Potholders

Insulbright:

-Irene

I've always used left-over wool sweaters that had accidently been washed in the machine. You maybe could find them at a used-clothing store. Or I have used wool scraps (I think it is called wadmel).

Kirsten

You can use two or more layers of whatever you used before.

The good parts of worn-out bedding make good potholder stuffing, as do multiple layers of wool flannel.

Salvaged rags have already been washed until they can't shrink any more, and you don't need a very big "good part" to make a potholder.

Joy Beeson

Recycled wool... wash up any old piece of wool you've got and machine dry hot a couple of times. Cut it up and stack up as many pieces as needed for "batting". Wool is naturally self-extinguishing, doesn't drip or melt, and has excellent insulating abilities. Oh, and it stinks if you put it on a hot burner long before it will really burn.

When asbestos autoclave gloves quit being available, I switched to a pair of long-cuffed wool driving gloves for jobs like pouring hot agar. Wool gloves worked better than those clunky autoclave gloves ever did.

Kay

You can't beat wool. Either wool batting (which is generally not thick enough anyway, but a cheap alternative which is good recycling is old woolen sweaters/jumpers that have been matted by washing in the machine using a hot wash and a cold rinse and then cut to the size you need.

Thanks everyone for the replies, I am setting aside time on Saturday for this project. I never thought to use wool for batting, and just pulled out a wool sweater for the trash because it was so worn...so I will wash it and press that into service! I also have two mattress pads on which the sides are too worn out to 'stay' on the bed, but the pad itself OK....I'll try using these, too.

-Irene

I always use two pieces of *that silver stuff*, silver facing out on both sides, with a piece of warm and white in the middle - they're not too thick and really resist the heat. Made them for my family last year - and some this year - and we've all found them great. They make great little gifts for Christmas for sure.

Sharon (N.B.)

When you make these do you have enough 'stuffing' left over to make one or two nice trivets for hot casserole dishes? Those make great gifts, too.

And speaking of potholders, does anyone remember the medalion potholders from a few years ago that were made from circles that were folded and formed petals? I'd like to make some, but have forgotten the dimensions for the circles. The other recommendations for wool and trivet sizes were great, too.

Teri

Super idea....!

-Irene

1 - 8" circle for heavy duty stablizer 1 - 8" circle lining fabric 1 - 8" circle fleece batting 5 - 5" circle fabric A 16 - 5" circle fabric B 8 - 5" circle fabric C Finished size: 7 1/2" diameter

Suzanne

snipped-for-privacy@gmail.com wrote:

Dear Suzanne,

Thanks sp much for the formula. These will make great stocking stuffers.

Teri

I wish someone had a picture of these. I'm trying awfully hard to imagine what they look like. I'm stumped.

Dear Itsjoannitojo,

I'll try to describe. The smaller circles are folded in half, then the folded edge is folded again to form a petal. There is a fold in the center of the petal. You can use this as a design element, or turn it over for a smooth petal. Five petals are arranged around the center of the larger circle, overlapping slightly. They are then sewn in place along the raw edges. The next round is arranged in between the petals of the center and tacked in place. This is continued until the outer edge is met. The interlining and backing are then added to the back, and the edge is bound. They are really pretty. I remember years ago making dozens of them for a church bazaar.

Teri

Like Somerset patchwork?

I never heard it called Somerset patchwork, but yes, that's the idea, except we used circles. I'm thinking that it may take more than five for each row to get a nice, full flower effect, but I'm going to experiment today to figure it out.

Teri

I have not seen this, but WOW, that sure IS pretty!

Does anyone know where to get instructions (free if possible) to create that beautiful Somerset patchwork? I tried googling, but could not find instructions, only pictures of completed projects. Thanks much.