Rather than leaving it till the last moment as in previous years, I got started on my Mother's Day sewing last weekend. I quite enjoy small sewing projects (although I have discovered that small project doesn't mean quick and easy).
For the oven mitt I have used an oven mitt template from the book Quilts by Denyse Schmidt. I have made numerous projects from this book and found that again the instructions for this pattern -the Too Hot to Handle Oven Mitt - were well written and sufficiently detailed to complete the project successfully.
I did make a few minor alterations to the oven mitt pattern including patchwork piecing the lower end of the mitt, adding a layer of Insul-Bright (in addition to the layer of batting) and finishing the edge with bias binding.
To complete the project and to make a functional - two piece - set I also made a potholder, again using Insul-Bright for insulation from heat as well as a layer of batting. The four layers made for bulky basting and quilting. I pin basted the layers with just a few pins around the edges which seems to have been sufficient, and then quilted with closely spaced lines.
For the quilting I used a 90/14 size needle although if I'd had on hand a heavier needle I would have used it. I increased stitch length to 4.5 as well as increased the presser foot pressure significantly to help assist with moving the bulky layers evenly through the machine.
I made my own bias binding by cutting off-grain strips of fabric 2.25 inches wide, a standard width which I also use for my quilt binding. Trimming the potholder's corners to a smooth curve (for which I used a dinner plate) was my challenge task in this project. Not so much the trimming, but binding the curves. The bias binding proved to be really easy to use and hugged the curved edge beautifully, the extra bias stretch allowed for the fabric to ease in and out of the curve with a smooth and even overall result.
Whilst I hand stitched the binding on the inside of the oven mitt I machine stitch the binding for the potholder. I found it useful to glue down the back of the binding before machine stitching with a Sewline Fabric Glue Pen; another first.
A Few Fabric Details:
- Robert Kaufman Essex Yarn Dyed in Flax
- Flower Sugar by Lecien - backing and oven mitt lining fabric
- Lecien Dot in Mint for binding fabric
- Briar Rose by Heather Ross for Windham Fabrics.
Are you crafting for Mother's Day?
Rita
Note: Briar Rose 5 inch square fabric samples were supplied without obligation by Windham Fabrics. The images, text and opinions expressed are however my own.
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I'm making a table runner. My fingers are crossed that I finish in time....
ReplyDeletethese are so sweet!
ReplyDeleteRita, your work is exquisite! Prettiest oven mitt and potholder I have seen in a long time. Well done!
ReplyDeleteAlready did! I made grocery bags!
ReplyDeleteThese are beautiful Rita. Any Mom would be so lucky to receive these on Mother's Day! : )
ReplyDeleteI always admire your work. You make simple things looks stunning. I'm sure the recipient of this will be very happy.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful job!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely adorable, Rita!
ReplyDeleteThey're darling! No crafting for Mother's Day this year, but I did get her some hand printed fabric from a local artist, so I feel like my craft karma is still in good standing.
ReplyDeleteLove this set! The colors are perfect for any cook.
ReplyDeleteRita........the oven mitt and pot holder are just gorgeous. Love the fabrics. Have a great day. Marie
ReplyDeleteVery sweet idea, and I love that your style comes out even in such a handy project! I'm painting a few rocks for my mom, as we used to do this together when I was a teenager, and she brought it up recently! Have to go get the rocks today, as a matter of fact... Happy Mother's Day to you if you are a mom, and honestly, your quilts are definitely your children, lol!
ReplyDeleteVery nice and lovely fabrics, we have had Mothers a few weeks ago over here in Scotland but think i might make some for my Mum because I know she would love them. Great project for a rainy day.
ReplyDeleteIrene
This is gorgeous. Any mom anywhere would be proud to receive this set.
ReplyDeleteThese are gorgeous! Your mother will love them!
ReplyDeleteMy mother is not at home on mother's Day, so I still have some time to come up with something, hopefully as beautiful as your gifts! :-)
Esther
How beautiful! Your work inspires me, thank you!
ReplyDeleteThese are both lovely! I can't wait for this collection. My mother is always cold and wants a lap blanket for work meetings with suited men who are never cold. She has picked recycled cashmere sweaters for the top and I picked out a Little Folks voile for the back based on the sweaters I was able to compile. Could be a disaster . . . .
ReplyDeleteOh so sweet!
ReplyDeleteSuper Cute! I love the fabrics you used. I have always wanted to buy a book from Denyse Schmidt. Thanks for the share.
ReplyDeleteThese are a great idea, I might some insulated mats for my Mum to
ReplyDeleteSuch a cute set, Rita!
ReplyDeleteSuch a sweet gift! Lovely and so special. Happy Mother's Day to you, Rita...early! XXX Sondra
ReplyDelete