Time to replace hot pads!

I don't know about you, but I tend to use hot pads way too long.  Yesterday I threw my hot pads into the wash basket.  They were so bad that when I took them out of the wash they really didn't look any different!   This afternoon I quickly sewed a few new ones.  As soon as they were finished, the well-used -- ok... over-used -- hot pads were thrown away.  Who would have thought grabbing a hot pan with a clean, new hot pad could bring such cheer! ;)

Machine stitching, my friends, NOT hand embroidery!

Fabric I found for an upcoming project... not exactly sure what yet, but I have an idea.

Another pair...

This week I tested another pattern for http://ithinksew.com/.  The pattern is called Radella Moccasins, and was easy to follow. I've been wearing my first pair almost every evening, (I'm surprised -- I don't usually wear slippers) and will see how I like these new ones.   How many room shoes does a girl need?  If I get more shoe patterns to try I might need some shoe sizes from volunteers to wear them! :) (hint, hint)...

Sewing the shoe body to sole lining.

Going around the toe curve is the trickiest part of the project -- to keep the fabric smooth, without tucks.

Opps -- pictures out of order.  Cutting the fabric.

Half way there!

Paper clips come in handy for holding the leather sole in place.

Ready to attach the shoe top piece with a blanket stitch.

This is my very unorganized stash of embroidery thread.  I used a cream color to add the blanket stitch on the shoe top.

Here they are!  

Leather soles are great for hardwood floors.

Ahh... time to get those feet comfy!  

I can't get comfy for too long, though.  It's Monday morning.  Time to get that coffee on and get ready for school.  A whole new day of challenges awaits!
Have a great one!
Cary

A new pattern

I've received my second pattern to test for http://ithinksew.com/.   These are for a pair of cloth moccasins -- again for indoor wear.  I'm really kind of surprised, but I've been wearing the shoes from my first attempt almost every day.  I'm really liking them.  They are not too hot on my feet (like many slippers I've tried), and because there is not much padding it is almost like going bare-footed.  The new shoe will be posted in a few days.

Happy Wednesday!

One, Two, Sew a Shoe...

Wait a minute!  Isn't that "one, two, buckle my shoe?"  Not today!

One, Two, Sew a Shoe...
     (I've become a pattern tester for http://ithinksew.com/ patterns, and the first pattern they asked me to sew was a pair of shoes!)
Three, four, shut the door...
     (That's right for these women's "room shoes" you will want to shut the door.  They are for inside wear!)
Five, six, make them quick...
     (One of the steps was a bit tricky, but for the most part they went together quickly.)
Seven, eight, aren't they great!
     (There were great fun to make, and they are an interesting shoe/slipper, to be sure!)

I used a silky decorator fabric for a more elegant look.

These have a leather sole.

Ahh... now time to put my feet up!

Happy Labor Day!