Now we're talking.
Finally, some fun stitching on my work table today! (I needed a little reprieve from the storage room clean-out.)
This "radiant star" hot pad is an old pattern that has been passed around by quilters and stitchers for years; my pattern came in the form of a hand-out from a quilt class in 1989. Of course I saved it all these years, like a squirrel with a good nut. It has since become one of my favorite rainy day projects. However, my decades old pattern was getting a little rough around the edges, as these things do, so I decided to make a new and improved version. And not just for myself, but for you too!
The link for the PDF is below if you want to squirrel-away a pattern for yourself. These make sweet presents, I like to keep a few on hand for the gift cupboard.
Basically, this is a fold-and-stack operation using three different sized circles. At first glance it looks complicated, but actually very little sewing is involved. I only use a sewing machine to secure the layers around the edges with a zigzag stitch before sewing on the binding. Yep. That's all there is to it.
You can use fabric scraps or color-coordinated Fat Quarters, but be sure and combine contrasting colors so the star stands out. I've just used random pieces for these with homemade bias binding. The minty green plaid is a buttery soft cotton flannel. Awesome to work with.
What is it about polka dots that look so happy?
thanks for sharing the pattern links.
Posted by: Carrie P. | January 17, 2013 at 12:06 PM
Your pot holders are adorable...much more lovely than the ones my grandmother used to make using this pattern. Must be the polka dots!
I notice that you don't want the pattern distributed; however, I'm wondering if you would allow me to pin this?
Posted by: Vee | January 17, 2013 at 12:07 PM
very very pretty and clever
Posted by: Jenny | January 17, 2013 at 12:18 PM
I too have been going through stuff and trying to clear out some space around here. It is agonizing! Everything is such an emotional decision but I am getting better at it...I think :) Thanks for the free patterns Vicki. You brightened my day.
Posted by: Susan | January 17, 2013 at 01:21 PM
Sure, pin away!
Posted by: vicki haninger | January 17, 2013 at 03:16 PM
Love it! Can't wait to try my hand at it! Thank you!
Posted by: Bella Hughes | January 17, 2013 at 06:41 PM
Thank you so much! I've been looking for this pattern, and I had no idea what the name of it was. I can't wait to try this along with the adorable children's apron pattern!
Posted by: Mindy | January 17, 2013 at 07:19 PM
Gosh I remember doing one of these about 18 yrs ago from a book called The English Country Crafts Collection, they called it a suffolk star, don't know what I did with the one I made but you have inspired me to have a go again.
The ones you have made are gorgeous, I really love them
Thanks for posting these
Karen x
Posted by: Karen | January 18, 2013 at 09:04 AM
I remember making some of these for gifts many years ago. When we were at my MIL's last summer, she gave me back one that I had made for her. Fun memories!
Posted by: Lorrie | January 18, 2013 at 04:22 PM
Thanks for the sweet pattern! I have long wanted to try this type of potholder and I am excited to have an opportunity to do so. Yours turned out great. :)
Posted by: Misty | January 20, 2013 at 03:59 PM