I happen to love pot holders. Humble little works of sewing art, they don’t seem to require a whole lot of expertise. Which is fine by me. I am not a world class seamstress and never will be.

My fabric is already here, ready to go, and has been for decades–I am a fabric hound. Once purchased, it either became something or not. I save scraps, and I still have yards of virgin territory.

A recent beneficiary of a new sewing machine (thank you, Kirk!), I am armed for the new season. After sewing up the four sides of my mini-masterpiece to the batting, I relocate to the corner of the sofa, manage to thread the needle, and slip stitch away.

As long as my attention span holds, I will turn churn out pot holders. I have no system, no assembly line; I just cut, pin, sew, admire, (rip out), and basically indulge in the sewing equivalent of comfort food. Some are already destined to be gifts, a few may be sold around the holidays. I’m not going to get rich here, but that’s not the point.

It just feels like the thing I need to do, that’s all. And that’s enough.

Pink Panther quilted fabric remnant

and the back…or front?

One of 6 squares to be sewn, upcycled from a 1950s circle skirt

Salvaged slipcover from the 1940s. On the back is denim from an old pair of jeans.

Feeling groovy! From curtain panels that adorned a bedroom at the dawning of the Age of Aquarius.

Fabric from “the sperm shirt” (his, not mine)–bought in Paris when I was married, in the early 1980s.

And here is part of my collection:

The Old Mill~ purchased on a early 90s road trip in Bat Cave, NC.

1950s retro (a pot holder with mitts?)

Campbells Kids, erased by time. Mmm, mmm good!

My Japanese quilter friend made me this. I love the chicken feet embroidery stitches (give or take a toe).

The Japanese always kick our crafting up a notch!

Made by my crafty friend Marilyn! Love the fabric with buttons printed on it.

So, pass the casseroles!