I decided to participate in the Thanksgiving Dinner Challenge offered on the Sew Sweetness blog. The challenge: Complete a hot pad or oven mitt, between October 20, 2011 and November 17, 2011. So, so, sew.... when I think of Thanksgiving and oven mitts my mind goes directly to pie. I decided to run with the pie inspiration and create an "Apple Pie" oven mitt.
First I rummaged through my fabric scraps and found some that made me happy. Then, I used my favorite oven mitt as a starting place for the shape, making this mitt a bit longer than the original, as I seem to burn my forearm...often.
Once everything was worked out on paper I started the pie "filling." In the fabric stash I found the little pinkish squares already cut out and ready to go. I "filled" in around the squares with rectangles of random lengths.
I cut out 2 inch strips of fabric for the basket weave "pie crust," and pressed the raw edges under 1/4 inch. Next, I used my original paper pattern to work out the basket weave.
Once the basket weave was pinned in place, I removed the paper pattern and "layered" the mitt, placing a backing piece on the bottom, followed by a piece of batting, then the "pie filling," and finally the "pie crust."
Next, I machine stitched the basket weave down. Once the stitching was complete I cut out the final shape and finished off the edges.
Originally, I planned to hand stitch the apple on, but time was not on my side so I went with a satin stitch around the edges instead. I am happy with the results.
The back of the mitt is a solid piece of fabric with a little machine quilting to hold all the layers together. I decided to finish the opening of the mitt with a fancy pie crust edge...better known as a little ruffle and some bias tape.
This turned out to be a fun project. I think personalized, handmade oven mitts would make a great gift for friends who love to cook!
Thanks for the challenge "Sew Sweetness."
Now, I need some pie....
You are one talented chick.
ReplyDeleteI bought insul-bright back when it was still working the other job. Haven't made the oven mitts yet.
Yours looks great. Happy Sewing.
Ivy, I remember selling that stuff waaaaay back when I worked at a fabric store. But not knowing how to describe it in Italian, I used a layer of cotton batting and a layer of polar fleece. I've tried several ways of rationalizing those choices, but really it came down to they are thick but easy to sew through and they are already in the house!
ReplyDeleteI thought of you (and Wonder Woman) when I was doing this project...I think you could use some fun oven mitts!
Cotton batting and fleece, yikes. But I understand about having it on hand. And it looks great.
ReplyDeleteHeaded to take puppy number two to the vet. She needs shots and a check up.
Happy Sewing :-)
Beautiful oven mitt! That cute mitt makes me want to bake and sew :)
ReplyDeleteThat's adorable! And thanks for the backdoor view of the construction. I'm always curious how you get from idea to product!
ReplyDeleteI'm also glad to know I'm not the only one who manages to burn their forearm - usually on the oven door or top of the oven when I'm not paying attention to my clearances! :)