Borders for the 9-Patch and 3-2-1 Cake in a Mug

I was hoping to put the borders on the 9-Patch Cars quilt and quilt it before taking photos, but it isn't going to happen.  I did get the borders on, and cut the binding strips, but will not have time to quilt it this week.  You can see on the right that I decided to add a yellow border next to the main part of the quilt to help make the yellow in the pattern "pop", and then a white border next to the yellow, and I will bind it in dark red, as you can see on the upper right of the Cars photo.  
 I also took photos of a couple of other ways to join the 9-patch blocks, and with a couple of other color combinations.  The two quilts in the blue pattern I made last year but never finished them with quilting and binding.  One is now completed.  This quilt pictured above left uses only two colors, and the binding will be in the print fabric.  The quilt on the left adds one more color, and it is finished. The binding is not done until the quilting is completed.  After completing the quilting, I trim the backing and batting to the same size as the top.  The binding is made up of 2-1/2" strips that are joined to make one long strip, and then I iron it, wrong sides together, in half.  I sew the binding to the quilt from the back side, being careful to catch all three layers in the seam. 

I miter the corners.  I'm sure there are some good videos on how to do that on the web, if you need help.  The last step is to fold the binding over to the right side and topstitch very close to the edge.  There are other ways to bind a quilt, but this is the fastest and requires no hand-sewing.  An additional plus is that I think the doubled binding makes it more durable, and the machine sewing will be stronger than hand sewing and it can be washed and dried many times without any problems.  The purple quilt to the right is also done in three colors, but set a bit differently.  The 9-patch blocks are set alternately with print blocks.  Below is one more example of a 9-patch.  This one is called 9-Patch Plaid.  Each 9-patch is bordered in this quilt.  These should give you a few ideas of the possibilities of a basic 9-patch!  Decide if you want to make a 2-color, a 3-color, or scrappy quilt, and get started.  


If this is your first quilt, I would suggest that you make a baby quilt  or pillow, so that you don't feel too overwhelmed.  There are really no rules... you can be as liberated as your imagination allows you to be.  I would love to see photos of your quilt!
When your quilt is finished, treat yourself with this cupcake recipe.  It's great for people who live alone, and especially handy for children who are old enough to make themselves a snack.  It's quick and easy!


3-2-1 Cupcake:
Mix an angel food cake mix with any other flavored cake mix of your choice.  I made a strawberry mix today.  Combine them in a zip-lock bag and shake and turn it gently until both cake mixes are well blended.

Combine 3 Tablespoons of the cake mix with 2 Tablespoons of water in a cereal bowl or mug.  Mix well. Microwave for 1 minute.  Just remember... 3, 2, 1!  In one minute your cupcake for one is finished, and you can put your feet up and enjoy it with a cup of coffee or tea.  Now it's time for true confessions... I made one the way the recipe is listed and it was fine, but not as light textured as a cake.  The next time, I replaced the water with whipping cream... it took a little more cream to make a smooth batter, but the texture was much better.  I would think you could also try it with milk instead of water... lots of combinations.  If you must have frosting, buy some frosting in a can and keep it in the refrigerator between cupcakes.  I think sliced strawberries on top would be good, too, or other berries or fruit. Dark cherries on chocolate cake... mandarin oranges on white cake... rhubarb sauce on lemon cake... what combinations can you come up with?   Be sure to keep your bag closed tightly so it doesn't get moisture in it, or the dreaded ants don't come uninvited to the picnic!