diy hot pads

I have dreams of redecorating my kitchen and turning it into something cute. I have the colors all picked out, and and plan for how to make it feel, look, and function like a much larger kitchen than it currently is. However, since no one has offered to fund this dream, I have started the remodel with something small . . .


. . . incredibly small.


I would like to introduce you to my new hot pads:


The colors for my new kitchen will be black and white with red and yellow accents.


I didn't use a pattern for these, but there was really no need. I cut my top fabric, 3 layers of batting, and backing to 9" square, put them together, then used a ruler to mark the stitching lines. After stitching along the lines, I used extra-wide double fold bias tape to finish the edges, and voila!

shapelessly cute (simplicity 3790)

I thought this shirt was so cute, and it looked like something that would be super comfy in a stretch knit fabric, so I was excited to make it.

Unfortunately, I have this problem making clothing for myself . . . I never look as good in it as I think I'm going to, and it ends up being discarded. Well, this time I'm happy to say that I ended up liking this shirt, and I've worn it a few times since I finished it, but that wasn't without some opposition. The story is fairly entertaining, so if you scroll down past the picture, I've related it there!


I made one major alteration to the pattern. This pattern calls for you to make the insert and attach it to the shirt, but I wanted the freedom of being able to wear several different colors/styles of shirt underneath, so I opted to simply not make that part. Without that piece, this shirt was 5 pieces, and a breeze to make!

Enjoy!

(Admittedly, I need a new belt, so please don't hold that "design flaw" against Simplicity.)

After I finished making this shirt, I took it into the bathroom to try it on. I couldn't decide whether or not I like it, and my husband wasn't around to ask what he thought, so I decided to ask my kids, who are 6, 4, and 2 years old.

"What do you think?" I asked.

Without even looking up from his toys, or turning to face me, Samuel (6) said, "Looks good."

Rora (2) and Xavier (4) then followed his lead (despite the fact that he still had not looked at me,) "Yeah, looks good!" they said.

"You didn't even look at me!" I accused.

Samuel then turned and looked at me, "Oh." (Long pause,) "Is it for Dad?"

"No," I said defensively, "it's not."

"Is it done?" he asked.

I guess men learn these honest, yet tactless responses early!!