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....
