Tan Colored Hotpads and Bowl Cozies

This week I made a couple of hot pads and bowl cozies for a friend.  I didn't know her kitchen colors so I made them using tans, which I thought was a neutral color. I cut my tans into strips, about 1.75 to 2" wide and then sewed them down onto a piece of heat-resistant batting.  I really like how they came out. I need to make some of these for myself!  

I like to free-motion quilt my bowl cozies - it mades them look more finished.  It takes a little bit longer, but I like the quilted style.  You can use them for hot dishes or cold dishes, like ice cream.  :)

Of course, no gift from me would be complete without the addition of a couple of little birds.  I added some crocheted flowers and buttons to them for their wings.  You can put them on a shelf or in a bowl as decor.  As always, I had fun making them.  
 

Fun Potholders

I love making these cute potholders! They are made with a heat resistant batting called Insul-Brite so you won't burn your hands using them.  You can also use them on your dining room table as a trivet pad for your hot pans. 

I made this one using some birdcage fabrics that I had in my fabric stash (got it at Joann's a couple of years ago) and added a bird applique to the top.  Cute, right?  They are simple and quick to make.  Check out the tutorial at the top of the page to learn how to make one.  But beware, they are addicting and I'll bet that you can't make just one!

Here are some potholders that I made using a cupcake cut out.  Last year I made 32 of these potholders to give away as gifts! Anyone who likes to cook would love a set of these.  Use any image about 5 - 5 1/2" big and turn it into an applique using Wonder Under.  The women that come to my sewing class are making these potholders and are making them with coffee cups, wine bottles, leaves, shoes, etc.  What image and fabrics will you use for yours?