Today is a very important celebration at my house - My daughter Megan's 20th birthday! I think we'll celebrate with Molten Chocolate Cake! When Megan started Kindergarten, I started publishing my quilt patterns, and in the past 15 years, I've published 17 books and over 40 patterns. Whew - I didn't realize it has been so long! I love designing quilts and I seem to always have new ideas brewing.
Today as you hop around our Cross Country Christmas blog hop everyone will share stories about gifts and gift giving.
Pat has started a flicker account for you to share pictures of your blog hop projects. I can't wait to see what everyone is making! Go here to upload your photos and see the photo gallery.
I like to make a stash of quick little gifts to have on hand during the holidays. Whether I need a quick hostess gift, or a thank you for a teacher, my hairdresser, or even the mailman - I can grab one and go! Our project today is a "Molten Chocolate Cake Mug" which is a gooey chocolate cake that bakes right in the mug! You'll make a super simple bag and fill it with the dry ingredients for the cake. Tuck a tag with the baking instructions into the mug and then add some decorations if you'd like.
Leave me a comment and let me know who you'll be giving Molten Chocolate Mugs to this holiday season - one lucky person will win a collection of my favorite books and patterns! Upload a photo of your finished project to the flicker album - I bet you'll get really creative with these!
Let's Get Started
Materials:
Bag: two contrasting prints - 9" x 10" each
Tie: 1/2 yd. rick rack/ribbon or a 2" x 20" fabric strip
Mug: 12 oz. or larger microwave safe mug (I have found $1 mugs at the dollar store and Goodwill, and WalMart has mugs for $2.49)
Sugar, Cocoa, and Flour
Cardstock and ribbon trim for the tag
Sewing Instructions:
A. Stitch the the 9" x 10" rectangles together along the long edge using a 1/2" seam. (shown above) Press the seam open.
B. Fold the Step A unit in half lengthwise, wrong side out. Stitch a 1/4" seam to make a long tube. Press seam open. Terry's Tip: To avoid creasing the bag, let one edge of the bag extend over the edge of the ironing board.
C. Fold the lining over the focus fabric and press the top edge as shown. NOTE: The lining should be on the outside!
D. Adjust the bag so the seam is centered, and stitch a 1/4" seam across the bag bottom.
E. Turn the bag right side out and tack the center of the tie to the back of the bag, 2" below the top. Put the Step F baggie inside and tie a bow.
F. Cake Mix: Measure 1/4 cup sugar, 2 Tablespoons flour, and 2 Tablespoons cocoa into a small baggie. Shake it up to mix the ingredients.
G. Tag: Print the PDF file below onto cardstock or paper. Cut a tag out and glue it to coordinating cardstock. Trim the edge with a rotary cutter or decorative scissors. Punch a hole at the top and attach a ribbon if desired. Tuck the tag and a candy cane into the mug.
H. Optional fabric ties: Press the 2" x 21" strip in half lengthwise, wrong sides together. Open it and press both edges in to meet at the center crease. Refold the center crease and press again. Topstitch close to the long edges.
For Four Mugs
Prints: two fat quarters (18" x 21") or eight 10" x 10" layer cake squares
Ties: 2 yards of ribbon or one fat quarter (18" x 21")
Terry's Tip: If you enjoyed making these, you'll enjoy making a "Best Press Bag" as a special gift for your quilting friends!
Way too cute. I'm making these for the teachers at school.
Posted by: maureen w. | November 11, 2009 at 08:31 AM
I don't think I have a single friend or relative that doesn't like chocolate, so I could make an unlimited number of these, and still have some left over for ME!!
Kathie L.
Posted by: Kathryn Laposata | November 11, 2009 at 08:33 AM
Fun and delicious!
Kathy Kurtis
Roseville, MN
651-482-8958
Posted by: Kathy Kurits | November 11, 2009 at 08:35 AM
A perfect idea for my quilting bee friends. Thanks.
I had my first molten cake in Paris- not a bad association!
Posted by: Kent | November 11, 2009 at 08:35 AM
Wonderful idea. Thanks.
Posted by: Kathy Kurits | November 11, 2009 at 08:36 AM
Wonderfully cute! Who to give to....hum....
