Valentine's Day for the Kitchen

Mom and I were in a great quilt shop in Provo, Utah the day after New Year's Day (that's January 2nd, if you couldn't solve my super-duper riddle!) and I had to purchase a few yards of Moda's Valentine fabric line. There were several very cute options, but I chose these three. When I saw this fabric originally, here in Rexburg, I knew I had to make those potholders again. But this time, they were going to be better than last year because I knew how to put the binding on!

I was talking to my sister, Heidi, and trying to explain how I did this. I was surprised that I didn't do a "how-to" for last year's project. So here is (in case you're dying to do a project--each potholder only takes about ten minutes, plus stitching the binding to the back):

Make a pattern by cutting out a heart from something. Something = card stock, an old file folder, or actual pattern trace paper! You can do any heart you want, but I recommend making it a good size (not too big, not too small) so that when your hand fits into the potholder, your hand moves freely and your fingers can reach near the end of the heart for a good grip. If you're like me, you may find your first heart to be too big, and then I just cut the pattern or the heart fabric and batting down to make a better fit.

You need a front and back of the whole heart pattern. Mix and match and do whatever. Though I suggest a darker color for the fabric because potholders tend to get abused.

You also need the finger/thumb covers. I don't know a better name for them. It's the section of fabric that covers your fingers and thumb, though. Just trace the heart onto another piece of card stock (or whatever) and draw across. Also, leave a little extra (about 1/4 inch) in the straight section pointing toward the center of the heart, because you'll be making a seam (or you should make a seam, anyway!).

Cut out two finger/thumb covers and make sure the fabric is folded when you cut so that you get one for each side, instead of two of the same side. Does that make sense? (I shouldn't post when it's almost midnight!)

This is how the finger/thumb covers lay on the front heart:

And of course you'll need batting! I just use scraps leftover from quilting projects. I cut out three or four hearts for each potholder.

Start making a sandwich!

Don't forget to sew a seam on the finger covers, after pressing them:

My Rowenta working hard (thanks, Mom!):
(it's so professional! my little joke because it is the "Professional" model.

FACT: jokes aren't funny if they have to be explained...

Also a FACT: I shouldn't post when it is late!)

Now it is sandwiched and ready to be sewn together:

Be sure to make a loop if you want to have one and sew it in this step. I'm placing it it the middle; last year I believe I placed it at the point of the heart. I know my mom, who is planning on making one, is planning on placing it off to the side.

Her idea is probably best, because her ideas usually are.)

I forgot to mention that you'll need 1 1/2 inch bias strips for the bias; just make it long enough to go around the heart. I placed the bias strip over the loop and started there. I think I stitched it on 1/4 inch from the edge.

After you sew all the way around, it looks like this:

Okay, yours might look better than mine.

I'm not a perfect seamstress.

You probably are.

You are so much cooler and I'm not so much with the being cool.

You need to make sure your "sandwich" is stacked when you're sewing

so that the binding is stitched on properly.

When you turn out the fabric it looks like this:

If your heart turns out like mine, I recommend trimming it a little bit.

Be careful!

(Especially if you are accident-prone, like me...)

One thing I've learned in my past few projects is that it is SO nice to have a waste basket nearby when sewing. I've never used one right next to me before. I used to just clean the scraps off the table and floor after my projects. Now I eliminate the middle-step (you know, having the scraps fall on the floor or making a pile on the table) and skip to the waste basket. So much nicer.

Though I have to admit I still have to clean up the floor and table, just not as much.

After the binding has been sewn to the sandwich, you are ready to stitch it to the back. Fold the fabric under and stitch it down. I didn't use my bias tape-maker for this project so I had to fold as I went. Not a big deal. Because I'm tough.

(I really shouldn't post this late. My jokes, or what I call jokes, are not funny.

You may not even know where I'm joking. Because they aren't funny.)

I kept sewing them until I was out of fabric. Then I stitched the binding to the back.

Here are some of my preciouses.

(It's a word. At least it is when you have more than one precious.

Seriously, it is almost midnight, give me a break.)