Testing, Testing

I came across this excellent tutorial to make DIY hot pads over at the ever-fabulous My Paper Crane.  As it happens, I have the exact same fabric as shown in one of her hot pads

a rather spiffy 60s china / Pyrex inspired print which Mum gave me for Christmas.

She also gave me this lovely fabric which features iconic London landmarks.  Both the fabrics are gorgeous and I wanted to do them full justice in whatever I made from them.  Anyway, before I cut into anything nice, I thought I'd have a trial run using some offcuts from a pair of unused vintage pillowcases (the rest of them ended up as tote bags.)

It turned out OK-ish.  Of course it's not as thick as it should be as I hadn't used felt in the centre as suggested but some off-cuts of quilt batting which I happened to have to hand.  Plus I decided to use linen bias binding round the edges instead of sewing something nice and polka-dotty (not sure I've got anything like that.)    I can certainly see the potential of these hot pads, ideal for plonking hot pans and dishes on at the table. 

Before hacking into the good stuff, and whilst I perfect my technique, I'll have another go with some of this very appropriately printed linen which I found in a local charity shop a few weeks ago.

ETA:  Both fabrics in the top two photos can be bought online at  http://www.themakeryonline.co.uk/our-shop/fabric/ (plus they've got a whole host of other very very nice fabrics.)  And if you're ever in Bath, they've got a lovely little shop tucked away in Northumberland Place - it's well worth a visit - and another on Walcot Street.

Comments

[Loo]

Elizabeth, all those fabrics are amazing. Where do the top two come from? If you've got a minute, I'd love to know.

The hot pad looks lovely btw.

Just to let you know that I've finished the picnic blanket. Thanks for your sage advice! xx

[Vix]

I love those fabrics so much! x

[MelduJour]

Love those vintage fabrics!
I am never lucky enough to find any treasures like that- can't wait to see what you do with them!
I hope you don't mind but I am passing on some tagged questions to you, as I really enjoy your blog- even if I do 'hover' and not comment too often- hope you don't mind
Mel x