Posted by: di | November 11, 2009 at 08:38 AM
This is going to be an "immediate" gift for my secret sister --- for Thanksgiving. I can't think of anyone who wouldn't love to receive one.
Posted by: Carol Sc | November 11, 2009 at 08:40 AM
hmmmm...can think of several people that this would be good for...do I have enough time?!?!?!?
Thanks!
Posted by: Linda | November 11, 2009 at 08:42 AM
Cute and perfect little gift to a friend.Thanks so much for sharing!
Posted by: margarita | November 11, 2009 at 08:42 AM
A friend and I alway try to come up with an idea to make and give others. This is perfect!
Posted by: Christine | November 11, 2009 at 08:42 AM
What a wonderful idea - to have 'little somethings' ready for an impromptu occasion.
Posted by: Dolores | November 11, 2009 at 08:42 AM
Thank you so much for the pattern. I've made these "Mug Cakes" before, now I can give them as gifts. HUGS.... and stitches
Posted by: Christie Brehm | November 11, 2009 at 08:42 AM
I am on my way to get the mugs. Thanks
Posted by: Cheryl | November 11, 2009 at 08:43 AM
Happy Birthday to your daughter!! I think my cousin, Kayla, would truly appreciate this gift. Thank you for the pattern:)
In Christ,
Alissa
Posted by: Alissa Slagle | November 11, 2009 at 08:43 AM
This is a really cute idea, but I am especially LOVING the Best Press Bag that you linked! I sent it to my mom, too :)
Posted by: Tonya | November 11, 2009 at 08:44 AM
What a "sweet" idea. Thank you.
Posted by: Darlis | November 11, 2009 at 08:44 AM
What an easy adorable idea! Thanks for the tutorial.
Posted by: Lori | November 11, 2009 at 08:48 AM
I am a HUGE fan of your patterns. You write them so well and they are so easy to understand. You are a good teacher! I always recommend your patterns to my friends who are just getting into quilting! Thanks for sharing this super cute gift idea. I will definately make these!
Posted by: Jill | November 11, 2009 at 08:48 AM
Great idea. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Michelle R | November 11, 2009 at 08:49 AM
I've tried a lot of different things with mugs but this one it new.
Sounds fun
Thanks
Regena
Posted by: Regena | November 11, 2009 at 08:50 AM
Thanks Terry for the great gift idea....Everyone I know would love to get this..........I will make several of these mugs....
Posted by: Linda | November 11, 2009 at 08:50 AM
This will be great for my son's teachers!!
Posted by: Katie B | November 11, 2009 at 08:50 AM
Great Idea, no one can go wrong with Chocolate. Thanks for such fun patterns
Posted by: Karin | November 11, 2009 at 08:51 AM
What a great idea! I will be sure to try this one.
Posted by: Marsha | November 11, 2009 at 08:51 AM
Cute idea, great for teacher gifts. Will definitely give this a whirl.
Posted by: Patty | November 11, 2009 at 08:55 AM
thanks for the cute idea, the fabric bags really dress this up. It would be good for a Secret Santa gift.
Posted by: Kaye Mattson | November 11, 2009 at 08:56 AM
I love this idea!!! It solves a gift dilemma... yea :) Happy birthday Megan!
Posted by: Heather W. | November 11, 2009 at 08:56 AM
Such a great tutorial and the recipe looks delicious. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Katie | November 11, 2009 at 08:57 AM
wow - a quick-to-make gift that might actually get used! i'm gonna have to try one of these for my sister-the-i-don't-do-carbs queen
Posted by: dianne | November 11, 2009 at 08:58 AM
Wow! I love this idea! It's such a great idea to just have a "gift on hand"! Thanks so much!!!
Posted by: megan z. | November 11, 2009 at 09:01 AM
Happy Birthday to your Megan. I have a Meghan with an h, and she just turned 30. Talk about feeling old. Thanks for the great gift idea. Yum.
Posted by: Jean Etheridge | November 11, 2009 at 09:06 AM
My "TWO" Molten Chocolate Cake Mugs will go to the two girls at our small post office. The reason is because they don't get to leave the post office and they're always there smiling, willing to offer "better prices" for mailing options.
I have no idea how they do it - but they each remember everyone's name - even if you're just there to purchase stamps.
