided coffee mug. If you have a larger mug or want a bigger wrap, there are notes in parenthesis on how to increase the finished wrap.
Remember when adding width (beginning chain length) that you need to keep room for the edging and still not have a mouthful of fibers when you try to sip your coffee or tea! :)

Materials:
Worsted weight acrylic or similar sized yarn in two or more colors.
Tunisian/Afghan hook size I
crochet hook size H

Stitches:
TSS Tunisian Simple Stitch
sc Single Crochet
slip stitch
chain

On Tunisian hook, chain 10 (11,12)
TSS until the work measures 8 inches (or more*)
Finish off with color one.

Using crochet hook, attach edging color in corner with a slip stitch. Chain one and sc in corner.
Chain 30 and slip stitch to sc at beginning of chain
sc down short side of wrap
In corner: sc chain 30 slip stitch in original sc, chain one and sc in corner
sc across long edge
In the corner: sc, chain one, sc
sc up short side of wrap
In corner: sc, chain one, sc
sc across long side of wrap
Slip stitch to very beginning attach slip stitch, cut yarn and finish off

Finishing:
Weave in all ends.
Use coffee mug to position two big buttons and attach on short end opposite loops. Or you can use one button if the loops will reach. Then embellish your cup however you like with a tapestry needle and coordinating yarn. :)

* when figuring out how long to TSS make sure the wrap will go mostly around the cup, but remember that you will be adding edging to both ends. It is usually better to end with a little extra room. Stretch wrap around cup and make sure it doesn't reach the handle on both ends. You can always make slightly longer chains, but taking out rows of stitching is no fun.