Fashion and sewing week 4 part 1

Two pockets pot holders for a unique look. Yeah, you read that right. I am going to be writing about a two pockets pot holder that I will be making today as a present for my mom. Is it her birthday? Nope! Is it for anything special? Nope! Just wanted to make pot holders and since she does a lot of cooking, I’m going to give them to her after I have completed this sewing project. Yes, I know I am supposed to be making socks, but pot holders, though… so yeah, I am making pot holders. For those who are new click here and here for my old sewing projects I have done and planned to do so you can catch up. Anyway these pot holders I am making them unique so I can justify to my mom why I didn’t just buy her some new ones instead, since they are not that expensive.

Anyway, let’s get started. The first thing I did for this project was decide what I wanted to make. After that, I thought about a unique design to create. It didn’t take me long for an idea to pop up in my head. So, I grabbed my sketchbook and drew out what I envisioned. I don’t have time to do a digital sketch, so this is all about the raw, hand-drawn creativity! There’s something really special about seeing your ideas come to life on paper, and it helps me visualize how the final product will look.

Once I was satisfied with my sketch, I decided on how I wanted my fabrics to look. Currently, I only have red and black fabrics available, so I decided to combine these colors in a way that would be eye-catching and fun. After finalizing the fabric choice, I moved on to the next part of the process, making sure that my design not only appealed to the eye but also resonated with my mom’s personality, as she loves vibrant colors while cooking.

In this phase, I created the shape by drawing on my construction paper to outline the square dimensions of the pot holders, as well as the size of the pockets. This step is crucial, as I needed to ensure everything would fit together perfectly. Instead of drawing directly on the fabric, I chose to trace the shapes on paper to avoid having to wash the fabrics later—this method saves me time and hassle! It also gives me the chance to really plan out the layout before committing any cuts to my actual fabric.

After cutting out the pieces, I pinned them together with diaper pins, a trick I discovered that holds the fabric in place quite well. These pins are excellent because they are sharp and easy to work with, allowing me to position everything accurately. Once all the pieces were secure, I proceeded to a step that I’ve noticed not many people do: I pre-sewed the fabric pieces together by hand. This might seem like an extra step, but it’s there for a reason. Pre-sewing helps maintain the shapes when I bring everything over to the sewing machine for the final stitching. It also allows me to make any adjustments to the fit while ensuring that I have the right tension without the machine’s added pressure.

Once the pre-sewing was accomplished, I transported the pieces to the sewing machine to complete the assembly. The sewing process became much more seamless because the shapes were already held together. You might be surprised at how smoothly everything came together in this phase. After running it through the machine, I could see the completed work taking shape before my eyes. The rhythmic sound of the sewing machine felt incredibly satisfying as I was piecing together my labor of love and fun.

After the pot holders were sewn and properly assembled, I took a moment to test out the work and see if my design made sense in a practical way. I wanted to ensure that the pockets were functional and the overall look was appealing. It totally does! Here it is showcased on the wall. Cute, no? The contrast of the red and black colors turned out even better than I had imagined, and the pockets sit perfectly, ready to hold utensils or even a recipe card. I can’t wait to see my mom’s reaction when she receives them as a surprise gift.

As I wrap up this sewing project, I can’t help but reflect on the joy it brings me to create something with my own hands, especially when it’s for someone I love. Even though I started out just wanting to make pot holders, this project has turned into a meaningful expression of appreciation for my mom’s cooking and care. The effort and thoughtfulness I put into every stitch truly reflect how I feel about her generosity and support throughout the years. It’s a simple gift, yet it symbolizes so much more than just a cooking accessory.

This whole experience has reminded me of the importance of thoughtful gifting, where the time and creativity invested into a homemade item often means more than its monetary value. These pot holders are a testament to the bond I share with my mom, encapsulating both our love for cooking and the special moments we’ve spent in the kitchen together. The anticipation of revealing my handmade creation adds a layer of excitement to the gift-giving process. (When I am much better at sewing I will redo these again.)

Thanks for reading about my little sewing adventure! I sincerely hope this inspires you to tackle your own DIY projects and gifts for those you love. Whether it’s a simple pot holder or a more complex creation, there’s truly something magical about the process of making. Have a wonderful day, and until next time, goodbye for now!

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