This will be a quick, easy gift to give to each of them - and they make the Molten Chocolate Cake right there at work in their microwave -and then keep the mug there for future coffee/hot cocoa.
Thank you, Terry, for such quick, easy "fix" for Christmas.
And, Happy 20th birthday to your lovely daughter.
Posted by: Cindy | November 11, 2009 at 09:07 AM
I love this idea...it is simple and so cute and perfect for the little extra gifts you like to give. My budget thanks you!
Posted by: Ruth B | November 11, 2009 at 09:07 AM
This is a great ideal ....... I could also see just putting hot chocolate in the gift bag. Thanks
Posted by: Judy Hamm | November 11, 2009 at 09:07 AM
A very quick gift to have ready for those "I need a gift moments" Thanks
Posted by: Margie Crewse | November 11, 2009 at 09:09 AM
OMG these are the perfect teacher gift!! I am also a Milwaukeean. I took my kids to WI for the first time to meet the relatives. We had great fun! My mom grew up on Logan Ave in Milwaukee and I grew up on Waterford Ave in ST.Francis. Seeing the cover of the old Cooke Cookbook was a blast from the past :) I now love your patterns even more ;) ;)
Posted by: Eileen | November 11, 2009 at 09:14 AM
I've made the cake in a mug before, but never thought about packaging it as a gift. What a great idea! Thank you.
Posted by: Linda | November 11, 2009 at 09:16 AM
This is the kind of idea that shows you put your heart into it, and yet it won't break the bank.Thanks, Terry.
And happy birthday to your sweet daughter.
Posted by: Leslie Schmidt | November 11, 2009 at 09:18 AM
This is a great idea! Love it!
Thanks so much!
Posted by: Mary Freeman | November 11, 2009 at 09:18 AM
Super idea--I think this might work for my hairdresser this year. Thanks
Posted by: sndy1 | November 11, 2009 at 09:19 AM
So cute. Maybe teacher's gifts for my grandson's teachers or co-workers. I love this blog - can't wait to open up the files each day. Kind of like a present a day. Thanks to all of you.
Denny in PA
Posted by: Denny | November 11, 2009 at 09:19 AM
What a great idea! I love it:-)
Posted by: Lisa | November 11, 2009 at 09:20 AM
The ladies who staff my LQS will be getting these. Great!
Posted by: Cindy in TN | November 11, 2009 at 09:23 AM
I absolutely love these. Just the type of thing I was hoping to see on the blog. My nine year old daughter is part of a trapeze troupe (think Cirque du Soleil)and I think these are the perfect gift for them this year. Thanks again for the perfect gift idea!
Posted by: Cheryl | November 11, 2009 at 09:25 AM
I LOVE molten chocolate cakes.......so, this is a must to make on my list of gift giving this year. Thanks for sharing - and even providing us with a good looking tag to print off :-)
Posted by: Patti Mattlin | November 11, 2009 at 09:26 AM
First time on your blog -- it's great! I have added it to my Favorites. I love your gift idea. My mother, who is 94, is now living in a senior care facility for Alzheimer patients. The gals who work there are definitely angels, and this will make the PERFECT gift for those lovely women. Thank you for this cute gift idea --I love your patterns!
Posted by: Diane | November 11, 2009 at 09:27 AM
Oh my gosh, what an adorable idea! thank you so much :) I haven't been to your blog before, I am so glad you are all doing this blog hop, it's so fun!
Posted by: Heather | November 11, 2009 at 09:30 AM
I'm thinking co-workers! What a great idea. I need to get to Home Goods or Goodwill and get some cute mugs.
Posted by: Chris@Cats on my Quilts | November 11, 2009 at 09:33 AM
what a cute gift idea! thanks
Posted by: marybeth | November 11, 2009 at 09:35 AM
I have heard about these Molten Little Cakes - what a cute way to give as a gift! I can't wait to try it. I think the women at work will be getting this for Christmas.Thanks Terry!
Posted by: KIM ARTH | November 11, 2009 at 09:37 AM
Very cute idea!
Posted by: Kristin Stout | November 11, 2009 at 09:38 AM
thank you! you have just solved my dilemma for our annual Christmas Retreat of my bee... what a great idea to make for everyone - and they can enjoy it while we are sewing!!! YIPEE!!
ok, 24 mugs, 24 bags, lots of cocoa, etc,,, I had better get busy!
Beth in Dallas
Posted by: Beth Patrick | November 11, 2009 at 09:39 AM
Your bag makes the gift more fun! I love sewing little things like this, I must try it! I will do this for my chocolate loving MIL and for my mom's bday after Christmas. TFS
Posted by: kimberlee | November 11, 2009 at 09:40 AM
and Happy Birthday Megan!
Beth in Dallas
Posted by: Beth Patrick | November 11, 2009 at 09:40 AM
I love the cute mugs you used. This will be a fun project and gift. Thanks for the pattern and being part of the blog hop!
Posted by: Cyndi | November 11, 2009 at 09:43 AM
REally cute! I think I may have to make that cake this eveing too! Love the bags--So simple and classy!
Posted by: Tara | November 11, 2009 at 09:43 AM
What a clever gift idea, thanks so much for sharing it with us.
Posted by: Linda | November 11, 2009 at 09:44 AM
Cannot wait to share a cup of cake with my quilt buddies during our cold Alaskan winter! Thanks Terry for all the inspiration you've given to us over the years...and Happy Birthday to your daughter!
Posted by: Mrs. DillyDally | November 11, 2009 at 09:45 AM
I think I will make these to give to all of my nieces who also crave chocolate!!
Posted by: Mary on Lake Pulaski | November 11, 2009 at 09:46 AM
I can't wait to make this project. This is a great idea for co-workers! Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Pam Edblom | November 11, 2009 at 09:46 AM
Love your gift idea, those cakes are so delicous. Your gift bag is simple and can be used for many items, it makes the gift look so homemade.
Posted by: Carrie | November 11, 2009 at 09:46 AM
This is a great idea! Perfect for gifts for my sewing buddies. Thank you!
Posted by: Gretchen | November 11, 2009 at 09:47 AM
super cute! I think these would be great little gifts for all my friends at church :)
Posted by: Jan | November 11, 2009 at 09:47 AM
I would give these mugs to my Saturday breakfast buddies. Please include me in your drawing!
Posted by: Sue H | November 11, 2009 at 09:48 AM
Will have to do up some for sure. My UPS Fella will get one... yes I do adore him...after all he delivers such nice things...ha ha!
Also cute gifts for those you do not want to forget but not to go over board with either!
Thanks so much.
I am enjoying this hop!
Posted by: Lola | November 11, 2009 at 09:49 AM
Super gift idea, thanks so much for sharing the "how to" so we can spoil our friends! Hope the birthday girl has a great day too!
Posted by: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=580574918 | November 11, 2009 at 09:49 AM
Geez, it's crowded here, lol, well first of all Happy Birthday Megan!!!!, if you read this of course, :) the cake idea sounds great, I'm going to try it on, and give it to my family, my teacher and my best friends, I know theyll love it, thank you for sharing the idea!!!!!!, and pssssst please count me in the giveaway!!!
Posted by: arlette | November 11, 2009 at 09:50 AM
Think the Mug Cake in a Bag will be a perfect fit for my hairdresser! She's a young girl who loves to cook. Thanks for the great suggestion. I can use up some of my Christmas fabrics!
Posted by: Judy Knorr | November 11, 2009 at 09:52 AM
My daughter turns 20 at the end of this month!
I'm loving the recipe/gift! This is one I may actually try!
=-)
Posted by: Wendy | November 11, 2009 at 09:52 AM
Happy Birthday Megan! Thanks for the quick gift idea to make up and have on hand around the holidays!
Posted by: Cindy | November 11, 2009 at 09:54 AM
That's definitely a great little gift to have on hand! I think I'll have to make up a few of these!
Posted by: Kim | November 11, 2009 at 10:01 AM
What a neat idea! I can't wait to try it! Thanks!
Posted by: Deb G. | November 11, 2009 at 10:01 AM
What a great gift idea! I am going to spend the day with my Mother to help her whip these up for her rug hooking group!
Thank you!
Posted by: Jennifer C | November 11, 2009 at 10:02 AM
What a wonderful (and easy!) gift. I forsee tucking these little goodies in gift bags with some buckeye candy. You can't go wrong with too much chocolate!
Posted by: Esther | November 11, 2009 at 10:02 AM
Great idea!!!!! May have to do this today!
Jo Anna
Posted by: Jo Anna | November 11, 2009 at 10:03 AM
Perfect gift for my sewing group! I love reading everyone else's ideas too! Thank you! Cathy
Posted by: Cathy | November 11, 2009 at 10:03 AM
What a super idea! Thanks!
Posted by: Suzanne | November 11, 2009 at 10:03 AM
What a great idea. I think I will make one for each of my daughters roommates.
Posted by: Celeste | November 11, 2009 at 10:05 AM
What a great and fun idea! I think I'll make these for my friends in my quilting group.
Lola in NW MN
Posted by: Lola | November 11, 2009 at 10:06 AM
This is a great idea for a fun gift to surprise someone with. I'm so happy you think of the mailman too, since I'm one or should I say mailwoman. I'll have to make a couple of these for my neighbor who always brings over plates cookies. Thanks for the fun and Happy Birthday to your daughter.
Thanks!
Karen M
Posted by: Karen M | November 11, 2009 at 10:07 AM
What a great idea for a nice homemade Christmas gift. Thanks! I hope you'll leave this permantly on your blog. I thik I may be using it for years to come!
Jane
Posted by: Jane | November 11, 2009 at 10:07 AM
Thank you for this wonderful project. I know wht to give the teachers at my daughters preschool now.
Posted by: Jennifer | November 11, 2009 at 10:07 AM
What a cute idea. I think I'll make one (or two) for my bachelor son for sure, and it will be a great hostess gift. Almost everyone loves chocolate.
Posted by: Gloria | November 11, 2009 at 10:09 AM
What a great idea! A new mug, and chocolate - wow!
Posted by: Donna Smith | November 11, 2009 at 10:10 AM
What a cute gift! Great for my granddaughter's teachers and also for my hairdresser. Thanks!
Posted by: Pat | November 11, 2009 at 10:10 AM
What a great idea. I've given cookies in a jar before, but this is soooo cool! I love that the bag is fabric! Too cute!
Hallie
Posted by: Hallie | November 11, 2009 at 10:11 AM
What a great idea--great for a teacher gift or just a little something extra! Thanks!
Posted by: Barb | November 11, 2009 at 10:13 AM
what a fun gift to make! thanks for sharing. thanks for putting my name in the hat!
Lorene H
Posted by: lorene holbrook | November 11, 2009 at 10:13 AM
What a perfect gift idea. Anything featuring chocolate is a winner.
Posted by: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1042751089 | November 11, 2009 at 10:13 AM
What nice quick gift to make a nd give! Thanks!
Posted by: Pam | November 11, 2009 at 10:14 AM
What a great gift! I can't wait to whip up a few of these!
Posted by: Maribeth | November 11, 2009 at 10:15 AM
This is a great idea! Thank you. Happy Birthday to your daughter from one Scorpio to another.
Posted by: Abby | November 11, 2009 at 10:16 AM
This is going to be the perfect gift for my neighbors and some people at work! Thanks for the great idea!
Posted by: Lindsay | November 11, 2009 at 10:18 AM
Thank you for this pattern :)
Posted by: Tora | November 11, 2009 at 10:19 AM
I LOVE molten chocolate cakes!! What a wonderful goft idea. I will be giving one to each of the ladies in my Tuesday Morning Bible Study.
Posted by: Char | November 11, 2009 at 10:19 AM
This looks like fun! I love all your patterns!
Posted by: Deb | November 11, 2009 at 10:19 AM
Cute gift! thanks!
Posted by: badlands quilts | November 11, 2009 at 10:20 AM
I think this is a perfect idea for co-workers! I am often looking for a simple idea with a big punch that is unique for those who work with me all year round. Thanks for the ideas and patterns that you continue to produce and share with us! Your patterns are my favorites!
Posted by: Norma | November 11, 2009 at 10:20 AM
I think my sewing group buddies would enjoy this, along with a couple special college students I know! Keep up the good work with your patterns and books. Congrats on 15 years!
Posted by: Ann in NC | November 11, 2009 at 10:21 AM
What a great idea-sounds yummy too! My daughter and nieces-all away from home- would love this!
Posted by: Vickie W. | November 11, 2009 at 10:22 AM